2. Net present value (NPV) The capital budgeting process is comprehensive and is based on certain assumptions, models, and benchmarks. This process often begins with a project analysis. Generally, the first step in a capital budgeting project analysis-which occurs before any evaluation method is applied-involves estimating the Evaluating cash flows with the NPV method The net present value (NPV) rufe is considered one of the most common and preferred criteria that generally lead to good investment decisions. Consider this case: Suppose Green Caterpillar Garden Supplies Inc is evaluating a proposed capital budgeting project (project Beta) that will require an initial investment of $2,500,000. The project is expected to generate the following net cash flows: Year Cash Flow Year 1 $275,000 Year 2 500,000 Year 425,000 Year 4 475,000 Green Caterpillar Garden Supplies Inc.'s weighted average cost of capital is 9%%, and project Beta has the same risk as the firm's average project. Based on the cash flows, what is project Beta's NPV? (Note: Do not round your intermediate calculations.) O -$1,336,514 O -$1,162,186 O -$3,662,186 0 -$687,186 Making the accept or reject decision Green Caterpillar Garden Supplies Inc.'s decision to accept or reject project Beta is independent of its decisions on other projects. If the firm follows the NPV method, it should project Beta. Which of the following statements best explains what it means when a project has an NPV of $0? When a project has an NPV of $0, the project is earning a rate of return equal to the project's weighted average cost of capital. It's OK to accept a project with an NPV of $0, because the project is earning the required minimum rate of return. When a project has an NPV of $0, the project is earning a profit of $0. A firm should reject any project with an NPV of $0, because the project is not profitable. O When a project has an NPV of $0, the project is earning a rate of return less than the project's weighted average cost of capital. It's OK to