Question: George (Controls) Ltd manufactures a thermostat that can be used in a range of kitchen appliances. The manufacturing process is, at present, semi-automated. The equipment used costs £540,000, and has a written-down (balance sheet) value of £300,000. Demand for the product has been fairly stable, and output has been maintained at 50,000 units a year in recent years. The following data, based on the current level of output, have been prepared in respect of the product:

                                                                                 Per unit

                                                                            £                  £

        Selling price                                                                    12.40

        Less

        Labour                                                        3.30

        Materials                                                     3.65

        Overheads: Variable                                     1.58

                          Fixed                                         1.60

                                                                                             10.13

         Profit                                                                              2.27

Although the existing equipment is expected to last for a further four years before it is sold for an estimated £40,000, the business has recently been considering purchasing new equipment that would completely automate much of the production process. The new equipment would cost £670,000 and would have an expected life of four years, at the end of which it would be sold for an estimated £70,000. If the new equipment is purchased, the old equipment could be sold for £150,000 immediately. The assistant to the business's accountant has prepared a report to help assess the viability of the proposed change, which includes the following data:

Per unit

                                                                            £                  £

        Selling price                                                                    12.40

        Less

        Labour                                                        1.20

        Materials                                                     3.20

        Overheads: Variable                                     1.40

                          Fixed                                         3.30

                                                                                              9.10

         Profit                                                                              3.30

The figures shown above that relate to the proposed change are based on the current level of output and take account of a depreciation charge of £150,000 a year in respect of the new equipment. The effect of purchasing the new equipment will be to increase the net profit to sales ratio from 18.3 per cent to 26.6 per cent. In addition, the purchase of the new equipment will enable us to reduce our inventories level immediately by £130,000. In view of these facts. I recommend purchase of the new equipment. The business has a cost of capital of 12 per cent. Ignore taxation.

Required:

(a) Prepare a statement of the incremental cash flows arising from the purchase of the new equipment.

(b) Calculate the net present value of the proposed purchase of new equipment.

(c) State, with reasons, whether the business should purchase the new equipment.

(d) Explain why cash flow forecasts are used rather than profit forecasts to assess the viability of proposed capital expenditure projects.