Net Present Value (NPV)
In finance, the net present value (NPV) or net present worth (NPW) is defined as subtracting present values (PV) of cash outflows (including initial cost) from the present values of cash inflows over a period of time. We can call incoming cash flows as benefit cash flows. We can also call outgoing cash flows as cost cash flows [1].
Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
The internal rate of return (IRR) is described as calculating rate of return. The term internal means that its calculation is not related with environmental factors like the interest rate or inflation. If NPV becomes zero, a rate of return is the internal rate of return [2].
Let
					\( C_i \) = Net cash inflow during the period i 
					\( R \) = Discount rate 
					\( T \) = Number of Periods
				
We have
One can use numerical methods to calculate \( IRR \) by approximating \( R \) in the equation \( NPV(R) = 0 \).
Example 1
Input
					Period = 4 
					Discount Rate = 10% 
					Cash Flow 0 = -2000 
					Cash Flow 1 = 100 
					Cash Flow 2 = 100 
					Cash Flow 3 = 2600
				
Output
					Net Present Value = 126.972 
					Internal Rate of Return = 12.382%
				
Example 2
Input
					Period = 4 
					Discount Rate = 5% 
					Cash Flow 0 = -123400 
					Cash Flow 1 = 36200 
					Cash Flow 2 = 54800 
					Cash Flow 3 = 48100
				
Output
					Net Present Value = 2331.994 
					Internal Rate of Return = 5.962%
				
1. Net present value (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_present_value
2. Internal rate of return (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_rate_of_return