What could potentially lead to an increase in a company's Present Value (PV)?

• A. Increase in discount rate
• B. Decrease in cash flows
• C. Increase in growth rate of future cash flows
• D. Delay in receiving future cash flows

Answer: (C)

The potential for an increase in a company's Present Value (PV) is closely tied to the future cash flows that the company can generate. When the growth rate of future cash flows increases, it positively impacts the PV because the expected cash flows are more substantial over time. A higher growth rate means that the company is anticipated to bring in more revenue and profits in the future, which, when discounted back to the present, results in a higher present value.

This relationship is derived from the fundamental formula for calculating PV, which includes the expected cash flows growth. Thus, if investors expect future cash flows to rise at a greater rate, the discounted value of those cash flows today will also increase, leading to a higher PV. This is a crucial concept, as it underscores the importance of future performance expectations in valuing a company.

In contrast, an increase in the discount rate would decrease the PV, as future cash flows would be less valuable when adjusted for this rate. A decrease in cash flows would directly lower the amount being considered, while a delay in receiving cash flows would also reduce their present value because the cash received later is worth less than cash received sooner due to the time value of money.