Reference no: EM132965333

Acme Manufacturing, Inc. was originally a family owned operation that has been in business for several generations. It has grown steadily and is now listed on the stock exchange with family members still owning a substantial portion of the shares. Over the years, the company has acquired a reputation for exceptional quality and has won awards from major customers.

• The firm is 55% equity financed; shares currently trade at $37.00 and do not pay a dividend. Debt capital is provided by a single issue of bonds (20 year, $1,000 par value, $82.50 annual coupon) currently trading at $1,175. The firm's beta is 1.25. Their traditional hurdle rate has been 12%, though the rate has not been reviewed in many years. Over the years, shareholders have come to expect a 10% return. Their corporate tax rate is 25%. Treasury securities are yielding 5.25%. The market rate of return on equities is 9.25%.
• The Machine Tool Division is considering the purchase of a piece of highly-automated, robotic production equipment. It would replace older machines and would offer improvements in quality, and some additional capacity for expansion. Because of the magnitude of the proposed expenditure, a careful estimate of the projects costs and benefits is needed.
• They are currently using several old-style machines that together had cost $700,000. Depreciation of $220,000 has already been charged against this total cost; depreciation charges are $80,000 annually. Management believes these machines will need to be replaced after six more years. They have a current market value of $250,000.
• The old machines require 12 workers per shift earning $13.50/hr plus 3 maintenance workers paid $14.50/hr. The plant operates day and afternoon shifts five days each week; maintenance workers are assigned to the afternoon shift only. Maintenance expenses have been running at $5,000 annually; the cost of electricity has been $26,600 per year. The production process is not only labor intensive, but also physically demanding. Workplace injuries are not uncommon and lately medical claims have increased
• The new machine will have a total cost that includes shipping, installation and testing of $1.5 million. The plant will also need $350,000 in modifications to accommodate the new machine. These costs will be capitalized and depreciated over the six-year estimated life of the machine. The new machine would require only two skilled operators (one per shift) who would earn $20/hr. Maintenance will be outsourced and cost $90,000 per year. The annual cost of electricity is estimated to be $50,000.
• Certain aspects of the decision are difficult to quantify. Management's relationship with the union hasn't always been a smooth one and union leadership may not agree to the layoff of the redundant workers. Reassigning them to positions in other divisions might be easier but there are currently only a handful of suitable openings, some of which are not in the collective bargaining unit.
• The specs on the new machine indicate that even higher levels of product quality and lower scrap rates are possible. In light of ever-increasing competition, this might prove to be of enormous competitive advantage. The new machine has a maximum capacity 27% higher than the old semi-automated machines which are currently operating at 90% capacity.

Problem a. Calculate the firm's Weighted Average Cost of Capital.

Problem b. Identify and analyze the relevant cash flows for the two alternatives - buying the new machine vs. continuing to use the old ones.

Problem c. List and describe briefly any areas of uncertainty or concern for this project - beyond the obvious ones described in the narrative. What effect might they have? Bullet points are just fine.

Problem d. Based on your results in parts b &c, explain why you would or would not proceed with the new machine.