What Is a Capital Project? A capital project is a long-term, capital-intensive investment to build upon, add to, or improve a capital asset. Capital projects are defined by their large scale and large cost relative to other investments that involve less planning and resources. Key Takeaways A capital project is an often-pricey, long-term project to
What Is Capital Rationing? Capital rationing is the process through which companies decide how to allocate their capital among different projects, given that their resources are not limitless. The main goal is to maximize the return on their investment. Key Takeaways Capital rationing is a process that companies use to decide which investment opportunities make
What Is Capital Reduction? Capital reduction is the process of decreasing a company’s shareholder equity through share cancellations and share repurchases, also known as share buybacks. The reduction of capital is done by companies for numerous reasons, including increasing shareholder value and producing a more efficient capital structure. Key Takeaways A capital reduction is the
What Is a Capital Reserve? A capital reserve is a line item in the equity section of a company’s balance sheet that indicates the cash on hand that can be used for future expenses or to offset any capital losses. It is derived from the accumulated capital surplus of a company and is created out
What Is Capital Risk? Capital risk is the potential of loss of part or all of an investment. It applies to the whole gamut of assets that are not subject to a guarantee of full return of original capital. Investors face capital risk when they invest in stocks, non-government bonds, real estate, commodities, and other
What Are Capital Expenditures (CapEx)? Capital expenditures (CapEx) are funds used by a company to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, plants, buildings, technology, or equipment. CapEx is often used to undertake new projects or investments by a company. Making capital expenditures on fixed assets can include repairing a roof (if the
What is Capital Flight? Capital flight is a large-scale exodus of financial assets and capital from a nation due to events such as political or economic instability, currency devaluation or the imposition of capital controls. Capital flight may be legal, as is the case when foreign investors repatriate capital back to their home country, or
What Are Capital Flows? Capital flows refer to the movement of money for the purpose of investment, trade, or business operations. Inside of a firm, these include the flow of funds in the form of investment capital, capital spending on operations, and research and development (R&D). On a larger scale, a government directs capital flows
What Is Capital Formation? Capital formation is the net capital accumulation during an accounting period for a particular country. The term refers to additions of capital goods, such as equipment, tools, transportation assets, and electricity. Key Takeaways Capital formation is the net accumulation of capital goods, such as equipment, tools, transportation assets, and electricity, during
What Is Capital Funding? Capital funding is the money that lenders and equity holders provide to a business for daily and long-term needs. A company’s capital funding consists of both debt (bonds) and equity (stock). The business uses this money for operating capital. The bond and equity holders expect to earn a return on their
