Assume that you are thinking about starting your own small business. You have made the following estimates regarding this opportunity: You can rent a location for your business at a cost of $36,000 per year. The equipment costs incurred to start the business would total $250,000. The equipment would have a 5-year useful life and a salvage value of $25,000. Your companys estimated sales per year would equal $350,000 and its variable cost of goods sold would be 30% of sales. Other operating costs would include $72,000 per year in salaries, $4,000 per year for insurance, $25,000 per year for utilities, and a 3% sales commission. The simple rate of return for this investment opportunity is closest to:

16.4%.

15.0%.

21.0%.

10.1%.