Richman Co. purchased some equipment 3 years ago. The company's required rate of return is 12%, and the net present value of the project was $(900). Annual cost savings were: $10,000 for year 1; $8,000 for year 2; and $6,000 for year 3.

The amount of the initial investment was


a.
$18,316.

b.
$20,116.

c.
$20,478.

d.
$18,678.