Problem $9-19$ Project Evaluation $($LO$2,$ LO$3)$

United Pigpen is considering a proposal to manufacture high$-$protein hog feed. The project would require use of an existing warehouse, which is currently rented out to a neighboring firm. The next year's rental charge on the warehouse is $$185,000,$ and thereafter, the rent is expected to grow in Iine with Inflation at $4\%$ a year. In addition to using the warehouse, the proposal envisages an Investment in plant and equipment of $$1\mathrm{.}71$ million. This could be depreclated for tax purposes straight$-$line over $10$ years. However, Pigpen expects to terminate the project at the end of $8$ years and to resell the plant and equipment in year $8$ for $$570,000.$ Finally, the project requires an Immediate Investment in working capital of $$435,000.$ Thereafter, working capital is forecasted to be $10\%$ of sales In each of years $1$ through $7.$ Working capital will be run down to zero in year $8$ when the project shuts down. Year $1$ sales of hog feed are expected to be $$5\mathrm{.}90$ million, and thereafter, sales are forecasted to grow by $5\%$ a year, slightly faster than the inflation rate. Manufacturing costs are expected to be $90\%$ of sales, and profits are subject to tax at $21\%.$ The cost of capital is $12\%.$

What is the NPV of Pigpen's project?

Note: Enter your answer In thousands, not In millions, rounded to the nearest dollar.

NPV

$

$686,544$ thousand