(Excel) A civil engineering company needs to buy a new excavator. Model \(A\) is
expected to make a loss of \(\$ 60000\) at the end of the first year, but is
expected to produce revenues of \(\$ 24000\) and \(\$ 72000\) for the second and
third years of operation. The corresponding figures for model \(\mathrm{B}\) are
\(\$ 96000, \$ 12000\) and \(\$ 120000\), respectively. Use a spreadsheet to
tabulate the revenue flows (using negative numbers for the losses in the first
year), together with the corresponding present values based on a discount rate
of \(8 \%\) compounded annually. Find the net present value for each model.
Which excavator, if any, would you recommend buying?
What difference does it make if the discount rate is \(8 \%\) compounded
continuously?