Carvers operate a chain of sandwich shops. The company is considering two possible expansion plans. Plan A would open eight smaller shops at a cost of $8,440,000. Expected annual net cash inflows are $1,600,000 with zero residual value at the end of nine years. Under Plan B, Carvers would open three larger shops at a cost of $8,240,000. This plan is expected to generate net cash inflows of $1,250,000 per year for nine years, the estimated life of the properties. Estimated residual value is $1,100,000. Carvers use straight-line depreciation and require an annual return of 10%. Requirements:

A. Compute the payback period, the ARR, the NPV and PI of these two plans. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these capital budgeting models? (12 mks)

B. Which expansion plan should Carvers choose? Why? (4 mks)

C. Estimate Plan As IRR. How does the IRR compare with the companys required rate of return? (4 mks)