Chapman Machine Shop Is Considering a 4-Year Project to Improve

question 10

Multiple Choice

Chapman Machine Shop is considering a 4-year project to improve its production efficiency. Buying a new machine press for $576,000 is estimated to result in $192,000 in annual pretax cost savings. The press falls in the MACRS 5-year class, and it will have a salvage value at the end of the project of $84,000. The press also requires an initial investment in spare parts inventory of $24,000, along with an additional $3,600 in inventory for each succeeding year of the project. The inventory will return to its original level when the project ends. The shop's tax rate is 35 percent and its discount rate is 11 percent. Should the firm buy and install the machine press? Why or why not?

• A)no; The net present value is -$7,489.
• B)no; The net present value is -$667.
• C)yes; The net present value is $211.
• D)yes; The net present value is $4,319.
• E)yes; The net present value is $8,364.

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Definitions:

Short Run

The short run in economics is a time period during which at least one input, such as plant size, is fixed and cannot be changed by the firm.

Fixed Plant Capacity

The maximum output level that a plant can achieve with the current facilities and resources over a specific period.

Industry Entry

The act or process of beginning to compete in a new or existing market as a new participant.

Nonlabor Resources

Assets or materials used in production that do not involve human labor, such as machinery, raw materials, and buildings.