Denny Corporation is considering replacing a technologically obsolete machine with a new state-of-the-art numerically controlled machine. The new machine would cost $130,000 and would have a ten-year useful life. Unfortunately, the new machine would have no salvage value. The new machine would cost $16,000 per year to operate and maintain, but would save $46,000 per year in labor and other costs. The old machine can be sold now for scrap for $13,000. The simple rate of return on the new machine is closest to (Ignore income taxes.):

The simple rate of return on the new machine is closest to 14.53%.

Explanation:

Assuming a straight-line depreciation method, we have:

Annual deprecation = Cost of the new machine / Useful life = $130,000 / 10 = $13,000

Net annual benefit = Annual saving - Annual operating and maintenance cost - Annual deprecation = $46,000 - $16,000 - $13,000 = $17,000

Net investment = Cost of the new machine - Scrap value of the old machine = $130,000 - $13,000 = $117,000

Simple rate of return on the new machine = Net annual benefit / Net investment = $17,000 / $117,000 = 0.1453, or 14.53%

Therefore, the simple rate of return on the new machine is closest to 14.53%.

there was no passage listed but using the process of elimination i'd say it was d. the high economy would do the opposite. i don't see how low prices would affect it. high unemployment is possible but i feel d is the better answer.