MAKE IT EASIER This is a problem with mutually exclusive projects. You only have to do the net present value method, so you can evaluate the projects separately, or you can combine them. But if you evaluate them separately, the answer you submit must be the difference in the two net present values (see the directions for the correct sign to use). As you determine the cash flows, make sure that you use the correct project life and that you treat the current disposal value of the current machines properly.

The Lansing Community College registrar's office is considering replacing some Canon copiers with faster copiers purchased from Kodak. The office's 4 Canon machines are expected to last 5 more years. They can each be sold immediately for $1,100; their resale value in 5 years will be zero. The Canon machines require 4 operators; they are paid $7.80 an hour each and work 38 hours a week and 51 weeks a year. The machines break down periodically, resulting in annual repair costs of $1,020 for each machine. The cost of supplies for each machine will be $960 a year. The total cost of the new Kodak equipment will be $119,000. The equipment will have a life of 5 years and a total disposal value at that time of $2,300. The Kodak system will require only 2 regular operators. Kodak has offered the college a maintenance contract that covers all machine breakdowns; the cost of the contract is $960 per year. The cost of supplies for all the machines combined will be $3,480 a year. Required Assuming a discount rate of 10%, compute the difference between the net present value if the registrar's office keeps the Canon copiers and the net present value if it buys the Kodak copiers. [Note: If your results favor keeping the Canon copiers, enter your net present value difference as a positive number; if your results favor buying the Kodak copiers, enter your net present value difference as a negative number.]