Parker Tool is considering lengthening its credit period from 30 to 60 days. All customers will continue to pay on the net date. The firm currently bills $450,000 for sales and has $345,000 in variable costs. The change in credit terms is expected to increase sales to $510,000. Bad-debt expenses will increase from 1% to 1.5% of sales. The firm has a required rate of return on equal-risk investments of 20%. (Note: Assume a 365-day year.)
a. What additional profit contribution from sales will be realized from the proposed change?
b. What is the cost of the marginal investment in accounts receivable?
c. What is the cost of the marginal bad debts?
d. Do you recommend this change in credit terms? Why or why not?