Net present value (NPV) is a fundamental concept in finance that is used to determine the profitability of an investment by taking into account the time value of money. Essentially, NPV calculates the difference between the present value of cash inflows and outflows associated with an investment, allowing decision-makers to assess the potential return on their investment. The formula for calculating NPV is relatively straightforward: the sum of the present values of cash inflows minus the sum of the present values of cash outflows. A positive NPV indicates that an investment is expected to be profitable, while a negative NPV signals that the investment is likely to result in a loss. NPV is a powerful tool for decision-making in various contexts, such as capital budgeting, project valuation, and mergers and acquisitions. By considering the time value of money, NPV provides a more accurate assessment of the true value of an investment and helps investors make informed decisions about where to allocate their capital.