a firm must choose between two mutually exclusive projects, a & b. project a has an initial cost of $10000. its projected net cash flows are $800, $2000, $3000, $4000, and $5000 at the end of years 1 through 5, respectively. project b has an initial cost of $14000, and its projected net cash flows are $7000, $5000, $3000, $2000, and $1000 at the end of years 1 through 5, respectively. the firms cost of capital is 6.00%. choose the correct statement:

A the npv and the irr criteria provide the same ranking of these two projects.

B the npv criterion recommends project a while the irr criterion recommends project b.

C the npv criterion recommends project b while the irr criterion recommends project a.

D the npv and irr criteria provide different rankings, but suggest that both projects should be taken.

E the npv and irr criteria provide the same ranking, but suggest that both projects should be taken.