Over the past few years, it has become apparent that the puny Greek civilization is not likely to amount to anything; this has been illustrated by their unprofitable obsession with destroying the city of Troy. While they are off warring, trade with the Greeks has fizzled away, to where the overseas Greek route just isn't worth much any more. The Family is considering whether to lease some of its ships to other families who have trade connections in the far western part of the Mediterranean, until the Greeks end their war on Troy, which is anticipated will last for another 8 years. A trade ship could be sold on today's market for 600,000 Phils. However, over the course of 8 years, exposure to weather and time will depreciate its future value to 300,000 Phils. The monthly discount rate is .6% (.006).
a. What monthly lease payment should The Family charge to the people who lease the ship?
b. How much of the lease payment goes to depreciation, and how much for rate-of-return opportunity cost, in both absolute and percentage terms?
(Note: Percentages should be expressed as a fraction of the ship's initial capital value).