Fundamentals of Financial Management, Concise Edition (with Thomson ONE - Business School Edition, 1 term (6 months) Printed Access Card) (MindTap Course List)
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Chapter 12, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To explain: The reason to focus on cash flow instead of net income in capital budgeting.

Introduction:

Operating Cash Flow:

The amount of cash used in or generated from the operations of the business is reported under the category of operating cash flow in the statement of cash flow. This is prepared as a part of financial statement at the end of an accounting period. The net balance is calculated and depicted as net cash from operating activities.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1Q

Cash flow is used instead of accounting income because actual cash is required and spent for the projects or expansion plans of a company.

Explanation of Solution

  • The capital budgeting is a process to estimate the cash generated and used from a project or new plant.
  • The net income is just a measure of profitability and doesn’t reflect the actual cash that is available for investment.
Conclusion

So, the reason to consider cash flow is that actual cash is required and spent for the projects or expansion plans of a company.

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Students have asked these similar questions
Operating cash flows rather than accounting income are listed in Table 12.1. Why do we focus on cash flows as opposed to net income in capital budgeting? Explain why sunk costs should not be included in a capital budgeting analysis but opportunity costs and externalities should be included. Give an example of each.
In many decisions, the focus is on net income. Accounting net income is based on accrual accounting, which ignores the timing of cash flows. In capital budgeting, however, the timing of cash flows is critical. Why do you think that is? Respond to why agree or disagree with their reason for the criticality of cash flow timing in capital budget decisions.
Why does capital budgeting rely on the analysis of cash flows rather than on net income

Chapter 12 Solutions

Fundamentals of Financial Management, Concise Edition (with Thomson ONE - Business School Edition, 1 term (6 months) Printed Access Card) (MindTap Course List)

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