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What Is the Future Value of an Annuity?


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    Highlights

  • The future value of an annuity calculates the worth of recurring payments at a future point given an interest rate
  • Ordinary annuities make payments at the end of periods, while annuities due make them at the beginning, resulting in higher future values for the latter
  • The formula involves the payment amount, interest rate, and number of periods to determine compounded growth
  • Examples illustrate how annuity due yields a greater future value due to an extra compounding period
Table of Contents

What Is the Future Value of an Annuity?

I'm going to explain the future value of an annuity directly to you. It's the value of a series of recurring payments at a specific future date, based on a given rate of return or discount rate. If the discount rate is higher, the future value of the annuity increases. As long as you know the payment amount, the projected rate, and the number of periods, you can calculate this future value precisely.

Understanding the Future Value of an Annuity

You need to grasp the time value of money here: money you receive or pay today is worth more than the same amount in the future because it can be invested to grow. That's why a lump sum of $5,000 today holds more value than five $1,000 payments over five years. This principle drives the future value calculation for annuities.

Formula and Calculation of the Future Value of an Annuity

For an ordinary annuity, where payments occur at the end of each period, use this formula: P = PMT × [((1 + r)^n - 1) / r], where P is the future value, PMT is the payment amount, r is the interest rate, and n is the number of periods. This accounts for the compounding without an initial extra period. Remember, ordinary annuities are common, but an annuity due will give you a higher future value under the same conditions.

Future Value of an Annuity Due

If payments are at the beginning of each period, that's an annuity due. Adjust the formula by multiplying the ordinary annuity result by (1 + r): P = PMT × [((1 + r)^n - 1) / r] × (1 + r). This extra factor reflects the additional compounding period.

Future Value of an Annuity Example

Consider investing $125,000 per year for five years in an ordinary annuity compounding at 8% annually. The future value calculates to $733,325 using the formula. Now, switch to an annuity due with the same details: the future value rises to $791,991. You see, the annuity due is $58,666 higher because of that extra compounding period.

What Is a Future Value Factor?

The future value factor is the growth multiplier for a lump sum or cash flows over time. For instance, if $1,000 grows to $1,100, the factor is 1.1. A factor of 1.0 means no growth from today's value.

What Is the Difference Between Annuity and Annuity Due?

Standard annuities pay at the end of periods, while annuities due pay at the beginning. This timing difference affects accrued interest significantly, leading to higher values for annuities due.

What Is the Relationship Between Present Value and Future Value?

Present value looks backward at today's worth of future payments, while future value projects forward. They're linked; for example, a present value of $1,000 might equal a future value of $1,200. You often know one and solve for the other, like figuring future stock value or present savings needed for a goal.

The Bottom Line

An annuity is a sequence of payments over time, usually equal amounts. To find its future value, factor in the payment size, return rate, and periods involved. Whether payments start at the beginning or end matters—it impacts the total value due to compounding.

Key Takeaways

  • The future value of an annuity shows how much a series of payments will be worth in the future.
  • Present value contrasts by calculating today's amount needed for future payments.
  • Ordinary annuities pay at period ends; annuities due at beginnings, yielding higher future values.
  • You need payment amount, periods, and rate to compute future value.

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