Conceptual Overview: Explore how the timing and size of cash flows affect the net present values of two alternative investments.
The blue curve (labeled “L”) depicts the NPV for a project with larger cash flows later of -$1,000, $100, $300, $400, and $675. The red curve (labeled “S”) depicts the NPV for a project with larger cash flows sooner of -$1,000, $500, $400, $300, and $100. Drag on the graph either left or right to change the cost of capital interest rate at which the NPV is evaluated for the two projects.