Sustainable value creation is essential to secure the long-term success of the company. To optimize the allocation of financial resources, we use a defined set of parameters as criteria for the prioritization of investment opportunities and portfolio decisions.
Net present value (NPV)
The main criterion for the prioritization of investment opportunities is the net present value. It is based on the discounted cash flow method and is calculated as the sum of the discounted free cash flows over the projection period of a project. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC), representing the weighted average of the cost of equity and cost of debt, is used as the discount rate. Depending on the type and location of a project, different markups are applied to the WACC.
Internal rate of return (IRR)
The internal rate of return is a further important criterion for the assessment of acquisition projects and investments in property, plant and equipment, as well as intangible assets. It is the discount rate that makes the present value of all future free cash flows equal to the initial investment or the purchase price of an acquisition. A project adds value if the internal rate of return is higher than the weighted cost of capital including markups.
Return on capital employed (ROCE)
In addition to NPV and IRR, when looking at individual accounting periods, return on capital employed is an important metric for the assessment of investment projects. It is calculated as the adjusted operating result (EBIT) pre divided by the sum of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and inventories.
Payback period
An additional parameter to prioritize investments in property, plant & equipment, and intangible assets is the payback period, which indicates the time in years after which an investment will generate positive net cash flow.
Value added of Group (MEVA)
Value added of Group gives information about the financial value created in a period. Value is created when the return on capital employed (ROCE) of the company or the business is higher than the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). MEVA metrics provide us with a powerful tool to weigh investment and spending decisions against capital requirements and investors’ expectations.