Factors That Affect the NPV of a Divestiture.

Washington Co. (a U.S. firm) has a subsidiary in Germany that generates substantial earnings in euros each year. One week ago, it received an offer from a company to purchase the subsidiary, and it has not yet responded to this offer.

a. Since last week, the expected stream of euro cash flows has not changed, but the forecasts of the euro’s value in future periods have been revised downward.

Will the NPV of the divestiture be larger or smaller or the same as it was last week? Briefly explain.

b. Since last week, the expected stream of euro cash flows has not changed, but the long-term interest rate in the United States has declined. Will the NPV of the divestiture be larger or smaller or the same as it was last week? Briefly explain.