Net Present Value (NPV) Method Versus Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Method

Learning Objectives:

1. What is the difference between net present value (NPV) method and internal rate of return (IRR) method?

The net present value (NPV) method has several important advantages over the internal rate of return (IRR) method. First the net present value method is often simpler to use. As mentioned earlier, the internal rate of return method may require hunting for the discount rate that results in a net present value of zero. This can be a very laborious trial-and-error process, although it can be automated to some degree using a computer spreadsheet.

Second, a key assumption made by the internal rate of return (IRR) method is questionable. Both methods assume that cash flows generated by a project during its useful life are immediately reinvested elsewhere. However, the two methods make different assumptions concerning the rate of return that is earned on those cash flow. The net present value method assumes the rate of return is the discount rate, whereas the internal rate of return method assumes the rate of return is the internal rate of return on the project. Specifically, it the internal rate of return of the project is high, this assumption may not be realistic. It is generally more realistic to assume that cash inflows can be reinvested at a rate of return equal to the discount rate – particularly if the discount rate is the company’s cost of capital or an opportunity rate of return. For example, if the discount rate is the company’s cost of capital, this rate of return can be actually realized by paying off the company’s creditors and buying back the company’s stock with cash flows from the project. In short, when the net present value method and the internal rate of return method do not agree concerning the attractiveness of a project, it is best to go with the net present value method. Of the two methods, it makes the more realistic assumption about the rate of return that can be earned on cash flows from the project.

You may also be interested in other articles from “capital budgeting decisions” chapter:

1. Capital Budgeting – Definition and Explanation
2. Typical Capital Budgeting Decisions
3. Time Value of Money
4. Screening and Preference Decisions
5. Present Value and Future Value – Explanation of the Concept
6. Net Present Value (NPV) Method in Capital Budgeting Decisions
7. Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Method – Definition and Explanation
8. Net Present Value (NPV) Method Vs Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Method
9. Net Present Value (NPV) Method – Comparing the Competing Investment Projects
10. Least Cost Decisions
11. Capital Budgeting Decisions With Uncertain Cash Flows
12. Ranking Investment Projects
13. Payback Period Method for Capital Budgeting Decisions
14. Simple rate of Return Method

15. Post Audit of Investment Projects

16. Inflation and Capital Budgeting Analysis
17. Income Taxes in Capital Budgeting Decisions
18. Review Problem 1: Basic Present Value Computations
19. Review Problem 2: Comparison of Capital Budgeting Methods
20. Future Value and Present Value Tables

Other Related Accounting Articles:

• Net Present Value Method – Comparing Competing Investment Projects
• The Use of Net Present Value(NPV) Method in Capital Budgeting Decisions – Discounted Cash Flows
• Net Present Value Definition