Aerotron Electronics is considering the purchase of a water filtration system to assist in circuit board manufacturing. The system costs $40,000. It has an expected life of 7 years at which time its salvage value will be $7,500. Operating and maintenance expenses are estimated to be $2,000 per year. If the filtration system is not purchased, Aerotron Electronics will have to pay Bay City $12,000 per year for water purification. If the system is purchased, no water purification from Bay City will be needed. Aerotron Electronics must borrow half of the purchase price, but they cannot start repaying the loan for two years. The bank has agreed to three equal annual payments, with the first payment due at end of year 2. The loan interest rate is 8% compounded annually. Aerotron Electronics' MARR is 10% compounded annually.
a. What is the internal rate of return of this investment?
b. What is the decision rule for judging the attractiveness of investments based on internal rate of return?
c. Should Aerotron Electronics buy the water filtration system?