Definition
Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) is a financial term that refers to the value of a single share in a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF). It’s calculated by dividing the total value of all the assets held in the fund, less any liabilities, by the number of outstanding shares. The NAVPS is used to determine the price a shareholder would receive when selling their shares, and it is calculated at the close of each trading day.
Phonetic
The phonetic transcription for “Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS)” would be:Net Asset Value Per Share: /nɛt/ /ˈæsət/ /ˈvæljuː/ /pɜr/ /ʃeɪr/NAVPS: /nævps/
Key Takeaways
- Definition: Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) is a financial metric that measures the value of a single share in a mutual fund, ETF, or any similar form of collective investment. It’s calculated by subtracting the fund’s liabilities from its total asset value, then dividing that figure by the number of outstanding shares.
- Relevance: NAVPS is a significant indicator for investors in mutual funds, ETFs, or other pooled investments. High NAVPS can often symbolize a profitable fund, although it may also indicate a high entry point for prospective investors. Moreover, changes in NAVPS over time can show a fund’s performance.
- Calculation: To compute NAVPS, you need to get the fund’s total assets, subtract total liabilities, and then divide the result by the number of outstanding shares. This calculation provides a per-share value that can be used to compare different funds or to monitor the growth of a single fund over time.
Importance
Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) is a critical metric in the financial world, as it directly reflects the value of an investment company’s assets, less its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding. Essentially, NAVPS amounts to the price at which shares in that company would trade if they were to be liquidated. Accordingly, it is influential for investors making decisions regarding their equity choices as it gives them a precise snapshot of a company’s financial health and intrinsic value, and equips them with the necessary insight to compare it with market price and gauge the investment’s potential. This can significantly aid in identifying under- or over-valued stocks, thereby influencing buying, selling or holding decisions that could impact the profitability of their investments.
Explanation
Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) serves as an important valuation measure in the world of finance and business, especially in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. It assists investors and analysts in assessing the value of an individual share of a given investment fund. The NAVPS is crucial in signifying the price at which investors can buy or sell shares of an investment fund, thereby playing an instrumental role in investment decision making.The NAVPS is not static and changes daily based on the fund’s underlying assets and liabilities. By monitoring the NAVPS, investors can track the performance of their investments over time, considering the price they paid for shares and the current NAVPS. Furthermore, consistent changes in NAVPS over time can help investors evaluate fund managers’ competence, as a steady increase may suggest solid management. Essentially, the NAVPS provides a snapshot of a fund’s financial health, helping investors make informed decisions.
Examples
1. Vanguard 500 Index Fund: As of August 2021, the Vanguard 500 Index Fund had a Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) of approximately $370. This means that if an investor wants to buy a single share of this fund, they would need to spend $370. The NAVPS of this fund is calculated by subtracting the fund’s liabilities from its assets and then dividing this value by the number of shares outstanding.2. Berkshire Hathaway Inc: The company does not provide NAVPS directly but it can be calculated by dividing the company’s net assets by the outstanding shares. As of third quarter 2021, Berkshire Hathaway had total assets of about $873 billion and liabilities of about $400 billion, resulting in net assets of approximately $473 billion. With 1.32 billion shares outstanding, the NAVPS of Berkshire Hathaway would be approximately $358. 3. Fidelity Contrafund: As of August 2021, the Fidelity Contrafund had a NAVPS of about $129. The fund, which includes investments in growth companies, calculates its NAVPS by subtracting any liabilities from its total assets and then dividing that number by the total shares outstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What is Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS)?
Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) is a financial metric used primarily by mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It represents the value of a fund’s assets minus its liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares.
How is NAVPS calculated?
NAVPS is calculated by subtracting a fund’s liabilities from its assets and then dividing that number by the total number of outstanding shares.
Why is NAVPS important?
NAVPS is important because it indicates the price at which shares in a fund would be transacted. It is essentially the per-share price of a mutual fund or ETF.
Does a higher NAVPS mean a better performance?
Not necessarily. A higher NAVPS might simply mean the fund has more assets or fewer liabilities, but it does not directly indicate that the fund is performing well. Performance is usually determined by comparing the fund’s return to a benchmark or comparing the NAVPS to previous periods.
How often is NAVPS calculated?
For most mutual funds, NAVPS is calculated once a day, after the close of trading. ETFs calculate the NAVPS throughout the day.
Can NavPS fluctuate?
Yes, NAVPS can fluctuate due to changes in the value of the assets held by the fund, changes in the number of shares outstanding, or the accrual or payment of the fund’s liabilities.
What is the difference between NAVPS and market price?
NAVPS reflects the value of all of a fund’s assets, less its liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares, whereas the market price is the price at which investors buy or sell shares to each other.
Can NAVPS be negative?
In theory, it is possible if the fund’s total liabilities exceed its total assets. However, in practice, this is very rare as mutual funds and ETFs are managed to avoid such situations.
Who should use NAVPS as an investment metric?
Investors interested in the real value of their shares in a mutual fund or ETF should use NAVPS. It can serve as a key decision-making point for those considering buying or selling shares in a fund.
Related Finance Terms
- Asset valuation
- Investment portfolio
- Equity shares
- Dividend distribution
- Mutual fund assets
