Mastery Problem: Capital Investment Analysis HomeGrown Company HomeGrown Company is a chain of grocery stores that are similar to indoor farmer's markets, providing fresh, local produce, meats, and dairy products to consumers in urban areas. HomeGrown is considering opening several stores in a new city, and has proposals from three contractors (Alpha, Beta, and Gamma companies) who would like to provide buildings for the new stores. The amount of expected revenue from the stores will depend on the design of the contractor. For example, if HomeGrown decides on a more open floor plan, with less shelf space for products, revenue would be lower overall. However, if HomeGrown decides on a very crowded floor plan, it may lose customers who appreciate a more open feel. As the project manager for HomeGrown, you are responsible for deciding which if any of the proposals to accept. HomeGrown's minimum acceptable rate of return is 20%. You receive the following data from the three contractors: Proposal Type of Floor Plan Alpha Beta Very open, like an indoor farmer's market Standard grocery shelving and layout, minimal aisle space Gamma Mix of open areas and shelving areas Initial Cost if Selected Residual Value $1,472,000 5,678,900 2,125,560 $0.00 0.00 0.00 You have computed estimates of annual cash flows and average annual income from customers for each of the three contractors' plans. You believe that the annual cash flows will be equal for each of the 10 years for which you are preparing your capital investment analysis. Your conclusions are presented in the following table. Estimated Average Annual Income (after depreciation) Estimated Average Annual Cash Flow Proposal Alpha Beta $302,054 272,019 $351,145 475,608