A company enters into an agreement with a firm that will factor the company’s accounts receivable.
The factor agrees to buy the company’s receivables, which average $100,000 per month and have an
average collection period of 30 days. The factor will advance up to 80% of the face value of
receivables at an annual rate of 10% and charge a fee of 2% on all receivables purchased. The
controller of the company estimates that the company would save $18,000 in collection expenses
over the year. Fees and interest are not deducted in advance. Assuming a 360-day year, what is the
annual cost of financing?