Vista Corporation currently processes food products with a machine it purchased several years ago. The machine, which originally cost $600,000, currently has a book value of $300,000. Vista is considering replacing the machine with a newer, more efficient one. The new machine will cost $800,000 and will require an additional $200,000 for delivery and installation. The new machine will also require Vista to increase its investment in receivables and inventory by $80,000. The new machine will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over five years to a zero balance. Vista expects to sell the existing machine for $400,000. Vista's marginal tax rate is 38 percent and the discount rate for Vista is 12 percent.
If Vista purchases the new machine, annual revenues are expected to increase by $125,000 and annual operating costs (exclusive of depreciation) are expected to decrease by $30,000. Annual revenue and operating costs are expected to remain constant at this new level over the five-year life of the project. After five years, the new machine will be completely depreciated and is expected to be sold for $100,000. (Assume that the existing unit is being depreciated at a rate of $60,000 per year.)
Determine the payback period for this project.
Using net present value recommend whether or not Vista should purchase the new machine.