Payback period is the period within which the cash inflow are paid off the cash outflows. In simple terms, it is getting back the capital amount invested. This payback period indicates within what time the investment is paid off (recovered).
2 approaches for calculating pay back period
1. For equal cash flows
2. For unequal cash flows
Equal cash flows - The formula is simple in this case.
Pay back period = Initial investment / Equal cash flows
Unequal cash flow - There are few steps involved in calculating the same
Step 1 : With the unequal cash flows, compute cumulative cash flow
Step 2 : With the cumulative cash flow computed, compare the initial investment amount, Wherein the ranging years with which the amount can be recovered can be examined. (for eg 2-3 yrs)
Step 3 : Formula for payback period is Base year + (required difference/cumulative cash flow of the ranging years arrived above)
Eg: The ranging years is 2-3 years. Initial investment is Rs 1,50,000 and the 2nd & 3rd years cumulative cash flow is 1,10,000 and 1,90,000
Then ,
> The base year here is 2 years.
> Required difference is difference of lower range and initial investment ie(1.5 lakhs - 1.1 lakhs)
> cumulative cash flows of ranging year is 1.9 lakhs - 1.1 lakhs
To sum up , 2 years + ( 1.5-1.1 lakhs/1.9-1.1lakhs) = 2 years and 6 months.
Appy the second method for the above problem.
Thanks.