Answer:
Since the present value of plan 3 is the lowest ($14,698,697), then that is the best payment option. Â Â
Explanation:
Time                Plan 1          Plan 2           Plan 3
Today              $2,112,000         $0         $3,168,000
1 year from now     $6,864,000      $11,484,000        $0
2 years from now    $6,864,000         $0         $10,032,000
3 years from now    $6,864,000      $11,484,000    $10,032,000
To determine which plan is better, we must calculate the present value of the cash flows and then choose the payment plan with the lowest value. We can use the excel PV function (r = 16%):
PV Plan 1 = $15,110,160 Â
PV Plan 2 = $14,876,994 Â
PV Plan 3 = $14,698,697
Since the present value of plan 3 is lowest, then that is the best payment option. Â Â