Question

Projects A and B are mutually exclusive and have an initial cost of $82,000 each. Project A provides cash inflows of $34,000 a year for three years while Project B produces a cash inflow of $115,000 in Year 3. Which project(s) should be accepted if the discount rate is 11.7 percent? What if the discount rate is 13.5 percent?

Answer 1

Answer:

If discount rate is 11.7% Project B should be accepted.

If discount rate is 13.5% both projects should be rejected

Explanation:

If the Net present value of Project A is higher than that of project B, we will accept project A and vice versa.

Under 11.7% Discount Rate

Net Present Value-Project A = -82000 + 34000 / 1.117  +  34000 / 1.117²  +   34000 / 1.117³  = $85.099

Net Present Value-Project B = -82000 + 115000 / 1.117³ = $516.029

Project B should be accepted as it has a higher NPV.

Under 13.5% Discount Rate

Net present Value-Project A = -82000 + 34000 / 1.135 + 34000 / 1.135² + 34000 / 1.135³   = - $2397.49

Net Present Value-Project B = -82000 + 115000 / 1.135³  = - $3347.91

Both projects should be rejected as both have negative NPVs