Blaine Corporation is considering replacing a technologically obsolete machine with a new state-of-the-art numerically controlled machine. The new machine would cost $140,000 and would have a fourteen-year useful life. Unfortunately, the new machine would have no salvage value. The new machine would cost $18,000 per year to operate and maintain, but would save $48,000 per year in labor and other costs. The old machine can be sold now for scrap for $14,000. The simple rate of return on the new machine is closest to: (Ignore income taxes in this problem.)

14.29%

34.29%

31.75%

15.87%