East West Distributing Is in the Process of Trying to Determine

question 78

Essay

East West Distributing is in the process of trying to determine where they should schedule next year's production of a popular line of kitchen utensils that they distribute. Manufacturers in four different countries have submitted bids to East West. However, a pending trade bill in Congress will greatly affect the cost to East West due to proposed tariffs, favorable trading status, etc.
After careful analysis, East West has determined the following cost breakdown for the four manufacturers (in $1,000's) based on whether or not the trade bill passes: ​
a.
If East West estimates that there is a 40% chance of the bill passing, which country should they choose for manufacturing?
b.
Over what range of values for the "bill passing" will the solution in part (a) remain optimal?

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Definitions:

Straight-line Method

A method of accounting for depreciation that allocates an asset's cost evenly over its useful life.

Called Bonds

Bonds that an issuer redeems before their maturity date at a specified call price.

Callable Bonds

Bonds that can be redeemed (called) by the issuer prior to their maturity date, typically at a premium above their par value.

Interest Payable

The amount of interest expense that has been incurred but not yet paid by a company, typically related to loans or credit.