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 this case: Consider the following case: Blue Llama Mining Company is evaluating a proposed capital budgeting project (project Delta) that will require an initial investment of $1,450,000. Blue Llama Mining Company has been basing capital budgeting decisions on a project's 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 percentages and returns are easier to understand and to compare to required returns. Blue LIama Mining Company's wACC is 9%, and project Delta has the same risk as the firm's average project. The project is expected to generate the following net cash flows: Which of the following is the correct calculation of project Delta's IRR? Year Cash Flow Year 1 $275,000 Year 2 $450,000 Year 3 $475,000 Year 4 $500,000 7.05% ? 6.13% 5.82% 5.52% If this is an independent project, the IRR method states that the firm should If the project's cost of capital were to increase, how would that affect the IRR? O The IRR would not change. O The IRR would decrease. O The IRR would increase