The discount rate that yields a net present value of zero is the:

• A. Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)
• B. Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
• C. Current Yield
• D. Coupon Rate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR): The IRR is the discount rate at which the net present value (NPV) of all cash flows (both inflows and outflows) from a project or investment equals zero.
2. Recall the formula for NPV: \( \text{NPV} = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{C_t}{(1 + r)^t} - C_0 \), where \( C_t \) is the cash inflow at time \( t \), \( r \) is the discount rate, and \( C_0 \) is the initial investment.
3. To find the IRR, set \( \text{NPV} = 0 \) and solve for \( r \): \( 0 = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{C_t}{(1 + r)^t} - C_0 \). This requires iterative methods or financial calculators, as the equation is not solvable algebraically.
4. Compare the IRR to other options: The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is the average rate of return a company is expected to pay its investors, the Current Yield is the annual income from an investment divided by its current price, and the Coupon Rate is the annual interest rate paid on a bond's face value. None of these represent the discount rate that makes NPV zero.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), as it is the only option that satisfies the definition of the discount rate yielding an NPV of zero.