Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

You have recently discovered a new strain of grain that is higher in protein than quinoa (a grain that is very high in protein).

You have recently discovered a new strain of grain that is higher in protein than quinoa (a grain that is 

You have recently discovered a new strain of grain that is higher in protein than quinoa (a grain that is very high in protein). Although you like the taste of this grain, it has a slightly bitter taste that you are not sure everyone will like. You think that if it is cooked properly (with an appropriate combination of spices and herbs) many people will actually like its bitterness. However, you are not sure whether there will be a large enough market for this grain to justify the cost of land and production. In fact, you have done some analysis on the cost and revenue that a 100 acre farm could generate in order to determine whether this 100 acre farm would be a positive NPV project. You have determined that the start-up cost of such a farm would be $1.2 MM (the cost of the land and the equipment) and that, at a risk-adjusted discount rate of 15%, the present value of the net cash flows (revenue minus operating costs) would only be $.7 MM. Thus, it appears to have an NPV of -.5MM. However, your analysis has not considered the option to expand. You estimate that it may take 5 years before you will know whether enough people will have a taste for this grain. If they do, then you can expand production to 2100 acres. If you expand, the cost of adding the extra acreage will remain at its current level of $1.2MM per 100 acres. You also estimate that the net cash flows from the production and sale of the grain will on average remain at $.7 MM per 100 acres -- but that it will vary by 20% per year. The risk-free rate on 5-year treasury securities corresponds to a stated 3% continuously compounded annual rate. What is the value of the option to expand with this grain? Does it make sense to invest in the first 100 acres? Why or why not?

Step by Step Solution

3.42 Rating (149 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

Solution The value of the option to expand can be calculated using a binomial option pricing model H... blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Management Accounting

Authors: Leslie G. Eldenburg, Albie Brooks, Judy Oliver, Gillian Vesty, Rodney Dormer, Vijaya Murthy, Nick Pawsey

4th Edition

0730369382, 978-0730369387

More Books

Students also viewed these Finance questions