Profitability Index

Corporate Finance Fundamentals · 5:36

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When you've got projects on your desk to choose
And limited capital you cannot lose
There's a ratio that helps you see which way to go
Present value divided by cash outflow

The profitability index is the key
Shows the bang for buck so clearly
More than one means profits will grow
Less than one means let that project go

[Chorus]
PI equals PV over initial cost
Find the winners before money's lost
Divide present value by what you pay
Rank your projects the PI way
Higher numbers get priority
That's the profitability index, you see

[Verse 2]
Picture Sarah's got three projects in her hand
Budget's tight across this business land
Project A shows PI of one point five
Project B's at zero point nine, barely alive

Project C comes in at one point two
Now she knows exactly what to do
Rank them high to low by PI score
A, then C, then B gets shown the door

[Chorus]
PI equals PV over initial cost
Find the winners before money's lost
Divide present value by what you pay
Rank your projects the PI way
Higher numbers get priority
That's the profitability index, you see

[Bridge]
When capital's constrained and choices must be made
This benefit-cost ratio comes to your aid
Greater than one means value created
Less than one leaves shareholders deflated

Remember the formula, keep it in mind
Present value over investment you'll find
The profitability index shows the way
To maximize value every single day

[Chorus]
PI equals PV over initial cost
Find the winners before money's lost
Divide present value by what you pay
Rank your projects the PI way
Higher numbers get priority
That's the profitability index, you see

[Outro]
Present value over initial investment
That's your profitability measurement
Rank them high to low and you'll succeed
PI gives you everything you need

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