Calculating Depreciation and Book ValueYour firm uses return on assets (ROA) to evaluate investment
centres and is considering changing the valuation basis of assets from
historical cost to current value. When the cost of the asses is updated, a
price index is used to approximate replacement value. For example, a metal
fabrication press, which bends and shapes metal, was bought seven years ago for
$522,000. The company will add 19 percent to this cost, representing the change
in the wholesale price index over the seven years. This new, higher cost figure
is depreciated using the straight-line method over the same 12-year assumed
life (no salvage clause).a. Calculate depreciation expense and book value of the
metal press under both historical cost and price-level- adjusted historical
cost.b. In general, what is the effect on ROA of changing
valuation bases from historical cost to current values?
c. The manager of the investment centre with the metal press
is considering replacing it because it is becoming obsolete. Will the manger’s
incentives to replace the metal press change if the firm shifts from historical
cost valuation to proposed price-level-adjusted historical cost valuation?
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