Crunch Time at Trouhard: Evaluating the Smart Money Move for Biscuit Packaging Expansion

This case study delivers a practical learning experience in capital budgeting and investment evaluation, designed for students in corporate finance and general management programs. Set within the food packaging industry, it challenges students to apply fundamental financial analysis techniques to real-world equipment acquisition decisions. Students assume the role of financial analysts at Trouhard, a specialized food packaging company focused on biscuit wrapping solutions. Their primary responsibility involves evaluating three different financing alternatives for acquiring new packaging equipment using standard capital budgeting methods. The case emphasizes practical application of NPV analysis, cash flow evaluation, and comparative financial analysis. Through this engaging scenario, students strengthen their understanding of investment decision-making fundamentals and develop proficiency in Excel-based financial calculations. They gain hands-on experience applying time value of money concepts to evaluate financing alternatives in an industrial context. This case is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students learning core capital budgeting principles, as well as early-career finance professionals.2025-06-27