When discounted cash flow methods of capital budgeting are used, the working capital required for a project is ordinarily counted as a cash outflow at the beginning of the project and as a cash inflow at the end of the project.

Discounted Cash Flow

A valuation method used to estimate the value of an investment based on its expected future cash flows, adjusted for time value of money.

Working Capital

The difference between a company's current assets and current liabilities, indicating the short-term liquidity.

Cash Outflow

Payments or expenditures made by a business or an individual, leading to a decrease in cash assets.