Answer: the difference between the present value of cash inflows and present value of cash outflows
Explanation:
The value of money is always changing and usually for the worst. Inflation means that $1 today is not worth $1 in a year's time. This poses a risk to investors who want to make profit and can't do that if they do not cater for inflation or the loss of value in their profit estimations. This is where Net Present Value comes in.
NET PRESENT VALUE works by subtracting the present value of Cash Outflows ( investment) from the present value of Cash Inflows (Revenue).
To do this, a DISCOUNT RATE is used which is essentially a value that people believe the currency involved will reduce by going forward. This Discount Rate equates the value of money in the future to it's value now.
Once that is ascertained, a proper comparison can be made to see if the investment is worth it.
