BRT Co (6/11, amended)
The following scenario relates to questions 159–163.
BRT Co has developed a new confectionery line that can be sold for $5.00 per box and that is expected to have continuing popularity for many years. The finance director has proposed that investment in the new product should be evaluated over a four-year time-horizon, even though sales would continue after the fourth year, on the grounds that cash flows after four years are too uncertain to be included.
The variable cost (in current price terms) will depend on sales volume, as follows.
Sales volume (boxes) Less than 1 million 1–1.9 million 2–2.9 million 3–3.9 million
Variable cost ($ per box) 2.80 3.00 3.00 3.05
Forecast sales volumes are as follows.
Year 1 2 3 4
Demand (boxes) 0.7 million 1.6 million 2.1 million 3.0 million
Tax
Tax-allowable depreciation on a 25% reducing balance basis could be claimed on the cost of equipment. Profit tax of 30% per year will be payable one year in arrears. A balancing allowance would be claimed in the fourth year of operation.
Inflation
The average general level of inflation is expected to be 3% per year for the selling price and variable costs. BRT Co uses a nominal after-tax cost of capital of 12% to appraise new investment projects.
A trainee accountant at BRT Co has started a spreadsheet to calculate the net present value (NPV) of a proposed new project.

164. What is the sales figure for Year 2 (cell D3 in the spreadsheet), to the nearest $’000? $