Capital Budgeting
Precision Instruments operates a machine that was purchased at a cost of $580,000 three years ago. Its current market value is $240,000 less than the original purchase price. An improved version of the equipment is now available for $600,000. The firm has spent $20,000 on a study examining the feasibility of replacing the old machine with the new and found that the new machine is capable of performing the same functions as the old one. Both machines belong to CCA class 10 (CCA rate = 30%) and have an expected remaining useful life of four years, but while the older machine will be worth only $60,000 by that time, the new machine can be sold for $250,000 in four years. Management believes that the company will have other class 10 assets in four years when the new equipment would be sold. The cost of operating the old machine is expected to be $100,000 next year (i.e. t = 1) with this cost increasing at 4% per year over the next three years. Management estimates that the cost of operating the new machine will be $50,000 in its first year of operation (i.e. t = 1) and will increase at the same rate as the old machine. In addition, the more efficient new machine will immediately reduce the amount of net working capital (NWC) required by $30,000. The firm’s marginal corporate tax rate is 35% and the required rate of return is 12%. Should the firm replace the machine?