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Chapter 26: Q24RQ (page 1464)

What is the profitability index? When is it used?

Short Answer

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Answer

The profitability index aids in classifying investments and selecting the best one to make. A PI value greater than one implies that the investment will generate profits since the present value of expected future cash inflows from the investment is greater than the initial investment.

Step by step solution

01

Use of Profitability index

When a business has a number of potential investments and initiatives, it uses them to compare and contrast them. The index can be used in conjunction with other criteria to decide which investment is the best.

02

Advantages

Through the cost of capital, it considers both the future cash flow risk and the time value of money. When capital is rationed, it helps with ranking and selecting amongst projects.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Question: Defining capital investments and the capital budgeting process

Match each capital budgeting method with its definition.

Methods

1. Accounting rate of return

2. Internal rate of return

3. Net present value

4. Payback

Definitions

  1. Is only concerned with the time it takes to get cash outflows returned.
  2. Considers operating income but not the time value of money in its analyses.
  3. Compares the present value of cash outflows to the present value of cash inflows to determine investment worthiness.
  4. The true rate of return an investment earns.

How is the present value of an annuity determined?

Howard Company operates a chain of sandwich shops. The company is considering two possible expansion plans. Plan A would open eight smaller shops at a cost of \(8,500,000. Expected annual net cash inflows are \)1,600,000 for 10 years, with zero residual value at the end of 10 years. Under Plan B, Howard Company would open three larger shops at a cost of \(8,100,000. This plan is expected to generate net cash inflows of \)1,000,000 per year for 10 years, which is the estimated useful life of the properties. Estimated residual value for Plan B is $990,000. Howard Company uses straight-line depreciation and requires an annual return of 6%.

Requirements

1. Compute the payback, the ARR, the NPV, and the profitability index of these two plans.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these capital budgeting methods?

3. Which expansion plan should Howard Company choose? Why?

4. Estimate Plan A’s IRR. How does the IRR compare with the company’s required rate of return?

Use the Present Value of \(1 table (Appendix A, Table A-1) to determine the present value of \)1 received one year from now. Assume a 8% interest rate. Use the same table to find the present value of \(1 received two years from now. Continue this process for a total of five years. Round to three decimal places.

Requirements

1. What is the total present value of the cash flows received over the five-year period?

2. Could you characterize this stream of cash flows as an annuity? Why or why not?

3. Use the Present Value of Ordinary Annuity of \)1 table (Appendix A, Table A-2) to determine the present value of the same stream of cash flows. Compare your results to your answer to Requirement 1.

4. Explain your findings.

Using the time value of money Helen wants to take the next four years off work to travel around the world. She estimates her annual cash needs at $31,000 (if she needs more, she will work odd jobs). Helen believes she can invest her savings at 10% until she depletes her funds. Requirements

  1. How much money does Helen need now to fund her travels?
  2. After speaking with a number of banks, Helen learns she will only be able to invest her funds at 6%. How much does she need now to fund her travels?
See all solutions

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