Replacement Analysis

The Gilbert Instrument Corporation is considering replacing the wood steamer it currently uses to shape guitar sides. The steamer, purchased just 2 years ago, is being depreciated on a straight-line basis and has 6 years of remaining life. Its current book value is $2,400, and it can be sold on an Internet auction site for $4,500 at this time. Thus, the annual depreciation expense is $2,400/6=$400 per year. If the old steamer is not replaced, it can be sold for $800 at the end of its useful life.

Gilbert is considering purchasing the Side Steamer 3000, a higher-end steamer, which costs $8,000, and has an estimated useful life of 6 years with an estimated salvage value of $800. This steamer falls into the MACRS 5-years class, so the applicable depreciation rates are 20.00%, 32.00%, 19.20%, 11.52%, 11.52%, and 5.76%. The new steamer is faster and would allow for an output expansion, so sales would rise by $2,000 per year; even so, the new machine's much greater efficiency would reduce operating expenses by $1,400 per year. To support the greater sales, the new machine would require that inventories increase by $2,900, but accounts payable would simultaneously increase by $700. Gilbert's marginal federal-plus-state tax rate is 40%, and its WACC is 13%. Should it replace the old steamer?

What is the NPV of the project? Round your answer to the nearest dollar.

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