Define the most important capital budgeting techniques. Name at least two capital budgeting techniques (for example, NPV, IRR, Payback Period, et cetera) and describe how they are used to arrive at investment decisions.
Capital budgeting techniques.
Full Answer Section
Other capital budgeting techniques include:
- Modified internal rate of return (MIRR): MIRR is a modification of IRR that takes into account the time value of money.
- Discounted cash flow (DCF): DCF is a general term for any capital budgeting technique that uses discounted cash flows.
- Real options: Real options are the right, but not the obligation, to make a future investment decision. Real options can be used to increase the value of an investment project.
Sample Answer
Capital budgeting techniques are used to evaluate the financial feasibility of investment projects. The most important capital budgeting techniques are:
- Net present value (NPV): NPV is the difference between the present value of the future cash flows from an investment and the initial cost of the investment. An investment is considered to be worthwhile if the NPV is positive.
- Internal rate of return (IRR): IRR is the discount rate that makes the NPV of an investment equal to zero. An investment is considered to be worthwhile if the IRR is greater than the company's cost of capital.
- Payback period (PBP): PBP is the number of years it takes for an investment to generate enough cash flow to recover its initial cost. An investment is considered to be worthwhile if the PBP is less than a predetermined number of years.