2. Net present value (NPV)

The capital budgeting process is comprehensive and is based on certain assumptions, models, and benchmarks. This process often begins with a project analysis. Generally, the first step in a capital budgeting project analysiswhich occurs before any evaluation method is appliedinvolves estimating the projects expected cash flows .

Evaluating cash flows with the NPV method

The net present value (NPV) rule is considered one of the most common and preferred criteria that generally lead to good investment decisions.

Consider this case:

Suppose Cute Camel Woodcraft Company is evaluating a proposed capital budgeting project (project Beta) that will require an initial investment of $3,000,000. The project is expected to generate the following net cash flows:

Year	Cash Flow
Year 1	$350,000
Year 2	425,000
Year 3	500,000
Year 4	500,000

Cute Camel Woodcraft Companys weighted average cost of capital is 9%, and project Beta has the same risk as the firms average project. Based on the cash flows, what is project Betas NPV? (Note: Do not round your intermediate calculations.)

-$1,155,881

-$1,580,881

$1,419,119

-$4,580,881

Making the accept or reject decision

Cute Camel Woodcraft Companys decision to accept or reject project Beta is independent of its decisions on other projects. If the firm follows the NPV method, it should (accept or reject) project Beta.

Which of the following statements best explains what it means when a project has an NPV of $0?

When a project has an NPV of $0, the project is earning a rate of return less than the projects weighted average cost of capital. Its OK to accept the project, as long as the projects profit is positive.

When a project has an NPV of $0, the project is earning a profit of $0. A firm should reject any project with an NPV of $0, because the project is not profitable.

When a project has an NPV of $0, the project is earning a rate of return equal to the projects weighted average cost of capital. Its OK to accept a project with an NPV of $0, because the project is earning the required minimum rate of return.