Computing the internal rate of return (IRR) for a possible investment is time-consuming and inexact. IRR calculations must be performed via guesses, assumptions, and trial and error. Essentially, an IRR calculation begins with two random guesses at possible values and ends with either a validation or rejection. If rejected, new guesses are necessary.
Purpose of Internal Rate of Return
The IRR is the discount rate at which the net present value (NPV) of future cash flows from an investment is equal to zero. Functionally, the IRR is used by investors and businesses to find out if an investment is a good use of their money. An economist might say that it helps identify investment opportunity costs. A financial statistician would say that it links the present value of money and the future value of money for a given investment.
This shouldn’t be confused with the return on investment (ROI). Return on investment ignores the time value of money, essentially making it a nominal number rather than a real number. The ROI might tell an investor the actual growth rate from start to finish, but it takes the IRR to show the return necessary to take out all cash flows and receive all of the value back from the investment.
Formula for Internal Rate of Return
One possible algebraic formula for IRR is: IRR = R1 + ((NPV1 x (R2 – R1)) / (NPV1 – NPV2)); where R1 and R2 are the randomly selected discount rates, and NPV1 and NPV2 are the higher and lower net present values, respectively.
There are several important variables in play here: the amount of investment, the timing of the total investment and the associated cash flows taken from the investment. More complicated formulas are necessary to distinguish between net cash inflow periods.
The first step is to make guesses at the possible values for R1 and R2 to determine the net present values. Most experienced financial analysts have a feel for what the guesses should be.
If the estimated NPV1 is close to zero, then the IRR is equal to R1. The entire equation is set up with the knowledge that, at IRR, NPV is equal to zero. This relationship is critical to understanding the IRR.
There are other methods for estimating IRR. The same basic process is followed for each, however: generate guesses about discounted values and, if NPV is too materially distant from zero, take another guess and try again.
Possible Uses and Limitations
IRR can be calculated and used for purposes that include mortgage analysis, private equity investments, lending decisions, expected return on stocks or finding yield to maturity on bonds.
IRR models do not take cost of capital into consideration. They also assume that all cash inflows earned during the project life are reinvested at the same rate as IRR. These two issues are accounted for in the modified internal rate of return (MIRR).