Consider a project to supply Detroit with 55,000 tons of machine screws annually for automobile production. You will need an initial $1,700,000 investment in threading equipment to get the project started; the project will last for five years. The accounting department estimates that annual fixed costs will be $520,000 and that variable costs should be $220 per ton; accounting will depreciate the initial fixed asset investment straight-line to zero over the five-year project life. It also estimates a salvage value of $300,000 after dismantling costs. The marketing department estimates that the automakers will let the contract at a selling price of $245 per ton. The engineering department estimates you will need an initial net working capital investment of $600,000. You require a 13 percent return and face a marginal tax rate of 38 percent on this project.
1. Calculate the estimated operating cash flow and net present value for this project.
2. Explain how these calculations may impact the project.
3. Based on the above information, recommend whether or not the project should be pursued. Provide a detailed rationale.
4. 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 scenario for this project? Your best-case scenario? Do you still want to pursue the project?