The management of Ro Corporation is investigating automating a process. Old equipment, with a current salvage value of $15,000, would be replaced by a new machine. The new machine would be purchased for $450,000 and would have a 6 year useful life and no salvage value. By automating the process, the company would save $155,000 per year in cash operating costs. The simple rate of return on the investment is closest to (Ignore income taxes.):

• 18.4%

• 17.8%

• 34.4%

• 16.7%