Net Present Value (NPV) is a fundamental capital budgeting tool used to evaluate the profitability of a project or investment. It calculates the difference between the present value of future cash inflows and outflows, accounting for the time value of money. The purpose of NPV is to determine whether the projected earnings from an investment exceed its costs when discounted to their current value.

Estimating the timing and amount of future cash flows and applying a discount rate while calculating NPV is essential, as it typically reflects the minimum acceptable rate of return or the company's cost of capital. The discount rate can also represent the returns available from alternative investments with comparable risk.

If the NPV is positive, the project's rate of return is greater than the discount rate, indicating a profitable investment. Conversely, a negative NPV suggests that the investment would underperform compared to alternative options.

NPV is valuable because it quantifies both profitability and risk in present-day terms, allowing decision-makers to compare different investment opportunities. By integrating these future cash flows into a single value, NPV helps businesses make more informed financial decisions, ensuring the most efficient use of capital.