Question

At the end of 2015, U Corp is considering undertaking a major long term project in an effort to remain competitive in its industry. The production and sales departments have determined the potential annual cash flow savings that could accrue to the firm if it acts soon. Specifically, they estimate that a mixed stream of future cash flow savings will occur at the end of the years 2016 through 2021. The years 2022 through 2026 will see consecutive and equal cash flow savings at the end of each year. The firm estimates that its discount rate over the first 6 years will be 7%. The expected discount rate over the years 2022 through 2026 will be 11%.

The project managers will find the project acceptable if it results in present cash flow savings of at least $860,000. The following cash flow savings data are supplied to the finance department for analysis:

End of the year	Cash flow savings
2016	110,000
2017	120,000
2018	130,000
2019	150,000
2020	160,000
2021	150,000
2022	90,000
2023	90,000
2024	90,000
2025	90,000
2026	90,000

To do:

Create spreadsheets similar to Table 5.2, then answer the following questions:

a. Determine the value (at the beginning of 2016) of the future cash flow savings expected to be generated by this project.

b. Based solely on the one criterion set by management, should the firm undertake this specific project? Explain.

c. What is the "interest rate risk", and how might it influence the recommendation made in part b? Explain.