Present value is the result of discounting future amounts to the present. For example, a cash amount of $10,000 received at the end of 5 years will have a present value of $6,210 if the future amount is discounted at 10% compounded annually.

Net present value is the present value of the cash inflows minus the present value of the cash outflows. For example, let’s 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 of the investment is $1,210. This is the result of the present value of the cash inflow $6,210 (from above) minus the present value of the $5,000 cash outflow. (Since the $5,000 cash outflow occurred at the present time, its present value is $5,000.)

Present value calculations can be seen at Present Value of a Single Amount and Present Value of an Ordinary Annuity Net present value calculations can be seen at Evaluating Business Investments.

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