QUESTION ONE

The following information relates to three capital expenditure projects only one of which can be chosen: Project A Project B Project C Initial cost R400 000 R460 000 R360 000 Expected life 5 years 5 years 4 years Expected scrap value R20 000 R30 000 R16 000 Expected net cash inflows: R R R End of year 1 160 000 200 000 110 000 2 140 000 140 000 65 000 3 130 000 100 000 95 000 4 120 000 100 000 100 000 5 110 000 100 000 0 Note: The company estimates its cost of capital is 18%. Use the following discount factors to calculate net present value: Required:

1.1 Calculate the payback period for project B. (5)

1.2 Calculate the accounting rate of return for project C. (5)

1.3 Calculate the net present value of each project. (12)

1.4 Using the answers from question 1.3, which project should be chosen? Provide reasons. (3)