Chapter 11, Problem 36P

LO.2, 11 Heather wants to invest $40,000 in a relatively safe venture and has discovered two alternatives that would produce the following reportable ordinary income and loss over the next three years:

She is interested in the after-tax effects of these alternatives over a three-year horizon. Assume that Heather’s investment portfolio produces sufficient passive activity income to offset any potential passive activity loss that may arise from these alternatives, that her cost of capital is 6%, that she is in the 24% tax bracket, that each investment alternative possesses equal growth potential, and that each alternative exposes her to comparable financial risk. In addition, assume that in the loss years for each alternative, there is no cash flow from or to the investment (i.e., the loss is due to depreciation), whereas in those years when the income is positive, cash flows to Heather equal the amount of the income.

1. a. Based on these facts, compute the present value of these two investment alternatives and determine which option Heather should choose. Refer to Appendix H for the present value factors.
2. b. Prepare your solution using spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.