FM – L2 – Q56 – Discounted Cash Flow

Zest Ltd is considering whether or not to invest in a four-year investment project. The project will require the purchase of equipment costing GH¢800,000. This will have an estimated residual value of GH¢200,000 at the end of Year 4. The equipment will be depreciated by the straight-line method.
The profits before interest and tax from the project are expected to be GH¢400,000 each year. Tax is payable at 30% one year in arrears.
The equipment will qualify for capital allowances (tax depreciation allowances) of 25% each year, using the reducing balance method. The first claim for an allowance would be made against Year 0 profits.
The after-tax cost of capital is 15%.
Required:
Calculate the NPV of the project.

Annual depreciation = GH¢(800,000 – 200,000) / 4 years = GH¢150,000 Per Annual cash profits = Accounting profit + Depreciation = GH¢250,000 + GH¢150,000 = GH¢400,000.
Tax depreciation allowances (capital allowances)

Year of claim Written down value Tax saved at 30% Year of cash flow
GH¢ GH¢
800,000
0 Allowance (25%) (200,000) 60,000 1
600,000
(150,000) 45,000
450,000
(112,500) 33,750
337,500
(84,375) 25,313
253,125
(200,000)
53,125 15,938