CUTTING EDGE Co Capital Budget Memo The Board of CUTTING EDGE Co has decided to limit investment
Question:
CUTTING EDGE Co Capital Budget Memo
The Board of CUTTING EDGE Co has decided to limit investment funds to $10 million for the next year and is preparing its capital budget. The company is considering five projects, as follows:
Initial investment Net present value
Project A $2,500,000 $1,000,000
Project B $2,200,000 $1,550,000
Project C $2,600,000 $1,350,000
Project D $1,900,000 $1,500,000
Project E $5,000,000 To be calculated.
All five projects have a project life of four years. Projects A, B, C, and D are divisible, and Projects B and D are mutually exclusive. All net present values are in nominal, after-tax terms.
Project E is a groundbreaking, environmentally friendly, and green project initiated by the Board of CUTTING-EDGE Co. This project is dedicated to fostering sustainability and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness in the market. Despite financial considerations, the Board recognizes the imperative nature of Project E for the company's long-term viability and commitment to eco-conscious practices.
Key Features of Project E:
- Sustainable Practices: Project E will prioritize the adoption of sustainable practices throughout its lifecycle, including energy-efficient operations, responsible waste management, and the utilization of eco-friendly materials and technologies.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: A primary focus of Project E will be to measure and reduce carbon emissions associated with company activities. Strategies will be implemented to minimize environmental footprint through renewable energy sources, carbon offsetting, and emission reduction initiatives.
- Resource Conservation: Project E will emphasize resource conservation by promoting recycling, reuse of materials, and efficient resource utilization. This approach aims to minimize waste generation and enhance resource efficiency across all aspects of operations.
- Green Supply Chain: The project will prioritize partnerships with suppliers and vendors who adhere to environmentally sustainable practices, ensuring that the supply chain aligns with green principles.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Project E will actively engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, local communities, and regulatory bodies, to foster collaboration, gather feedback, and ensure alignment with sustainability objectives.
The Board of CUTTING EDGE Co has decided that must be undertaken for the company to remain competitive, regardless of its financial acceptability. Information relating to the future cash flows of this project is as follows:
Year 1 2 3 4
Sales volume (units) 12,650 12,200 10,000 10,000
Selling price ($/unit) 440 473 500 570
Variable cost ($/unit) 260 280 295 320
Fixed costs ($000) 750 750 750 750
These forecasts are before taking account of selling price inflation of 50% per year, variable cost inflation of 60% per year, and fixed cost inflation of 35% per year. The fixed costs are incremental fixed costs which are associated with Project E. At the end of four years, machinery from the project will be sold for scrap with a value of $400,000.
The initial investment cost of Project E is in CCA class 44 (25% deduction). CUTTING EDGE applies the maximum deprecation based on the CCA class. The project will be sold at book value in the final year of operation. SAFEWORK Co pays a corporation tax of 28% per year, one year in arrears.
CUTTING EDGE Co has a yearly nominal after-tax capital cost of 13%.
Required:
(a) Calculate the nominal after-tax net present value of Project E and comment on the financial acceptability of this project.
(b) Calculate the maximum net present value obtained from investing the fund of $10 million, assuming that the nominal after-tax NPV of Project E is zero.
(c) Discuss why the Board of CUTTING EDGE Co may have decided to limit investment funds for the following year.