The Basics of Capital Budgeting: Evaluating Cash Flows: NPV The net present value (NPV) method estimates how much a potential project will contribute to , and it is the best selection criterion. The the NPV, the more value the project adds; and added value means a stock price. In equation form, the NPV is defined as:
CFt is the expected net cash flow at Time t, r is the project's risk-adjusted cost of capital, N is its life, and cash outflows are treated as negative cash flows. The NPV calculation assumes that cash inflows can be reinvested at the project's risk-adjusted . When the firm is considering independent projects, if the project's NPV exceeds zero the firm should the project. When the firm is considering mutually exclusive projects, the firm should accept the project with the NPV.

Quantitative Problem: Bellinger Industries is considering two projects for inclusion in its capital budget, and you have been asked to do the analysis. Both projects' after-tax cash flows are shown on the time line below. Depreciation, salvage values, net operating working capital requirements, and tax effects are all included in these cash flows. Both projects have 4-year lives, and they have risk characteristics similar to the firm's average project. Bellinger's WACC is 7%.
0 1 2 3 4

Project A -1,110 600 330 250 300
Project B -1,110 200 265 400 750
What is Project A's NPV? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to the nearest cent.
$
Show All Feedback
What is Project B's NPV? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to the nearest cent.
$
Show All Feedback
If the projects were independent, which project(s) would be accepted?
would be accepted.
If the projects were mutually exclusive, which project(s) would be accepted?
would be accepted.