We have discussed Discounted Cash Flow, now let us go to Net Present Value.

NPV is the sum of the present values of a commercial real estate investment’s positive cash flows and the present values of its negative cash flows. This calculation results in a single sum that can be positive or negative. Investors generally specify a required or target rate of return for investing capital; it is an “opportunity cost” concept.

The general rule for considering an investment is if the NPV is greater than or equal to zero, the investment should be accepted; if the NPV is greater than or equal to zero, an investor must be earning at least the required rate of return. In fact, if the NPV is equal to zero, the rate of return being earned on the investment is exactly equal to the specified required rate of return. If the NPV is negative or less than zero, the investment should be rejected because the investor is not earning the required rate of return.

The difference between the present value of cash inflows and the present value of cash outflows. NPV is used in capital budgeting to analyze the profitability of an investment or project.

NPV analysis is sensitive to the reliability of future cash inflows that an investment or project will yield.

Formula:

Up next on Tuesday, we’ll talk about Internal Rate of Return.  Thanks.

***
Alex Zylberglait provides commercial real estate investment advisory as well as research, estate planning, asset allocation, valuation, financing, special assets services, transaction advisory and commercial property acquisition and disposition services.