Coffer Co. is analyzing two potential investments. Project X Project Y
Cost of machine $77,000 $55,000
Net cash flow:
Year 1 28,000 2,000
Year 2 28,000 25,000
Year 3 28,000 25,000
Year 4 0 20,000

If the company is using the payback period method and it requires a payback of three years or less, which project(s) should be selected?

a. Project Y
b. Both X and Y are acceptable projects.
c. Project Y because it has a lower initial investment
d. Project X
e. Neither X nor Y is an acceptable project

d. Project X

Explanation:

For Project X

Year       Net cash outflow             Net cash inflow Balance

0              -$77,000                        -$77,000

1               $28,000                        -$49,000

2               $28,000                       -$21,000

3                $28,000                        $7,000

4                    0                               $7,000

Payback period = 2 + $21,000 ÷ $28,000

= 2 + 0.75

= 2.75 years

For Project Y

Year       Net cash outflow          Net cash inflow Balance

0              -$55,000                       -$55,000

1                $2,000                         -$53,000

2               $25,000                       -$28000

3                $25,000                       -$3,000

4                $20,000                       $17,000

Payback period = 3 +3,000 ÷ 20,000

= 3 + 0.15

= 3.15 years

Project X has a lesser than 3 year payback period. So, the correct option is D