Problem 13-5 Depreciation Methods

Wendy's boss wants to use straight-line depreciation for the new expansion project because he said it will give higher net income in earlier years and give him a larger bonus. The project will last 4 years and requires $700,000 of equipment. The company could use either straight-line or the 3-year MACRS accelerated method. Under straight-line depreciation, the cost of the equipment would be depreciated evenly over its 4-year life (ignore the half-year convention for the straight-line method). The applicable MACRS depreciation rates are 33.33%, 44.45%, 14.81%, and 7.41%. The company's WACC is 9%, and its tax rate is 50%.

1. What would the depreciation expense be each year under each method?

   Year	Scenario 1 (Straight Line)	Scenario 2 (MACRS)
   1	$	$
   2	$	$
   3	$	$
   4	$	$

2. How much higher would it be? Round your answer to the nearest dollar. $

3. Why might Wendy's boss prefer straight-line depreciation?