Determining the minimum acceptable profit or compensation an investor needs to justify undertaking a specific investment is a fundamental process in finance. This determination considers the risk associated with the investment, the current cost of capital, and the opportunity cost of foregoing alternative investments. For example, if an investor is considering investing in a project with high volatility, they will likely demand a higher percentage gain than if they were investing in a low-risk government bond.
Accurately establishing this benchmark is crucial for making informed investment decisions. It provides a critical threshold against which potential investment returns can be evaluated. This ensures resources are allocated to projects that offer sufficient compensation for the inherent risk and contribute to the overall financial health of the investing entity. Historically, variations in methods to arrive at this figure reflect the evolving understanding of risk management and portfolio theory.