Course Outline
Join PRO

What is the difference between Present Value (PV) and Net Present Value (NPV)?

Author:
Harold Averkamp, CPA, MBA

Definition of Present Value (PV)

Present value or PV is the result of discounting one or more future amounts to the present. The greater the discount rate, the smaller the present value.

Examples of Present Value

A cash amount of $10,000 received at the end of 5 years will have a present value (PV) of $6,210 when the $10,000 is discounted at 10% compounded annually. If the $10,000 is discounted at 12% compounded annually, the present value will be $5,670.

Definition of Net Present Value (NPV)

Net present value is the result of discounting all of the cash inflows and outflows and then combining all of their present values. This means that the original outflow (often the investment made at the present time) is a deduction from the other present values.

A positive net present value indicates that an investment is earning more than the discount rate. A negative net present value indicates an investment is earning less than the discount rate, but may be earning a positive rate. For example, if the cash flows are discounted by 12%, a slightly negative NPV could mean that the investment is earning 11%.

Examples of Net Present Value

Assume that an investment of $5,000 today will result in one cash receipt of $10,000 at the end of 5 years. If the investor requires a 10% annual return compounded annually, the net present value (NPV) of the investment is $1,210. This is the result of combining the present value of the cash inflow $6,210 (from the example above) and the $5,000 (which is the present of the $5,000 paid today).

Assuming the same information, except that the rate for discounting the cash amounts is 12%, the net present value (NPV) is $670. This is the $5,670 present value of the cash inflow combined with the present value of the $5,000 cash outflow.

Join PRO to Track Progress
Must-Watch Video

Learn How to Advance Your Accounting and Bookkeeping Career

  • Perform better at your current job
  • Refresh your skills to re-enter the workforce
  • Pass your accounting class
  • Understand your small business finances
Watch the Video

Join PRO or PRO Plus and Get Lifetime Access to Our Premium Materials

Read all 2,645 reviews

Features

PRO

PRO Plus

Features
Lifetime Access (One-Time Fee)
Explanations
Quizzes
Q&A
Word Scrambles
Crosswords
Bookkeeping Video Training
Financial Statements Video Training
Flashcards
Visual Tutorials
Quick Tests
Quick Tests with Coaching
Cheat Sheets
Business Forms
All PDF Files
Progress Tracking
Earn Badges and Points
Certificate - Debits and Credits
Certificate - Adjusting Entries
Certificate - Financial Statements
Certificate - Balance Sheet
Certificate - Income Statement
Certificate - Cash Flow Statement
Certificate - Working Capital
Certificate - Financial Ratios
Certificate - Bank Reconciliation
Certificate - Payroll Accounting

About the Author

Harold Averkamp

For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) has worked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online. He is the sole author of all the materials on AccountingCoach.com.

Learn More About Harold

Certificates of
Achievement

Certificates of Achievement

We now offer 10 Certificates of Achievement for Introductory Accounting and Bookkeeping:

  • Debits and Credits
  • Adjusting Entries
  • Financial Statements
  • Balance Sheet
  • Income Statement
  • Cash Flow Statement
  • Working Capital and Liquidity
  • Financial Ratios
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Payroll Accounting
Badges and Points
  • Work towards and earn 30 badges
  • Earn points as you work towards completing our course
View PRO Plus Features
Course Outline
Take the Tour Join Pro Upgrade to Pro Plus