Knockoffs Unlimited, a nationwide distributor of low-cost imitation designer necklaces, has an exclusive franchise on the distribution of the necklaces, and sales have grown so rapidly over the past few years that it has become necessary to add new members to the management team. To date, the company's budgeting practices have been inferior, and at times the company has experienced a cash shortage. You have been given responsibility for all planning and budgeting. Your first assignment is to prepare a master budget for the next three months, starting April 1. You are eager to make a favourable impression on the president and have assembled the information below. The necklaces are sold to retailers for $10 each. Recent and forecast sales in units are as follows: January (actual) February (actual) March (actual) 28,500 June 67,000 43,000 July 47,000 56,000 82,000 116,000 August September 45,000 42,000 April May The large buildup in sales before and during May is due to Mother's Day. Ending inventories should be equal to 40% of the next month's sales in units. The necklaces cost the company $4 each. Purchases are paid for as follows: 50% in the month of purchase and the remaining 50% in the following month. All sales are on credit, with no discount, and payable within 15 days. The company has found, however, that only 20% of a month's sales are collected by month-end. An additional 70% is collected in the following month, and the remaining 10% is collected in the second month following sale. Bad debts have been negligible. The company's monthly selling and administrative expenses are given below: Variable: Sales commissions Fixed: Advertising 4% of sales $251,000 Rent 26,500 Wages and salaries 126,400 Utilities 13,800 Insurance Depreciation 6,400 31,000 All selling and administrative expenses are paid during the month, in cash, with the exception of depreciation and insurance. Insurance is paid on an annual basis, in November of each year. The company plans to purchase $22,800 in new equipment during May and $57,000 in new equipment during June; both purchases will be paid in cash. The company declares dividends of $18,400 each quarter, payable in the first month of the following quarter. The company's balance sheet at March 31 is given below: