What is the suitable discount period to use for a projected cash flow occurring three months after a stub period?

The suitable discount period for a projected cash flow occurring three months after a stub period is indeed 0.25. In finance, the discount period is often expressed in years, and since there are 12 months in a year, three months represents a quarter of a year.

To calculate this, you take the number of months (3) and divide it by the total number of months in a year (12). Therefore, 3 divided by 12 results in 0.25. This figure is crucial when performing discounted cash flow analysis, as it allows analysts to appropriately account for the time value of money, accurately reflecting the present value of future cash flows expected to be received at that specific interval.

Using the correct discount period ensures that the valuation reflects both the timing and risk associated with the cash flows, which is key in conducting a robust financial analysis.