Spicer operates a chain of sandwich shops. The company is considering two possible expansion plans. Plan A would open eight smaller shops at a cost of $ 8,450,000. Expected annual net cash inflows are $ 1,750,000, with zero residual value at the end of eight years. Under Plan B, Spicer would open three larger shops at a cost of $ 8,000,000. This plan is expected to generate net cash inflows of $ 1,020,000 per year for eight years, which is the estimated useful life of the properties. Estimated residual value for Plan B is $ 1,200,000. Spicer uses straight- line depreciation and requires an annual return of 6%.

Requirements

1. Compute the payback, the ARR, the NPV, and the profitability index of these two plans.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these capital budgeting methods?

3. Which expansion plan should Spicer choose? Why?

4. Estimate Plan A’s IRR. How does the IRR compare with the company’s required rate of return?