The Cornell Co. is considering replacing one of its weaving machines with a new, more efficient machine. The old machine is being depreciated on a straight-line basis down to a salvage value of zero over the next 5 years. It has a book value of $200,000 and could be sold for $120,000. The replacement machine would cost $600,000 and have an expected life of 5 years, after which it could be sold for $100,000. Because of reductions in defects and material savings, the new machine would produce cash benefits of $180,000 per year before depreciation and taxes. The present value of $1 at 15% received after 5 periods at 15% is 0.49718. The present value of an annuity of $1 for 4 periods at 15% is 2.85498, and for 5 periods is 3.35216.

Assuming straight-line depreciation, a 40% marginal state and federal tax rate, and a required rate of return of 15%, find:

a. the payback period; and

b. the net present value.