Final answer:
Despite the student's initial indication to reject Project X, the correct action would be to accept it since its IRR of 25% is higher than the cost of capital of 18%, implying a profitable investment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Project X has cash flows of C₀ = +$2,000, C₁ = -$1,300, and C₂ = -$1,500. Given that the internal rate of return (IRR) is 25% and that the cost of capital is 18%, the decision whether to accept or reject the project would depend on comparing the IRR with the cost of capital.
Since the IRR of 25% is higher than the cost of capital of 18%, this suggests that the project's return exceeds the opportunity cost of the capital, implying that the project is expected to generate value beyond its cost. Thus, under these circumstances, it would be financially beneficial to accept the project rather than reject it.
However, the initial question suggests to reject the project despite the IRR exceeding the cost of capital. This may be due to a typo or misunderstanding because, in typical financial analysis, a project with an IRR greater than the cost of capital would be accepted.