Suppose we are thinking about replacing an old computer with a new one. The old one cost
Question:
Suppose we are thinking about replacing an old computer with a new one. The old one cost us $344,000; the new one will cost $371,000. The new machine will be depreciated straight-line to zero over its five-year life. It will probably be worth about $36,000 after five years. The old computer is being depreciated at a rate of $32,000 per year. It will be completely written off in three years. If we don’t replace it now, we will have to replace it in two years. We can sell it now for $132,000; in two years, it will probably be worth $20,000. The new machine will save us $55,000 per year in operating costs. The tax rate is 21 percent and the discount rate is 11 percent.
a. Suppose we recognize that if we don’t replace the computer now, we will be replacing it in two years. Should we replace it now or should we wait?
b. Suppose we only consider whether or not we should replace the old computer now without worrying about what’s going to happen in two years. What are the relevant cash flows? Should we replace it or not?
Step by Step Answer:
Corporate Finance Core Principles And Applications
ISBN: 9781260571127
6th Edition
Authors: Stephen Ross, Randolph Westerfield, Jeffrey Jaffe, Bradford Jordan