71.
Poulsen Industries is analyzing an average-risk project, and the following data have been developed. Unit sales
will
be constant, but the sales price should increase with inflation. Fixed costs will also be constant, but
variable costs
should rise with inflation. The project should last for 3 years, it will be depreciated on a straight–
line basis, and there
will be no salvage value. No change in net operating working capital would be required.
This is just one of many
projects for the firm, so any losses on this project can be used to offset gains on other
firm projects. The marketing
manager does not think it is necessary to adjust for inflation since both the sales
price and the variable costs will rise
at the same rate, but the CFO thinks an inflation adjustment is required.
What is the difference in the expected NPV
if the inflation adjustment is made versus if it is not made?
Net investment cost (depreciable basis)
Average price per unit, Year 1
Fixed oper. costs excl. depreciation (constant)
Variable oper. cost/unit, Year 1