Steve's Sub Shop is considering investing in toaster ovens for each of its 120 stores located in the southwestern United States. The high capacity conveyor toaster ovens will require an initial investment of $15,000 per store plus $1,500 in installation costs.
The new capital (including installation costs) will be depreciated over five years using straight-line depreciation toward a zero salvage value. In addition, Steve will incur additional maintenance expenses totaling $120,000 per year to maintain the ovens (this is the total for all the stores).
Those costs are expected to grow at 3% per year after t=1. Currently, revenues for the 120 stores total $9 million and the firm estimates that adding the toaster ovens will increase revenue by 10%. Revenues are expected to grow at 5% per year after t=1. In five years, Steve expects to sell the ovens for $750 each. Net working capital should increase immediately by $50,000 and will exactly reverse at t= 5.
(a) Calculate the expected free cash flows (PFCF) for each or the next five years if the tax rate is 36%. (Do this for the aggregate of all the stores.)
(b) Assume a 15% discount rate on this project. Calculate the project's NPV, IRR, and payback. Should the project be accepted?