Problem:
Consider a project to supply Detroit with 20,000 tons of machine screws annually for automobile production. You will need an initial $3,400,000 investment in threading equipment to get the project started; the project will last for four years. The accounting department estimates that annual fixed costs will be $800,000 and that variable costs should be $180 per ton; accounting will depreciate the initial fixed asset investment straight-line to zero over the four-year project life. It also estimates a salvage value of $620,000 after dismantling costs. The marketing department estimates that the automakers will let the contract at a selling price of $300 per ton. The engineering department estimates you will need an initial net working capital investment of $340,000. You require a 11 percent return and face a marginal tax rate of 38 percent on this project.
Required:
Question 1: What is the estimated OCF for this project?
Question 2: What is the estimated NPV for this project?
Question 3: Suppose you believe that the accounting department's initial cost and salvage value projections are accurate only to within ±15 percent; the marketing department's price estimate is accurate only to within ±10 percent; and the engineering department's net working capital estimate is accurate only to within ±5 percent. What is your worst-case and best-case scenario for this project?
Note: Solve the problem and show all work.