In the early 1990s, Cranston Dispensers, Inc. was quick to realize that concern for the environment would cause many consumer product manufacturers to move away from aerosol dispensers to mechanical alternatives that pose no threat to the ozone layer. In the following decades, most countries banned the most popular aerosol propellants, first chlorofluorocarbons and then hydrocholrofluorocarbons. As the leading manufacturer of specialized pump and spray containers for a variety of products in cosmetics, household cleaning supplies, and pharmaceutical industries, Cranston experienced a rapid increase in sales and profitability after it made this strategic move. At that time, the firm focused much of its attention on capturing market share and keeping up with demand.

For most of 20x4 and 20x5, however, Cranstons share price was falling while shares of other companies in the industry were rising. At the end of fiscal 20x5, the company hired Susan McNulty as the new treasurer, with the expectation that she would diagnose Cranstons problems and improve the companys financial performance relative to that of its competitors. She decided to begin the task with a thorough review of the companys working capital management practices.

While examining the companys financial statements, she noted that Cranston had a higher percentage of current assets on its balance sheet than other companies in the packaging industry. The high level of current assets caused the company to carry more short-term debt and to have higher interest expense than its competitors. It was also causing the company to lag behind its competitors on some key financial measures, such as return on assets and return on equity.

In an effort to improve Cranstons overall performance, Susan has decided to conduct a comprehensive review of working capital management policies, including those related to the cash conversion cycle, credit policy, and inventory management. Cranstons financial statements for the three most recent years follow.

Cranston Dispensers

Income Statement

($ in thousands)

Account	20x5	20x4	20x3
Sales	3,784	3,202	2,760
Cost of Goods Sold	2,568	2,172	1,856
Gross Profit	1,216	1,030	904
Selling & Administrative	550	478	406
Depreciation	247	230	200
Earnings Before Interest and Taxes	419	322	298
Interest Expense	20	25	14
Taxable Income	399	297	284
Taxes	120	89	85
Net Income	279	208	199

Cranston Dispensers

Balance Sheet

($ in thousands)

Account	20x5	20x4	20x3
Current Assets
Cash	341	276	236
Accounts Receivable	722	642	320
Inventory	595	512	388
Total Current Assets	1,658	1,430	944
Net Fixed Assets	1,822	1,691	1,572
Total Assets	3,480	3,121	2,516
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable	332	288	204
Accrued Expenses	343	335	192
Short-term Notes	503	491	243
Total Current Liabilities	1,178	1,114	639
Long-term Debt	398	324	289
Other Long-term Liabilities	239	154	147
Total Liabilities	1,815	1,592	1,075
Owners Equity
Common Equity	1,665	1,529	1,441
Total Liabilities & Equity	3,480	3,121	2,516

7. An image-based lockbox system could accelerate Cranstons cash collections by three days. Cranston can earn an annual rate of 6% on the cash freed by accelerated collections. Using sales for 20x5, determine the most that Cranston should pay per year for the lockbox system.