Bibble Co, manufacturers of restaurant quality tableware, are considering expanding into glassware production. If Bibble goes ahead with the project, they will need to lease a new warehouse facility for $40,000 a year, which is tax deductible the year after the lease payment is made. In addition, Bibble will have to renovate the warehouse, to ensure all safety standards are met, at a cost of $180,000, which for tax purposes will be expensed immediately. Machinery to produce the glassware will cost $150,000, with an additional $30,000 for installation. A further once-off $20,000 training cost for existing staff will occur initially to ensure the safe production and use of this machinery. This will also be expensed immediately. The machinery will be depreciated straight line on an annual basis over the entire useful life of 6 years, to a salvage value of zero. The machine will generate pre-tax revenues of $260,000 and pre-tax expenses of $120,000 every six months. In addition, you have been given the following information: The corporate tax rate is 30%; The project is in an industry which is 50% more risky than the industry in which the firm currently operates; The firm currently has a beta of 1.2; The market risk premium is 3% every six months; and, The expected return on the market is 4% every six months. Assuming that the initial investment is made today and cash flows are received or paid as stated in the question, do you recommend that Bibble Co proceed with the glassware project? Why or why not?
