Santosh Plastics Inc. purchased a new machine one year ago at a cost of $105,000. Although the machine operates well and has five more years of operating life, the president of Santosh Plastics is wondering if the company should replace it with a new electronic machine that has just come on the market.

The new machine costs $157,500 and is expected to slash the current annual operating costs of $73,500 by two-thirds. The new machine is expected to last for five years, with zero salvage value at the end of five years. The current machine can be sold for $17,500 if the company decides to buy the new machine.The company uses straight-line depreciation.

In trying to decide whether to purchase the new machine, the president has prepared the following analysis:

Book value of the old machine $87,500

Less: Salvage value17,500

Net loss from disposal $70,000

"Even though the new machine looks good," said the president, "we can't get rid of that old machine if it means taking a huge loss on it. We'll have to use the old machine for at least a few more years."

Sales are expected to be $367,500 per year, and selling and administrative expenses are expected to be $220,500 per year, regardless of which machine is used.

QUESTION:

3. What is the minimum saving in annual operating costs that must be achieved in order for the president to consider buying the new machine?