Tabletop Ranches Inc. is considering the purchase of a new helicopter for $400,000. The firm's old helicopter has a book value of $90,000, but can only be sold for $60,000. It was being depreciated at the rate of $13,500 per year for four more years under an old depreciation method.
The new helicopter will be depreciated using the 5-year MACRS schedule. It is expected to save $75,000 after taxes through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Tabletop Ranch is in the 34% tax bracket and has a 12% cost of capital. Assume a six-year time horizon.
a) Calculate the cash inflows from selling the old helicopter.
b) Calculate the net cost of the new helicopter.
c) Calculate the incremental depreciation for the new helicopter.
d) Calculate the net cash flows for the purchase.
e) Calculate the net present value of the helicopter purchase and state whether or not the firm should buy it.