Using the FINANCE function with the PV parameter returns an error if the value that was passed for the NPER parameter is not an integer


Using the FINANCE function with the PV parameter returns an error if the value that was passed for the NPER parameter is not an integer. For example, the following DATA step generates an error:

data _null_;
rate=0.05;
nper=5.5;
payment=1000;
fv=200;
type=0;
r=finance('pv', rate, nper, payment, fv, type);
put r=;
run;

As a result, the following is returned in the SAS log:

NOTE: Argument 3 to function FINANCE('pv',0.05,5.5,1000,200,0) at line 7 column 6 is invalid.
r=.
rate=0.05 nper=5.5 payment=1000 fv=200 type=0 r=. _ERROR_=1 _N_=1
NOTE: Mathematical operations could not be performed at the following places. The results of the
operations have been set to missing values.
Each place is given by: (Number of times) at (Line):(Column).
1 at 7:6
NOTE: DATA statement used (Total process time):
real time 0.32 seconds
cpu time 0.04 seconds

Currently, the only workaround for this issue is to use an integer value for the NPER parameter when you use the FINANCE function with the PV parameter.