In: Finance
Under what circumstances will you prefer profitability index to NPV as project evaluation techniques
PROFITABILITY INDEX
Profitability index is an investment appraisal technique calculated by dividing the present value of future cash flows of a project by the initial investment required for the project. Profitability index (PI), also known as profit investment ratio (PIR) and value investment ratio (VIR), cost-benefit ratio or benefit-cost ratio.
Profitability index is used the time value of the money concepts in its calculation. Profitability index ratio is calculated, the present value of the future cash flows, divided by initial investment for the project. Different formulas are used for Profitability index calculation. The result of all formulas must be the same. You may use any one formula, selection of the formula depends on your requirement and available data of the projects.
Profitability index formula
Profitability index equal the present value of future cash flows divided by the initial investment.
The Advantages of Profitability Index are given below.
1. Profitability index considers the time value of money. 2. Profitability index considers the analysis of all cash flows of the entire life. 3. Profitability index makes the right in the case of the different amount of cash outlay of different project. 4. Profitability index ascertains the exact rate of return of the project.
The disadvantages Of Profitability Index are as follows:
1. It is difficult to understand the interest rate or discount rate. 2. It is difficult to calculate profitability index if two projects having a different useful life.
Accept/Reject criteria
NPV (Net Present Value)
Net present value method is one of the modern methods for
evaluating the project proposals. In this method cash inflows are
considered with the time value of the money. Net present value
describes as the summation of the present value of cash inflow and
present value of cash outflow. Net present value is the difference
between the total present value of future cash inflows and the
total present value of future cash outflows.
Merits
1. It recognizes the time value of money.
2. It considers the total benefits arising out of the
proposal.
3. It is the best method for the selection of mutually exclusive
projects.
4. It helps to achieve the maximization of shareholders’
wealth.
Demerits
1. It is difficult to understand and calculate.
2. It needs the discount factors for calculation of present
values.
3. It is not suitable for the projects having different effective
lives.
Accept/Reject criteria