Comparisons with Other Investment Metrics
Comparisons with Other Investment Metrics NPV vs. IRR: Net Present Value (NPV) Overview: NPV represents the dollar value of a project's net benefit, accounting for the time value of money. It calculates the difference between the present value of cash inflows and outflows using a specified discount rate. Comparative Strengths: NPV is often considered more straightforward in decision-making, providing an absolute measure of a project's value in currency terms. Unlike IRR, it does not assume reinvestment at a specific rate. Selecting Projects: If faced with mutually exclusive projects, NPV is generally favored for decision-making, especially when projects have different scales or cash flow patterns. Payback Period vs. IRR: Payback Period Overview: The payback period is the time it takes for the initial investment to be recovered. It is a simple metric that does not account for the time value of money. Comparative Strengths: Payback period is straightforward and easy to understa...