A distribution center wants to evaluate an alternative product tracking system. The system
has an initial cost of $500,000 and a salvage value of $80,000 at the end of its useful life of 7
years. The operating cost is estimated to be $550 per metric ton of product moved per day.
The center can handle between 30 and 50 tons per day. Analyze the sensitivity of the PW
to changes in a 10–metric–ton increment of product moved. Use an interest rate of 3% per
year and 200 days of work per year.
PW30(3%) = –$20,994,942.00
PW40(3%) = –$27,848,272.00
PW50(3%) = –$34,701,602.00
PW30(3%) = –$500,000 – $(550)(30)(200)(P/A, 3%, 7) +$80,000(P/F, 3%, 7)
= –$500,000 – $(3,300,000)(6.2303) +$80,000(0.8131)
= –$20,994,942.00
PW40(3%) = –$500,000 – $(550)(40)(200)(P/A, 3%, 7) +$80,000(P/F, 3%, 7)
= –$500,000 – $(4,400,000)(6.2303) +$80,000(0.8131)
= –$27,848,272.00
PW50(3%) = –$500,000 – $(550)(50)(200)(P/A, 3%, 7) +$80,000(P/F, 3%, 7)
= –$500,000 – $(5,500,000)(6.2303) +$80,000(0.8131)
= –$34,701,602.00
Wolfpack, Inc., a textile manufacturing company, is considering opening a production and
shipping facility to keep up with demand for its pillows. The facility is expected to require
an initial investment of $190,000 and will have a $36,000 salvage value after 5 years. Net
annual revenue is estimated to be $100,000. Determine how sensitive the decision to invest
in the new facility is to the estimates of initial cost and net annual revenue. Use a MARR of
4% per year and a 5–year study period.
If the change in initial cost is greater than 150%, the investment in the new facility
would no longer be acceptable.
If the change in net annual revenue is lower than –64.00%, the investment in the
new facility would no longer be acceptable.
PW(4%) = –$190,000 +$100,000(P/A, 4%, 5) +$36,000(P/F, 4%, 5)
Let X = change in initial cost that would reverse decision
PW(4%) = 0 = –$190,000(1+ X%) +$100,000(P/A, 4%, 5) +$36,000(P/F, 4%, 5)
X=1.50
If the change in initial cost is greater than 150%, the investment in the new
facility would no longer be acceptable.
Let Y = change in net annual revenue that would reverse decision
PW(4%) = 0 = –$190,000 +$100,000(1 + Y%)(P/A, 4%, 5) +$36,000(P/F, 4%, 5)
Y= –0.64
If the change in net annual revenue drops by –64.00%, the investment in the
new facility would no longer be acceptable.