An airline is considering the purchase of an Airbus A-320neo which offers improved fuel efficiency over the previous generation of narrow-body aircraft.
The finance department estimates the aircraft will generate a positive net cash flow of $6 million in the first year increasing by 5% annually owing to the aircraft's fuel efficiency.
The airline plans to operate the aircraft for 15 years, then selling it in year 16 for an estimated net cash price of $30 million.
The airline targets a return on invested capital of 12% annually (use this rate rather than the interest rate to discount future cash flows).
What is the maximum price the airline should be willing to pay for a new A-320neo?