Net Present Value (NPV) Calculator
The Net Present Value (NPV) is a crucial financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment or project. It calculates the present value of all future cash flows, both inflows and outflows, discounted at a specific rate (the discount rate or required rate of return), and subtracts the initial investment cost.
A positive NPV generally indicates that the projected earnings generated by a project or investment (in present value terms) exceeds the anticipated costs (also in present value terms). Therefore, a project with a positive NPV is considered potentially profitable and should be undertaken. Conversely, a negative NPV suggests that the project is likely to lose money and should be rejected.
How to Use the NPV Calculator:
- Initial Investment: Enter the total cost incurred at the beginning of the project or investment. This is usually a negative cash flow.
- Discount Rate (%): Input the annual required rate of return or the cost of capital for the investment. This rate reflects the time value of money and the risk associated with the investment.
- Cash Flows: For each period (e.g., year), enter the expected net cash flow (inflows minus outflows) for that period.
NPV Formula:
NPV = ∑ [Cash Flowt / (1 + r)t] – Initial Investment
Where:
- Cash Flowt = Net cash flow during period t
- r = Discount rate per period
- t = Number of periods