Orchestra Inc. wants to embark on capital investment project whose initial capital requirement is GHC 70 million. This amount is payable at the beginning of the first year of operation. The company wants to ascertain the financial viability or otherwise of the project based on the proposed cashflows shown in the table below

the 1 yr2 the 3 yr4

Sales value (units per year) 820,000 884,000 845,000 875,000

Selling price 30 30 30 30

Fixed cost per year 900,000 935,000 979,000 941,000

Variabe cost 15 15.10 15.20 15.14

The information stated above needs some form of adjustment to the account of selling price inflation of 4% per year and 3% inflation for the variable cost. The fixed costs show an incremental trend and they are quoted in nominal terms. The 4-year sales volume is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Orchestra is expected to pay a corporate tax of 25% one year in arrears. The company can claim tax allowable depreciation on 15% reducing balance basis.

The directors of Orchestra hold the contention that all investment projects must be evaluated over four years of operations with an assumed terminal value of 5% of the initial capital requirement at the end of the fourth year. It should however be noted that both present value and discounted payback period method should be used for the appraisal techniques. The acceptable payback period for projects should be two years. The real after-tax cost of capital of Orchestra Inc. is 7% and its nominal after tax cost of capital is 12%

Required

i.Calculate the net present value of the planned investment project

ii. Calculate the discounted payback period of the planned investment project

iii. Discuss the financial acceptability of the investment project

iv. Critically discuss the views of the directors of Orchestra Inc. investment appraisal.