Project Y is the optimal choice, boasting the shortest payback period, highest net present value, and a competitive annual rate of return. It promises the best return on investment.
a. Compute the cash payback period for each project:
Project X: $110,000 ÷ $12,000 = 9.17 years
Project Y: $170,000 ÷ $21,000 = 8.10 years
Project Z: $210,000 ÷ $23,000 = 9.13 years
b. Compute the net present value for each project:
To calculate the net present value (NPV) for each project, we need to discount the cash flows to their present value and subtract the initial capital investment. We'll use the formula: NPV = (Cash Flow / (1 + Cost of Capital)^n) - Initial Investment
Project X NPV = ($12,000 / (1 + 0.14)^1) + ($12,000 / (1 + 0.14)^2) + ($12,000 / (1 + 0.14)^3) + ($12,000 / (1 + 0.14)^4) + ($12,000 / (1 + 0.14)^5) - $110,000 = $10,625.49
Project Y NPV = ($21,000 / (1 + 0.14)^1) + ($17,000 / (1 + 0.14)^2) + ($11,000 / (1 + 0.14)^3) + ($12,000 / (1 + 0.14)^4) + ($14,000 / (1 + 0.14)^5) - $170,000 = $28,564.86
Project Z NPV = ($23,000 / (1 + 0.14)^1) + ($18,000 / (1 + 0.14)^2) + ($21,000 / (1 + 0.14)^3) + ($23,000 / (1 + 0.14)^4) + ($17,000 / (1 + 0.14)^5) - $210,000 = $17,761.43
c. Compute the annual rate of return for each project:
To calculate the annual rate of return (ARR) for each project, we need to divide the average net income by the average investment and express it as a percentage.
Project X ARR = ($12,000 + $12,000 + $12,000 + $12,000 + $12,000) ÷ ($110,000 ÷ 2) = 54.55%
Project Y ARR = ($21,000 + $17,000 + $11,000 + $12,000 + $14,000) ÷ ($170,000 ÷ 2) = 52.35%
Project Z ARR = ($23,000 + $18,000 + $21,000 + $23,000 + $17,000) ÷ ($210,000 ÷ 2) = 52.38%
d. Rank the projects on each of the above bases:
- Cash Payback Period: Project Y (8.10 years), Project Z (9.13 years), Project X (9.17 years)
- Net Present Value: Project Y ($28,564.86), Project Z ($17,761.43), Project X ($10,625.49)
- Annual Rate of Return: Project X (54.55%), Project Y (52.35%), Project Z (52.38%)
e. Which project would you recommend and why?
Based on the analysis, I would recommend Project Y because it has the shortest cash payback period, the highest net present value, and a competitive annual rate of return. This project is likely to generate the highest return on investment in the shortest timeframe.