Analyzing Capital Expenditures Assume That You Have Received
Analyzing Capital Expendituresassume That You Have Received A Capital
Assume that you have received a capital expenditure request for $52,000 for plant equipment and that you are required to do a justification analysis using capital budgeting techniques. The company's cost of capital is 12% and the equipment (investment) is expected to generate net cash inflows of $13,000 per year for 8 years and then $9,000 for one year. You are to calculate and explain your quantitative calculations of each of the four capital-budgeting techniques listed, then, based upon these calculations, write a summary that provides a justification to proceed or not proceed with the project.
· Calculate the project’s net present value (NPV).
· Calculate the project’s internal rate of return (IRR).
· Calculate the project’s profitability index.
· Calculate the project’s discounted payback period.
· Recommend whether the project should be accepted or rejected and explain why.
To complete this assignment, submit an Excel file with your time value calculations, and a two-page paper that explains the calculations and provides your recommended decision and explanation of why that decision is recommended. The paper must be submitted as a Word document and it must follow APA style guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Capital budgeting is an essential financial process that helps companies evaluate the profitability and viability of significant investments, such as purchasing equipment or expanding facilities. The decision to proceed with a capital expenditure hinges on comprehensive analyses using various financial metrics. In this case, we analyze a $52,000 investment in plant equipment expected to generate varying cash inflows over an 8-year period, with an additional cash inflow in the ninth year. The company's required rate of return (cost of capital) is 12%. To determine whether the project is financially sound, we will evaluate it using four capital budgeting techniques: net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), profitability index, and discounted payback period. Based on these calculations, a recommendation will be made regarding the approval of the project.
Calculation and Explanation of Capital Budgeting Techniques
1. Net Present Value (NPV)
The NPV is the difference between the present value of cash inflows and the initial investment. It accounts for the time value of money by discounting future cash flows using the company's cost of capital (12%). The formula is:
NPV = (Cash inflow / (1 + r)^t) - Initial investment
where r is the discount rate (12%), and t is the year.
Calculating NPV:
- Years 1-8: $13,000 annually
- Year 9: $9,000
The present value of the cash inflows is computed as:
PV = ∑ [Cash inflow / (1 + r)^t]
For years 1-8:
The material calculation using financial calculator or Excel functions yields:
- PV of annuity for 8 years: approximately $69,248
- PV of year 9 inflow: approximately $3,057
Total present value of inflows: approximately $72,305. The NPV is:
NPV = $72,305 - $52,000 = $20,305
Since the NPV is positive, it indicates that the project adds value and is financially viable.
2. Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
The IRR is the discount rate that makes the NPV of the project zero. It is found iteratively or via financial calculator functions. Based on the cash inflows, the IRR approximates to around 20%, which exceeds the company's required rate of 12%. The calculation confirms the project is financially attractive because it offers a rate of return higher than the cost of capital.
3. Profitability Index (PI)
The PI is the ratio of the present value of future cash inflows to the initial investment:
PI = Present value of inflows / Initial investment
PI = $72,305 / $52,000 ≈ 1.39
A profitability index greater than 1 indicates that the project is expected to generate value over and above the initial investment.
4. Discounted Payback Period
This metric measures the time it takes for the discounted cash flows to recover the initial investment. Using the discounted cash inflows:
- Year 1: $11,548
- Year 2: $11,548
- Year 3: $11,548
- Year 4: $11,548
- Year 5: $11,548
- Year 6: $11,548
- Year 7: $11,548
- Year 8: $11,548
- Year 9: PV of $9,000: $3,057
The initial investment of $52,000 is recovered in approximately 4.5 to 5 years. Since this period is within the project's 9-year lifespan, the discounted payback period is acceptable. The exact point occurs when cumulative discounted cash flows equal $52,000, which happens around year 4 or 5.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The comprehensive analysis indicates the investment's financial viability. The positive NPV of approximately $20,305 demonstrates that the project would add substantial value to the company. The IRR of around 20% exceeds the required 12%, reinforcing the project's profitability. Additionally, a profitability index of 1.39 confirms that the project generates more value than it consumes, and the discounted payback period suggests a relatively quick recovery of the investment. Considering these factors, the project should be accepted as it aligns with the company's financial objectives and risk profile. Implementing this investment is expected to enhance shareholder wealth through increased cash inflows and long-term growth.
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