Cost of Trade Credit and Bank Loan

15-3. Lancaster Lumber buys $8 million of materials (net of discounts) on terms of 3/5, net 55; and it currently pays on the 5^th day and takes discounts. Lancaster plans to expand, which will require additional financing.

a. If Lancaster decides to forgo discounts, how much additional credit could it obtain?

b. What would be the nominal and effective cost of that credit?

c. If the company could get the funds from a bank at a rate of 9%, interest paid monthly, based on a 365-day year, what would be the effective cost of the bank loan?

d. Should Lancaster use bank debt or additional trade credit? Explain.