Deck 12: Capital Investment Decisions

Question 1

All of the investment appraisal methods below use cash flows exclusively except:

A) accounting rate of return.
B) payback.
C) internal rate of return.
D) net present value.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which of the following is not a method for appraising potential investments?

A) Payback method.
B) Return on assets.
C) Accounting rate of return.
D) Net present value.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Actol Ltd,a printing business,intends purchasing a new computerised printing machine for $800,000.The annual cash flows from the new machine are expected to be $150,000 per year.The machine has an eight-year useful life.The payback period is:

A) 8 years.
B) 5.33 years.
C) 5 years.
D) 6 years.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The investment decision method which takes the average profit and expresses it as a percentage of the average investment is:

A) Accounting Rate of Return.
B) Net Present Value.
C) Payback.
D) Internal Rate of Return.

Question 5

Joe is considering setting up a business selling free-range chickens.He estimates his establishment costs will be $600,000 and his net cash flows for the first five years will be $100,000 in year 1,$200,000 in year 2,stabilising at $250,000 in year 3.The payback period for the investment is:

A) 3 years.
B) 3.2 years.
C) 5 years.
D) 3.8 years.

Question 6

The time value of money is an important concept in investment decisions as it takes into account that:

A) a dollar received today is more valuable than a dollar received tomorrow.
B) a dollar received today is equal to a dollar received tomorrow.
C) a dollar received tomorrow is more valuable than a dollar received today.
D) it takes time to earn profits.

Question 7

To calculate the Accounting Rate of Return,it is necessary to determine annual profit.Annual profit is calculated on a/an:

A) market value basis.
B) cash basis.
C) accrual basis.
D) current cost basis.

Question 8

Bev is considering purchasing a new button holer for her business.She estimates the machine will cost $90,000 and will be paid for in cash.Her cash savings from the first 4 years of operation of the machine will be $20,000 in year 1,$30,000 in year 2,$35,000 in year 3 and $35,000 in year 4.The payback period for the machine is:

A) 4 years.
B) 3.86 years.
C) 3.14 years.
D) 2.66 years.

Question 9

Martin Short,Managing Director of Mills Ltd,has received a report from his Finance Manager recommending four investment projects for his approval.However,the firm has only sufficient funds to invest in one project.The firm's rate of return is 6%.The Accounting Rate of Return for each project is: A - 10%,B - 8%,C - 12%,D - 14%.Short will select:

A) Project A.
B) Project B.
C) Project C.
D) Project D.

Question 10

Which method for appraising investments is regarded as the 'superior' method?

A) NPV
B) ARR
C) PP
D) IRR

Question 11

Which of these is a disadvantage of the payback method of investment evaluation?

A) It disregards the time value of money.
B) It disregards the post payback period cash flows.
C) It is based on cash flows.
D) Both A and B.

Question 12

The decision rule for the accounting rate of return method of assessing investment projects is to accept all projects with:

A) a positive return.
B) the highest return.
C) the highest return subject to a minimum required return.
D) none of the above.

Question 13

An assessment method widely used in practice which enables managers to screen investment projects to determine which projects can recoup their investment outlay the fastest,is the:

A) internal rate of return method.
B) accounting rate of return method.
C) payback method.
D) net present value method.

Question 14

The potential benefits forgone by rejecting one alternative while accepting another is known as a/an:

A) past cost.
B) cost/benefit cost.
C) opportunity cost.
D) deprivation cost.

Question 15

It is important to get investment decisions right for which of the following reasons?

A) Large amounts of resources are often involved.
B) They may affect the business for many years.
C) They can be difficult and/or expensive to 'bail-out' of once started.
D) All of the above.

Question 16

The decision rule for the payback method of investment appraisal is:

A) choose the project with the longest payback period.
B) choose the project with the shortest payback period.
C) choose the project where the payback period is longer than a hurdle period.
D) below a maximum period, accept the project with the shortest payback period.

Question 17

Which of these is an advantage of the payback method?

A) It is easily understood.
B) It is simple.
C) It emphasises the short-term.
D) All of the above.

Question 18

Which of these is not generally regarded as an advantage of the payback method?

A) It emphasises early cash flows which have greater certainty.
B) It emphasises liquidity.
C) It minimises having to forecast too far into the future.
D) It avoids having to take into account the time value of money.

Question 19

Container Ltd,a manufacturing firm,is considering investing $110,000 in a new mainframe computer.It is estimated that net cash flow per year will be $25,000 and the computer will have a 10-year useful life and zero residual value.The machine will be depreciated on a straight-line basis.The accounting rate of return is:

A) 10.55%.
B) 25.45%.
C) 22.72%.
D) 15.86%.

Question 20

A disadvantage associated with the use of the accounting rate of return method for assessing investment opportunities is:

A) it is a method that is not widely understood by business.
B) it is based on an accrual approach rather than cash flows.
C) it ignores the time value of money.
D) Both B and C.

Question 21

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Han Ltd supplies chilli paste to large supermarket chains. The company is currently considering scrapping the old processor and investing in a new processor. Information about the investment is as follows:
$$\begin{array} { l r } \text { Initial investment in processor } & \$ 105,000 \\\text { Operating cash flows over next 5 years: } & \\\quad \text { Cash receipts } & \$ 50,000 \\\quad \text { Cash payments } & \$ 20,000 \\\text { Residual value of processor in 5 years } & \$ 5,000 \\\text { Required rate of return } & 8 \% \\\text { Depreciation per annum } & \$ 20,000\end{array}$$

-Refer to the table above.The net present value (rounded)of the investment is:

A) $18,195.
B) $16,500.
C) $17,000.
D) $21,000.

Question 22

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Y3 Ltd is expanding its production of binoculars. The plant is expected to cost $750,000, have a life of 5 years, and a nil residual value. It will be ready for operation on 31 December 2014. The following statement of comprehensive income figures for the new binoculars are forecast:
$$\begin{array} { l c c c c c } & 2015 & 2016 & 2017 & 2018 & 2019 \\& \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} \\\text { Sales } & 1.5 & 1.3 & 1.4 & 1.2 & 1.1 \\\text { Costs (including depreciation) } & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 \\\text { Profit before tax } & \underline { 0.5 } & 0.3 & 0.4 & 0.2 & 0.1\end{array}$$ Depreciation has been calculated on a straight-line basis. You should assume that all cash flows occur at the end of the year in which they arise. The company's cost of capital is 10%. Ignore taxation.

-Refer to the table above.The annual depreciation charge for the project is:

A) $300,000.
B) $250,000.
C) $150,000.
D) $200,000.

Question 23

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Y3 Ltd is expanding its production of binoculars. The plant is expected to cost $750,000, have a life of 5 years, and a nil residual value. It will be ready for operation on 31 December 2014. The following statement of comprehensive income figures for the new binoculars are forecast:
$$\begin{array} { l c c c c c } & 2015 & 2016 & 2017 & 2018 & 2019 \\& \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} \\\text { Sales } & 1.5 & 1.3 & 1.4 & 1.2 & 1.1 \\\text { Costs (including depreciation) } & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 \\\text { Profit before tax } & \underline { 0.5 } & 0.3 & 0.4 & 0.2 & 0.1\end{array}$$ Depreciation has been calculated on a straight-line basis. You should assume that all cash flows occur at the end of the year in which they arise. The company's cost of capital is 10%. Ignore taxation.

-Refer to the table above.The annual cash outflow for the project is:

A) $700,000.
B) $850,000.
C) $750,000.
D) $650,000.

Question 24

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Han Ltd supplies chilli paste to large supermarket chains. The company is currently considering scrapping the old processor and investing in a new processor. Information about the investment is as follows:
$$\begin{array} { l r } \text { Initial investment in processor } & \$ 105,000 \\\text { Operating cash flows over next 5 years: } & \\\quad \text { Cash receipts } & \$ 50,000 \\\quad \text { Cash payments } & \$ 20,000 \\\text { Residual value of processor in 5 years } & \$ 5,000 \\\text { Required rate of return } & 8 \% \\\text { Depreciation per annum } & \$ 20,000\end{array}$$

-Refer to the table above.What is the annual net cash flow in year 5?

A) $40,000.
B) $50,000.
C) $35,000.
D) $30,000.

Question 25

After appraisal of an investment opportunity,the Net Present Value was calculated as $1,000.This indicated that the project's return is:

A) the opportunity rate.
B) equal to the market rate of return.
C) greater than the company's rate of return.
D) greater than the discount rate used in the analysis.

Question 26

When a new investment requires an increase in working capital (e.g.,accounts receivable,inventory)the analysis should incorporate this by:

A) recording a cash outflow in Year 0 and a cash inflow at the end of the project.
B) recording a cash inflow at the end of the project.
C) evenly dividing the amount of working capital as a cash outflow for each year of the investment.
D) doing nothing as there is a nil impact on cash flows.

Question 27

An investor has the opportunity to invest at 20 per cent per year.Would they prefer to have $20,000 in a year's time or have any of the following sums now?

A) $15,000.
B) $16,000.
C) $15,667.
D) $16,800.

Question 28

Depreciation is not included in Net Present Value analysis because it is:

A) a non-cash item.
B) an historic cost.
C) a fixed cost.
D) a variable cost.

Question 29

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Han Ltd supplies chilli paste to large supermarket chains. The company is currently considering scrapping the old processor and investing in a new processor. Information about the investment is as follows:
$$\begin{array} { l r } \text { Initial investment in processor } & \$ 105,000 \\\text { Operating cash flows over next 5 years: } & \\\quad \text { Cash receipts } & \$ 50,000 \\\quad \text { Cash payments } & \$ 20,000 \\\text { Residual value of processor in 5 years } & \$ 5,000 \\\text { Required rate of return } & 8 \% \\\text { Depreciation per annum } & \$ 20,000\end{array}$$

-Refer to the table above.Using the Net Present Value approach the management of Han Ltd will make which of the following decisions?

A) Accept the investment proposal and purchase the new processor.
B) Retain the current processor and buy the new processor.
C) Retain the current processor.
D) Increase the residual value of the processor.

Question 30

You have won a special type of lottery where you are to receive $200,000 in 4 years' time.The current interest rate is 6%.How much is the lottery win worth in today's dollars?

A) $200,000.
B) $158,400.
C) $255,010.
D) $170,000.

Question 31

The factor in Net Present Value analysis that normally involves the least degree of uncertainty is:

A) the future cash flows.
B) the cost of the initial investment.
C) the life of the project.
D) the discount rate.

Question 32

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Y3 Ltd is expanding its production of binoculars. The plant is expected to cost $750,000, have a life of 5 years, and a nil residual value. It will be ready for operation on 31 December 2014. The following statement of comprehensive income figures for the new binoculars are forecast:
$$\begin{array} { l c c c c c } & 2015 & 2016 & 2017 & 2018 & 2019 \\& \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} \\\text { Sales } & 1.5 & 1.3 & 1.4 & 1.2 & 1.1 \\\text { Costs (including depreciation) } & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 \\\text { Profit before tax } & \underline { 0.5 } & 0.3 & 0.4 & 0.2 & 0.1\end{array}$$ Depreciation has been calculated on a straight-line basis. You should assume that all cash flows occur at the end of the year in which they arise. The company's cost of capital is 10%. Ignore taxation.

-Refer to the table above.The accounting rate of return is:

A) 40%.
B) 80%.
C) 50%.
D) 30%.

Question 33

Using the Net Present Value method,the decision rule for projects when finance is not a restriction is:

A) take on all projects with a positive NPV.
B) select the project with the largest cash inflows.
C) select the project where the cash inflows are greatest in the early years of the project.
D) select the project with cash flows equal to the initial investment.

Question 34

Which of the following would be a reason for preferring $100 now rather than $100 in one year's time?

A) Risk.
B) Interest lost.
C) The effects of inflation.
D) All of the above.

Question 35

The required rate of return is the ________ acceptable percentage return on an investment after taking into account the ________ of the investment.

A) minimum; opportunity cost
B) maximum; opportunity cost
C) maximum; risk
D) minimum; risk

Question 36

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Han Ltd supplies chilli paste to large supermarket chains. The company is currently considering scrapping the old processor and investing in a new processor. Information about the investment is as follows:
$$\begin{array} { l r } \text { Initial investment in processor } & \$ 105,000 \\\text { Operating cash flows over next 5 years: } & \\\quad \text { Cash receipts } & \$ 50,000 \\\quad \text { Cash payments } & \$ 20,000 \\\text { Residual value of processor in 5 years } & \$ 5,000 \\\text { Required rate of return } & 8 \% \\\text { Depreciation per annum } & \$ 20,000\end{array}$$

-Refer to the table above.What is the annual net cash flow for years 1-4?

A) $10,000.
B) $30,000.
C) $50,000.
D) $20,000.

Question 37

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Y3 Ltd is expanding its production of binoculars. The plant is expected to cost $750,000, have a life of 5 years, and a nil residual value. It will be ready for operation on 31 December 2014. The following statement of comprehensive income figures for the new binoculars are forecast:
$$\begin{array} { l c c c c c } & 2015 & 2016 & 2017 & 2018 & 2019 \\& \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} \\\text { Sales } & 1.5 & 1.3 & 1.4 & 1.2 & 1.1 \\\text { Costs (including depreciation) } & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 \\\text { Profit before tax } & \underline { 0.5 } & 0.3 & 0.4 & 0.2 & 0.1\end{array}$$ Depreciation has been calculated on a straight-line basis. You should assume that all cash flows occur at the end of the year in which they arise. The company's cost of capital is 10%. Ignore taxation.

-Refer to the table above.The payback period is:

A) between years 2 and 3.
B) between years 4 and 5.
C) between years 3 and 4.
D) between years 1 and 2.

Question 38

If the net present value analysis of a project resulted in a positive value and the company did not accept the project,it could be assumed that:

A) qualitative factors outweigh the benefit of the investment.
B) the net initial investment cannot be recovered.
C) the return is greater than that required by the company.
D) all of the above.

Question 39

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Y3 Ltd is expanding its production of binoculars. The plant is expected to cost $750,000, have a life of 5 years, and a nil residual value. It will be ready for operation on 31 December 2014. The following statement of comprehensive income figures for the new binoculars are forecast:
$$\begin{array} { l c c c c c } & 2015 & 2016 & 2017 & 2018 & 2019 \\& \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} & \$ \mathrm {~m} \\\text { Sales } & 1.5 & 1.3 & 1.4 & 1.2 & 1.1 \\\text { Costs (including depreciation) } & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 1.0 \\\text { Profit before tax } & \underline { 0.5 } & 0.3 & 0.4 & 0.2 & 0.1\end{array}$$ Depreciation has been calculated on a straight-line basis. You should assume that all cash flows occur at the end of the year in which they arise. The company's cost of capital is 10%. Ignore taxation.

-Refer to the table above.The net present value (rounded)is:

A) $984,000.
B) $1,019,900.
C) $883,000.
D) $860,500.

Question 40

If you banked $27,778 today at an interest rate of 20%,how much will you have in two years' time?

A) $40,000.
B) $36,000.
C) $33,334.
D) $27,778.

Question 41

The Net Present Value method of investment appraisal addresses each of the following except:

A) the whole of the relevant cash flows.
B) qualitative factors.
C) the timing of the cash flows.
D) None of the above, i.e., all matters are addressed.

Question 42

The Internal Rate of Return is the discount rate that makes the Net Present Value:

A) zero.
B) negative.
C) high.
D) positive.

Question 43

The Square Package Group is thinking of buying,at a cost of $220,000,some new packaging equipment that is expected to save $50,000 in costs per year.Its estimated useful life is 10 years and it will have zero disposal value.The required rate of return is 16%.Ignore income tax issues.
REQUIRED:
Compute the following:
a)Net present value
b)Payback period

Question 44

Which of these factors influences the returns required by investors from an investment project?

A) Interest foregone.
B) Inflation.
C) Risk premium.
D) All are influences.

Question 45

The main disadvantage of the Internal Rate of Return method is that:

A) it ignores the scale of projects, which could lead to wrong decision-making.
B) it is difficult for management to incorporate it into decision-making.
C) it is too simplistic.
D) all of the above.

Question 46

In capital investment decision-making PV stands for:

A) Payback value.
B) Present value.
C) Profit vesting.
D) Purchasing value.

Question 47

The discount rate that should be used in Net Present Value assessments is:

A) the weighted average cost of capital of the business.
B) the government bond rate.
C) the specific cost of capital associated with funding a particular project.
D) the expected rate of return required by ordinary shareholders.

Question 48

Which of these costs would not be relevant to an investment decision to replace an existing asset with a newer model capable of increasing production?

A) Disposal value of existing asset.
B) Future operating costs of existing asset.
C) Trade-in value of existing asset.
D) Carrying amount of asset to be replaced.

Question 49

The decision to invest in a project should be based on:

A) both financial and quantitative information.
B) both non-financial and qualitative information.
C) both financial and non-financial information.
D) none of the above.

Question 50

Manosteel Ltd is considering the purchase of a new machine for $100,000.It is to be depreciated on a straight-line basis and is estimated to have no residual value at the end of a useful life of 10 years.The tax rate is 30 per cent.What will be the annual cash tax saving in relation to depreciation expense?

A) $3,000.
B) $100.
C) $300.
D) $10,000.

Question 51

Courtmaster provides superturf for tennis courts.The company has recently investigated investing in a new machine,which will speed up the laying of the superturf.The old machine has a remaining life of 5 years,and the new equipment has a value of $150,000 with a five-year life.The expected additional cash inflows are $35,000 per year.In what range is the internal rate of return for the new machine?

A) 4 - 6%.
B) 2 - 4%.
C) 6 - 8%.
D) 8 - 10%.

Question 52

Depreciation is a non-cash expense,but it affects cash flows from an investment because:

A) it affects the amount of tax paid.
B) it affects the cost of the investment.
C) it affects the scrap value of the investment.
D) all of the above.

Question 53

The following information relates to three mutually exclusive projects.

REQUIRED:
Compute the net present value of each project at a discount rate of 10%.

Question 54

If the Net Present Value of a project is $1,000 after using a discount rate of 8%,then one can conclude that the Internal Rate of Return is:

A) greater than 8%.
B) 8%.
C) between 8% and 10%.
D) less than 8%.

Question 55

TG Industries is considering investing in a fleet of six delivery vehicles.The annual running costs are expected to total $90,000 per vehicle,including the driver's salary.The vehicles are expected to operate for a total of five years.At present TG industries uses a commercial carrier for its deliveries.The commercial carrier is expected to charge a total of $680,000 for each of the next five years to make the deliveries.What is the estimated net annual cash cost saving on delivery vehicle running cost if TG industries invests in the fleet of six vehicles?

A) $90,000.
B) $400,000.
C) $310,000.
D) $140,000.

Question 56

A problem with the Internal Rate of Return method is that it:

A) ignores the time value of money.
B) has difficulty handling projects with unconventional cash flows.
C) ignores the timing of cash flows.
D) all of the above.

Question 57

Wishlist recently purchased a new packaging machine for $678,026.The machine has a remaining useful life of 10 years.Net cash flow per year will be $120,000.The internal rate of return is:

A) 16%.
B) 20%.
C) 24%.
D) 12%.

Question 58

The following data was given for three projects being considered by Manosteel Ltd.Only one project can be accepted due to funding limitations.
$\begin{array}{llcc}\text { Project } & \text { IRR } & \text { NPV } & \text { Payback } \\\text { A } & 16 \% & \$ 18,000 & 7 \text { yrs }\\\text { B } & 18 \% & \$ 100,000 & 5 \text { yrs } \\\text { C } & 15 \% & \$ 95,000 & 10 y \mathrm{rs}\end{array}$
Which project is the best given that Manosteel's required rate of return is 14%?

A) Project A.
B) Project B.
C) Project C.
D) All projects should be accepted, as all have a positive Net Present Value and an Internal Rate of Return greater than the required rate of return.

Question 59

The formula for net present value per $1 of investment is:

A) Net Present Value/Investment.
B) Net cash flows/ Investment.
C) Present value of inflows/initial investment.
D) Present values of inflows/present value of outflows.

Question 60

Projects can have multiple internal rates of return due to:

A) all positive cash flows.
B) all negative cash flows.
C) both positive and negative cash flows at different points during its life.
D) none of the above.

Question 61

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

A) It may be very difficult to quantify all factors that impact on an investment decision.
B) Investment decisions are made easier as cash forecasts are always correct.
C) The validity of assumptions made in relation to an investment proposal may influence the final decision.
D) The results from using an investment appraisal method is only one input into the final decision.

Question 62

Which method of investment appraisal has been found in surveys to be the least popular with Australian businesses?

A) Net Present Value.
B) Accounting rate of return.
C) Internal rate of return.
D) Payback.

Question 63

Which method of investment appraisal has been found in surveys to be used by 94% of Australian companies?

A) Internal rate of return.
B) Accounting rate of return.
C) Net Present Value.
D) Payback.

Question 64

Which of the following are practical issues that need to be considered when using investment appraisal methods?

A) Irrelevant costs.
B) Taxation.
C) Interest payments.
D) Both B and C.

Question 65

An advantage of the Internal Rate of Return method over the Net Present Value method of investment appraisal is that:

A) the IRR is easier to calculate than the NPV.
B) the IRR method is more well known that the NPV method.
C) the IRR is expressed in percentage terms whereas the NPV is expressed in absolute terms.
D) all are advantages.

Question 66

The finding from surveys of the methods of business investments that is true is:

A) businesses generally only use one method to assess each investment decision.
B) there is a tendency for larger businesses to use the discounting methods.
C) the payback method is hardly used in practice.
D) All of the statements are true.

Question 67

Relevant cash flows for investment decisions are:

A) expected cash flows that will not differ between alternatives.
B) actual cash flows that differ between alternatives.
C) expected cash flows that will differ between alternatives.
D) actual cash flows that do not differ between alternatives.

Question 68

Which statement is true?

A) The Internal Rate of Return method assumes that cash reinvested in the course of the life of the project earns at the same rate as the project.
B) The Net Present Value method assumes that the reinvestment rate is at the cost of capital.
C) Both the Internal Rate of Return and the Net Present Value methods assume that the reinvestment rate is at the cost of capital.
D) Both A and B.