Using a financial calculator is a skill, similar to typing. You just need to know which steps to take and then you need to practice to the point when you feel comfortable with using a calculator.
In all explanations with a financial calculator we will be using an HP 10bll. Other financial calculators are similar, yet we find it easier to work with the HP. Most text books use HP calculators when providing guidance on using a financial calculator, so if you have a different calculator you may need to spend more time learning slightly different calculation steps. Before investing further time, it may be wise to get a universally used calculator.
Before using a financial calculator to make specific calculations such as calculating NPV or IRR, it is important to make sure that you:
1 – Clear the calculator – by pressing second function followed by “C All”
2 – Set calculator for the “END” by pressing second function followed by “BEG/END” and ensuring that the word “BEGIN” is not displayed. Exceptions to this rule occur when it is specifically stated in the problem that cash flows occur at the beginning of the period (for example, at the beginning of the year).
Again, if no sign appears on the display then you do not need to reset it as it is set for “END” by default. If it says “BEGIN” on the display, you need to press second function followed by “beg/end.”
When you set the calculator for the “END” of the period you do that because in the problem you are working with, cash inflow or outflow occurs at the end of the period. If the problem does not state when cash flows occur, you need to assume that it occurs at the “END” of the period.
The majority of calculations will require the “END” setting. If it is by mistake set for “BEGIN” but cash flows occur at the end of the period, then incorrect answers will be generated.
Therefore, it is advisable to keep it set for the “END” at all times as a default and only reset it for “BEGIN” when a calculation requires that to be done. Right after a calculation is completed that requires the “BEGIN” setting, it is important to develop a habit to reset it to the “END”.
In the explanations using a financial calculator, for convenience and clarity purposes, we will generally display explanations of calculations as presented in the example below:
PV: -900 I: 7 N: 5 FV: 1,262.3
When using a HP 10bll financial calculator, or using any financial calculator, you need to first insert the number (number, e.g. -900) and then insert the purpose of the number (e.g. PV).
For example, as per above, you need to press:
900 followed by the minus sign followed by PV
7 followed by I
5 followed by N
Than press FV, and the calculator will display the correct answer
Financial calculators sometimes give false answers. It is advisable to check each calculation 3-4 times to make sure that the same answer is given consistently.
Throughout the site, if you ever struggle with a calculation, always come back to this page for some simple tips on using a financial calculator.
ABC Corporation plans to invest in project C which has an initial investmentof $500,000. ABC’s cost of capital is 8%. The operating cash flows to be generated from the project will be as follows:
End of 1st year: $100,000 End of 2nd year: $300,000 End of 3rd year $250,000
1 – What is the Profitability Index (PI) for project C?
2 – What is the NPV for project C?
3 – Taking the NPV found in the previous step into account, is the project acceptable according to the NPV technique?
4 – Based on the Profitability Index (PI), is project C acceptable?
1 – First we need to find present values of the mixed stream of operating cash inflows. Using a financial calculator, we need to take the following steps:
End of 1st year:
Calculate PV: $90,909.09
End of 2nd year:
FV: $300,000 N: 2
Calculate PV: $247,933.88
End of 3rd year:
Calculate PV: $187,828.7
Next we need to add up all present values from operating cash inflows to obtain the total PV of operating cash inflows:
= $90,909.09 + $247,933.88 + $187,828.7
Total PV of operating cash inflows = $526,671.67
Next we will follow the equation for Profitability Index (PI):
PI = Total present value of cash inflows/Initial investment
Therefore, the profitability index (PI) for project C is 1.05.
2 – To find NPV, we follow the formula for NPV:
NPV=Present value of cash inflows – Initial investment
Therefore, NPV for project C = $526,671.67 – $500,000
NPV for project C = $26,671.67
3 – Since NPV is more than zero ($26,671.67), project C is acceptable according to NPV technique.
4 – Since Profitability Index (PI) is greater than 1 (1.05), the project may be considered to be acceptable.
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