Lawson, Inc., is expanding its manufacturing plant, which requires an investment of $4 million in new equipment and plant modifications. Lawsons sales are expected to increase by $3 million per year as a result of the expansion. Cash investment in current assets averages 30% of sales; accounts payable and other current liabilities are 10% of sales. What is the estimated total investment for this expansion?

Answer (C) is correct. The investment required includes increases in working capital (e.g., additional receivables and inventories resulting from the acquisition of a new manufacturing plant). The additional working capital is an initial cost of the investment, but one that will be recovered (i.e., it has a salvage value equal to its initial cost). Lawson can use current liabilities to fund assets to the extent of 10% of sales. Thus, the total initial cash outlay will be $4.6 million {$4 million + [(30% 10%) $3 million sales]}.