FIN3125 Coursework Assignment 2022/23

Marylebone plc is a leading multi-divisional organisation based in the UK and specialising in manufacturing household consumables. To address the major advances in technology over recent years and a shift in consumer behaviour, Marylebone plc is entering a period of significant capital investment to secure future growth and enhance shareholder value.
Several capital budgeting projects due to be implemented next year are being considered and require immediate evaluation, including new product lines, modifications to or discontinuation of existing lines, relocations, and long-term contracts. The financing of which will be funded entirely by long-term borrowing.
The Financial Director has allocated to you one of the investment proposals (Polaris) for evaluation by considering the relevant cash flows involved and by performing financial appraisals on the basis of net present value. A report on your main findings is required.
In addition to the information gathered on the particulars of each investment proposal, the following general information regarding Marylebone plc is given:

1. It is the last quarter of 2022 and the company prepares accounts with a financial year ending 31st December.
2. Company earnings are subject to 20% corporation tax, payable on a current year basis.
3. Land and buildings qualify for 4% reducing balance industrial buildings allowances whilst plant, equipment and machinery are subject to ‘short-life’ asset election and attract 22% reducing balance tax allowances. Capital allowances can be claimed in the year of acquisition and every subsequent year of ownership except for the last year where a balancing allowance can be claimed or there will be a balancing charge to the company, unless otherwise specified in the particulars of each case.
4. All operating cash flows (revenues and operating costs) are quoted at current 2022 prices and subject to annual inflation, unless otherwise specified in the particulars of each case.
5. General rate of inflation is expected to be 2% next year and 3% p.a. in subsequent years.
6. Management consider the company’s overall existing average cost of capital of 16% is an appropriate rate to appraise all capital investments (unless otherwise specified).

 
Investment Particulars
Polaris – New Product Line ?
Research and development expenditure to date on this new product has totalled £50,000, payable at the end of this year. The work is now complete, resulting in a marketable product Polaris.
The company will need to build and equip a new factory specifically and a suitable site has been found with a purchase price of £750,000. Acquisition of the land and construction of the factory will commence at the beginning of January 2023. Construction will take one year at a total cost of £1 million. Half of this sum will be payable at the start of construction, the balance being payable on completion. The cost of the necessary equipment and installation will cost a total of £900,000 and can be done during the last two months of construction. £400,000 of this will be paid on delivery and the balance in two equal annual instalments on the anniversary of delivery. The above acquisition prices are fixed and not subject to inflation.

After 3 years of production the equipment will need replacing. The old machine will be sold for £500,000 and new equipment acquired at the end of 2026 at the same cost and on the same terms of payment as the original equipment. This replacement can be achieved without disruption to production.

At the end of six years of production, Polaris will be abruptly discontinued, and the production facility will then be surplus to requirement. It is expected that the equipment can be sold at the time for £500,000 and the factory and site will command a price of £2 million. Capital allowances for both of these categories of non-current assets will begin in the year of production.

A 3-year advertising campaign will need to be undertaken for the new product Polaris, commencing at the beginning of construction of the factory. Fixed advertising fees totalling £1,200,000 have been agreed, payable in three equal instalments at the end of each of the 3 years. As a result of the advertising campaign, the Sales Director is forecasting an annual demand of 500,000 units of Polaris in 2024 and expects this demand to continue for six years after. Initial production will begin immediately after completion of the factory at an annual output rate to match the forecasted demand from 2024 onwards.
Production overheads will consist of variable costs of £6.50 per unit and annual fixed costs of £400,000. Both production costs are quoted in current terms and are subject to general inflation p.a.
The working capital requirement of 5% of the annual variable costs, is to be in place at the beginning of each year of production and released on discontinuation.

Despite extensive market research during the last 6 months at a cost of £20,000 payable on 1st January 2023, management remains uncertain as to the price it will be able to charge for Polaris. The Sales Director is suggesting an initial selling price in 2024 of £10 per unit, subject to general inflation thereafter.

Financial Director Requirements

:

1. Assuming the Sales Director’s suggested selling price is adopted, evaluate whether the company should go ahead with the proposed production of Polaris? (16 marks)
2. What would be the minimum selling price that must be achieved in order to ensure Polaris is viable? (4 marks)
3. Since Polaris will be financed through long term borrowing, discuss whether the company’s weighted average cost of capital is an appropriate discount rate to evaluate the investment, as opposed to the company’s long term borrowing rate. (5 marks)

Assignment Requirements Total 25 marks
Task 1 – Investment Proposal allocation
Students should read through the general information and review the investment particulars and then make preliminary notes ahead of week 8 seminars.

Task 2 – Relevant Cash Flow Discussion & Feedback in Week 8 seminars
During the weekly seminar session, students will have the opportunity to discuss the case for including or ignoring cash flows and the method of recognition in the appraisal as per the particulars of their assigned investment proposal. Tutors will be available for feedback during this session.
Task 3 – Investment Appraisals

Each student should perform Cash Flow Analysis and Net Present Value Appraisal(s) for their assigned investment proposal as per the Financial Director’s specific requirements.
Task 4 - Compilation of Report to Financial Director
The Report to Financial Director should address the main findings of the work undertaken and your recommendations to the Financial Director’s specific requirements. Your report should include a copy of your investment appraisal(s).

Extra Guidance
Time Zones for Appraisal - We are in the last quarter of 2022:
• 2022 is Year 0 i.e. cash flows occurring at the end of 2022/beginning of 2023
• 2023 is Year 1 i.e. cash flows occurring at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024
• 2024 is Year 2 i.e. cash flows occurring at the end of 2024/beginning of 2025 and so on

Relevant module material – Lectures 4, 5 & 6 lecture notes, workshop activities and seminar questions

Feedback, Submission Requirements & Deadline
Tutors are available all year to clarify or help with any queries, along with the following:
• Week 8 Seminar Relevant Cash Flows Analysis Feedback Session
• Week 15 Draft Investment Appraisal submission via the Excel Draft Submissions box in the Assessment 2 Coursework folder by Friday 27th January 2023 – feedback will be given on your numeric work within one week.

Submission Deadline: Week 19 - Monday 20th February 2023 by 5pm
Students should submit their Report and Excel workings via the Individual Coursework Submission box located in the Assessment 2 Coursework folder.