1.AOL is considering two proposals to overhaul its network infrastructure. They have received two bids. The first bid, from Huawei, will require a $20 million upfront investment and will generate $20 million in savings for AOL each year for the next three years. The second bid, from Cisco, requires a $100 million upfront investment and will generate $60 million in savings each year for the next three years.
a. What is the IRR for AOL associated with each bid?
b. If the cost of capital for this investment is 12%, what is the NPV for AOL of each bid? Suppose Cisco modifies its bid by offering a lease contract instead. Under the terms of the lease, AOL will pay $20 million upfront, and $35 million per year for the next three years.
AOL’s savings will be the same as with Cisco’s original bid.
c. Including its savings, what are AOL’s net cash flows under the lease contract? What is the IRR of the Cisco bid now?
d. Is this new bid a better deal for AOL than Cisco’s original bid? Explain.
2.Natasha’s Flowers, a local florist, purchases fresh flowers each day at the local flower market. The buyer has a budget of $1000 per day to spend. Different flowers have different profit margins, and also a maximum amount the shop can sell. Based on past experience, the shop has estimated the following NPV of purchasing each type:
What combination of flowers should the shop purchase each day?
3.You own a car dealership and are trying to decide how to configure the showroom floor. The floor has 2000 square feet of usable space.You have hired an analyst and asked her to estimate the NPV of putting a particular model on the floor and how much space each model requires:
In addition, the showroom also requires office space. The analyst has estimated that office space generates an NPV of $14 per square foot. What models should be displayed on the floor and how many square feet should be devoted to office space?