You are a consultant to a large manufacturing corporation considering a project with the following net after$-$tax cash flows $($in millions of dollars$)$: The project's beta is $1\mathrm{.}7.$ Assuming rf $=9\%$ and E$($rM$)=19\%.$You are a consultant to a large manufacturing corporation considering a project with the following net after$-$tax cash flows $($in millions

of dollars$)$:

The project's beta is $1\mathrm{.}7.$ Assuming $r_f=9\%$ and $E(r_M)=19\%.$

Required:

a$.$ What is the net present value of the project? $($Do not round intermediate calculations. Enter your answer in millions rounded to $2$

decimal places.$)$

Net present value

b$.$ What is the highest possible beta estimate for the project before its NPV becomes negative? $($Do not round intermediate

calculations. Round your answer to $3$ decimal places.$)$

Highest possible beta value