ACCA Financial Management (F9) Certification Practice Exam

What does adjusted payback period take into account that the regular payback period does not?

1. Inflation rates

2. Time value of money

3. Non-cash expenses

4. Risk factors

The correct answer is: Time value of money

The adjusted payback period enhances the traditional payback period by incorporating the time value of money, which is the concept that money available today is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity. In contrast, the regular payback period simply measures the time it takes for an investment to generate cash flows sufficient to recover the initial outlay without considering when those cash flows occur. By adjusting for the time value of money, the adjusted payback period provides a more realistic view of the profitability and feasibility of an investment over time. This adjustment helps to account for factors such as the opportunity cost of capital, allowing for more informed decision-making when evaluating investment options. The other options do not capture the essence of the adjusted payback period. While inflation can influence investment decisions, it is not specifically factored into the adjusted payback period. Non-cash expenses do not directly affect cash flow recovery timelines, which the payback period measures. Risk factors are important in investment analysis but are typically addressed through other metrics such as net present value or internal rate of return, rather than through the payback period calculations.