a Solution
a
Calculating the base case NPV: We need to calculate the expected NPV considering both scenarios of success and failure of the test marketing
- Calculate the present value (PV) of cash flows in case of success: PVsuccess=0.10£400,000=£4,000,000.
- Calculate the NPV of the project if the test marketing is successful: NPVsuccess=−£3,000,000+PVsuccess−£500,000=£4,000,000−£3,500,000=£500,000.
- Calculate the PV of cash flows in case of failure: PVfailure=0.10£250,000=£2,500,000.
- Calculate the NPV of the project if the test marketing is not successful: NPVfailure=−£3,000,000+PVfailure−£500,000=£2,500,000−£3,500,000=−£1,000,000.
- Calculate the expected NPV: ENPV=0.50×NPVsuccess+0.50×NPVfailure=0.50×£500,000+0.50×(−£1,000,000)=−£250,000.
a Answer
The base case NPV of the project is -£250,000.
Key Concept
Expected Net Present Value (ENPV)
Explanation
ENPV is calculated by taking the probability-weighted average of the NPVs from different scenarios.
b Solution
b
Calculating the value of the option to sell: We need to determine the NPV of selling the project in year one if it is unsuccessful
- Calculate the present value of the option to sell: PVsell=(1+0.10)£300,000=£272,727.27.
- Since the option to sell is only valuable if the project is unsuccessful, we take the probability of failure into account: Valueoption=0.50×PVsell=0.50×£272,727.27=£136,363.64.
b Answer
The value of the option to sell if Clark Industries decides to sell the project in year one, assuming it becomes unsuccessful, is £136,363.64.
Key Concept
Explanation
The value of the option to sell is the present value of the salvage price, adjusted for the probability of the scenario where the option becomes relevant.
c Solution
c
Calculating the NPV without the option to sell: If Clark Industries cannot sell the project, they can only abandon it if unsuccessful
- Since the project can be abandoned if unsuccessful, the negative NPV in the failure scenario is not realized, and the NPV calculation only considers the success scenario: NPVno_sell=0.50×NPVsuccess=0.50×£500,000=£250,000.
c Answer
The NPV, assuming Clark Industries does not have the ability to sell the project for £300,000 in one year but can abandon if unsuccessful, is £250,000.
Key Concept
Explanation
The abandonment option allows a firm to avoid realizing negative NPV in unfavorable scenarios, thus the expected NPV only includes the positive outcome.
d Solution
d
Utilizing real options in management: Managers can take advantage of real options by incorporating flexibility into investment decisions
- Identify real options within projects, such as the option to expand, abandon, or delay.
- Evaluate the value of these options using techniques like decision tree analysis or option pricing models.
- Incorporate the value of real options into strategic decision-making to optimize project outcomes.
d Answer
Managers can take advantage of real options by identifying them within projects, evaluating their value, and incorporating this value into strategic decision-making to improve project outcomes.
Key Concept
Real Options in Strategic Management
Explanation
Real options provide managerial flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, which can add value to projects beyond the static NPV calculation.