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Time Value of Money, Present and Future Value

Understand the Time Value of Money (TVM) and its significance in finance. Learn about present value, future value, annuities, and doubling periods with practical examples and formulas.
authorImageMridula Sharma9 Jun, 2024
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Time Value of Money

The time value of money (TVM) is a fundamental financial concept that asserts a rupee today is worth more than a rupee in the future due to its potential earning capacity. This principle is crucial for various financial decisions, investments, and valuations, as it helps in understanding the value of money over time.

Concepts of Time Value of Money

The time value of money is based on the idea that money available now can be invested to earn interest, leading to a greater amount in the future. This concept is essential for understanding investments, savings, loans, and other financial activities.

Compound and Simple Interest

Thus far, we have seen instances in which funds are invested at compound interest, implying that every interest payment is reinvested in order to generate further interest at later times. On the other hand, an investment only yields simple interest if interest is not generated on interest. In this scenario, the investment increases as follows: Future value = Present Value [1+Number of years x Interest rate]

Present Value of a Single Amount

Present value (PV) is the current value of a future sum of money, discounted at a specific interest rate. The formula is: PV=FV (1+r ) n Where:
  • PV = Present Value
  • FV = Future Value
  • r = Interest Rate
  • n = Number of Periods

Present Value of an Uneven Series

To calculate the present value of an uneven series of cash flows, each cash flow is discounted back to its present value and then summed up. The formula for each cash flow is: PV=∑CFn (1+r ) n ​​ Where:
  • CFn​ = Cash Flow at time
  • r = Interest Rate
  • n = Time Period
This formula allows financial analysts to assess the current worth of future cash flows, accounting for the time value of money. It's a fundamental tool in investment decision- making, helping to evaluate the attractiveness of investment opportunities and compare cash flow streams with different timings and amounts.

Present value of an Annuity

Given a certain rate of return, or discount rate, the present value of future annuity payments is the annuity's current value. The annuity's present value decreases with an increase in the discount rate. Important points
  • The amount of money required today to cover a series of future annuity payments is known as the present value of an annuity.
  • A sum of money acquired today is worth more than the same amount at a later date due to the time value of money.
  • A present value calculation can be used to ascertain if taking an annuity that is paid out over a number of years or a lump amount now will result in a larger payout.
The formula to compute Present Value of an Annuity is as under: P = PMT x 1 – ( 1 / (1 +r)n) r where: P= Present value of an annuity stream. PMT = Monetary value of each annuity payment. r = Interest rate (also known as discount rate). n = Number of periods in which payments will be made.

Present value of Perpetuity

A perpetual income stream with constant cash flows is represented, and its present value is calculated by discounting it at a given rate. In the case of preferred stocks and real estate, where constant dividends or income are anticipated indefinitely, this perpetuity is frequently used. The steady cash flow is divided by the discount rate to get the present value of perpetuity. The formula modifies by deducting the growth rate from the discount rate in the event that the perpetuity grows at a constant pace. Present value of perpetuity can be used for the following purposes:
  • Preferred stock valuation, when fixed dividends are paid over the course of the business.
  • Evaluating real estate holdings that have stable revenue sources.
  • Providing a fixed income stream for an infinite amount of time, serving as the foundation for retirement planning and endowment schemes.

Future Value of a Single Amount

The future value of a single amount is the worth of a present single amount taken to a future date at a given interest rate. "Future value" in this context refers to the amount that, assuming compound interest, the investment will increase in value at a later time. A lump sum invested at the start of a period (such as year 1) and maintained throughout all periods is referred to as the "single amount." Formula and Calculation of Future Value FV=I×(1+(R×T)) where: I=Investment amount, R=Interest rate and T=Number of years.

Future Value of an Annuity

The worth of a series of future installments at a specific date, contingent on a specific rate of return, or discount rate, is the future value of an annuity. The future value of the annuity increases with the discount rate. Important characteristics:
  • An annuity's future value can be used to determine how much money will be worth a series of payments at a specific future date.
  • In contrast, an annuity's present value indicates the amount of money needed to generate a series of future payments.
  • Payments are made in an ordinary annuity at the conclusion of each prearranged period. Payments are made at the start of each period in an annuity payable.
The formula for the future value of an ordinary annuity is: P = PMT x (1 +r)n r where: P = Future value of an annuity stream PMT = Rupee amount of each annuity payment r = Interest rate (also known as discount rate) n = Number of periods in which payments will be made

Annuity Due vs. Ordinary Annuity

Payments: The main difference between an annuity due and the more common ordinary annuity is the timing of the payments. For an ordinary annuity, payments are made at the end of each period, while for an annuity due, payments are made at the beginning of each period. Examples of ordinary annuity payments include loan repayments, mortgage payments, bond interest payments, and dividend payments. Present value: Another difference is that the present value of an annuity due is higher than that of an ordinary annuity. This is because of the time value of money principle, as annuity due payments are received earlier.

Doubling Period

To estimate how long it takes for an investment to double at a given interest rate, investors commonly use two rules: the Rule of 72 and the Rule of 69.
  • Rule of 72: This rule involves dividing 72 by the interest rate to determine the doubling period. For example, if the interest rate is 8%, the doubling period is approximately 9 years (72/8). This rule is simple and useful for estimating doubling time, especially for interest rates between 6% and 10%.
  • Rule of 69: A more accurate but slightly more complex rule, the Rule of 69 calculates the doubling period by dividing 69 by the interest rate plus 0.35. This rule assumes continuous compounding and provides a closer estimate to the actual doubling time. It's suitable for rates above 6%.
  • Rule of 70: Similar to the Rule of 72, the Rule of 70 involves dividing 70 by the growth rate to estimate doubling time. For example, if an investment has a fixed annual interest rate of 10%, it would take approximately 7 years (70/10) for the investment to double to $20,000 from $10,000.
To learn more about the Time Value of Money for CS Exams enroll now for PW CS Courses!
Also Check:
Introduction to Accounting Capital Structure
Introduction to Accounting Standards Introduction to Corporate Accounting
Law relating to Limitation Law relating to Evidence

Time Value of Money FAQs

What is the Time Value of Money (TVM)?

The Time Value of Money (TVM) concept asserts that a rupee today is worth more than a rupee in the future due to its potential earning capacity. It is crucial in finance for understanding the value of money over time.

How does compound interest differ from simple interest?

Compound interest involves earning interest on both the initial principal and accumulated interest, leading to exponential growth over time. In contrast, simple interest is calculated only on the initial principal amount.

What is the difference between present value and future value?

Present value (PV) is the current worth of a future sum of money, discounted at a specific interest rate, while future value (FV) is the value of an investment at a specific date in the future, considering compound interest.

How do annuities work?

Annuities involve a series of regular payments made or received at equal intervals over a specified period. Annuities can be ordinary (payments at the end of each period) or annuity due (payments at the beginning of each period).

What is the Rule of 72 and how is it used in finance?

The Rule of 72 is a simple formula used to estimate the time it takes for an investment to double at a given interest rate. It states that dividing 72 by the interest rate gives an approximate number of years for the investment to double.
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