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 $450 million today. Bush estimates that once drilled, the oil will generate positive cash flows of $215 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 $600 million, and cash flows will continue for 4 years after the initial investment is made. Moreover, if it waits 2 years, there is a 95% chance that the cash flows will be $220 million a year for 4 years, and there is a 5% chance that the cash flows will be $120 million a year for 4 years. Assume that all cash flows are discounted at 11%. 1. Would it make sense to wait 2 years before deciding whether to drill? Explain(100 words)

Essentials Of Investments
11th Edition
ISBN:9781260013924
Author:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
Publisher:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
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 $450 million today. Bush estimates that once drilled, the oil will generate positive cash flows of $215 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 $600 million, and cash flows will continue for 4 years after the initial investment is made. Moreover, if it waits 2 years, there is a 95% chance that the cash flows will be $220 million a year for 4 years, and there is a 5% chance that the cash flows will be $120 million a year for 4 years. Assume that all cash flows are discounted at 11%.

1. Would it make sense to wait 2 years before deciding whether to drill? Explain(100 words) 

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