Question 4: (35 marks)

Helmond Electronic Manufacturing (HEM) generated sales in December 2019 that amounted to $60,000 and which are expected to rise by $6,000 per month for the next 5 months. Of these sales, 80 per cent are to be collected during the month of sale and the rest two months after sales. The cost of sales is 60 per cent of sales and, the company plans to keep an inventory at the end of each month equal to forty per cent of the anticipated sales for the next months sales. Suppliers are paid one month after purchases are made. Monthly wages amount to $3,600, rent and heating $900 and depreciation $600. HEM have planned to purchase a machine in February for $5,000 to be paid in cash. The purchase of the machine will mean that the monthly change for depreciation will increase by $50. The inventory held at January 1st is $14,560.

Required:

1. Calculate the estimated cash collection from sales for February and March.

2. Calculate the purchases for February and March.

3. Assuming that the cash balance at 31/01/2020 is $10,000; prepare a cash budget for the two months ending March 31, 2020.

4. Discuss whether the company will be able to repay a loan of $60,000 at the end of March.