....................are especially interested in the average payment period, since it provides them with a sense of the bill-paying patterns of the firm.

Lenders and suppliers

The correct answer is option 3- Lenders and suppliers.

Lenders and suppliers are especially interested in the average payment period, since it provides them with a sense of the bill-paying patterns of the firm. 

Lenders and suppliers are especially interested in the average payment period because it shows how long a company takes to pay off its accounts payable. This metric helps them assess the firm's liquidity, creditworthiness, and bill-paying habits, which are crucial for deciding whether to extend credit or continue doing business with the firm.

Trade payables turnover ratio indicates the pattern of payment of trade payable. As trade payable arise on account of credit purchases, it expresses relationship between credit purchases and trade payable. It reveals average payment period. Lower ratio means credit allowed by the supplier is for a long period or it may reflect delayed payment to suppliers which is not a very good policy as it may affect the reputation of the business. The average period of payment can be worked out by days/ months in a year by the Trade Payable Turnover Ratio.

Other options

• Customers care more about product quality, price, and service.

• Stockholders are more focused on profitability, return on investment, and growth.

• Borrowers and buyers (if referring to customers) would also not be primarily concerned with the firm's bill-paying patterns.