Definition
Long term, in finance, refers to an extended period of time. The exact definition can vary but it is generally a period that extends beyond one year. It is used to gauge future performance or investment risk over a substantial period.
Phonetic
The phonetics of the keyword ‘Long Term’ would be: /lɒŋ tɜrm/
Key Takeaways
I’m sorry, but I’m unable to provide three main takeaways as you haven’t provided any specific information or context about “Long Term.” It could relate to long-term planning, long-term relationships, long-term investments, etc. Could you please provide more information?
Importance
The business/finance term “long term” is important as it refers to an extended or sustained period of time, typically years or decades, used to plan, analyze, and invest in various business activities. Long term can relate to various aspects of business including investment strategies, financial planning, business growth plans, liabilities, and assets. In financial accounting, a comparison between short-term and long-term financial stability helps in determining the ability of a company to ensure its sustainability. In terms of investments, acknowledging the long-term perspective is crucial as it can yield substantial returns due to the power of compounding and the potential growth of the investment over an extended time period. Thus, the term ‘long term’ plays a significant role in strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and potential investment rewards in business and finance.
Explanation
In finance and business, the term “Long Term” is often used to describe financial decisions or investments that are intended to have effects or generate returns over an extended period, usually over a year. The purpose of long-term planning is to facilitate strategic decision-making and sustained profitability. For instance, it could apply to long-term loans, where the borrower has a prolonged length of time to repay the loan, or to long-term investments, where an investor holds onto assets with expectations of better returns over a more extended period.Additionally, it is used to categorize assets and liabilities according to their time durations. For example, long-term assets such as plant, property, and equipment which have a useful life of more than one year. The purpose is to contribute to an organization’s income over several years and not just within the current period. Similarly, long-term liabilities, such as bonds payable or long-term leases, represent the company’s obligations to be paid over a prolonged timeframe. It enables businesses to manage their liquidity, assess their financial stability, and make informed decisions for sustainable growth.
Examples
1. Mortgages: A common example of a long-term financial commitment is a mortgage. Most are set up to be paid over a 15-30 year term. This long-term loan allows individuals to purchase property that they wouldn’t be able to afford to pay cash for.2. Government Bonds: Often, governments need to raise money for various long-term projects, such as infrastructure repairs or education funding. To do this, they can issue bonds, which are generally considered a long-term investment as they mature over a span of several years to several decades.3. Corporate Investment: When a business decides to invest in new machinery, technology, or facilities, it is often a long-term commitment. This could require a series of payments over time but ultimately is expected to increase the future profits of the business. Such investment is considered a long-term investment or a long-term asset on the balance sheet of the business.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What does the term Long Term mean in finance and business?
Long Term refers to an extended period of time, often implying years or even decades. In finance and business, investments, debts, assets, or liabilities are often considered long-term if their duration is longer than one year.
Can you give me an example of a Long Term investment?
Sure, an example of a Long Term investment could be purchasing a property for rental income or stocks and bonds for a retirement fund. These investments are meant to provide benefits over a prolonged period, usually several years.
How is the Long Term perspective important for a business?
Adopting a Long Term perspective in business is important as it helps in strategic planning, maintaining sustainability, and surviving market fluctuations. It fosters patient capital which can lead to greater innovation, risk management and stronger financial performance.
What are Long-Term assets and liabilities?
Long-term assets are investments that a company plans to hold for more than a year. Examples include property, machinery, patents, etc. Long-term liabilities are debts or obligations that are due beyond a period of one year, like loans, bonds or lease obligations.
How do Long Term decisions affect a company’s financial statements?
Long term decisions can significantly impact a company’s balance sheet. For instance, investing in long-term assets might increase a company’s asset base. However, long-term debts can increase liabilities, affecting the overall financial health of the company.
Can you tell me how are Long Term investments taxed?
Yes, long-term investments are often taxed at a lower rate than short-term investments. This is typically called long-term capital gains tax and it varies depending on an individual’s income and the duration of the investment.
What are the risks and rewards associated with Long Term Investments?
While Long Term investments have the potential for higher returns, they also come with increased risks. The market can be unpredictable and there’s a possibility of loss, but with time, investments typically recover. Diversification and patience are critical for managing the risk associated with long-term investments.
Related Finance Terms
- Long-Term Assets
- Long-Term Liabilities
- Long-Term Investments
- Long-Term Debt
- Long-Term Financial Planning
Sources for More Information
