Blaine Corporation is considering replacing a technologically obsolete machine with a new state-of-the-art numerically controlled machine. The new machine would cost $320,000 and would have a sixteen-year useful life. Unfortunately, the new machine would have no salvage value. The new machine would cost $54,000 per year to operate and maintain, but would save $95,000 per year in labor and other costs. The old machine can be sold now for scrap for $32,000. The simple rate of return on the new machine is closest to: (Ignore income taxes in this problem.)

a. 14.58%

b. 6.56%

c. 29.69%

d. 7.29%