Problem:
To finance some manufacturing tools it needs for the next 3 years, Waldrop Corporation is considering a leasing arrangement. The tools will be obsolete and worthless after 3 years. The firm will depreciate the cost of the tools on a straight-line basis over their 3-year life. It can borrow $4,800,000, the purchase price, at 10% and buy the tools, or it can make 3 equal end-of-year lease payments of $2,100,000 each and lease them. The loan obtained from the bank is a 3-year simple interest loan, with interest paid at the end of each year (note: simple interest means that the borrower pays only interest during the life of the loan and repays the principal at maturity, just like a bond). The firm's tax rate is 40%. Annual maintenance costs associated with ownership are estimated at $240,000, but this cost would be borne by the lessor if it leases.
Required:
Question: What is the net advantage to leasing (NAL), in thousands?
Note: Please show the work not just the answer.