Time Value of Money
The idea that money available at the present time is worth more than the same amount in the future, due to its potential earning capacity. This core principle of finance holds that, provided money can earn interest, any amount of money is worth more the sooner it is received. Also referred to as "present discounted value".
Investopedia Commentary
Everyone knows that money deposited in a savings account will earn interest. Because of this universal fact, we would prefer to receive money today rather than the same amount in the future.
For example, assuming a 5% interest rate, $100 invested today will be worth $105 in one year ($100 multiplied by 1.05). Conversely, $100 received one year from now is only worth $95.24 today ($100 divided by 1.05), assuming a 5% interest rate.
Related Links
Understanding The Time Value Of Money
Forces That Move Stock Prices
Anything But Ordinary: Calculating The Present And Future Value Of Annuities
Digging Into The Dividend Discount Model
See also: Annuity, Future Value, Interest, Present Value
time value of money