Question

Consider the following projects, X and Y where the firm can only choose one. Project X costs $1300 and has cash flows of $477, $111, $452, $268, $526 in each of the next 5 years. Project Y also costs $1300, and generates cash flows of $496, $293, $468, $378 for the next 4 years, respectively. WACC=7%.

A) Draw the timelines for both projects: X and Y.

B) Calculate the projects’ NPVs, IRRs, payback periods.

C) If the two projects are independent, which project(s) should be chosen?

D) If the two projects are mutually exclusive, which projects should be chosen?

E) Plot NPV profiles for the two projects. Identify the projects’ IRRs on the graph.

F) If the WACC were 5 percent, would this change your recommendation if the projects were mutually exclusive? If the WACC were 12 percent, would this change your recommendation? Explain your answers.

G) There is a “crossover rate” of X’s and Y’s NPV curves, and mark it on the graph with Point O. Explain in words what this rate is and how it affects the choice between mutually exclusive projects.

H) If it possible for conflicts to exist between the NPV and the IRR when independent projects are being evaluated? Explain your answer.