Companies often need to choose between making an investment now or waiting till the company can gather more relevant information about the potential project. This opportunity to wait before making the decision is called the investment timing option. Consider the case: General Forge and Foundry Co. is considering a three-year project that will require an initial investment of $42,500. If market is strong, General Forge and Foundry Co. thinks that the project will generate cash flows of $28,500 per year. However, if market demand is weak, the company believes that the project will generate cash flows of only $1,750 per year. The company thinks that 50% chance that demand will be strong and a 50% chance that demand will be weak. If the company uses a project cost of capital of 11%, what will be the expected net present value (NPV) of this project if the company is ignoring the timing option? $5,261 $4,984 $5,538 $6,092 General Forge and Foundry Co. has the option to delay starting this project for one year so that analysts can gather more information about whether demand will be strong or weak. If the company chooses to delay the project, it will have to give up a year of cash flows, because the project will then be only a two-year project. However, the company will know for certain if the market demand will be strong or weak before deciding invest it. If the company accepts the project now, it would mean that the company is option to make a more informed decision. If the value What will be the expected NPV if General Forge and Foundry Co. delays starting the project? (Note: Use the cost of capital to discount all cash flows.) $8,379 $2,841 $2,415$27,146 What is the value of General Forge and Foundry Co.'s option to delay the start of the project? $2,841 $27,146 $5,682 $2,415 $8,379