Question

Barton Steel is considering the purchase of a new steel mill. The first option is a top of the line high efficiency mill with a cost of $25 million. This mill will generate cash flows of $10 million per year for the next six years. At the end of the sixth year, Barton will have to reclaim the land under the new mill at a cost of $15 million. The second option is an economy mill that will generate $4 million in cash flows for the next six years, but require no land reclamation. This mill costs $12 million. If Barton estimates its cost of capital to be 9.5% which project should they accept

Answer 1

The first project should be chosen

Step-by-step explanation:

Net present value is the present value of after-tax cash flows from an investment less the amount invested.

NPV can be calculated using a financial calculator

To determine which project to accept, calculate the NPV for the two projects

The first option

Cash flow in year 0 = $-25 million

Cash flow each year for year 1 - 5 = $10 million

Cash flow in year 6 = $10 million - $15 million = $-5 million

I = 9.5

NPV = $10.50 million

Option two

Cash flow in year 0 = $-12 million

Cash flow each year for year 1 - 6 = $4 million

I = 9.5

NPV = $5.68 million

The first option should be chosen because the NPV of the first option yields the higher NPV

To find the NPV using a financial calculator:

1. Input the cash flow values by pressing the CF button. After inputting the value, press enter and the arrow facing a downward direction.

2. after inputting all the cash flows, press the NPV button, input the value for I, press enter and the arrow facing a downward direction.

3. Press compute