Suppose Proctor & Gamble (P&G) is considering purchasing $17 million in new manufacturing equipment. If it purchases the equipment, it will depreciate it for tax purposes on a? straight-line basis over five years, after which the equipment will be worthless. It will also be responsible for maintenance expenses of $1.00 million per year, paid in each of years 1 through 5. It can also lease the equipment under a true tax lease for $4.4 million per year for the five years, in which case the lessor will provide necessary maintenance. Assume P&G's tax rate is 35% and its borrowing cost is 6.0%.
a. What is the NPV associated with leasing the equipment versus financing it with the lease-equivalent loan?
b. What is the break-even lease rate—that is, what lease amount could? P&G pay each year and be indifferent between leasing and financing a purchase?