Risk and the Required Rate of Return: The Cost of Capital

The cost of capital is an extremely important rate of return, particularly in capital budgeting decisions. It is the expected average future cost to the firm of funds over the long run. Because the cost of capital is the pivotal rate of return used in the investment decision process, its accuracy can significantly affect the quality of these decisions. Underestimation of the cost of capital can make poor projects look attractive; overestimation can make good projects look unattractive. By applying the techniques presented in this chapter to estimate the firm’s cost of capital, the financial manager will improve the likelihood that the firm’s long-term decisions will be consistent with the firm’s overall goal of maximizing stock price (owner wealth).

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