Question

Stanton Inc. is considering the purchase of a new machine that will reduce manufacturing costs by $5,000 annually and increase earnings before depreciation and taxes by $6,000 annually. Stanton will use the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) method to depreciate the machine, and it has estimated the depreciation expense for the first year as $8,000. Which of the following is the supplemental operating cash flow for the first year if Stanton's marginal tax rate is 40 percent?

Answer 1

$9,800

Step-by-step explanation:

supplemental cash flow for year 1 = [(decrease in costs + increase in earnings - depreciation) x (1 - tax rate)] + depreciation expense = [($5,000 + $6,000 - $8,000) x (1 - 40%)] + $8,000 = ($3,000 x 0.6) + $8,000 = $1,800 + $8,000 = $9,800

Since depreciation expense does not generate a cash outflow it must be included when you calculate taxes, but then you must add it later.