Final answer:
To calculate the internal rate of return (IRR) for each project, use the Excel function IRR with the range of cash flows. Then compare the calculated IRRs to the required return of 4% to determine project acceptability.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compute the internal rate of return (IRR) for each project, you can use the Excel function IRR. In Excel, you can use the formula =IRR(range of cash flows). For Project X1, the initial investment is -$80,000 and the expected net cash flows are $25,000 in Year 1, $35,500 in Year 2, and $60,500 in Year 3. For Project X2, the initial investment is -$120,000 and the expected net cash flows are $60,000 in Year 1, $50,000 in Year 2, and $40,000 in Year 3. So, you can use the formulas =IRR(-$80,000, $25,000, $35,500, $60,500) and =IRR(-$120,000, $60,000, $50,000, $40,000) to calculate the IRR for each project.
The internal rate of return (IRR) represents the discount rate at which the net present value (NPV) of an investment becomes zero. If the IRR is higher than the required return of 4%, the project is considered acceptable. If the IRR is lower than 4%, the project is not considered acceptable. Comparing the calculated IRRs to the required return of 4%, you can determine whether each project is acceptable or not.