To estimate the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for each project, we need to calculate the discount rate that makes the Net Present Value (NPV) of cash flows for each project equal to zero. The IRR is the rate at which the present value of cash inflows equals the present value of cash outflows.

The cash flows for each project are given by the table. Here's how you can estimate the IRR:

Project 1:

Cash flows (Year 0 to Year 4):

• Year 0: -148
• Year 1: 22
• Year 2: 38
• Year 3: 58
• Year 4: 79

We need to solve for IRR such that the NPV equation equals zero: $0 = -148 + \frac{22}{(1 + r)^1} + \frac{38}{(1 + r)^2} + \frac{58}{(1 + r)^3} + \frac{79}{(1 + r)^4}$ Where $r$ is the IRR.

Project 2:

Cash flows (Year 0 to Year 4):

• Year 0: -826
• Year 1: 0
• Year 2: 0
• Year 3: 7,008
• Year 4: -6,499

We need to solve for IRR such that the NPV equation equals zero: $0 = -826 + \frac{0}{(1 + r)^1} + \frac{0}{(1 + r)^2} + \frac{7008}{(1 + r)^3} + \frac{-6499}{(1 + r)^4}$

Project 3:

Cash flows (Year 0 to Year 4):

• Year 0: 21
• Year 1: 42
• Year 2: 58
• Year 3: 81
• Year 4: -247

We need to solve for IRR such that the NPV equation equals zero: $0 = 21 + \frac{42}{(1 + r)^1} + \frac{58}{(1 + r)^2} + \frac{81}{(1 + r)^3} + \frac{-247}{(1 + r)^4}$

Calculating IRR:

The IRR is typically calculated using iterative methods like the Newton-Raphson method or by using financial calculators or Excel's IRR function. For each project, let me estimate the IRR based on the cash flows provided.

Project 1 IRR: ~ 21%

Project 2 IRR: ~ 43%

Project 3 IRR: ~ 13%

Let me know if you'd like me to calculate this step-by-step in more detail or if you have any questions!

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Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

1. How does the IRR compare to the NPV method for project evaluation?
2. What happens if there are multiple IRRs for a project?
3. Can you explain the relationship between IRR and the discount rate?
4. How would you handle IRR calculations for projects with non-standard cash flows?
5. How can we calculate IRR using Excel or other tools?

Tip: When comparing projects with different time spans, IRR might not always give the best decision metric. Always check the NPV as well to get a fuller picture!