Aaron Heath is seeking part$-$time employment while he attends school. He is considering purchasing technical equipment that will

enable him to start a small training services company that will offer tutorial services over the Internet. Aaron expects demand for the

service to grow rapidly in the first two years of operation as customers learn about the availability of the Internet assistance. Thereafter,

he expects demand to stabilize. The following table presents the expected cash flows:

In addition to these cash flows, Aaron expects to pay $$21,700$ for the equipment. He also expects to pay $$3,100$ for a major overhaul

and updating of the equipment at the end of the second year of operation. The equipment is expected to have a $$1,300$ salvage value

and a four$-$year useful life. Aaron desires to earn a rate of return of $9$ percent. $($PV of $$1$ and PVA of $$1)($Use appropriate factor$($s$)$ from

the tables provided.$)$

Required

a$.$ Calculate the net present value of the investment opportunity. $($Negative amount should be indicated by a minus sign. Round

intermediate calculations and final answer to $2$ decimal places.$)$

b$.$ Indicate whether the investment opportunity is expected to earn a return that is above or below the desired rate of return and

whether it should be accepted.

a$.$ Net present value

b$.$ Will the return be above or below the cost of capital?

Should the investment opportunity be accepted?