Cost Cutting: CBD Inc, a processor of CBD oils, is analyzing a potential opportunity to cut costs. It can spend $1.5 Million today on the purchase and installation of a new automated processing line. The equipment will have a six-year life, at which time it can be sold for $250,000. The equipment qualifies as a Class 8 asset with a 20% CCA rate. Since the equipment will be purchased in 2020, it is subject to the Accelerated Investment Incentive rules, rather than the half-year rule. The benefit of installing the new equipment is a reduction in labour costs of $400,000 per year. The new process will lead to an immediate increase in Net Working Capital (NWC) of $25,000, which will be recovered at the conclusion of the project. The firm has a 30% corporate tax rate and it wants a 15% return. Should they undertake this cost-cutting program?

Calculate the PV of the change in NWC.

a. -$15,648

b. -$18,354

c. $17,369

d. -$14,192