Question

Maldovar Company is considering purchasing a new machine to replace a machine purchased one year ago that is not achieving the expected results. The following information is available:

Expected maintenance costs of new machine $ 12,000 per year
Purchase price of existing machine $150,000
Expected cost savings of new machine $ 20,000 per year
Expected maintenance costs of existing machine $ 8,000 per year
Resale value of existing machine $ 35,000
Which of these items is IRRELEVANT?
a. Expected maintenance costs of new machine
b. Expected maintenance costs of existing machine
c. Purchase cost of existing machine
d. Expected resale value of existing machine

Answer 1

c. Purchase cost of existing machine

Step-by-step explanation:

Relevant costs are the incremental costs that can be avoided by avoiding the functional activity with which the costs are associated.

Maintenance costs are relevant as they are directly linked to the use of machinery and as such are incremental with the use. The same is the case with the maintenance costs of the existing machine as they are avoidable if the new machine is purchased.

Expected cost savings would be incremental with the improved new machine. These cost savings thus are relevant.

Resale value of existing machine are also relevant as these would contribute towards the purchase of new machine.

The purchase price of existing machine is irrelevant as the machine cost has already been paid and regardless of purchasing the new machine or not, this cost is not a part of any calculations.

Hope that helps.