Final answer:
After a differential analysis, it is determined that it would cost Gilroy Corporation $750 more to lease the equipment over 4 years than to buy it. Thus, it is more economical for Gilroy to purchase the equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differential Analysis for Lease or Buy Decision
To determine whether Gilroy Corporation should lease or buy the equipment, we need to conduct a differential analysis that compares the total costs over the 4 years for both alternatives.
Buying the equipment entails an initial purchase price of $3,200, adding freight and installation costs of $650, and annual repair and maintenance costs of $430 over 4 years, which amounts to $1,720 ($430 x 4). Therefore, the total cost to buy is $3,200 + $650 + $1,720 = $5,570.
Leasing the equipment would cost Gilroy Corporation $1,580 per year for 4 years, which totals $6,320 ($1,580 x 4) with no additional costs.
Comparing the two options:
- Lease Equipment (Alternative 1): $6,320
- Buy Equipment (Alternative 2): $5,570
The differential effect on income when subtracting Alternative 1 from Alternative 2 is $6,320 - $5,570 = $750. Since this amount is positive, it indicates that leasing is more expensive by $750 over the 4-year period compared to buying.
Therefore, based on this analysis, it would be more economical for Gilroy to buy the equipment.