Topic: Introduction to Investment Appraisal

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q2 – Investment Appraisal

Calculate the NPV of launching two new products, Agbui and Loloi, and advise on the investment decision.

Santrofi PLC is a publisher that wants to expand its market share in magazine publications. The company plans to launch two new products, Agbui and Loloi, at the start of January 2025, which it believes will each have a 4-year life span. The sales mix is assumed to be fixed. The information below is relevant:

  1. Expected sales volumes (units) for Agbui:
Year 1 2 3 4
Volume 30,000 55,000 50,000 15,000

  1. The first year’s selling price and direct material costs for each Agbui unit will be GH¢31 and GH¢12, respectively. On the other hand, the company expects to sell 25% more Loloi units than Agbui. Both selling price and direct material cost of Loloi are expected to be 25% less than Agbui’s.

  2. Incremental fixed production costs are expected to be GH¢500,000 in the first year of operation, apportioned based on revenue. Advertising costs will be GH¢250,000 in the first year of operation and then GH¢125,000 per year for the following two years.

  3. To produce the two products, an investment of GH¢1 million in machinery and GH¢500,000 in working capital will be needed, payable at the start of the period. Santrofi PLC expects to recover GH¢600,000 from the sale of machinery at the end of the project life. Investment in machinery attracts a 100% first-year tax-allowable depreciation. The company has sufficient profit to take full advantage of the allowance in Year 1. For the purpose of reporting accounting profit, the company depreciates machinery on a four-year straight-line basis.

  4. Revenue and costs are expected to be affected by inflation after the first year as follows:

    • Selling price: 3% a year
    • Direct material cost: 3% a year
    • Fixed production cost: 5% a year

  5. The company’s real discount rate is 10% for investment appraisal. Average inflation is deemed to be 3%. The applicable corporate tax rate is 25%.

Required:
Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) of the proposed investment in the two products and advise the company on its investment appraisal.

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  • 15 Marks

FM – May 2021 – L2 – Q4a – Introduction to investment appraisal

Evaluate the financial viability of an investment using NPV, IRR, and explain the concept of sensitivity analysis.

CVD Ghana Ltd, which is into the production and sale of COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana and abroad, plans to buy a new machine to expand the scope of its operations due to increased demand in both the local and the international markets.

The cost of the machine is GH¢24,000,000 and has a useful life of five years. The machine will require additional investment in working capital of GH¢2,700,000 at the beginning of the first year of operations. At the end of year five, the machine will be sold for scrap, with the scrap value expected to be 5% of the machine’s initial purchase cost. The company has no intention to replace the machine. Production and sales from the new machine are expected to be 1,000,000 packs per year.

The selling price per pack and variable cost per pack are as follows:

Year Selling Price per Pack (GH¢) Variable Cost per Pack (GH¢)
1 48 33
2 48 33
3 55 38
4 55 38
5 60 42

It is also estimated that incremental fixed costs arising from the machine’s operations will be GH¢4,800,000 per year. CVD Ghana Ltd has an after-tax cost of capital of 20%, which it uses as a discount rate in its investment appraisal. The company pays corporate tax at an annual rate of 25% per year. Capital allowance should be ignored.

Required:

i) Compute the Net Present Value of this project and advise CVD Ghana Ltd whether the investment is financially viable. (8 marks)

ii) Calculate the Internal Rate of Return of investing in the machine and advise whether it is financially viable. (5 marks)

iii) Explain the meaning of the term “sensitivity analysis” in the context of investment. (2 marks)

 

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  • 20 Marks

FM – DEC 2023 – L2 – Q4 – Capital rationing | Introduction to Investment Appraisal | Sources of finance: debt

Explanation of capital rationing concepts, NPV and profitability index calculations, and factors influencing debt finance decisions.

a) In periods of difficult global financial environment, raising of capital is a challenge necessitating the need for prudent and best use of scarce capital for projects.

Required:
i) Explain the term capital rationing. (2 marks)
ii) Distinguish between soft capital rationing and hard capital rationing giving an example each. (3 marks)

b) Akonta Ghana Ltd has excess funds of GH¢200 million and is looking for attractive investment opportunities that will yield a return of 15% per annum or better to deploy the funds. An extract from a Feasibility report submitted by a team of investment and project experts is as follows:

Project Initial Investment Required (GH¢) Constant Annual Cash Inflow (GH¢) Project Life (Years)
A 80,000,000 36,000,000 4
B 40,000,000 23,000,000 3
C 78,000,000 30,000,000 5
D 40,000,000 20,000,000 4
E 40,000,000 22,000,000 3

The cash flows per project are constant for the life span of each project and each project is divisible for the purpose of capital allocation.

Required:
i) Calculate the Net Present Values (NPVs) of each project. (7 marks)
ii) Rank the projects using Profitability Index and allocate the GH¢200 million among the projects. (3 marks)

c) There are many sources of debt finance available to a company which has viable and profitable investment opportunities to utilise the funds. It is, however, very important for the Finance Manager to do a thorough work before deciding the type and source of debt finance to tap into.

Required:
Explain THREE (3) factors a Finance Manager should consider when deciding the type of debt finance to raise. (5 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – May 2020 – L2 – Q4 – Discounted cash flow | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Calculate the NPV and payback periods for a project, and explain concepts related to market volatility and bull/bear markets.

Sabir Company is considering whether to invest in a project whose details are as follows.
The project will involve the purchase of equipment costing GH¢2,000,000. The equipment will be used to produce a range of products for which the following estimates have been made.

Incremental fixed costs are GH¢1,200,000 per annum. The sales prices allow for expected price increases over the period. However, cost estimates are based on current costs and do not allow for expected inflation in costs. Inflation is expected to be 3% per year for variable costs and 4% per year for fixed costs. The incremental fixed costs are all cash expenditure items. Tax on profits is at the rate of 30%, and tax is payable in the same year in which the liability arises.

Sabir Company uses a four-year project appraisal period, but it is expected that the equipment will continue to be operational and in use for several years after the end of the first four-year period.

The company’s cost of capital for investment appraisal purposes is 10%. Capital projects are expected to pay back within two years on a non-discounted basis and within three years on a discounted basis. Tax allowable depreciation will be available on the equipment at the rate of 25% per year on a reducing balance basis. Any balancing allowance or balancing charge is not attributed to a project unless the asset is actually disposed of at the end of the project period.

Required:

a) Calculate the net present value (NPV) of the project.
(11 marks)

b) To the nearest month, calculate the non-discounted payback period and the discounted payback period.
(4 marks)

c) Explain the meaning of market volatility in financial markets.
(3 marks)

d) Explain the difference between a bull and bear market.
(2 marks)

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  • 25 Marks

FM – MAY 2017 – L2 – Q2 – Foreign exchange risk and currency risk management | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the payback method, calculate the NPV for DÉCOR Ltd's investment, and analyze currency risk in an international transaction.

a) Payback method refers to the period of time it takes for the cash flows to cover the initial cost of investment or recoup the initial cost of investment. The period is usually calculated in years.

Required:
Identify TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of using the payback method in investment appraisal.
(4 marks)

b) DÉCOR Ltd is analyzing the purchase of a new machine to produce product Z. The machine is expected to cost GH¢2,000,000. Production and sales of product Z are forecast as follows:

Year 1 2 3 4
Production & Sales (units/year) 70,000 106,000 150,000 72,000

The current selling price is GH¢30 per unit and is expected to increase by 5% a year. The current variable cost is GH¢18 per unit and is expected to increase by 6% per year. Fixed costs will remain the same, but an increase in working capital is required. Analysis of historical data of the levels of working capital of product Z indicates that, at the start of each year, investment in working capital will need to be 10% of sales revenue of that year.

The company pays tax at 25% per year in the year in which taxable profit occurs. The tax liability is reduced by the capital allowance on the machinery, and DÉCOR Ltd can claim on a straight-line basis over the four-year life of the proposed investment (capital allowance rate of 25% per annum). The new machine will have zero scrap value at the end of the four years. The cost of capital is 15% per year.

Required:
Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) of the proposed investment and advise whether the proposed investment should be undertaken.
(11 marks)

c) An American company sells goods to a Ghanaian buyer for US$280,000 when the exchange rate is $1 = GH¢4.20. The Ghanaian buyer is allowed three months’ credit, and when the American company eventually receives the US dollars three months later and exchanges them for dollars, the exchange rate has moved to $1 = GH¢4.60.

Required:
i) What was the foreign exchange loss to the Ghanaian buyer?
(3 marks)

ii) Explain currency risk in relation to the above.
(2 marks)

iii) Explain transaction risk in relation to the above.
(2 marks)

iv) What will be the effect of the above on the company’s trading profits?
(3 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2023 – L2 – Q3 – Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Evaluate the best pay-out option for a life insurance policy, compute the annual deposit for a sinking fund, and calculate the outcome of a money market hedge.

a) Eleven years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Akolgo signed onto a joint life insurance policy, which pays out benefits to the surviving spouse when one of them dies. Mrs. Akolgo died a couple of months ago, and Mr. Akolgo has applied for the payment of benefits due him.
He has been presented with three pay-out options to choose from:
Option A: A lump sum payment of GH¢400,000 now.
Option B: A payment of GH¢100,000 now plus quarterly payments of GH¢22,000 at the end of each quarter over the next ten years.
Option C: A monthly payment of GH¢10,000 for life.
The average interest rate in the economy is 25 % per annum.

Required:
Using relevant computations, recommend to Mr. Akolgo the best pay-out option. (6 marks)

b) Gaazie Mining Company (Gaazie) borrows GH¢5 million at a compound interest rate of 28% per annum for five years. Per the terms of the loan agreement, Gaazie will pay interest on the loan monthly over the life of the loan and then make a bullet payment for the principal of the loan at the end of five years.
The managers of the company have decided to deposit equal annual amounts in an interest-bearing savings account to raise money to pay off the loan principal in five years’ time. Interest on the deposits will be paid at a compound rate of 15% per annum.

Required:
Compute the annual deposit Gaazie needs to pay into the savings account. (4 marks)

c) Tofiakwa Ltd is expecting the following in six months’ time:
Receipt: US$700,000
Payment: US$1,200,000
The spot exchange rate between the Ghanaian cedi and the U.S. dollar is currently GH¢11.1255(buy) – GH¢11.5581(sell) to US$1. The cedi-dollar exchange rate has been volatile in recent times, hence the managers of the company have decided to manage the company’s U.S. dollar exposure using a money market hedge.

The following data has been gathered from the Ghanaian and the U.S. money markets:

6-month interest rates Borrowing Investing
U.S. dollar 10.00% 8.00%
Ghanaian cedi 25.00% 18.00%

Required:
i) Set up or construct the money market hedge for the currency exposure. (3 marks)
ii) Calculate the net outcome of the hedge. (7 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – July 2023 – L2 – Q4 – Discounted cash flow | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Compute the Net Present Value (NPV) of an investment in the cement industry and advise whether it should be undertaken, and discuss the importance of secondary markets.

a) Ntam Ghana Ltd has identified an opportunity in the Cement Industry in Ghana and decided to set up a plant to produce cement in Ghana under the brand name “Kong” in 50kg per bag. This new product has performed very well in the marketing trials carried out by the Research and Development division of the company.

The following information regarding the investment has been prepared by the Finance Manager:

  • Initial Investment (Plant Cost) = GH¢50 million
  • Working capital (At the beginning) = GH¢5 million
  • Selling price per bag (current price terms) = GH¢50
  • Variable cost per bag (current price terms) = GH¢25
  • Fixed operating cost per year (current year terms) = GH¢5 million
  • Annual Demand (current year terms) = 500,000 bags

The table below represents the forecast increases for the next 5 years:

Year Selling Price Variable Cost Fixed Operating Cost Annual Demand
1 15% 10% 10% 10%
2 18% 15% 15% 14%
3 20% 15% 15% 16%
4 15% 12% 20% 15%
5 17% 13% 18% 14%

The initial investment plant is depreciated at 20% per annum on a straight-line basis with a residual value of GH¢5 million at the end of the period. Prior discussions with Ghana Revenue Authority confirm approval for an allowable capital allowance rate on the above investment at 20% per annum. The company uses 22% as its internal cost of capital, and the Corporate tax rate for the company is 25%.

Required:
Compute the Net Present Value (NPV) and advise whether the investment should be undertaken. (15 marks)

b) Investors in the Financial Markets have the option of trading on the primary market or secondary market or both. As a professional investor in the Financial Markets, you are required to:

i) Distinguish between the Primary market and Secondary market. (2 marks)
ii) State THREE (3) reasons the secondary market is more important to investors. (3 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – NOV 2016 – L2 – Q3 – Cost of capital | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Evaluates the viability of an investment using NPV and IRR and explains the criteria venture capitalists consider when funding applications.

a) Sakyiama Poultry Farms is considering purchasing a new incubator that will improve its incubation efficiency to 90% as against the current 50%. The incubator, which is to be purchased immediately, will cost GH¢120,000. The incubator has a useful life of 4 years, after which it would be sold for scrap at GH¢10,000. The current contribution of GH¢3 per day-old chick will not change. The number of day-old chicks sold at 12,000 units per annum will increase by 80%. Fixed cost will be GH¢20,000 per annum. Sakyiama Farms has an after-tax cost of capital of 12.5% and pays tax in the year in which profit is made at a rate of 15% per annum. The farm is also entitled to capital allowance at 25% on a reducing balance.

i) Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) and the viability of the investment. (7 marks)
ii) Calculate the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). (8 marks)

b) Two blue-chip companies – Abu Ltd and Ada Ltd are seeking to raise funds from venture capital to boost their production in order to satisfy demand for their solar-powered refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, which they developed through a joint venture. They have consulted you for advice.

Required:
Explain FIVE conditions that a venture capitalist will consider in accessing an application for funding. (5 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – March 2023 – L2 – Q4 – DCF: taxation and inflation | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Explain the stages in the capital investment decision-making process, compute the discounted payback period and Return on Capital Employed for an investment proposal, and describe categories of financial markets with examples.

a) Explain the stages in the Capital Investment decision-making process. (5 marks)

b) Dragon Ltd is evaluating an investment proposal to manufacture a product called “Chiputronic” and the information below has been provided by the Research and Development team:

  • Initial Investment: GH¢4 million
  • Selling Price (current price terms): GH¢40 per unit
  • Expected Selling Price Inflation: 3% per annum
  • Variable Operating Cost (current price terms): GH¢16 per unit
  • Fixed Operating Cost (current price terms): GH¢340,000
  • Expected Operating Cost Inflation: 4% per annum
Year Annual Demand (units)
1 70,000
2 90,000
3 130,000
4 50,000

It is expected that whatever is produced will be sold with no stock left, and there will be no scrap value expected at the end of the four years. The discount rate used in the company is 15%.

Required:
i) Compute the discounted payback period. (5 marks)
ii) Calculate the Return on Capital Employed (Accounting Rate of Return) based on average investment. (5 marks)

c) Financial markets facilitate the interaction between those who need funds and those who have funds to invest.

Required:
Explain TWO (2) categories of financial markets and give TWO (2) examples of each. (5 marks)

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  • 10 Marks

FM – April 2022 – L2 – Q4b – Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Calculate the Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) for three projects and provide advice on which projects should be undertaken based on a target ARR.

SAKAMA Ghana Ltd uses the Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) as the basis of evaluating projects for investment of its scarce financial resources. It uses its predetermined expected return on capital as the basis for the choice of investment projects. The company’s Finance team has provided the information below regarding various projects and their initial investments and net cash flows. The hurdle rate or target Accounting Rate of Return for SAKAMA Ghana Ltd is 25%.

Required:
i) Calculate the Accounting Rate of Return for each project (Average Investment basis). (7 marks)
ii) Using the target return of 25%, advise SAKAMA Ghana Ltd which projects should be undertaken. (3 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q2 – Investment Appraisal

Calculate the NPV of launching two new products, Agbui and Loloi, and advise on the investment decision.

Santrofi PLC is a publisher that wants to expand its market share in magazine publications. The company plans to launch two new products, Agbui and Loloi, at the start of January 2025, which it believes will each have a 4-year life span. The sales mix is assumed to be fixed. The information below is relevant:

  1. Expected sales volumes (units) for Agbui:
Year 1 2 3 4
Volume 30,000 55,000 50,000 15,000

  1. The first year’s selling price and direct material costs for each Agbui unit will be GH¢31 and GH¢12, respectively. On the other hand, the company expects to sell 25% more Loloi units than Agbui. Both selling price and direct material cost of Loloi are expected to be 25% less than Agbui’s.

  2. Incremental fixed production costs are expected to be GH¢500,000 in the first year of operation, apportioned based on revenue. Advertising costs will be GH¢250,000 in the first year of operation and then GH¢125,000 per year for the following two years.

  3. To produce the two products, an investment of GH¢1 million in machinery and GH¢500,000 in working capital will be needed, payable at the start of the period. Santrofi PLC expects to recover GH¢600,000 from the sale of machinery at the end of the project life. Investment in machinery attracts a 100% first-year tax-allowable depreciation. The company has sufficient profit to take full advantage of the allowance in Year 1. For the purpose of reporting accounting profit, the company depreciates machinery on a four-year straight-line basis.

  4. Revenue and costs are expected to be affected by inflation after the first year as follows:

    • Selling price: 3% a year
    • Direct material cost: 3% a year
    • Fixed production cost: 5% a year

  5. The company’s real discount rate is 10% for investment appraisal. Average inflation is deemed to be 3%. The applicable corporate tax rate is 25%.

Required:
Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) of the proposed investment in the two products and advise the company on its investment appraisal.

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  • 15 Marks

FM – May 2021 – L2 – Q4a – Introduction to investment appraisal

Evaluate the financial viability of an investment using NPV, IRR, and explain the concept of sensitivity analysis.

CVD Ghana Ltd, which is into the production and sale of COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana and abroad, plans to buy a new machine to expand the scope of its operations due to increased demand in both the local and the international markets.

The cost of the machine is GH¢24,000,000 and has a useful life of five years. The machine will require additional investment in working capital of GH¢2,700,000 at the beginning of the first year of operations. At the end of year five, the machine will be sold for scrap, with the scrap value expected to be 5% of the machine’s initial purchase cost. The company has no intention to replace the machine. Production and sales from the new machine are expected to be 1,000,000 packs per year.

The selling price per pack and variable cost per pack are as follows:

Year Selling Price per Pack (GH¢) Variable Cost per Pack (GH¢)
1 48 33
2 48 33
3 55 38
4 55 38
5 60 42

It is also estimated that incremental fixed costs arising from the machine’s operations will be GH¢4,800,000 per year. CVD Ghana Ltd has an after-tax cost of capital of 20%, which it uses as a discount rate in its investment appraisal. The company pays corporate tax at an annual rate of 25% per year. Capital allowance should be ignored.

Required:

i) Compute the Net Present Value of this project and advise CVD Ghana Ltd whether the investment is financially viable. (8 marks)

ii) Calculate the Internal Rate of Return of investing in the machine and advise whether it is financially viable. (5 marks)

iii) Explain the meaning of the term “sensitivity analysis” in the context of investment. (2 marks)

 

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  • 20 Marks

FM – DEC 2023 – L2 – Q4 – Capital rationing | Introduction to Investment Appraisal | Sources of finance: debt

Explanation of capital rationing concepts, NPV and profitability index calculations, and factors influencing debt finance decisions.

a) In periods of difficult global financial environment, raising of capital is a challenge necessitating the need for prudent and best use of scarce capital for projects.

Required:
i) Explain the term capital rationing. (2 marks)
ii) Distinguish between soft capital rationing and hard capital rationing giving an example each. (3 marks)

b) Akonta Ghana Ltd has excess funds of GH¢200 million and is looking for attractive investment opportunities that will yield a return of 15% per annum or better to deploy the funds. An extract from a Feasibility report submitted by a team of investment and project experts is as follows:

Project Initial Investment Required (GH¢) Constant Annual Cash Inflow (GH¢) Project Life (Years)
A 80,000,000 36,000,000 4
B 40,000,000 23,000,000 3
C 78,000,000 30,000,000 5
D 40,000,000 20,000,000 4
E 40,000,000 22,000,000 3

The cash flows per project are constant for the life span of each project and each project is divisible for the purpose of capital allocation.

Required:
i) Calculate the Net Present Values (NPVs) of each project. (7 marks)
ii) Rank the projects using Profitability Index and allocate the GH¢200 million among the projects. (3 marks)

c) There are many sources of debt finance available to a company which has viable and profitable investment opportunities to utilise the funds. It is, however, very important for the Finance Manager to do a thorough work before deciding the type and source of debt finance to tap into.

Required:
Explain THREE (3) factors a Finance Manager should consider when deciding the type of debt finance to raise. (5 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – May 2020 – L2 – Q4 – Discounted cash flow | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Calculate the NPV and payback periods for a project, and explain concepts related to market volatility and bull/bear markets.

Sabir Company is considering whether to invest in a project whose details are as follows.
The project will involve the purchase of equipment costing GH¢2,000,000. The equipment will be used to produce a range of products for which the following estimates have been made.

Incremental fixed costs are GH¢1,200,000 per annum. The sales prices allow for expected price increases over the period. However, cost estimates are based on current costs and do not allow for expected inflation in costs. Inflation is expected to be 3% per year for variable costs and 4% per year for fixed costs. The incremental fixed costs are all cash expenditure items. Tax on profits is at the rate of 30%, and tax is payable in the same year in which the liability arises.

Sabir Company uses a four-year project appraisal period, but it is expected that the equipment will continue to be operational and in use for several years after the end of the first four-year period.

The company’s cost of capital for investment appraisal purposes is 10%. Capital projects are expected to pay back within two years on a non-discounted basis and within three years on a discounted basis. Tax allowable depreciation will be available on the equipment at the rate of 25% per year on a reducing balance basis. Any balancing allowance or balancing charge is not attributed to a project unless the asset is actually disposed of at the end of the project period.

Required:

a) Calculate the net present value (NPV) of the project.
(11 marks)

b) To the nearest month, calculate the non-discounted payback period and the discounted payback period.
(4 marks)

c) Explain the meaning of market volatility in financial markets.
(3 marks)

d) Explain the difference between a bull and bear market.
(2 marks)

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  • 25 Marks

FM – MAY 2017 – L2 – Q2 – Foreign exchange risk and currency risk management | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the payback method, calculate the NPV for DÉCOR Ltd's investment, and analyze currency risk in an international transaction.

a) Payback method refers to the period of time it takes for the cash flows to cover the initial cost of investment or recoup the initial cost of investment. The period is usually calculated in years.

Required:
Identify TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of using the payback method in investment appraisal.
(4 marks)

b) DÉCOR Ltd is analyzing the purchase of a new machine to produce product Z. The machine is expected to cost GH¢2,000,000. Production and sales of product Z are forecast as follows:

Year 1 2 3 4
Production & Sales (units/year) 70,000 106,000 150,000 72,000

The current selling price is GH¢30 per unit and is expected to increase by 5% a year. The current variable cost is GH¢18 per unit and is expected to increase by 6% per year. Fixed costs will remain the same, but an increase in working capital is required. Analysis of historical data of the levels of working capital of product Z indicates that, at the start of each year, investment in working capital will need to be 10% of sales revenue of that year.

The company pays tax at 25% per year in the year in which taxable profit occurs. The tax liability is reduced by the capital allowance on the machinery, and DÉCOR Ltd can claim on a straight-line basis over the four-year life of the proposed investment (capital allowance rate of 25% per annum). The new machine will have zero scrap value at the end of the four years. The cost of capital is 15% per year.

Required:
Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) of the proposed investment and advise whether the proposed investment should be undertaken.
(11 marks)

c) An American company sells goods to a Ghanaian buyer for US$280,000 when the exchange rate is $1 = GH¢4.20. The Ghanaian buyer is allowed three months’ credit, and when the American company eventually receives the US dollars three months later and exchanges them for dollars, the exchange rate has moved to $1 = GH¢4.60.

Required:
i) What was the foreign exchange loss to the Ghanaian buyer?
(3 marks)

ii) Explain currency risk in relation to the above.
(2 marks)

iii) Explain transaction risk in relation to the above.
(2 marks)

iv) What will be the effect of the above on the company’s trading profits?
(3 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2023 – L2 – Q3 – Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Evaluate the best pay-out option for a life insurance policy, compute the annual deposit for a sinking fund, and calculate the outcome of a money market hedge.

a) Eleven years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Akolgo signed onto a joint life insurance policy, which pays out benefits to the surviving spouse when one of them dies. Mrs. Akolgo died a couple of months ago, and Mr. Akolgo has applied for the payment of benefits due him.
He has been presented with three pay-out options to choose from:
Option A: A lump sum payment of GH¢400,000 now.
Option B: A payment of GH¢100,000 now plus quarterly payments of GH¢22,000 at the end of each quarter over the next ten years.
Option C: A monthly payment of GH¢10,000 for life.
The average interest rate in the economy is 25 % per annum.

Required:
Using relevant computations, recommend to Mr. Akolgo the best pay-out option. (6 marks)

b) Gaazie Mining Company (Gaazie) borrows GH¢5 million at a compound interest rate of 28% per annum for five years. Per the terms of the loan agreement, Gaazie will pay interest on the loan monthly over the life of the loan and then make a bullet payment for the principal of the loan at the end of five years.
The managers of the company have decided to deposit equal annual amounts in an interest-bearing savings account to raise money to pay off the loan principal in five years’ time. Interest on the deposits will be paid at a compound rate of 15% per annum.

Required:
Compute the annual deposit Gaazie needs to pay into the savings account. (4 marks)

c) Tofiakwa Ltd is expecting the following in six months’ time:
Receipt: US$700,000
Payment: US$1,200,000
The spot exchange rate between the Ghanaian cedi and the U.S. dollar is currently GH¢11.1255(buy) – GH¢11.5581(sell) to US$1. The cedi-dollar exchange rate has been volatile in recent times, hence the managers of the company have decided to manage the company’s U.S. dollar exposure using a money market hedge.

The following data has been gathered from the Ghanaian and the U.S. money markets:

6-month interest rates Borrowing Investing
U.S. dollar 10.00% 8.00%
Ghanaian cedi 25.00% 18.00%

Required:
i) Set up or construct the money market hedge for the currency exposure. (3 marks)
ii) Calculate the net outcome of the hedge. (7 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – July 2023 – L2 – Q4 – Discounted cash flow | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Compute the Net Present Value (NPV) of an investment in the cement industry and advise whether it should be undertaken, and discuss the importance of secondary markets.

a) Ntam Ghana Ltd has identified an opportunity in the Cement Industry in Ghana and decided to set up a plant to produce cement in Ghana under the brand name “Kong” in 50kg per bag. This new product has performed very well in the marketing trials carried out by the Research and Development division of the company.

The following information regarding the investment has been prepared by the Finance Manager:

  • Initial Investment (Plant Cost) = GH¢50 million
  • Working capital (At the beginning) = GH¢5 million
  • Selling price per bag (current price terms) = GH¢50
  • Variable cost per bag (current price terms) = GH¢25
  • Fixed operating cost per year (current year terms) = GH¢5 million
  • Annual Demand (current year terms) = 500,000 bags

The table below represents the forecast increases for the next 5 years:

Year Selling Price Variable Cost Fixed Operating Cost Annual Demand
1 15% 10% 10% 10%
2 18% 15% 15% 14%
3 20% 15% 15% 16%
4 15% 12% 20% 15%
5 17% 13% 18% 14%

The initial investment plant is depreciated at 20% per annum on a straight-line basis with a residual value of GH¢5 million at the end of the period. Prior discussions with Ghana Revenue Authority confirm approval for an allowable capital allowance rate on the above investment at 20% per annum. The company uses 22% as its internal cost of capital, and the Corporate tax rate for the company is 25%.

Required:
Compute the Net Present Value (NPV) and advise whether the investment should be undertaken. (15 marks)

b) Investors in the Financial Markets have the option of trading on the primary market or secondary market or both. As a professional investor in the Financial Markets, you are required to:

i) Distinguish between the Primary market and Secondary market. (2 marks)
ii) State THREE (3) reasons the secondary market is more important to investors. (3 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – NOV 2016 – L2 – Q3 – Cost of capital | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Evaluates the viability of an investment using NPV and IRR and explains the criteria venture capitalists consider when funding applications.

a) Sakyiama Poultry Farms is considering purchasing a new incubator that will improve its incubation efficiency to 90% as against the current 50%. The incubator, which is to be purchased immediately, will cost GH¢120,000. The incubator has a useful life of 4 years, after which it would be sold for scrap at GH¢10,000. The current contribution of GH¢3 per day-old chick will not change. The number of day-old chicks sold at 12,000 units per annum will increase by 80%. Fixed cost will be GH¢20,000 per annum. Sakyiama Farms has an after-tax cost of capital of 12.5% and pays tax in the year in which profit is made at a rate of 15% per annum. The farm is also entitled to capital allowance at 25% on a reducing balance.

i) Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) and the viability of the investment. (7 marks)
ii) Calculate the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). (8 marks)

b) Two blue-chip companies – Abu Ltd and Ada Ltd are seeking to raise funds from venture capital to boost their production in order to satisfy demand for their solar-powered refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, which they developed through a joint venture. They have consulted you for advice.

Required:
Explain FIVE conditions that a venture capitalist will consider in accessing an application for funding. (5 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – March 2023 – L2 – Q4 – DCF: taxation and inflation | Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Explain the stages in the capital investment decision-making process, compute the discounted payback period and Return on Capital Employed for an investment proposal, and describe categories of financial markets with examples.

a) Explain the stages in the Capital Investment decision-making process. (5 marks)

b) Dragon Ltd is evaluating an investment proposal to manufacture a product called “Chiputronic” and the information below has been provided by the Research and Development team:

  • Initial Investment: GH¢4 million
  • Selling Price (current price terms): GH¢40 per unit
  • Expected Selling Price Inflation: 3% per annum
  • Variable Operating Cost (current price terms): GH¢16 per unit
  • Fixed Operating Cost (current price terms): GH¢340,000
  • Expected Operating Cost Inflation: 4% per annum
Year Annual Demand (units)
1 70,000
2 90,000
3 130,000
4 50,000

It is expected that whatever is produced will be sold with no stock left, and there will be no scrap value expected at the end of the four years. The discount rate used in the company is 15%.

Required:
i) Compute the discounted payback period. (5 marks)
ii) Calculate the Return on Capital Employed (Accounting Rate of Return) based on average investment. (5 marks)

c) Financial markets facilitate the interaction between those who need funds and those who have funds to invest.

Required:
Explain TWO (2) categories of financial markets and give TWO (2) examples of each. (5 marks)

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  • 10 Marks

FM – April 2022 – L2 – Q4b – Introduction to Investment Appraisal

Calculate the Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) for three projects and provide advice on which projects should be undertaken based on a target ARR.

SAKAMA Ghana Ltd uses the Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) as the basis of evaluating projects for investment of its scarce financial resources. It uses its predetermined expected return on capital as the basis for the choice of investment projects. The company’s Finance team has provided the information below regarding various projects and their initial investments and net cash flows. The hurdle rate or target Accounting Rate of Return for SAKAMA Ghana Ltd is 25%.

Required:
i) Calculate the Accounting Rate of Return for each project (Average Investment basis). (7 marks)
ii) Using the target return of 25%, advise SAKAMA Ghana Ltd which projects should be undertaken. (3 marks)

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