You Be the Consultant: In search of a Cash Flow Forecast

Prepare all three cash budgets for the pessimistic, most likely, and optimistic sales forecasts. The wages will change a small amount based upon the level ofsales. Under a pessimistic view, the wages and salaries could decrease by 10% by cutting back on some hours for the employees. Under the optimistic view wages will increase by 15% because some overtime will have to be paid.

Using these cash budgets, estimate what would be the month with the most cash need (when Douglas would have to borrow money) and how much he would need to borrow.

Based on these tfuee scenarios, how comfortable do you think Douglas should be about being able to pay back any loans that he would have to borrow. What recommendations could you make which might help Douglas improve the cash flow of his business?