Suppose a Firm Relies Exclusively on the Payback Method When

question 31

Multiple Choice

Suppose a firm relies exclusively on the payback method when making capital budgeting decisions, and it sets a 4-year payback regardless of economic conditions.Other things held constant, which of the following statements is most likely to be true?

• A) It will accept too many long-term projects and reject too many short-term projects (as judged by the NPV).
• B) The firm will accept too many projects in all economic states because a 4-year payback is too low.
• C) The firm will accept too few projects in all economic states because a 4-year payback is too high.
• D) If the 4-year payback results in accepting just the right set of projects under average economic conditions, then this payback will result in too few long-term projects when the economy is weak.
• E) It will accept too many short-term projects and reject too many long-term projects (as judged by the NPV).

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Definitions:

Executive and Company

This term refers to the relationship or contractual agreements between a company's management, particularly its executive officers, and the company itself.

Covenants Restricting

Clauses in loan agreements that impose limits on the actions of the borrower to protect the interests of the lender.

Dividend Payments

Distributions of a portion of a company's earnings, decided by the board of directors, to a class of its shareholders.

Principal and Interest

The two components of a loan payment; principal is the original amount borrowed, and interest is the charge for borrowing the principal.