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Chapter 4
Capital Budgeting
Unit 2
Long-term investment decisions
Describe and be able to use the IRR technique for evaluating capital
investments.
Understand the acceptance criteria for IRR.
Explain some potential difficulties of several methods.
Compare IRR with NPV.
Understand and explain the use and role of capital rationing.
The other important discounted cash flow technique of evaluation of capital budgeting
proposals is known as IRR technique. The IRR of a proposal is defined as the discount
rate, which produces a zero NPV i. e., the IRR is the discount rate which will quite the
present value of cash inflows with the present value of cash outflow. The IRR is also
known as Marginal Rate of Return or Time Adjusted Rate of Return. Like the NPV, the
IRR is also based on the discounting technique. In the IRR technique, the future cash
inflows are discounted in such a way that their total present value is just equal to the
present value of total cash outflows. The time-schedule of occurrence of the future cash
flows is known but the rate of discount is not. Rather this discount rate is ascertained, by
the trial and error procedure. This rate of discount so calculated, which equates the
present value of future cash inflows with the present value of outflows, is known as the
IRR.
Calculation:
n
CFi SV + WC
CO0 = ∑
i =1 (i + r ) i
+
(1 + r ) n
n
CFi SV + WC
Or o= ∑i =1 (i + r ) i
+
(1 + r ) n
− CO0
It may be noted in the Equation that this equation to be solved to ascertain the
value of 'r'. Unfortunately, the value of 'r' can only be ascertained by the trial and error
procedure together with linear interpolation.
Successive application of different discount rates to all cash flows must be made
until a close approximation of a zero NPV is found. With some experience, an analyst
will find that usually no more than two trials are necessary, because the first result will
show the direction of any refinement needed. A positive NPV indicates the need for a
higher discount rate, while a negative NPV calls for lowering the discount rate.
The specific procedure to find out the value of ‘r’ implies finding out the net present
value of the proposal at two different assumed values of 'r' within which the IRR is
expected to lie. Thereafter, the two rates are interpolated to make the net present value
equal to zero.
The detailed procedure for the calculation of IRR can be explained in two different
situations i. e.,
(i) When future cash flows are equal and take a form of annuity, and
(ii) When future cash flows are unequal. Both the situations have been taken up as
follows:
A firm is evaluating a proposal costing Rs. 1,00,000 and having annual inflows of Rs.
25,000 Occurring at the end of each of next six years: There is no salvage value. The IRR
of the proposal may be calculated as follows:
Step 1:
Make an approximation of the IRR on the basis of cash flows data. A rough approxima-
tion may be made with reference to the payback period. The payback period in the given
case is 4 years. Now, search for a value nearest to 4 in the 6th year row of the PVAF
table. The closest figures are given in rate 12% (4.111) and the rate 13% (3.998). This
means that the IRR of the proposal is expected to lie between 12% and 13%.
Step 2:
In order to make a precise estimate of the IRR, find out the NPV of the project for both
these rates as follows:
1,02,775−1,00,000
IRR = 12% +
1,02,775−99,950
= 12.98%
So, the IRR of the project is 12.98%. The IRR can also be ascertained by starting
from 13%.
In case when the project is expected to generate an uneven stream of cash flows, the
calculation of the IRR is complicated. In order to minimize the number of calculations,
IRR can be calculated as follows.
Example
Suppose a firm is evaluating a proposal costing Rs. 1,60,000 and expected to generate
cash inflows of Rs. 40,000, Rs. 60,000, Rs. 50,000, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 40,000 at the end
of each of next 5 years respectively. There is no salvage value thereafter. In this case,
there is an uneven stream of cash inflows and the IRR can be approximated as follows.
Step 1:
Find out the average annual cash inflow to get a ‘Fake annuity’.
Step 2:
Divide the initial outlay with the average cash inflows 1,60,000/48,000 = 3.33 yrs
Step 3:
Now, search for a value nearest to 3.33 in 5 years row of the PVAF table. The closest
figures given in table are at 15% (3.352) and at 16% (3.274). This means that the IRR of
the proposal is expected to lie between 15% and 16%.
Step 4:
Find out the NPV of the proposal for both of these approximate rates as follows.
Step 5:
Find out the exact IRR by interpolating between 15% and 16%. At 15% the NPV is Rs.
1,540 and at 16% the NPY is Rs. -2,250. Therefore, the rate at which NPV is zero will be
more than 15%-but less than 16%. By interpolating the difference of 1% (i.e. 16% -
15%rover the NPV difference of Rs. 3,790 [i.e. Rs_ 2,250 - (- 1,540)],
1,61,540 − 1,60,000
IRR= 15% +
1,61,540 − 1,57,750
= 15.40%
So, the IRR of the project is 15.40%. The IRR can also be ascertained by starting from
16%. In such a case, the IRR is
1,60,000 − 1,57,750
IRR = 16% -
1,61,540 − 1,57,750
= 15.40%
In order to make a decision on the basis of IRR technique; the firm has to determine, in
the first instance, its own required rate of return. This rate, k, is also known as the cut-off
rate or the hurdle rate. A particular proposal may be accepted if its IRR, r, is more than
the minimum rate i. e., k, otherwise rejected. However, if the IRR is just equal to the
minimum rate, k, then the firm may be indifferent. In case of ranking of mutually
exclusive proposals, the proposal with the highest IRR is given the top priority while the
project with the lowest IRR is given the lowest priority. Proposals whose IRR is less than
the minimum required rate, k, may altogether be rejected.
This decision rule is based on the fact that the NPV of the project is zero if its
cash flows are discounted at the minimum' required rate i. e., k. If the proposal can give a
return higher than this minimum required rate, then it is expected to contribute to the
wealth of the shareholders. It may be noted however, that the IRR, r, of the proposal is
internal to the project while the minimum required rate, k, is external to the project.
Besides the NPV technique, the IRR technique is the other important discounted cash
flow technique of evaluation of capital budgeting proposals. The IRR technique has been
compared with the NPV technique at a later stage.
i. The IRR technique takes into account the time value of money and the cash flows
occurring at different point of time are adjusted for time value of money to make
them comparable.
ii. It is a profit-oriented concept and helps selecting those proposals which are
expected to earn more than the minimum required rate of return. So, the IRR
technique helps achieving the objective of maximization of shareholders wealth.
iii. The IRR of a proposal is expressed as a percentage and is compared with the cut-
off rate, which is also expressed as a percentage. Thus, the IRR has an appeal for
those who want to analyze proposal in terms of its percentage return.
iv. Like NPV technique, the IRR technique is also based on the consideration of all
the cash flows occurring at any time. The salvage value, the working capital used
and released etc. are also considered.
v. The IRR technique is based on the cash flows rather than the accounting profit.
Thus, it can be stated that the IRR technique possesses all the ingredients of a sound
evaluation technique. Still it has, on the other hand, some draw backs, as follows:
Example
A company is considering a new project for which the investment data are as
follows:
Capital outlay Rs 2,00,000
Depreciation 20% p.a.
Forecasted annual income before charging depreciation, but after all other charges
are as follows:
Year 1 Rs 1,00,000
2 1,00,000
3 80,000
4 80,000
5 40,000
4,00,000
On the basis of the available data, set out calculation, illustrating and comparing the
following methods of evaluating the return:
Solution:
Since there is no tax, the annual income before depreciation and after other charges is
equivalent to Cash flows (CF).
(a) Capital outlay of Rs.2,00,000 is recovered in the first two years, Rs. 1,00,000
(year 1) + Rs 1,00,000 (year 2), therefore, the payback period is two years.
Average income
Rate of Return = x 100
Original investment
Rs 40,000
= x 100 = 20%
Rs 2,00,000
Total CF Rs 4,00,000
Average CF = = = 80,000
No. of years 5
Factors closest to PB value of 2.5 corresponding to 5 years (life of the project) are 2.532
(28%) and 2.436 (30%). Since the actual cash flow stream is higher in initial years than
average cash flows, higher discount rate of 33% may also be tried along with 30%.
The IRR of a project is the rate of discount at which the NPV is 0. Since the NPV
at 33% is Rs. 900 only (i.e., Rs. 2,00,900 – Rs. 2,00,000), the IRR is 33% (approx).
Example
A firm whose cost of capital is 10% is considering two mutually exclusive projects X and
Y, the details of which are:
Year Project X Project Y
Cost 0 Rs. 70,000 Rs. 70,000
Cash inflows 1 10,000 50,000
2 20,000 40,000
3 30,000 20,000
4 45,000 10,000
5 60,000 10,000
Compute
i. Net Present Value at 10%,
ii. Profitability Index, and
iii. Internal Rate of Return for the two projects.
Solution
Calculation of NPV:
Year CF (Rs.) PVF (10%,n) Total PV (Rs.)
X Y X Y
1 10,000 50,000 0.909 9,090 45,450
2 20,000 40,000 0.826 16,520 33,040
3 30,000 20,000 0.751 22,530 15,020
4 45,000 10,000 0.683 30,735 6,830
5 60,000 10,000 0.621 37,260 6,210
Calculation of IRR:
Rs 70,000
Payback value = = 2.121
Rs 33,000
Rs 70,000
Payback value = = = 2.692
Rs 26,000
The PVAF table indicates that for project X, the PV Factor closest to 2.121 against 5
years is 2.143 at 37% and Project Y, the PV factor closest to 2.692 is 2.689 at 25%. In the
case of Project X, since CF in the initial years are considerable smaller than the average
cash flows, the IRR is likely to be much smaller than 37%. In the case of Project Y, CF in
the initial years are considerably larger than the average cash flows, the IRR is likely to
be much higher than 25 %. So, Project X may be tried at 27% and 28% and the Project Y
may be tried at 36% and 37%
Project X
Since the NPV is Rs. 370 (i.e., Rs. 70,370 – 70,000) only, at 27%, the IRR is 27%
approx.
Since the NPV @ 37% is Rs. 510 (i.e., 70,510 – 70,000) only, the IRR is likely to be
slightly more than 37% the results of the above calculations may be summarized as
follows:
Project X Project Y
NPV 46,130 36,550
PI 1.659 1.522
IRR 27% 37%
Example
A Company is considering the replacement of its existing machine, which is obsolete and
unable to meet the rapidly rising demand for its product. The company is faced with two
alternatives:
(i) To buy Machine A which is similar to the existing machine or
(ii) To go in for Machine B which is more expensive and has much greater
capacity.
The cash flow at the present level of operations under the two alternatives are as follows:
0 1 2 3 4 5
Machine A -25 5 20 14 14
Machine B -40 10 14 16 17 15
The company’s cost of capital is 10%. The finance manager tries to evaluate the
machines by calculating the following:
You are required to make these calculation and in the light thereof to advise the
finance manager about the proposed investment.
Year 0 1 2 3 4 5
P.V. 1.00 .91 .83 .75 .68 .62
Solution:
= 1.494 1.339
Machine A Machine B
Outflow -25.00 -40.00
In 3 years Pay back were 19.15 32.72
Unrecouped outflow 5.85 7.28
In 4the year Net Present value 9.52 11.56
5.85 7.28
Thus Pay back =3+ = 3+
9.52 11.56
Conclusion:
2) Cash flows that have preceded the decision to proceed with the project or that
have been connected to be:
(a) Sunk.
(b) Irrelevant.
(c) Prior.
(d) Important in the evaluation of the project.
3) Which of the following is not generally included in the initial outlay of a capital
budgeting project?
(a) Depreciation impacts the pre-tax operating cash flows but not the after-tax cash
flows.
(b) Depreciation, a non-cash expense, impacts the pre-tax operating cash flows, the
taxes paid, and the after-tax cash flows.
(c) Depreciation influences operating income before depreciation.
(d) A large amount of depreciation impresses investors and favorably impacts the
stock price of the company.
(a) Rs 60,000
(b) Rs 24,000
(c) Rs 36,000
(d) Not enough information is available.
8) Thomas Corp. is considering the purchase of a new machine that will generate an
additional Rs 100,000 in revenue and cost savings of Rs 20,000 per year. The first year
depreciation on the machine is Rs30,000. What are the after-tax operating cash flows for
the first year? Thomas has a tax rate of 40%.
9) In a capital budgeting project evaluation, the financing costs are considered when:
10) Morgan Corp. is studying the incremental cash flows of a pending replacement
investment. In Year 1, the new investment will increase cash revenues by Rs 40,000 per
year and reduce cash labor expenses by Rs 20,000. The added MACRS depreciation
expense is Rs 15, 000 and Morgan Corp. has a 40% tax rate. What is the incremental
after-tax cash flow for Year 1?
(a) True
(b) False
2. Initial costs for a project often include an investment in net working capital.
(a) True
(b) False
(a) True
(b) False
(a) True
(b) False
(a) True
(b) False
6. Fancy Shoes For You is considering adding a new line of ladies shoes called Jis
Right. Sales of Jis Right shoes are estimated at 11,000 pair a year at an average price of
Rs 42 per pair. Sales of existing shoe lines are expected to decline by Rs 1,81,000 a year
if Jis Right shoes are added to the selection. The incremental increase in sales is Rs
1,70,000.
(a) True
(b) False
7. The payments on loans and the payment of dividends are called operational cash
flows and are included in the incremental cash flows of a project.
(a) True
(b) False
8. Project shutdown costs include the after-tax proceeds from the sale of project assets
and the recovery of the investment in net working capital.
(a) True
(b) False
9. Eddie has an old truck that he uses for hauling trash from his shop to the garbage
dump. The transmission just went out and so Eddie had to install a new one at a cost of
Rs650. On top of that, the engine is now starting to run rough and Eddie is afraid it may
need a serious overhaul. In frustration, Eddie decides to trade the truck on a newer model
priced at Rs 4,500. The dealer will give Eddie Rs500 as a trade-in value for the old truck.
Eddie is trying to evaluate the purchase of the newer truck. In his analysis, Eddie should
ignore the Rs650 he paid to replace the transmission.
(a) True
(b) False
10. A project that contains a real option has less value than a project that does not
contain such an option.
(a) True
(b) False
(a) True
(b) False
12. Martha Rae is considering selling a piece of equipment that her firm owns. There
is 15% probability the equipment will sell for Rs 45, 000, a 40% probability it will sell
for Rs 33,000 and a 45% probability that she can sell it for Rs 25,000. Martha should use
a selling price of Rs 25, 000 in her analysis as she tries to decide whether or not to place
an ad to sell this equipment.
(a) True
(b) False
13. Installation and delivery costs for new equipment should be included in the initial
investment cash flow amount.
(a) True
(b) False
14. The Precision Company is analyzing the installation of new computer software to
manage their daily workflow. The cost of the software, including staff training, is Rs
49,000. The software is expected to have no effect on sales but should reduce labor costs
by Rs 20, 000 a year for the next several years. Software is charged as an expense when
purchased. The marginal tax rate is 32%. The net incremental operating cash flow in Year
2 of the project is an increase of Rs13, 600.
(a) True
(b) False
Answers to True/False
1(F), 2(T), 3(F), 4(T), 5(T), 6(F), 7(F), 8(T), 9(T), 10(F), 11(T), 12(F), 13(T), 14(T)