Consider the following 12-year investment project: Initial fixed capital outlay of $1.5 billion; straight-line depreciation is over a six-year period with zero salvation value; the capital equipment will be sold for $0.5 billion at the end of 12th year.

Net working capital required is $0.4 billion. The project will reduce cash operating expenses by $0.35 billion per year and generate additional annual revenue of $0.1 billion. The tax rate is 40%; the required rate of return is 12%.

Calculate the after-tax cash flow for t=0, , 12

What is the NPV of the project?

What is the impact (i.e., positive or negative) of a reduction in the tax rate from 40% to 0% on the NPV?