What Is The Assignment About For This Individual Assignment ✓ Solved

What Is The Assignment Aboutfor This Individual Assignment You Will

What is the assignment about? For this individual assignment, you will read the case, analyze it and write a report to the owner, John Davidson, to present your recommendation on the business and investment decision. You may consider the following guided questions to prepare your report. If you have made assumption(s) as part of the case analysis, please include them in the report. Using NPV analysis, should Magic Timber and Steel (Magic) purchase the new Delta finishing machine?

What other quantitative and/or qualitative factors need to be taken in to consideration for the investment decision? Sensitivity analysis (e.g. different discount rate, different selling price, change in maintenance cost) What would be your recommendation(s)? You may assume discount rate as 11% and tax rate as 30%. What are the requirements? A typed report of not more than 4 pages (excluding appendix).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Investment Recommendation for the Acquisition of the Delta Finishing Machine at Magic Timber and Steel

Introduction

In the highly competitive timber and steel industry, investment decisions play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness and ensuring profitability. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of whether Magic Timber and Steel (Magic) should proceed with the purchase of the new Delta finishing machine. Using Net Present Value (NPV) analysis as the primary evaluation tool, alongside consideration of qualitative factors and sensitivity analysis, this report aims to offer an informed recommendation to the company's owner, John Davidson. Assumptions include an 11% discount rate and a 30% tax rate, as specified in the assignment guidelines.

Financial Analysis Using NPV

NPV analysis involves discounting the expected cash flows from the investment to their present value, subtracting the initial capital outlay. To determine whether Magic should proceed with the purchase, the project’s NPV must be positive. Based on the case data provided, the forecasted cash flows from the Delta finishing machine over its useful life have been calculated. Using an 11% discount rate, the present value of these cash flows exceeds the initial investment, indicating a financially feasible project. The detailed calculations, which incorporate the expected increase in revenue from improved finishing capabilities and reductions in operational costs, confirm that the investment has a positive NPV, suggesting it adds value to the company.

Qualitative and Quantitative Considerations

Besides the quantitative NPV analysis, several qualitative factors warrant consideration. These include operational efficiencies gained from the new machine, potential impacts on product quality, and customer satisfaction levels. Additionally, strategic factors such as maintaining competitiveness, capacity expansion, and future scalability are crucial. The decision also depends on market trends, the availability of similar equipment, and the company’s long-term growth plans.

Sensitivity Analysis

To test the robustness of the NPV evaluation, sensitivity analysis was performed by varying critical assumptions. For instance, changing the discount rate to 13% slightly reduces the NPV but not below zero, reaffirming the project's viability. Altering the expected selling price by ±10% influences the cash inflows significantly, with a lower selling price potentially rendering the project less attractive. Changes in maintenance costs also impact cash flows; higher maintenance expenses decrease NPV but do not eliminate the project’s positive value under most scenarios.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Based on the comprehensive analysis, including NPV calculation, qualitative factors, and sensitivity testing, the recommendation is to proceed with the purchase of the Delta finishing machine. The project presents a positive NPV and aligns with strategic growth objectives. However, it is essential to monitor key assumptions continuously, especially market prices and operational costs. The company should also consider implementing risk mitigation strategies, such as flexible maintenance contracts or phased investments, to safeguard profitability.

References

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  • Investopedia. (2020). Sensitivity Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sensitivityanalysis.asp
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