Waterways puts much emphasis on cash flow when it plans for capital investments. The company chose its discount rate of 9% based on the rate of return it must pay its owners and creditors. Using that rate, Waterways then uses different methods to determine the best decisions for making capital outlays.

This year Waterways is considering buying five new backhoes to replace the backhoes it now has. The new backhoes are faster, cost less to run, provide for more accurate trench digging, have comfort features for the operators, and have 1-year maintenance agreements to go with them. The old backhoes are working just fine, but they do require considerable maintenance. The backhoe operators are very familiar with the old backhoes and would need to learn some new skills to use the new backhoes.

The following information is available to use in deciding whether to purchase the new backhoes.

Old Backhoes New Backhoes

Purchase cost when new $88,600 $197,129

Salvage value now $42,400

Investment in major overhaul needed in next year $55,815

Salvage value in 8 years $14,800 $88,000

Remaining life 8 years 8 years

Net cash flow generated each year $30,500 $43,100

Click here to view PV table.

(a)Evaluate in the following ways whether to purchase the new equipment or overhaul the old equipment. (Hint:For the old machine, the initial investment is the cost of the overhaul. For the new machine, subtract the salvage value of the old machine to determine the initial cost of the investment.)

(1) Using the net present value method for buying new or keeping the old.(For calculation purposes, use 5 decimal places as displayed in the factor table provided.If the net present value is negative, use either a negative sign preceding the number eg -45 or parentheses eg (45).Round final answer to 0 decimal places, e.g. 5,275.)

New Backhoes Old Backhoes

Net Present Value $ $

Waterways should equipment.

(2) Using the payback method for each choice. (Hint:For the old machine, evaluate the payback of an overhaul.)(Round answers to 2 decimal places, e.g. 1.25)

New Backhoes Old Backhoes

Payback Periord years years

Waterways should(buy New Backhoes/retain Old Backhoes) equipment.

(3) Comparing the profitability index for each choice.(Round answers to 2 decimal places, e.g. 1.25)

New Backhoes Old Backhoes

Profitability Index

Waterways should(buy New Back hoes/ retain Old Backhoes) equipment.

Calculate the internal rate of return factor for the new and old blackhoes.(Round answers to 5 decimal places, e.g. 5.27647.)

New Backhoes Old Backhoes

IRR Factor

(4) Comparing the internal rate of return for each choice to the required 9% discount rate.

Waterways should(buy New Backhoes /retain Old Backhoes) equipment.