J_Fitzgerald_FIN 534_A2

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Jan 9, 2024

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Week 6 Activity – Returns and Bond Ratings Jasmine Fitzgerald FIN534 Dr. Ingrid Nelson November 6, 2023
Winning the Strayer Lottery jackpot of $11,000,000 is a life-changing event. However, the actual value of the winnings depends on the present value of the future cash flows, as well as the investment opportunities available. In this paper, we will calculate the current value of the lottery winnings, explain the difference between the present and future values, and discuss the risk and return associated with different bond ratings. Present Value Calculation: The present value (PV) of the lottery winnings can be calculated using the formula for the current value of an annuity with monthly compounding: PV = PMT * [(1 - (1 + r)^(-n)) / r], Where: PMT = Annual payment = $11,000,000 / 26 = $423,076.92 r = Monthly interest rate = 9% / 12 = 0.75% or 0.0075 n = Number of payments = 26 Now, let's calculate the PV: PV = $423,076.92 * [(1 - (1 + 0.0075)^(-26)) / 0.0075] PV ≈ $6,768,648.39 The present value of the Strayer lottery jackpot is approximately $6,768,648.39. If you could invest this amount immediately at an annual interest rate of 9% with monthly compounding, you would have the same future cash flows as the lottery winnings.
Difference Between Present Value and Future Value: The difference between the present and future value of the lottery winnings is due to the time value of money. The present value represents the current worth of future cash flows, considering the opportunity to invest and earn interest. In this case, the present value is lower because the value of future payments is being discounted back to the present day. As time passes, the impact of the interest rate on future cash flows becomes evident, leading to the discrepancy between the current and future values. Risk and Return of Bond Ratings: Bond ratings are essential for investors to assess the risk and return associated with investing in bonds. Bond ratings are assigned by rating agencies like Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch. They are typically classified into several categories: 1. AAA (Highest Rating): - Minimal default risk. - Offers the lowest interest rates. - Generally issued by financially stable entities. - Suitable for conservative investors seeking low-risk investments. 2. BBB (Medium Rating): - Moderate default risk. - Offers higher interest rates compared to AAA-rated bonds. - Issued by entities with decent financial stability.
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- Attracts investors willing to accept a slightly higher level of risk for higher returns. 3. CCC (Low Rating): - Substantial default risk. - Offers significantly higher interest rates. - Issued by entities with financial instability or facing challenges. - Attracts risk-tolerant investors looking for potentially high returns. 4. D (Default Rating): - The issuer is in default or has defaulted on its obligations. - Highly speculative and high-risk investment. - Generally, investors expect no or shallow recovery on their investments. References: To gather information on bond ratings and their associated risks and returns, you can refer to bond rating agency websites, financial news sources, and investment research platforms. Some popular sources include: - Moody's Investor Service (www.moodys.com) - Standard & Poor's (www.spglobal.com) - Fitch Ratings (www.fitchratings.com) - Bloomberg (www.bloomberg.com) - CNBC (www.cnbc.com)
Strengths and Weaknesses of Bond Ratings: The strengths of bond ratings include providing investors with a quick assessment of a bond's creditworthiness helping them make informed investment decisions. They offer a standard and widely accepted system for evaluating risk. However, weaknesses may include rating agencies making errors in their assessments or being influenced by issuer interests. Additionally, ratings might not capture all relevant risks, and they can change over time, impacting the value of existing bonds. In conclusion, understanding the present value of lottery winnings, the difference between current and future values, and the risk and return associated with bond ratings is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Bond ratings are essential for investors to evaluate the risk and potential return on their investments.