The internal rate of return (IRR) refers to the compound annual rate of return that a project generates based on its up-front cost and subsequent cash flows. Consider the case of Blue Llama Mining Company: Blue Llama Mining Company is evaluating a proposed capital budgeting project (project Sigma) that will require an initial investment of $850,000. Blue Llama Mining Company has been basing capital budgeting decisions on a projects NPV; however, its new CFO wants to start using the IRR method for capital budgeting decisions. The CFO says that the IRR is a better method because returns in percentage form are easier to understand and compare to required returns. Blue Llama Mining Companys WACC is 8%, and project Sigma has the same risk as the firms average project. The project is expected to generate the following net cash flows: Year Cash Flow Year 1 $275,000 Year 2 $400,000 Year 3 $450,000 Year 4 $425,000 Which of the following is the correct calculation of project Sigmas IRR? 26.85% 30.88% 25.51% 24.17% If this is an independent project, the IRR method states that the firm should . If this is an independent project, the IRR method states that the firm should .

If the projects cost of capital were to increase, how would that affect the IRR?