Payback Period, Net Present Value Analysis, and Qualitative Considerations The plant manager of Shannon Electronics Company is considering the purchase of new automated assembly equipment. The new equipment will cost $135,000. The manager believes that the new investment will result in direct labor savings of $45,000 per year for 10 years. a. What is the payback period on this project? years b. What is the net present value, assuming a 12% rate of return? Use the table provided below. If required, enter a negative net present value using a minus sign. Net present value: $ c. The manager's analysis should also consider all of the following items except