Final answer:
The NPV of the investment in the new equipment is $8,961.46. This means that the project is expected to generate a positive return and is therefore a good investment. The NPV takes into account the time value of money and the appropriate discount rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the NPV of the investment, we need to discount the future cash flows to their present value. Using the appropriate discount rate of 8%, the present value of the cash flows are as follows:
- Year 1: $17,000 / (1+8%) = $15,740.74
- Year 2: $23,000 / (1+8%)^2 = $19,675.93
- Year 3: $30,000 / (1+8%)^3 = $24,544.79
The sum of the present values of the cash flows is $15,740.74 + $19,675.93 + $24,544.79 = $60,961.46. Subtracting the initial cost of the equipment, $52,000, from the total present value gives us the NPV: $8,961.46.