What are the techniques of capital investment appraisal?

Capital investment appraisal, also known as capital budgeting, involves evaluating and analyzing investment projects to determine their feasibility and potential returns. There are several techniques commonly used in capital investment appraisal. Here are some of the main ones:

• Net Present Value (NPV): NPV calculates the present value of cash inflows and outflows associated with an investment project. It considers the time value of money by discounting future cash flows to their present value using a predetermined discount rate. A positive NPV indicates that the project is expected to generate more value than the initial investment and is generally considered favorable.
• Internal Rate of Return (IRR): IRR is the discount rate that makes the present value of cash inflows equal to the present value of cash outflows. It represents the rate of return the project is expected to yield. Comparing the IRR to a required rate of return or a hurdle rate helps determine the project's viability. If the IRR is higher than the required rate of return, the project is considered acceptable.
• Payback Period: The payback period is the time it takes for an investment project to recover its initial investment through cash inflows. It is a simple measure of liquidity and risk, indicating how quickly the project generates returns. The shorter the payback period, the quicker the investment is recovered. However, this method does not consider the time value of money and does not account for cash flows beyond the payback period.
• Accounting Rate of Return (ARR): ARR calculates the average accounting profit generated by an investment project as a percentage of the average investment. It is based on accounting figures rather than cash flows and does not consider the time value of money. While it is easy to calculate, ARR has limitations as it focuses on accounting measures rather than cash flows and may not provide an accurate representation of profitability.
• Profitability Index (PI): The profitability index measures the present value of future cash flows per unit of investment. It is calculated by dividing the present value of cash inflows by the initial investment. A profitability index greater than 1 indicates that the project is expected to be profitable. It helps rank and compare investment projects based on their relative profitability.
• Discounted Payback Period: Similar to the payback period, the discounted payback period considers the time value of money by discounting cash flows. It calculates the time required for an investment project to recover its discounted cash flows. This method provides a more accurate measure of liquidity and risk compared to the regular payback period.

These techniques provide different perspectives and insights into investment projects, considering factors such as cash flows, timing, profitability, and risk. It is common to use multiple techniques in conjunction to make informed investment decisions. The selection of appropriate techniques depends on the specific requirements, circumstances, and preferences of the organization or investor conducting the appraisal.