Problem

Capital rationing: IRR and NPV approaches Valley Corporation is attempting to select the best of a group of independent projects competing for the firms fixed capital budget of $4.5 million. The firm recognizes that any unused portion of this budget will earn less than its 15% cost of capital, thereby resulting in a present value of inflows that is less than the initial investment. The firm has summarized, in the following table, the key data to be used in selecting the best group of projects.

Project	Initial investment	IRR	Present value of inflows at 15%
A	$5,000,000	17%	$5,400,000
B	800,000	18	1,100,000
C	2,000,000	19	2,300,000
D	1,500,000	16	1,600,000
E	800,000	22	900,000
F	2,500,000	23	3,000,000
G	1,200,000	20	1,300,000

Use the internal rate of return (IRR) approach to select the best group of projects.

Use the net present value (NPV) approach to select the best group of projects.

Compare, contrast, and discuss your findings in parts a and b.

Which projects should the firm implement? Why?

Stepbystep solution