You have been hired as a consultant for Pristine Urban-Tech Zither, Incorporated (PUTZ), manufacturers of fine zithers. The market for zithers is growing quickly. The company bought some land three years ago for $1,140,000 in anticipation of using it as a toxic waste dump site but has recently hired another company to handle all toxic materials. Based on a recent appraisal, the company believes it could sell the land for $1,350,000 on an aftertax basis. In four years, the land could be sold for $1,425,000 after taxes. The company also hired a marketing firm to analyze the zither market, at a cost of $170,000. An excerpt of the marketing report is as follows:

The zither industry will have a rapid expansion in the next four years. With the brand name recognition that PUTZ brings to bear, we feel that the company will be able to sell 7,200, 8,080, 9,335, and 6,190 units each year for the next four years, respectively. Again, capitalizing on the name recognition of PUTZ, we feel that a premium price of $340 can be charged for each zither. Because zithers appear to be a fad, we feel at the end of the 4-year period, sales should be discontinued.

PUTZ feels that fixed costs for the project will be $425,000 per year, and variable costs are 20 percent of sales. The equipment necessary for production will cost $3,850,000 and will be depreciated according to a 3-year MACRS schedule. At the end of the project, the equipment can be scrapped for $400,000. Net working capital of $270,000 will be required immediately. PUTZ has a tax rate of 24 percent and the required return on the project is 12 percent. (MACRS schedule)