Why are capital budgeting decisions among the most important decisions made by any company? Give a few examples from recent business developments.
Answer: The main objective of financial management is to maximize the value of the firm. The main source of value is the company's cash flows discounted at rates that reflect their risk. Both the firm's cash flows and their level of risk are determined by the projects the company chooses to undertake. Recent examples include Apples string of "I" products (pod, phones, pad), and Amazon's Kindle which have added tremendous value to those companies. Students may cite examples from the text such as Kimberly-Clark's Huggies or Walmart's use of central distribution centers. Examples of less than successful decisions, at least so far, might include the Segue or the Gap's ephemeral redesigned logo. (Students' answers will vary their experience and recent events.)
Distinguish between revenue enhancement investments, cost-reduction investments, and mandated investments.
Answer: Revenue enhancements investments may include new product lines such as Amazon's Kindle or GM's Chevy Volt undertaken, obviously, to increase cash flows by increasing sales. Companies such as Walmart may expand internationally or enter new businesses such as groceries for the same reason. Cost reduction investments such as improved distribution, energy saving equipment or loss prevention systems may not increase sales, but increase cash flows by reducing costs. Mandated investments may include such issues as access for the handicapped, pollution abatement, or employee safety. They are unavoidable because required by federal, state, or local laws. In these cases, companies will seek the least expensive way to comply.
Why is it so difficult for firms to find good investment ideas?
Answer: All firms are competing to maximize their value, so if an idea is obvious, many companies will pursue it at the same time. The Blackberry, for example, soon faced intense competition from any number of smart phones. Companies often find the best opportunities in areas where they have some protection from competition because they possess proprietary technology (Pfizer, Merck), strong brand loyalty (Coca Cola), or because the business is very expensive to enter (Toyota, Disney).
