What method of evaluating capital investment proposals uses the concept of present value to compute rate of return?

The present value method of analyzing capital investment proposals involves the discounting of future cash flows provided by the investment using the the opportunity cost of capital, or weighted average cost of capital. By discounting the cash flows, you are then able to compare the initial investment with the future cash flows in present value terms. When the sum of future cash flows provide a premium to the initial investment, the net present value becomes greater than zero, and the capital investment should be considered. On the other hand, if the initial investment exceeds the sum of future cash flows, the net present value of the project is less than zero and should be discarded.