Question

Mars Corp. is choosing between two different capital investment proposals. Machine A has a useful life of four years, and machine B has a useful life of six years. Each proposal requires an initial investment of $200,000, and the company desires a rate of return of 10 percent. Although machine B has a useful life of six years, it could be sold at the end of four years for $35,000.
Year Present Value of $1 at 10 Percent
1 0.909
2 0.826
3 0.751
4 0.683
5 0.621
6 0.513

Machine A will generate net cash flow of $70,000 in each of the four years. Machine B will generate $80,000 in year 1, $70,000 in year 2, $60,000 in year 3, and $40,000 per year for the remaining three years of its useful life. Which of the following statements portrays the most accurate analysis between the two proposals?

a. Mars should invest in Machine A becuase the net present value of Machine A after 4 years is higher than the net present value of Machine B after 4 years.
b. Mars should invest in Machine B becuase the net present value of Machine A after 4 years is lower than the net present value of Machine B after 6 years.
c. Mars should invest in Machine B becuase the net present value of Machine A after 4 years is lower than the net present value of Machine B after 4 years.
d. Mars should invest in Machine A becuase the net present value of Machine A after 4 years is higher than the net present value of Machine B after 6 years.

Answer 1

Answer:

c. Mars should invest in Machine B becuase the net present value of Machine A after 4 years is lower than the net present value of Machine B after 4 years.

Explanation:

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

Considering that machine b can be sold on 4 years, The NPV of machine b should be calculated based on the cash flow in for 4 years

NPV can be calculated using a financial calculator.

Machine A :

Cash flow in year 0 = $-200,000

Cash flow each year from year 1 to 4 = $70,000

I = 10%

NPV = 21,890.58

Machine B :

Cash flow in year 0 = $-200,000

Cash flow each year from year 1 = $80,000

Cash flow each year from year 2 = $70,000

Cash flow each year from year 3 = $60,000

Cash flow each year from year 4 = $40000 + $35,000 = $75,000

I = 10%

NPV = $26,883.41

Machine b should be accepted because its NPV is greater than that of machine A

To find the NPV using a financial calacutor:

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

I hope my answer helps you