The following table contains information about four projects in which Reynolds Corporation has the opportunity to invest. This information is based on estimates that different managers have prepared about their potential project. (Click the icon to view the projects information.) Requirements 1. Rank the four projects in order of preference by using the a. net present value. d. payback period. b. project profitability index. e. accounting rate of return. 2. Which method(s) do you think is best for evaluating capital investment projects in general? Why? Data table Net Project Investment Present Required Value Life of Project Internal Rate of Return Payback Accounting Profitability Period in Index Years Rate of Return Requirement 1. Rank the projects in order of preference. (a) (b) Net Present Profitability Value Index (c) Internal Rate of Return (d) Payback Period (e) Accounting Rate of Return Project A ..... $ Project B... Project C.. Project D $ 205,000 $ 61,770 5 24% 1.30 2.77 17% $ $ 420,000 $ 19,032 1,010,000 $ 214,075 1,540,000 $ 2,796 6 22% 1.05 3.18 16% 3 19% 1.21 2.13 11% 4 12% 1.00 3.03 25% 1st preferred 2nd preferred 3rd preferred 4th preferred Print Done Requirement 2. Select the method that corresponds to the appropriate explanation. This method indicates profitability by comparing the present value of the investment's net cash inflows with the cost of the investment (already stated at its present value). This method is superior because it incorporates the time value of money. This method helps to compare the NPV across alternative investments of varying sizes. This method also indicates profitability and incorporates the time value of money. This method will show us the actual rate of return being earned on the investment by equating the present value of the net cash inflows to the investment's cost. In other words, it is the interest rate which brings the investment's NPV to zero. This method will show the company how quickly it recoups its initial investment. This method will be good for screening out those potential investments that are too risky because the period is too long. However, the period will not be the sole criterion for accepting capital investments since it does not give the company any insight about the investment's profitability. Additionally, it does not incorporate the time value of money. This method will give the company an indication of how profitable the investment will be. However, since it does not consider the time value of money, it is not the best indicator of profitability. This method is the only method that uses accrual accounting figures. Therefore it will help the company assess the impact of investments on the financial statements. The other methods use net cash flows.