Net Present Value-Unequal Lives Al a Mode, Inc., is considering one of two inves
ID: 2793857 • Letter: N
Question
Net Present Value-Unequal Lives
Al a Mode, Inc., is considering one of two investment options. Option 1 is a $43,000 investment in new blending equipment that is expected to produce equal annual cash flows of $13,000 for each of seven years. Option 2 is a $52,000 investment in a new computer system that is expected to produce equal annual cash flows of $17,000 for each of five years. The residual value of the blending equipment at the end of the fifth year is estimated to be $9,000. The computer system has no expected residual value at the end of the fifth year.
Assume there is sufficient capital to fund only one of the projects. Determine which project should be selected, comparing the (a) net present values and (b) present value indices of the two projects, assuming a minimum rate of return of 10%. Use the present value tables appearing above.
a. Determine the net present values of the two projects.
b. Determine the present value indices of the two projects. If required, round the present value index to two decimal places.
Which project should be selected? (If both present value indices are the same, either project will grade as correct.)
SelectBlending EquipmentComputer SystemItem 9
Explanation / Answer
a.
For Blending Equipment
Initial Investment = $43,000
Annual Cash flow = $13,000
PV of annuity factor at 10% for 7 year = 4.868
Present value of annuity = $13,000 × 4.868
= $63,284
Present value of annuity is $63,284.
Net present value = $63,284 - $43,000
= $20,284.
Net Present value of Blending Equipment is $20,284.
For Computer System
Initial Investment = $52,000
Annual Cash flow = $17,000
Scrap Value = $9,000
PV of annuity factor at 10% for 5 year = 3.791
PV factor at 10% for 5 year = 0.621
Present value of annuity = ($17,000 × 3.791) + ($9,000 × 0.621)
= $64,447 + $5,589
= $70,036
Present value of annuity and scrap value is $70,036
Net present value = $70,036 - $52,000
= $18,036.
Net Present value of computer system is $18,036.
b.
Present value indices for Blending Equipment = $63,284 / $43,000
= 1.4717
Present value indices for Blending Equipment is 1.4717.
Present value indices for computer system = $70,036 / $52,000
= 1.3468
Present value indices for Computer system is 1.3468.