NPV and maximum return. A firm can purchase new equipment for $17,000 that generates an annual cash inflow of $5,000 for 6 years. a. Determine the net present value (NPV) of the asset, assuming that the firm has a cost of capital of 15%. 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.)