Future Amount Valuation Techniques

C

The correct answer to the question is C. Income approach.

The income approach is a valuation technique used to convert future amounts to a single present amount. It is based on the principle that the value of an asset is determined by the income or cash flows it is expected to generate in the future. This approach is commonly used in the valuation of businesses, investment properties, and other income-generating assets.

The income approach calculates the present value of future cash flows by discounting them back to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate takes into account factors such as the risk associated with the cash flows, the time value of money, and the required rate of return.

The income approach typically involves the following steps:

1. Cash Flow Projection: Estimate the future cash flows that the asset is expected to generate over a certain period. This can include revenues, expenses, taxes, and other relevant factors. Projections are typically made for a specific period, such as five or ten years.

2. Selection of Discount Rate: Determine an appropriate discount rate to be applied to the projected cash flows. The discount rate reflects the riskiness of the investment and the required rate of return expected by investors. It may be based on factors such as the asset's risk profile, market conditions, and the cost of capital.

3. Discounting Cash Flows: Apply the discount rate to each projected cash flow to calculate its present value. The discounting process involves dividing each future cash flow by a factor derived from the discount rate and the time period in which the cash flow is expected to be received. The farther into the future a cash flow is expected, the lower its present value will be.

4. Summation of Present Values: Add up the present values of all projected cash flows to arrive at the single present amount. This represents the estimated value of the asset based on its income-generating potential.

The income approach is widely used in financial analysis, business valuation, real estate appraisal, and other fields where the value of an asset is determined based on its future income. It provides a systematic and structured approach to assess the present value of expected cash flows, helping individuals and organizations make informed investment and financial decisions.