The Bush Oil Company is deciding whether to drill for oil on a tract of land that the company owns. The company estimates that the project will cost $6 million today. Bush estimates that once drilled, the oil will generate positive cash flows of $4 million a year at the end of each of the next 4 years. Although the company is fairly confident about its cash flow forecast, it recognizes that if it waits 2 years, it will have more information about the local geology as well as the price of oil. Bush estimates that if it waits 2 years, the project will cost $8 million, and cash flows will continue for 4 years after the initial investment is made. Moreover, if it waits 2 years, there is a 70% chance that the cash flows will be $4.3 million a year for 4 years, and there is a 30% chance that the cash flows will be $2.2 million a year for 4 years. Assume that all cash flows are discounted at 9%.   1. If the company chooses to drill today, what is the project's expected net present value?u 2. Would it make sense to wait 2 years before deciding whether to drill? Explain. 3. What is the value of the investment timing option?

Essentials Of Investments
11th Edition
ISBN:9781260013924
Author:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
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Chapter1: Investments: Background And Issues
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The Bush Oil Company is deciding whether to drill for oil on a tract of land that the company owns. The company estimates that the project will cost $6 million today. Bush estimates that once drilled, the oil will generate positive cash flows of $4 million a year at the end of each of the next 4 years. Although the company is fairly confident about its cash flow forecast, it recognizes that if it waits 2 years, it will have more information about the local geology as well as the price of oil. Bush estimates that if it waits 2 years, the project will cost $8 million, and cash flows will continue for 4 years after the initial investment is made. Moreover, if it waits 2 years, there is a 70% chance that the cash flows will be $4.3 million a year for 4 years, and there is a 30% chance that the cash flows will be $2.2 million a year for 4 years. Assume that all cash flows are discounted at 9%.

 

1. If the company chooses to drill today, what is the project's expected net present value?u

2. Would it make sense to wait 2 years before deciding whether to drill? Explain.

3. What is the value of the investment timing option?

4. What disadvantages might arise from delaying a project such as this drilling project?

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