Subject category:
Finance, Accounting and Control
Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Version: 28 September 2000
Length: 10 pages
Data source: Generalised experience
Abstract
A simple, intuitive introduction to the usually-difficult topics of discounting and present value. While the mechanics of computing present value and internal rate of return are covered well, the emphasis is more about how to think about these concepts (for example, the earlier-the- better on the receipt of cash flows). Using concrete examples, it fosters an understanding of how various considerations influence present value (for instance, as the discount rate rises, the impact of cash flows further out in time is disproportionately diminished).
About
Abstract
A simple, intuitive introduction to the usually-difficult topics of discounting and present value. While the mechanics of computing present value and internal rate of return are covered well, the emphasis is more about how to think about these concepts (for example, the earlier-the- better on the receipt of cash flows). Using concrete examples, it fosters an understanding of how various considerations influence present value (for instance, as the discount rate rises, the impact of cash flows further out in time is disproportionately diminished).