NPV and maximum return A firm can purchase new equipment for $17,500 that generates an annual cash inflow of $5,000 for 5 years. a. Determine the net present value (NPV) of the asset, assuming that the firm has a cost of capital of 16%. Is the project acceptable? b. Determine the maximum required rate of return that the firm can have and still accept the asset. a. The net present value (NPV) of the new equipment is $[ (Round to the nearest cent.) Based on its NPV, is the new equipment acceptable? (Select the best answer below.) O Yes b. The maximum required rate of return the firm can have and still accept the new equipment is %. (Round to two decimal places.)