Sharp's current capital structure of 60% equity, 35% debt, and 5% preferred stock is considered optimal. This year Sharp expects to have earnings after tax of $3.6 million and to pay out $600,000 in dividends. Sharp can also raise up to $2 million in long-term debt at a pretax interest rate of 10.6% (all debt over $2 million will cost 11.4% pretax), and sell preferred stock at a cost of 11.5%. Sharp's marginal tax rate is 40%. The current value of Sharp's common stock is $36 and a dividend of $2.15 is expected to be paid during the coming year. Dividends have been growing at an annual compound rate of 8% a year and are expected to continue growing at that rate. New shares can be sold to net the firm $34.50. Sharp has an opportunity to invest in the following capital projects. Calculate which one(s) should be accepted?

 

Project	Cost	Annual Cash Flow	Project Life
1	$3.0 million	$552,893	10 years
2	$2.5 million	$693,481	5 years
3	$2.0 million	$345,220	10 years