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: Year of Operation Cash Inflow Cash Outflow Year 1 $ 13,700 $ 8,500 Year 2 19,000 11,800 Year 3 21,400 13,100 Year 4 21,400 13,100 In addition to these cash flows, Aaron expects to pay $20,500 for the equipment. He also expects to pay $2,900 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 $1,700 salvage value and a four year useful life. Aaron desires to earn a rate of return of 10 percent. (PV of $1 and PVA of $1) (Use appropriate factor(s) from the tables provided.)

Required Calculate

a. 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.

c. decide whether the investment opportunity should be accepted.