Facebook is considering two proposals to overhaul its network infrastructure. They have received two bids. The first bid, from Huawei, will require a $20 million up-front investment and will generate $20 million in savings for Facebook each year for the next three years. The second bid, from Cisco, requires a $100 million up-front investment and will generate $60 million in savings each year for the next three years.

a. What is the IRR for Facebook associated with each bid?

b. If the cost of capital for this investment is 12%, what is the NPV for Facebook of each bid?

Suppose Cisco modifies its bid by offering a lease contract instead. Under the terms of the lease, Facebook will pay $20 million up front, and $35 million per year for the next three years. Facebook’s savings will be the same as with Cisco’s original bid.

c. Including its savings, what are Facebook’s net cash flows under the lease contract? What is the IRR of the Cisco bid now?

d. Is this new bid a better deal for Facebook than Cisco’s original bid? Explain.

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