Vorteck Inc. manufactures snowsuits. Vorteck is considering purchasing a new sewing machine at a cost of $2.5 million. Its existing machine was purchased five years ago at a price of $1.8 million six months ago; Vorteck spent $55,000 to keep it operational. The existing sewing machine can be sold today for $260,000. The new sewing machine would require a one-time, $85,000 training cost. Operating costs would decrease by the following amounts for years 1 to 7:
Year 1 $390,000
2 400,000
3 411,000
4 426,000
5 434,000
6 435,000
7 436,000
The new sewing machine would be depreciated according to the declining-balance method at a rate of 20%. The salvage value is expected to be $380,000. This new equipment would require maintenance costs of $95,000 at the end of the fifth year. The cost of capital is 9%.
Use the net present value method to determine whether Vorteck should purchase the new machine to replace the exiting machine, and state the reason for your conclusion.