Klammer (1972)
reports a preference for general discounted cash flow models, and subsequently, the
overwhelming majority of published research indicate management prefer the use of
internal rate of return (IRR) over all other capital budgeting methods. 1 Eight studies
dating from 1970 to 1983 show profitability index, a ratio of present value and initial
cost, to be the least most popular capital budgeting tool. Recently, Jog and Srivastava
(1995) and Pike (1996) indicate a decreased acceptance of accounting rate of return in
Canada and the United Kingdom, respectively.2 Interestingly, throughout the literature,
NPV has always trailed IRR in management preference. Managers have argued the
perception of a percentage return is more easily understood and comparable than an
absolute dollar value increase in shareholder wealth. Therefore, in the past, managers
have chosen IRR over NPV. Evans and Forbes (1993) argue management view IRR as a
more cognitively efficient measure of comparison. In a comparison of past studies, it is
seen that managers are moving toward NPV as a method of choice, but never to the level
of IRR.