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Problem Solution: Lawrence Sports Inc.
The significance of developing a working capital policy that allows a company to prepare for long-term opportunities is extremely important in today’s ultra-competitive business world. The scenario facing Lawrence Sports is one that emphasizes the need to secure a firm's optimal cash balance to help cover emergency costs. The scenario also places emphasis on the importance of having adequate collection policies and payment terms. By developing metrics to monitor working capital management, firms allow themselves the opportunity to increase their revenues and optimize their resources.
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Lawrence Sports is a $20 million revenue company that manufactures and distributes equipment and protective gear for baseball, football, basketball, and volleyball. Lawrence’s principal customer is Mayo Store, the world’s leading retailer; they comprise 95% of Lawrence Sport’s annual sales. Gartner Products and Murray Leather Works are Lawrence’s two main suppliers. Gartner Products is an industry leader owning 37% of the market with revenues over $200 million. Lawrence does not have very much bargaining power with Gartner even though Lawrence sources about 70% of its raw materials from Gartner. Murray Leather Works is a significantly smaller company than Gartner with annual company revenues at $10 million. Lawrence does enjoy a better bargaining position with Gartner as Lawrence makes up for about 75% of Murray’s sales (University of Phoenix, 2002).
Good cash management is the backbone of all well-run organizations. When day-to-day cash flows are ta ...