The Following Data Have Been Gathered for a Capital Investment

Essay

The following data have been gathered for a capital investment decision. The amounts relate to a 14 percent discount factor.
$$\begin{array} { c c c } \text { End of Perind } & \text { Present Value af } \$ 1 & \text { Present Value af an Annuity af } \$ 1 \\1 & .877 & .877 \\2 & .769 & 1.646 \\3 & .675 & 2.321 \\4 & .592 & 2.913 \\5 & .519 & 3.432 \\6 & .456 & 3.888\end{array}$$
a. Compute the present value of the following cash flows. Use a discount rate of 14 percent.
$$\begin{array} { l r } \text { Year 1 } & \$ 50,000 \\\text { Year 2 } & 60,000 \\\text { Year 3 } & 40,000 \\\text { Year 4 } & 50,000 \\\text { Year 5 } & 40,000\end{array}$$
b. What would have been the present value of the cash flows if they were received in equal installments over the five-year period at the same discount rate?
c. If the answers to parts (a) and (b) differ, explain the reason(s) why.