With the help of NPV function in excel, we can now determine the net present value of a given cash flow. This article provides a clear guide on how to use the NPV function when calculating the net present value.
Figure 1. Final result
General syntax of the formula
=NPV(rate, cash flows)
Understanding the formula
We need to understand how the above formula works for us to use it when to determine the net present value of a given cash flow. Note that the cash flow given is constant, with a constant interval.
We also need to know the cost of capital, which is the interest rate in this case.
How the formula works
The NPV function is fundamental when we want to find the NPV. The function relies heavily on the rate on interest that is supplied, plus the cash flows. It is important to note that in our example above, the rate is annual, and also the cash flows are annual.
We have used the following formula to get the NPV for the above cash flows;
=NPV (B5,D4:D8)+D3
Here, cell B5 refers to the rate of interest. The range D4:D8 refers to the periods, which is 5 years. Cell D3 refers to the initial investment, which is subtracted given that it is a cash outflow into the investment.
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