What does net present value (NPV) measure in leasing decisions?

Net present value (NPV) is a financial metric that calculates the profitability of an investment by assessing the difference between the present value of cash inflows and outflows over a specific period of time. In the context of leasing decisions, NPV helps determine whether the anticipated cash flows resulting from a lease (such as rental payments) exceed the initial costs and ongoing expenses associated with that lease.

By discounting future cash flows back to their present value using a specified discount rate, NPV provides a direct measure of the expected profitability. If the NPV is positive, it indicates that the investment is expected to generate more cash than it costs, making it a worthwhile endeavor. Conversely, a negative NPV suggests that the investment may lead to losses, signaling that it may not be a sound financial decision.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of leasing, they do not accurately represent what NPV measures. Time efficiency, risk assessment, and growth potential relate to different dimensions of leasing that may indirectly influence profitability but are not encapsulated in the NPV calculation itself. Therefore, understanding NPV as a measure of profitability is crucial for evaluating leasing options effectively.