Final answer:
To calculate the profitability index, divide the present value of future cash flows by the initial investment. Project 1 has a profitability index of 5.45, and Project 2 has an index of 1.2. Therefore, Project 1 is the better choice based on this criterion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The profitability index (PI) is a calculation that determines the relative profitability of a project. It is computed by dividing the present value of future cash flows by the initial investment required for the project. To compute the profitability index for the given projects:
- Project 1: PI = $2,400,000 / $440,000 = 5.45
- Project 2: PI = $6,000,000 / $5,000,000 = 1.2
The profitability index for Project 1 is 5.45, and for Project 2 it is 1.2. The company should select the project with the higher profitability index, which is Project 1.