Question 1: Mercy Medical Mega Center, a tax paying entity, has made the decision to purchase a new laser surgical device. The device costs $500,000 and will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over five years to a zero salvage value. Mercy Medical could borrow the full amount at a12% rate for five years. The after-tax cost of debt equals 8%. Alternatively, it could lease the device for five years. The before tax lease payments per year would be $90,000. The tax rate is 35%. From a financial perspective, should Mercy lease the surgical device or borrow the money to purchase it? Show your work.
Question 2: Blackmore Health System is considering a new orthopedic center. The building and equipment for the new center will cost $7M. The new orthopedic center expects to generate net operating cash flows of $500,000, $1.5 million, $ 3 million, $4.5 million and $5.5 million over the next five years. The cost of capital is 7%. Use the NPV and IRR approaches to determine if this project should be undertaken. Show your work.