Question

Present value computation kerry bales won the state lottery and was given four choices for receiving her winnings. receive $400,000 right now. receive $432,000 in one year. receive $40,000 at the end of each year for 20 years. receive $36,000 at the end of each year for 30 years. assuming kerry can earn interest of 8% compounded annually, which option should kerry choose?

Answer 1

Option 1: PV = $400,000
Option 2: Receive (FV) $432,000 in one year

PV = FV(1/(1+i)^n), where i= 8% = 0.08, n = 1 year

PV = 432,000(1/(1+0.08)^1) = $400,000

Option 3: Receive (A) $40,000 each year fro 20 years

PV= A{[1-(1+i)^-n]/i} where, n = 20 years

PV = 40,000{[1-(1+0.08)^-20]/0.08} = $392,725.90

Option 4: Receive (A) $36,000 each year from 30 years
PV = 36,000{[1-(1+0.08)^-30]/0.08} = $405,280.20

On the basis of present value computations above, option 4 is the best option for Kerry Blales. This option has the highest present value of $405,280.20