Glossary

Capital Budget

Capital budgeting is the financial procedure used to evaluate the financial consequences of a potential project. Its primary objective is to appraise the anticipated financial gains and risks associated with the proposed project, aiding in the decision-making process of whether to pursue the project or not.

What is a capital budget?

A capital budget refers to a financial blueprint detailing anticipated long-term capital expenditures for a company. These expenses encompass investments in new equipment, property, or stocks. The capital budget holds significance for companies as it facilitates monitoring spending and ensuring sufficient funds to cover forthcoming costs.

How do you create a capital budget?

Creating a capital budget involves outlining a company's upcoming long-term investments. These can range from new equipment to constructing new facilities. To craft a capital budget, a company estimates the required investment amount and identifies means to finance these investments. Various methods can be employed for financing, such as issuing new equity, taking on debt, or utilizing cash reserves. Upon securing the necessary funds, a company designs a capital budget delineating specific investments and their scheduled implementation.

What are the different types of capital budgets?

Three distinct types of capital budgets include:

Capital expenditure budget: Encompasses expenditures on long-term assets like land, buildings, and equipment, along with costs for their enhancements or improvements.
Capital financing budget: Covers expenses for procuring new long-term assets (e.g., acquiring a new building or land) and financing enhancements to existing long-term assets.
Capital maintenance budget: Encompasses expenses related to maintaining and repairing existing long-term assets, excluding costs for acquiring new assets or financing enhancements to existing ones.

Why is a capital budget important?

A capital budget is crucial as it enables a company to oversee and manage its long-term investments, including property, plant, and equipment. It aids in making more informed financial decisions by evaluating potential profitability in new investments. Moreover, it ensures compliance with financial regulations.