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Amtrak Executive Summary

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Executive Summary
Statement of the Problem As a result of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act (ARAA) passed by Congress in 1997, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) will no longer receive federal subsidies to cover operational expenses after 2002. Amtrak has determined that differentiating its northeastern services with a new high-speed line, Acela, which will require $750 million (MM) for fifteen locomotives and 20 train set, is the best way to generate revenues to cover operating expenses once the company loses federal subsidies. It is April 30, 1999 and Arlene Friner, CFO of Amtrak, has already arranged the financing of all of the equipment save for six locomotives and seven train sets that will cost $267.9 MM. She has been tasked with determining the additional financing for this equipment, either by using precious federal funding available for capex, borrowing funds and buying the assets, or agreeing to a levered lease agreement with BNY Capital Funding LLC (BNYCF).
Discussion
Amtrak should discard the alternative of accepting federal funds available for capex. This alternative has been deemed “premium and precious” and should only be used for projects that cannot be cost-effectively financed including safety, right-of-way and infrastructure related projects, and major overhauls. The Acela equipment purchase does not fall in one of these categories and the company should pocket this option and consider its other two financing options: levered lease or borrow and buy.
The company should pursue the levered lease agreement with BNYCF for a number of reasons. First of all, it is the lowest cost alternative. The company has never had positive net-income and will not have to pay taxes until it has achieves such. Assuming Amtrak does not have to pay taxes during the financing of this project, the present value $220.26 MM financing

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