The Gizmo Company is planning to develop new household gadgets. Table 13.5 shows the

Chapter 13, Problem 3

(choose chapter or problem)

The Gizmo Company is planning to develop new household gadgets. Table 13.5 shows the companys demand for financial capital for research and development of these gadgets, based on expected rates of return from sales. Now, say that every investment would have an additional 5% social benefitthat is, an investment that pays at least a 6% return to the Gizmo Company will pay at least an 11% return for society as a whole; an investment that pays at least 7% for the Gizmo Company will pay at least 12% for society as a whole, and so on. Answer the questions that follow based on this information. Estimated Rate of Return Private profits of the firm from an R&D project (in $ millions) 10% $100 9% $102 8% $108 7% $118 6% $133 5% $153 4% $183 3% $223 Table 13.5 a. If the going interest rate is 9%, how much will Gizmo invest in R&D if it receives only the private benefits of this investment? b. Assume that the interest rate is still 9%. How much will the firm invest if it also receives the social benefits of its investment? (Add an additional 5% return on all levels of investment.)