The net present value of an investment is

A$.$ the present value of all costs $($cash outflow$)$ minus the present value of all benefits $($cash inflow$)$ of the project

B$.$ the present value of all benefits $($cash inflows$)$

C$.$ the present value of all benefits $($cash inflows$)$ minus the present value of all costs $($cash outflows$)$ of the project

D$.$ the present value of all costs $($cash outflows$)$ of the project