NPV Formula Including Salvage Value:
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The Net Present Value (NPV) calculation including salvage value accounts for the residual value of an asset at the end of its useful life. This provides a more complete picture of an investment's profitability by considering both the initial outlay and the eventual recovery value.
The calculator uses the NPV formula including salvage value:
Where:
Explanation: The formula discounts all future cash flows (including the salvage value) back to their present value and subtracts the initial investment.
Details: Including salvage value is particularly important for capital budgeting decisions involving assets that retain significant value at the end of the project life, such as vehicles, machinery, or real estate.
Tips: Enter the initial investment, expected salvage value, discount rate (as percentage), number of periods, and comma-separated cash flows for each period. All values must be non-negative.
Q1: Why include salvage value in NPV calculations?
A: Salvage value represents recoverable capital and affects the true profitability of an investment. Excluding it may lead to incorrect investment decisions.
Q2: How is salvage value different from terminal value?
A: Salvage value refers specifically to asset resale value, while terminal value may include ongoing business value beyond the projection period.
Q3: What if my asset has no salvage value?
A: Simply enter 0 for salvage value. The calculation will then focus only on operating cash flows.
Q4: How do I estimate salvage value?
A: Consider historical resale values, depreciation schedules, or professional appraisals for accurate estimates.
Q5: Does a positive NPV always mean I should invest?
A: While positive NPV suggests profitability, other factors like risk, alternative investments, and strategic fit should also be considered.