Risk Adjusted Cut off Rate

Under this method, the cut off rate or minimum required rate of return [mostly the firm’s cost of capital] is raised by adding what is called ‘risk premium’ to it. When the risk is greater, the premium to be added would be greater.

For example, if the risk free discount rate [say, cost of capital] is 10%, and the project under consideration is a riskier one, then the premium of, say 5% is added to the above risk-free rate.

The risk-adjusted discount rate would be 15%, which may be used either for discounting purposes under NPV, or as a cut off rate under IRR.

Advantages of Risk-adjusted Discount Rate:

• It has a great deal of intuitive appeal for risk adverse decision-makers.
• It is easy to understand and simple to operate.
• It incorporates an attitude towards uncertainty.

Disadvantages:

• A uniform risk discount factor used for discounting all future returns is unscientific as the degree of risk may vary over the years in future.
• There is no easy way to derive a risk-adjusted discount rate.
• It assumes that investors are risk averse. Though it is generally true, there do exist risk-seekers in real world situation that may demand premium for assuming risk.

The Ramakrishna Ltd., in considering the purchase of a new investment. Two alternative investments are available (X and Y) each costing Rs. 150000. Cash inflows are expected to be as follows:

Cash Inflows

The company has a target return on capital of 10%. Risk premium rate are 2% and 8% respectively for investment X and Y. Which investment should be preferred?

Solution

The profitability of the two investments can be compared on the basis of net present values cash inflows adjusted for risk premium rates as follows:

Investment X

Net present value = 133415 – 150000

=  – Rs. 16585

Investment Y

Net present value = 156485 – 150000

=  Rs. 6485

As even at a higher discount rate investment Y gives a higher net present value, investment Y should be preferred.