Evaluating cash flows with the NPV method The net present value (NPV) rule is considered one of the most common and preferred criteria that generally lead to good investment decisions. Consider the case of Cold Goose Metal Works Inc.: Suppose Cold Goose Metal Works Inc. is evaluating a proposed capital budgeting project (project Alpha) that will require an initial investment of $550,000. The project is expected to generate the following net cash flows: Year Year 1 Cash Flow $350,000 Year 2 $450,000 Year 3 $400,000 Year 4 $425,000 The company's weighted average cost of capital is 10%, and project Alpha has the same risk as the firm's average project. Based on the cash flows, what is project Alpha's net present value (NPV)?