You have been hired as a consultant for Pristine Urban-Tech Zither, Inc. (PUTZ), manufacturers of fine zithers. The market for zithers is growing quickly. The company bought some land three years ago for $1.4 million 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 $1.15 million on an aftertax basis. At the end of the project, the land could be sold for $1.25 million on an aftertax basis. The company also hired a marketing firm to analyze the zither market, at a cost of $175,000. 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 18,500, 27,500, 31,000, and 20,500 units each year for the next four years, respectively. Again, capitalizing on the name recognition of PUTZ, we feel that a premium price of $120 can be charged for each zither. Since zithers appear to be a fad, we feel at the end of the four-year period, sales should be discontinued.
PUTZ feels that fixed costs for the project will be $740,000 per year, and variable costs are 15 percent of sales. The equipment necessary for production will cost $4.3 million and will be depreciated according to a three-year MACRS schedule. At the end of the project, the equipment can be scrapped for $400,000. Net working capital of $150,000 will be required immediately and will be recaptured at the end of the project. PUTZ has a 38 percent tax rate and the required return on the project is 13 percent. What is the NPV of the project? Assume the company has other profitable projects.