QUESTION 2 (25 MARKS) The table below gives information extracted from the annual accounts of Make-it (Pty) Ltd for the past two years. Make-it (Pty) Ltd : Extracts from year-end accounts: Year 1 Year 2 R'000 R'000 Stocks: Raw materials Work-in- progress Finished goods 276 291 186 194 285 259 1 440 1404 Purchases 2 196 1944 2 376 2 160 Cost of goods sold Sales 594 562 Debtors 252 210 Trade creditors You are required to: Answer the following questions: a) Calculate the length of the working capital cycle for years 1 and 2 assuming 365 days in the year and using end of year working capital balances, not averages. [12 Marks] b) Explain possible actions that might be taken to reduce the length of that cycle, and the possible disadvantages of each. [5 Marks] c) Assume that the company is negotiating to do business with a new supplier who has offered credit terms of 3/15, net 30. The financial manager is planning to delay payment for an additional 10 days i.e. to only settle the account after 40 days. The current bank overdraft rate for the firm is 25% per annum. Calculate the effective cost of finance provided by this supplier and comment on the financial manager's plans. [3 Marks] d) An aspect of working capital policy which requires managerial attention is the manner in which the items are financed. Discuss aggressive policy in this regard. [5 Marks] QUESTION 2 (25 MARKS) The table below gives information extracted from the annual accounts of Make-it (Pty) Ltd for the past two years. Make-it (Pty) Ltd : Extracts from year-end accounts: Year 1 Year 2 R'000 R'000 Stocks: Raw materials Work-in- progress Finished goods 276 291 186 194 285 259 1 440 1404 Purchases 2 196 1944 2 376 2 160 Cost of goods sold Sales 594 562 Debtors 252 210 Trade creditors You are required to: Answer the following questions: a) Calculate the length of the working capital cycle for years 1 and 2 assuming 365 days in the year and using end of year working capital balances, not averages. [12 Marks] b) Explain possible actions that might be taken to reduce the length of that cycle, and the possible disadvantages of each. [5 Marks] c) Assume that the company is negotiating to do business with a new supplier who has offered credit terms of 3/15, net 30. The financial manager is planning to delay payment for an additional 10 days i.e. to only settle the account after 40 days. The current bank overdraft rate for the firm is 25% per annum. Calculate the effective cost of finance provided by this supplier and comment on the financial manager's plans. [3 Marks] d) An aspect of working capital policy which requires managerial attention is the manner in which the items are financed. Discuss aggressive policy in this regard. [5 Marks]