“Capital Budgeting Analysis: Evaluating the Purchase of New Backhoes for Shoals Corporation”

Overview
Part of a manager’s role is to evaluate capital investment projects to choose the best return on investment. In this assignment, you will use capital budgeting techniques to make an investment decision and present your findings in a PowerPoint presentation.
Scenario
For this assignment, you will take on the role of a manager for Shoals Corporation. Shoals is a company that uses backhoes to complete its work. You will analyze the information provided here and then create a presentation to communicate your recommendation to company leaders.
The Shoals Corporation puts significant emphasis on cash flow when planning capital investments. The company chose its discount rate of 8 percent based on the rate of return it must pay its owners and creditors. Using that rate, Shoals Corporation then uses different methods to determine the most appropriate capital outlays.
This year, Shoals Corporation is considering the following capital investment: buying five new backhoes to replace the backhoes it now owns. The new backhoes are faster, cost less to run, provide for more accurate trench digging, have comfort features for the operators, and have 1-year maintenance agreements to go with them. The old backhoes are working just fine, but they do require considerable maintenance. The backhoe operators are very familiar with the old backhoes and would need to learn some new skills to use the new backhoes.
Use the following information in deciding whether to purchase the new backhoes: