What is Capital Budgeting Analysis

Making investment decisions for new projects is a part of capital budgeting analysis. Business leaders attempt to ascertain which initiatives will produce the greatest return over a specific time period. For instance, a company might consider the advantages of launching a new product line, constructing a new facility, or forming a joint venture with a company from outside. After one year, capital budgeting initiatives often continue to generate revenue for the company.

Five Steps of Capital Budgeting Analysis

Following are five frequently used process in capital budgeting analysis.

1. Exploring opportunities
2. Estimating Cost
3. Determining Benefits
4. Assess Potential Risk
5. The Final Decision

You May Also Read:

• Types of Capital Budgeting
• Pay Back Period Method Explained | Capital Budgeting
• Types of Financial Risks

Exploring Opportunities

Mark Hirschey recommends in “Managerial Economics” that you discuss potential projects with your company’s key departments. How much the company can spend on new initiatives this year should be confirmed with the accounting department. To find out what types of investments are currently doing best, discuss market forecasts with the marketing department. Additionally, talk about development ideas with other divisions like engineering and research. Think about both typical cost-cutting initiatives like upgrading outdated equipment and growth initiatives like introducing new services.

Estimating Cost

In light of the market projection, ask departmental personnel to estimate the operational expenses for the projects that appear to have the best chance of success. Find out, for instance, what new tools, materials, and other expenditures are required for a research project from the engineering department. Next, request confirmation of these operating expenses from the purchasing or accounting departments.

Determining Benefit

The cash flows from each planned project, or how much the company anticipates earning, must be estimated. Establish the worth of each project at a particular point in time, such a year after it begins. Compare the anticipated profits from each project after deducting the cost of the project from the total to arrive at the company’s profit.

Assess Potential Risk

Calculate the risk associated with each project to determine how much the company would lose if it were to fail. Estimate the likelihood of failure and success with the help of the marketing team and the heads of any departments participating in the project. Assign a percentage indicating the likelihood of success and a percentage indicating the likelihood of failure to each project.

The Final Decision in Capital Budgeting Analysis

Compare the chance of failure with the anticipated return on each investment. If a project’s chance of success outweighs its chance of failure and its estimated return makes it a viable investment, pursue it. How much of a return makes an investment profitable for your company must be determined by you and your accounting department.