Investment Timing Option: Decision$-$Tree Analysis

Kim Hotels is interested in developing a new hotel in Seoul. The company estimates that the hotel would require an initial

investment of $$24$ million. Kim expects the hotel will produce positive cash flows of $$4$ million a year at the end of

next $20$ years. The project's cost of capital is $12\%.$

a$.$ What is the project's net present value? Do not round intermediate calculations. Enter your answer in millions. For

example, an answer of $$1\mathrm{.}23$ million should be entered as $1\mathrm{.}23,$ not $1,230,000.$ Round your answer to two decimal places.

$

million

b$.$ Kim expects the cash flows to be $$4$ million a year, but it recognizes that the cash flows could actually be migher

lower, depending on whether the Korean government imposes a large hotel tax. One year from now, Kim will know

whether the tax will be imposed. There is a $50\%$ chance that the tax will be imposed, in which case the yearly cash flows

will be only $$2\mathrm{.}8$ million. At the same time, there is a $50\%$ chance that the tax will not be imposed, in which case the

yearly cash flows will be $$5\mathrm{.}2$ million. Kim is deciding whether to proceed with the hotel today or to wait a year to find out

whether the tax will be imposed. If Kim waits a year, the initial investment will remain at $$24$ million. Assume that all cash

flows are discounted at $12\%.$ Use decision$-$tree analysis to determine whether Kim should proceed with the project today

or wait a year before deciding.