Dragon Inc. a NJ based construction firm is evaluating whether to replace an aging machine with a new model. For the old machine, next year maintenance will cost $1,500, and those costs will double each year. The old machine could be sold today for $4,000 but resale value will decline 50% per year. A new machine model costs $12,000, lasts for 5 years and costs $900/year to maintain. After 5 years the new model could be sold for $1,500. Revenue from Machine is about $8000 annually. If r = 12% and we ignore taxes; should Dragon Inc. replace the old machine? If so, when should it do it?

Should Dragon Inc. replace the old machine? It should replace the old machine.

If so, when should it do it? In the current accounting period.

We need to perform a relevant cost analysis:

Keep the machine CASHFLOW:

F0 = $0

F1 = $1500 maintenance

F2 = $3,000 maintenance

F3 = $6,000 maintenance

F4 = $12,000 maintenance

F5 =$24,000 maintenance + 250 resale value

replace the machine CASHFLOW:

F0 = -12,000 purchase + 4,000 sale of old machine = -800

F1 = $900 maintenance

F2 = $900 maintenance

F3 = $900 maintenance

F4 = $900 maintenance

F5 =$900 maintenance + 1,500 resale value

As revenues are the same for each machine, we ignore them. We will only focus on the cost each machine generate:

We solve for the present worth of each machine with a discount rate of 12%

As the present worth of the new machine is lower, the best decision for the company is to purchase the new machine and sale the old machine.

Delaying this will incur in higher maintenance cost (1,500 - 900)

and a lower recovery value (4,000 - 2,000)

As there is no cost saving for delaying the purchase, it should be made immediately.

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