To calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) for the cash inflows from the Komatsu rock crusher, we will use the formula for NPV, which is given by:
\[ NPV = \sum \frac{C_t}{(1 + r)^t} - C_0 \]
Where:
- \( C_t \) = cash inflow during the period \( t \)
- \( r \) = discount rate (10% or 5%)
- \( t \) = year
- \( C_0 \) = initial investment
Given Information:
- Initial Cost of Crusher, \( C_0 = K1,250,000 \)
- Annual Cash Inflow, \( C_t = K500,000 \)
- Duration, \( t = 10 \) years
A) Calculate the NPV of the cash flow at 10%
Using a discount rate of 10%:
\[ NPV = \sum_{t=1}^{10} \frac{K500,000}{(1+0.10)^t} - K1,250,000 \]
Calculating the present value of each cash inflow:
\[ PV = K500,000 \left( \frac{1 - (1 + 0.10)^{-10}}{0.10} \right) \]
Using the formula for the present value of an annuity:
\[ PV = K500,000 \left( \frac{1 - (1 + 0.10)^{-10}}{0.10} \right) = K500,000 \times 5.6446 \approx K2,822,300 \]
Now, calculate NPV:
\[ NPV = K2,822,300 - K1,250,000 = K1,572,300 \]
B) Calculate the NPV of the cash flow at 5%
Using a discount rate of 5%:
\[ NPV = \sum_{t=1}^{10} \frac{K500,000}{(1+0.05)^t} - K1,250,000 \]
Calculating the present value of each cash inflow similarly:
\[ PV = K500,000 \left( \frac{1 - (1 + 0.05)^{-10}}{0.05} \right) \]
Using the present value of an annuity formula again:
\[ PV = K500,000 \left( \frac{1 - (1 + 0.05)^{-10}}{0.05} \right) = K500,000 \times 7.7217 \approx K3,860,850 \]
Now, calculate NPV:
\[ NPV = K3,860,850 - K1,250,000 = K2,610,850 \]
C) Advice to the Management Team
Based on the calculated NPVs:
- NPV at 10% discount rate = K1,572,300
- NPV at 5% discount rate = K2,610,850
Recommendation:
Both NPVs are positive, indicating that the investment in the Komatsu rock crusher is expected to generate more cash inflows than the initial cost, thus creating value for the company. However, the NPV is significantly higher at the 5% discount rate compared to the 10% discount rate.
- If the management's required rate of return is below 10%, the crusher is a good investment since it produces a positive NPV.
- If the required rate of return is above 10%, the decision may be reconsidered since the attractiveness of the investment diminishes.
Overall, if the company can afford to take on this investment without exceeding any thresholds for risk and if the projected cash flows hold true, it could be a beneficial investment at either discount rate.