The Z-90 project being considered by Steppingstone Inc. (SI) has an up-front cost of $250,000. The project's subsequent cash flows are critically dependent on whether another of its products, Z-45, becomes an industry standard. There is a 50% chance that the Z-45 will become the industry standard, in which case the Z-90's expected cash flows will be $110,000 at the end of each of the next 5 years. There is a 50% chance that the Z-45 will not become the industry standard, in which case the Z-90's expected cash flows will be $25,000 at the end of each of the next 5 years. Assume that the cost of capital is 12%.
Refer to Exhibit 14.4. Based on the above information, what is the Z-90's expected net present value?
A) -$6,678
B) -$3,251
C) $15,303
D) $20,004
E) $45,965