Kansas Salt Co. is considering an investment in computer-based production technology as part of a business reengineering process. The necessary equipment will cost $17,100,000, have a life of eight years, and generate annual net before-tax cash flows of $2,945,000 from operations. Cost of installation and training is considered nominal. The equipment will have no salvage value at the end of its eight-year estimated life. The companys tax rate and cost of capital are, respectively, 30 percent and 5 percent. a. 1. If Kansas Salt Co. uses straight-line depreciation for tax purposes, calculate the net present value of the investment. Note: Round your final answer to the nearest whole dollar. $Answer 2. Should the company make this investment based on the results of part (1)? Answer Yes or No b. Assume that the tax law allows the company to take accelerated annual depreciation on this asset in the following manner.

Years 12	23% of cost
Years 38	9% of cost

1. What is the net present value of the equipment? Note: Round your final answer to the nearest whole dollar. $ 2. Should the company make this investment based on the results of part (1)? Answer Yes or No c. Recompute (a) assuming the tax rate is increased to 40 percent. 1. What is the net present value of the equipment? Note: Round your final answer to the nearest whole dollar. 2. Should the company make this investment based on the results of part (1)? Answer Yes or No d. Recompute (b) assuming the tax rate is increased to 40 percent. 1. What is the net present value of the equipment? Note: Round your final answer to the nearest whole dollar. 2. Should the company make this investment based on the results of part (1)? Answer Yes No