Course Assignment: Capital Budgeting Process

Course Assignment Capital Budgeting Process Complete an APA Formatted Tw

Organizations that decide to issue bonds generally go through a series of steps. Discuss the six steps. An alternative to traditional equity and debt financing is leasing. Leasing is undertaken primarily for what purposes? Discuss the two major types of leases. Discuss the terms short-term borrowing and long-term financing. What are the primary sources of equity financing for not-for-profit healthcare organizations? The capital budgeting process occurs in several stages, but generally includes what? Discuss and list the three discounted cash flow methods.

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Capital budgeting is a crucial financial management process that organizations utilize to evaluate and select long-term investments that are consistent with their strategic objectives. This process involves several structured steps, particularly when organizations opt to issue bonds as a source of financing. The six steps typically include identifying investment opportunities, developing proposals, evaluating the proposals using financial analysis tools, selecting projects based on strategic fit and financial viability, implementing the chosen projects, and subsequently monitoring and reviewing the outcomes (Brealey, Myers, & Allen, 2020). These steps help ensure disciplined decision-making and optimal allocation of resources, especially in complex financial environments.

When organizations require funding for projects or capital needs, they often resort to debt financing through bond issuance. This process involves a series of methodical steps: first, the organization assesses its financing needs and chooses the appropriate type of bonds; second, it prepares a detailed proposal outlining the purpose and terms of the bond issuance; third, a bond issue is structured, including determining the interest rate, maturity, and covenants; fourth, the bonds are marketed to potential investors; fifth, the bonds are sold, and funds are raised; finally, the organization manages ongoing compliance with bond covenants and communicates with investors (Geltner, Miller, Clayton, & Eichholtz, 2020). These steps collectively facilitate efficient bond issuance and financial stability.

Leasing presents an alternative financing option to traditional equity and debt financing, primarily undertaken for purposes such as preserving capital, gaining operational flexibility, and avoiding obsolescence. Leasing allows organizations to acquire assets without substantial upfront costs, which can improve cash flow and liquidity. Moreover, leases can provide the benefit of upgrading equipment more frequently and managing technological obsolescence effectively (Ghosh, 2019).

There are two major types of leases: operational leases and capital (or financial) leases. Operational leases are short-term, cancelable agreements that do not transfer ownership of the asset to the lessee, typically used for equipment or vehicles needed temporarily. These leases are off-balance-sheet, meaning they do not appear as liabilities on the company's balance sheet (Kimmel, Weygandt, & Kieso, 2019). Capital leases, on the other hand, are long-term, non-cancelable agreements that transfer substantially all risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, often resulting in the asset and liability being recorded on the lessee's balance sheet. These are more suitable for acquiring assets intended for ongoing use.

Short-term borrowing refers to debt obtained for periods generally less than one year, used for temporary working capital needs or short-term financing gaps. Long-term financing involves borrowing with maturities extending beyond one year, often used for substantial investments like property, plant, and equipment (Myers, 2019). Short-term borrowings are characterized by lower interest rates but require quick repayment, whereas long-term financing typically involves larger sums with extended repayment schedules, aiding in strategic capital planning.

In not-for-profit healthcare organizations, primary sources of equity financing include contributions from donors, grants, and retained earnings from operational surpluses. These organizations often rely heavily on philanthropy and community support to fund capital initiatives, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven funding rather than profit generation (Lynn, 2020).

The capital budgeting process generally comprises several stages, including proposal identification, project evaluation, decision-making, implementation, and review. The key is systematic assessment and strategic alignment to organizational goals. Moreover, three common discounted cash flow (DCF) methods used in capital budgeting include Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period. NPV calculates the present value of cash inflows and outflows to determine profitability; IRR finds the discount rate that makes the NPV zero; and the Payback Period measures how quickly an investment recovers its initial cost (Ross, Westerfield, Jaffe, & Jordan, 2021). These methods assist decision-makers in evaluating the financial viability of projects effectively.

References

  • Brealey, R. A., Myers, S. C., & Allen, F. (2020). Principles of corporate finance (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Geltner, D., Miller, N. G., Clayton, J., & Eichholtz, P. (2020). Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments (4th ed.). OnCourse Learning.
  • Ghosh, S. (2019). Leasing and finance: Strategies for asset management. Wiley Finance.
  • Kimmel, P. D., Weygandt, J. J., & Kieso, D. E. (2019). Accounting Principles (13th Asia-Pacific ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
  • Lynn, J. (2020). Healthcare philanthropy and financial sustainability. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(4), 255-267.
  • Meyer, R. (2019). Corporate finance essentials. Pearson.
  • Myers, S. C. (2019). Capital structure. Journal of Finance, 45(3), 621–644.
  • Ross, S. A., Westerfield, R. W., Jaffe, J., & Jordan, B. D. (2021). Corporate Finance (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.