Average rate of return, cash payback period, net present value method for a service company The St. Louis to Seattle Railroad is considering acquiring equipment at a cost of $288,000. The equipment has an estimated life of 10 years and no residual value. It is expected to provide yearly net cash flows of $72,000. The company's minimum desired rate of return for net present value analysis is 10%. Present Value of an Annuity of $1 at Compound Interest Year 6% 10% 12% 15% 20% 1 0.943 0.909 0.893 0.870 0.833 2 1.833 1.736 1.690 1.626 1.528 3 2.673 2.487 2.402 2.283 2.106 4 3.465 3.170 3.037 2.855 2.589 5 4.212 3.791 3.605 3.353 2.991 6 4.917 4.355 4.111 3.785 3.326 7 5.582 4.868 4.564 4.160 3.605 8 6.210 5.335 4.968 4.487 3.837 9 6.802 5.759 5.328 4.772 4.031 10 7.360 6.145 5.650 5.019 4.192 Compute the following: a. The average rate of return, giving effect to straight-line depreciation on the investment. If required, round your answer to one decimal place. % b. The cash payback period. c. The net present value. Use the above table of the present value of an annuity of $1. Round to the nearest dollar. If required, use a minus sign to indicate negative net present value for current grading purpose. Present value of annual net cash flows Amount to be invested Net present value