The Silverside Company is considering investing in two alternative projects: Project 1 Project 2 Investment $400,000 $280,000 Useful life (years) 5 5 Estimated annual net cash inflows for useful life $90,000 $65,000 Residual value $25,000 $12,000 Depreciation method Straight−line Straight−line Required rate of return 10% 6% What is the payback period for Project 1?

The Silverside Company

Project 1's Payback Period

= Initial Investment/Annual cash flows

= $400,000 / $90,000

= 4.44 years.

Explanation:

Project 1:

Initial Investment = $400,000

Useful life = 5 years

Annual cash inflows for useful life = $90,000

The Silverside Company's payback period calculates the time or number of years that it would take the company to recover from its initial investment in Project 1.  This is the simple payback period calculation.  There is also the discounted payback period calculation.  This method discounts the annual cash inflows to their present values before the calculation is carried out.  This second method gives a present value perspective on the issue.