1. 1
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 1
Chapter 8 - Rate of Return
Analysis: Multiple Alternatives
INEN 303
Sergiy Butenko
Industrial & Systems Engineering
Texas A&M University
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 2
Chapter 8 – Rate of Return Analysis:
Multiple Alternatives
„ Why Incremental Analysis?
„ Incremental Cash Flows
„ Interpretation
„ Incremental ROR by PW
„ Incremental ROR by AW
„ Multiple Alternatives
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 3
Why incremental analysis?
„ In some cases, ROR analysis does not provide
the same ranking of alternatives as do PW or AW
analyses.
„ Using incremental cash flow ROR analysis will try
to avoid ranking inconsistency.
5 years
1 year
Life
201.14
116
Revenue at the end of life
$100
$100
Initial Cost
Alt B
Alt A
Example: MARR = 10% per year
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 4
Why incremental analysis?
„ PW Analysis (using LCM of lives = 5 years):
‰ One cycle of A: -100 + 116(P/F,10%,1) = 5.45
‰ PWA = 5.45 + 5.45(P/A,10%,4) = 22.74
‰ PWB = -100 + 201.14(P/F,10%,5) = 24.89 will choose B
■ ROR Analysis: (using LCM of 5 years)
– RORA: 0 = -100 + 16(P/A,i*,5) +100(P/F,i*,5)
– solving for i* we get i*=16%
– RORB: 0 = -100 + 201.14(P/F,i*,5)
– solving for i* we get i*=15%
will choose A
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 5
Why incremental analysis?
„ We have inconsistent rankings. Why?
‰ PW assumes reinvestment at the MARR (or
given interest rate)
‰ ROR assumes reinvestment at the ROR, i*
‰ So we have two different reinvestment
assumptions
„ Use incremental cash flow for ROR
analysis.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 6
Incremental cash flow for ROR analysis
Format:
n
…
1
$
$
$
0
Incremental
cash flow
= B- A
Cash flow
Alternative B
Cash flow
Alternative A
Year
Use LCM of lives
(or) study period,
if specified
As a convention, assume
B has the larger initial
investment
Incremental CF at 0 will be
negative in this format
2. 2
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 7
Incremental cash flow for ROR analysis
„ Example 8.1:
Machine A Machine B
Initial cost - $15,000 Initial cost - $21,000
Operating cost - $8200/yr Operating cost - $7000/yr
5% salvage value 5% salvage value
25-year life 25-year life
Create the Incremental Cash Flow Table.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 8
Incremental cash flow for ROR analysis
„ Example 8.1, Solution:
Cash Flow Inc. Cash Flow
Year Machine A Machine B B-A
0 -15,000 -21,000 -6,000
1-25 -8,200 -7,000 1,200
25 750 1,050 300
Total -219,250 -194,950 24,300
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 9
Incremental cash flow for ROR analysis
„ Example 8.2:
Type A Type B
Initial cost - $70,000 Initial cost - $95,000
AOC - $9000 AOC - $7000
Salvage Value - $5000 Salvage Value - $10,000
8-year life 12-year life
Create the Incremental Cash Flow Table.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis:
Multiple Alternatives
10
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 11
Interpretation
The question is:
Is it worth spending additional $(B-A) to move from
investment A to investment B?
Compute ROR of the incremental investment, ∆i*B-A, to see…
If the ROR of the incremental cash flow equals
or exceeds the MARR, the alternative
associated with the extra investment should be
selected.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 12
Example 8.3 (MARR = 10%):
-7,000
-2,000
5,000
4
-15,000
25,000
40,000
3
10,000
30,000
20,000
2
25,000
10,000
-15,000
1
$-20,000
-50,000
$-30,000
0
B- A
B
A
Year
PWA = $6,360,22
PWB = $1,301.14
RORA = 16.36%
RORB = 11.33%
RORB-A is infeasible (not positive) (see Excel file ch8)
So both feasible to
be considered.
Conclusion: the incremental investment is not justified: select A
Interpretation
3. 3
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 13
Incremental ROR by PW
INDEPENDENT - Selection of one alternative
does not effect the selection of others.
MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE - Selection of one
alternative precludes the selection of
others.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 14
Incremental ROR by PW Equation
„ Mutually Exclusive Alternatives:
‰ Required elements
1. Incremental cash flow series
2. LCM of lives
‰ It is generally advisable to use PW or AW at
MARR when multiple rates are indicated.
‰ If ∆i*B-A < MARR then select A, else select B.
„ Independent Projects:
‰ No incremental investment comparison
needed. Select all projects with ROR ≥
MARR.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 15
Incremental ROR by PW
Procedure
1. Order the alternatives by initial investment cost with the larger one
being alternative B.
2. Develop the cash flow and incremental cash flow series over the
LCM of lives.
3. Draw an incremental cash flow diagram, if needed.
4. Count the number of sign changes in the incremental cash flow
series to determine if multiple ROR may be present. If necessary,
use Norstrom’s criterion on the cumulative incremental cash flow
series to determine if a single positive root exists.
5. Set up the PW equation for the incremental cash flows and
determine ∆i*B-A.
6. Select the economically better alternative as follows:
If ∆i*B-A < MARR, select alternative A.
If ∆i*B-A > MARR, the extra investment is justified; select
alternative B.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 16
„ Example 8.4: Given the following information on
Verizon’s choices for an equipment vendor,
determine which vendor should be selected if MARR
is 15% per year (Excel file ch8).
Vendor A Vendor B
Initial Cost, $ -8,000 -13,000
Annual Costs, $ -3,500 -1,600
Salvage Value, $ 0 2,000
Life, years 10 5
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 17
„ Example 8.4, Solution: (also see p284-286)
Incremental Cash Flow Table:
Year CF A CF B Inc. CF Cum. Inc. CF
0 -8000 -13,000 -5000 -5000
1 -3500 -1600 1900 -3100
2 -3500 -1600 1900 -1200
3 -3500 -1600 1900 700
4 -3500 -1600 1900 2600
5 -3500 -1600 1900 4500
5 - 2000
-13,000 -11,000 -6500
6 -3500 -1600 1900 -4600
7 -3500 -1600 1900 -2700
8 -3500 -1600 1900 -800
9 -3500 -1600 1900 1100
10 -3500 -1600 1900 3000
10 - 2000 2000 5000
Total -43,000 -38,000 5000 10000
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 18
„ Example 8.4, Solution (continue):
Number of roots analysis:
Descarte’s rule:
Number of sign changes: 3 Î At most 3 roots
Norstrom’s rule: Number of sign changes of
cumulative incremental cash flow: 3 Î so not
applicable.
4. 4
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 19
Example 8.4, Solution (continued):
Use the ROR equation based on PW of the incremental cash flow.
0 = -5000 + 1900(P/A, ∆i,10) – 11,000(P/F, ∆i,5) + 2000(P/F, ∆i,10)
Assume the reinvestment rate is equal to the resulting ∆i*B-A.
Solve for ∆i using trial/error, etc. ∆i = 12.65%
Note: In theory, there are three roots to the equation, however, there
is only one (12.65%) falling in the practically reasonable range. For
example, the other one is –216%, falling out of the range of
acceptable range of i* ( [-100%, +infinity)).
Since the ROR of 12.65% on the extra investment is less than the
15% MARR, the lower-cost vendor A is selected.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 20
Example 8.4, Solution (continue):
Breakeven ROR Interpretation
For MARR<12.65%, vendor B is justified.
For MARR>12.65%, vendor A is selected.
If MARR=12.65%, the alternatives are equally
attractive.
This analysis assumes that PWB-A(i) > 0 for i < ∆i*B-A and
PWB-A(i) < 0 for i > ∆i*B-A so that ROR analysis is
consistent with PW analysis at MARR
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 21
Incremental ROR by PW
The ∆i* can be interpreted as the breakeven rate of
return value.
∆i* %
PW for
incremental
cash
flows, $
Select B for
MARR in this
range
Select A for
MARR in this
range
Breakeven ∆i*
0
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 22
Incremental ROR by PW
Example 8.5
IBM is considering buying a chip placement
machine. The machine cost 260K with annual
operating expense 25K and a salvage value of
25K after 10 years. A slightly used machine is
available for 150K with annual operating expense
of 40K and a salvage value of 20K after 10 years.
Which machine should be selected if MARR is
10% per year.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 23
Incremental ROR by PW
Example 8.5, Solution: PW Analysis
year Alt A Alt B B-A
0 -150K -260K -110K
1-10 -40K -25K 15K
10 20K 25K 5K
PW = -110 + 15 (P/A, 0.1,10) + 5 (P/F, 0.1, 10)
= -110 + 92.20 + 1.76 < 0
additional investment is not justified
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 24
Example 8.5, Solution (continue):
ROR ANALYSIS:
-110 + 15(P/A, i*, 10) + 5(P/F, i*, 10) = 0
By trial and error, i* = 6.60 < 10%
Additional investment is not justified
5. 5
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 25
Conclusion:
If the ROR method is used to evaluate two or more
alternatives, use the incremental cash flow and ∆i* to
make the decision between alternatives.
Incremental ROR by PW
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 26
Using the AW relation, there are two
equivalent ways for ROR analysis:
1. Use incremental cash flows over the LCM of
alternative lives
OR
2. Use actual cash flows for one life cycle,
ROR evaluation by AW
0 = AWB-A
0 = AWB -AWA
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 27
„ Determine ∆i*B-A·
„ Select the economically better alternative
as follows:
If ∆i*B-A < MARR, select alternative A.
If ∆i*B-A > MARR, the extra investment
is justified; select alternative B.
Note: The same assumptions still exist.
ROR evaluation by AW
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 28
Example 8.6: Two machines are being considered
for purchase. If MARR is 10%, which machine
should be bought?
ROR evaluation by AW
12
6
Useful life, in years
150
50
Salvage value
120
95
Annual benefit
$700
$200
Initial cost
Machine B
Machine A
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 29
a) Use incremental cash flows with LCM of lives=12 years
0 = AWB-A
= -500(A/P,∆i*,12)+25+
+ 150(P/F,∆i*,6)(A/P,∆i*,12) +
+ 100(A/F,∆i*,12)
1.32%
14.32%
43.26%
ROR
125
270
145
12
25
120
95
11
25
120
95
10
25
120
95
9
25
120
95
8
25
120
95
7
175
120
-55
6
25
120
95
5
25
120
95
4
25
120
95
3
25
120
95
2
25
120
95
1
-500
-700
-200
0
B-A
B
A
Year
-55= (95+50-200), since it is
beginning of second cycle
Salvage value added
Solve for ∆i*, ∆i*=1.32%
Select Machine A
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 30
b) Use actual cash flows for one life cycle.
Set
0 = AWB -AWA
And solve for i*, i*=1.32%
AWA = -200(A/P,i*,6) + 95 + 50(A/F,i*,6)
AWB = -700(A/P,i*,12) + 120 + 150(A/F,i*,12)
Select Machine A
6. 6
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 31
ROR evaluation by AW
„ Example 8.7: Given the following information on
Verizon’s choices for an equipment vendor,
determine which vendor should be selected if MARR
is 15% per year.
Vendor A Vendor B
Initial Cost, $ -8,000 -13,000
Annual Costs, $ -3,500 -1,600
Salvage Value, $ 0 2,000
Life, years 10 5
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 32
ROR evaluation by AW
„ Example 8.7, Solution:
AWA = -8,000(A/P,i,10) – 3,500
AWB = -13,000(A/P,i,5) + 2,000(A/F,i,5) – 1,600
AWB - AWA = 0
-13,000(A/P,i,5) + 2,000(A/F,i,5) + 8,000(A/P,i,10) +1,900 = 0
Using trial and error, i* = 12.65% < MARR
ÎSelect vendor A.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 33
Multiple Alternatives (more than two)
„ Compute i* for each alternative
individually and discard those with i* <
MARR.
„ Do incremental pairwise comparison for
the accepted alternatives in order of
smallest-to-largest initial investment.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 34
Multiple Alternatives
For example, suppose there are six alternatives to evaluate:
Alternative: A B C D E F
ROR: i*A i*B i*C i*D i*E i*F
Suppose only i*A, i*C, i*D, i*F >= MARR, so discard B and E.
Sort by decreasing initial investment, suppose the result is:
C(smallest cost) A D F(largest cost)
better
better
Best of four alternatives
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 35
Multiple Alternatives
Example 8.8: Four Alternative Building Locations
A B C D _
Initial Cost, $ -200,000 -275,000 -190,000 -350,000
Annual CF, $ 22,000 35,000 19,500 42,000
Life, years 30 30 30 30
MARR = 10%
Use incremental ROR AW analysis to select the best location.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 36
Multiple Alternatives
Example 8.8, Solution:
1. The alternatives are ordered by increasing initial cost.
2. Compare C with DN (Do-Nothing).
0 = -190,000 + 19,500(P/A, ∆i*,30)
∆i*= 9.61% < MARR; Location C eliminated.
Now, compare A with DN.
∆i*= 10.44% > MARR; DN eliminated.
Location A-defender; Location B-challenger
7. 7
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 37
Example 8.8, Solution (cont.):
3. Compare B with A.
0 = -275,000 – (-200,000) + (35,000-22,000)(P/A, ∆i*,30)
Î (P/A, ∆i*, 30) = 5.7692
Î ∆i*=17.18%. > MARR,
so Alternative B is justified incrementally; A eliminated.
4. Compare D with B.
0 = -75,000 + 7000(P/A, ∆i*,30)
P/A value = 10.7143, ∆i*=8.53% < MARR
Location D eliminated; only Location B remains.
Location B is selected.
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 38
C A B D _
Initial Cost, $ -190,000 -200,000 -275,000 -350,000
CF, $ 19,500 22,000 35,000 42,000
Compared C to DN A to DN B to A D to B
Incr. Cost, $ -190,000 -200,000 -75,000 -75,000
Incr. CF, $ 19,500 22,000 13,000 7000
(P/A,∆i*,30) 9.7436 9.0909 5.7692 10.7143
∆i*, % 9.61 10.44 17.18 8.53
Incr. Justified? No Yes Yes No
Alt. Selected DN A B B
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 39
Multiple Alternatives
EXAMPLE 8.9 : A pipeline is to be laid, the cost for the
various size pipe are shown below. MARR is 8% and
the life of the pipeline is 15 years.
A B C D E
Initial Cost 9,180 10,510 13,180 15,850 30,530
Installation 600 800 1,400 1,500 2,000
Ann. Cost 6,000 5,800 5,200 4,900 4,800
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 40
Example 8.9, Solution:
A vs. B (i.e B-A)
Initial Cost - 11,310 + 9,780 = -1,530
Ann. Cost - 5,800 + 6,000 = 200
0 = 200(P/A, i*, 15) - 1530
(P/A, i*, 15) = 7.65
(P/A, .08, 15) = 8.56, therefore, i* > 8%
A is removed and B is the new defender
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 41
Example 8.9, Solution (continue):
B vs. C
Initial Cost 11,310 - 14,580 = -3270
Ann. Cost 5800 - 5200 = 600
0 = 600(P|A, i*, 15) - 3270
(P/A, i*, 15) = 5.45 < 8.56 = (P/A, .08, 15)
B is removed and C is the new defender
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 42
Example 8.9, Solution (continue):
C vs. D
Initial Cost 14,580 - 17,350 = -2,770
Ann. Cost 5,200 - 4,900 = 300
0 = 300 (P|A, i*, 15) - 2770
(P/A, i*, 15) = 9.23 > 8.56 = (P/A, .08, 15)
D is removed and C is the defender
8. 8
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 43
Example 8.9, Solution (continue):
C vs. E
Initial Cost 14,580 - 32,530 = -17,950
Ann. Cost 5200 - 4800 = 400
0 = 400 (P|A, i*, 15) - 17,950
(P/A, i*, 15) = 44.87 > 8.56 = (P/A, .08, 15)
C is the successful final alternative
Chapter 8 Rate of Return Analysis: Multiple
Alternatives 44
Example 8.9, Solution (continue):
PW(A) = -9,780 - (P/A, .08, 15) 6,000 = -61,137
PW(B) = -11,310 - (P/A, .08, 15) 5,800 = -60,955
PW(C) = -14,580 - (P/A, .08, 15) 5,200 = -59,089
PW(D) = -17,350 - (P/A, .08, 15) 4,900 = -59,291
PW(E) = -32,530 - (P/A, .08, 15) 4,800 = -73,615
Choose Largest PW, Alternative C