ABC Inc. is looking at investing in a 3-year project that will create cash inflows of $7,000 in the first year, $8,000 in the second year, and $9,000 in the third year. The cost of this project is $18,000, and the required return is 12%. Should the company invest in this project based on the profitability index criterion?
A. 0.94
B. 1.06
C. 1.14
D. 1.38
E. 1.45