5-2. Lignin is a basic component of almost any plant that grows, so it is one of the most abundant organic compounds in the world. Almost anything derived from oil can be made out of lignin. The question is

“can we do it cost-effectively and consistently?” A startup company has developed a process to derive plastics, carbon fiber, and other advanced materials from lignin.

EOY 4 5 6 7 10 10 20 30 20 30 40 50 60 8 9 0 1 2 3 The cash-flow diagram for this process is shown below (in

$ millions). If the company’s hurdle rate (MARR) is 10%

per year, is this a profitable undertaking? (5.3)