Lota Ltd used discounted cash-flow techniques to evaluate capital expenditure projects. They are contemplating the acquisition of a machine at a cost of R234 000.The probabilities of its life expectancy are as follows:

10 years 0.2

11 years 0.5

12 years 0.3

For a premium which will be payable in addition to the purchase price, the supplier of the machine is prepared to guarantee that the machine will last at least 11 years.

The machine produces a single product with a selling price of R12 per unit and variable cost of production of R7 per unit.

The probabilities of the following production volumes are:

5 000 units per annum 0.1

6 000 units per annum 0.3

7 000 units per annum 0.6

The present value of R1 per annum at the company's screening rate for capital projects is as follows:

10 years R6.71

11 years R7.13

12 years R7.52

Required:

a) Advise Lota Ltd on whether they should acquire the machine. (14marks)

b) Calculate how much Lota Ltd can afford to pay by way of a premium in the first year for a guarantee that the machine will last 11 years. (6marks)