Net Current Asset Value

What is NCAV?

A conservative measure of liquidation value: current assets minus ALL liabilities, divided by shares outstanding.

Think of it like this

Like calculating what you could sell quickly (cash, inventory) minus everything you owe - the 'fire sale' value per share.

Formula

NCAV = (Current Assets - Total Liabilities) ÷ Shares Outstanding
  • Current Assets: Cash, receivables, inventory
  • Total Liabilities: All short and long-term debt
  • Per Share: Divided by shares outstanding

Why it matters

  • Benjamin Graham's deep value metric
  • Stocks trading below NCAV are 'net-nets'
  • Provides margin of safety
  • Ignores fixed assets entirely

What's a good value?

Stock < NCAV
Deep Value
Trading below liquidation value
Stock < 2× NCAV
Value
Potential value opportunity
Stock > 2× NCAV
Normal
No margin of safety from NCAV
Negative NCAV
N/A
Liabilities exceed current assets

Real-world example

A stock at $10 with NCAV of $12 is a 'net-net' - you're paying less than liquidation value.

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