Capital budgeting practices by non-financial companies listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE)

Purpose—The purpose of this study is to investigate various aspects of capital budgeting techniques adopted by Kuwaiti non-financial companies listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE). Design/methodology/approach—A questionnaire is used to collect data from Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and other managers of manufacturing, service and real estate companies listed on the KSE. Findings—The result of the analysis unveiled that top management and people who used the assets are the main sources of capital budgeting ideas. The analysis also unveiled that net present value and profitability index are the most frequently used capital budgeting techniques and the choice of the technique is determined by the nature of the project under assessment, and the academic and professional capabilities of corporate staff. The analysis further demonstrated that factors such as uncertainty about the outcome of the capital budgeting techniques and lack of required data and information to use capital budgeting techniques could prevent Kuwaiti non-financial companies from adopting capital budgeting techniques. Finally, the analysis disclosed that non-financial factors such as strategic planning, corporate image, employees’ capabilities and environment protection are taken into consideration when making capital budgeting decisions. Practical implications—Kuwaiti companies either possess technology or have the required resources to install advanced technology to assist them in employing sophisticated capital budgeting techniques that take into account inflation and risk. This would ensure more accurate results and minimize uncertainty about the outcome of the capital budgeting decisions. Originality/value—This study is based on primary data collected directly from non-financial companies listed on the KSE.