Question:
Suppose that Ashanti Gold Co. expects to produce a total of 1 million ounces of gold by the end of this year. Total manufacturing and operating cost will be $250 million and interest expenses will be $20 million. Ashanti forecasts the future gold price will be equally $250, $300, or $350. The firm's tax rate is 20 % when taxable income is equal to or less than $25 million, 30% when taxable income is greater than $25 million but less than $70 million, or 38% when taxable income is equal to or greater than $70 million. There is no tax obligation when the firm incurs negative profit. Assume that forward gold price is now $305 per ounce. If the firm decides to HEDGE 60 percent of its exposure to fluctuating gold price, how much will be the expected tax savings from this hedging activity?