Aztec Products wishes to evaluate its cash conversion cycle (CCC). Research by one of the firms financial analysts indicates that on average the firm holds items in inventory for 65 days, pays its suppliers 35 days after purchase, and collects its receivables after 55 days. The firms annual sales (all on credit) are about $2.1 billion, its cost of goods sold represent about 67 percent of sales, and purchases represent about 40 percent of cost of goods sold. Assume a 365-day year.

a. What is Aztec Products operating cycle (OC) and cash conversion (CCC)? (Marks 1.5)

b. How many dollars of resources does Aztec have invested in (1) inventory, (2) accounts receivable, (3) accounts payable, and (4) the total CCC? (marks 6)

c. If Aztec could shorten its cash conversion cycle by reducing its inventory holding period by 5 days, what effect would it have on its total resource investment found in part b? (marks 4)

d) If Dean Muhammad Suppliers receive an invoice for purchases dated 12/12/2002 subject to credit terms of "2/10, net 30", what is the last possible day the discount can be taken? (marks 1)

1. January 11
2. January 22
3. January 30
4. December 22