Annual Equivalent Worth Equation:
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Annual Equivalent Worth (AEW) is a financial analysis method that converts all cash flows (present, annual, and future) into an equivalent uniform annual amount. It helps in comparing investment alternatives with different time periods and cash flow patterns.
The calculator uses the Annual Equivalent Worth equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation converts present and future values to equivalent annual amounts using time value of money principles.
Details: AEW analysis is crucial for investment decision-making, project evaluation, and comparing alternatives with different lifespans. It provides a uniform basis for comparison across different time periods.
Tips: Enter all monetary values in the same currency unit. Interest rate should be entered as a decimal (e.g., 0.08 for 8%). Number of years must be a positive integer.
Q1: What is the difference between AEW and NPV?
A: NPV gives the present value of cash flows, while AEW converts all cash flows to an equivalent uniform annual amount, making it easier to compare projects with different durations.
Q2: When should I use AEW analysis?
A: Use AEW when comparing investment alternatives with different service lives or when you need to express results in annual terms for budgeting purposes.
Q3: What does a positive AEW indicate?
A: A positive AEW indicates that the project or investment is economically viable and generates returns above the required rate of return.
Q4: How does interest rate affect AEW?
A: Higher interest rates generally decrease AEW as future cash flows are discounted more heavily, while lower rates increase AEW.
Q5: Can AEW be used for mutually exclusive projects?
A: Yes, AEW is particularly useful for comparing mutually exclusive projects with different lifespans, as it provides an annual basis for comparison.