sum of the present values of all the positive
cash flows minus the sum of the present values of all the negative cash flows.Interpretation: When the discount rate applied is an appropriate hurdle rate, it measures the contribution of the project to shareholder wealth.
Decision rule: Accept positive NPV projects ? they increase shareholder wealth.
t = 0
t = 1
t = 2
t = 0
t = 2
t = 4
Initial Outlay0
NPV0 = ?
r = req’d return
t = 4
t = 3
t = 1
t = 3
CF1
CF2
–CF3
CF4