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Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

Probably the most important metric to measure an investment's performance

Litan avatar
Written by Litan
Updated over a year ago

When assessing the performance and viability of an investment, particularly in the realm of private equity, real estate, and other alternative investments, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is a key metric used by investors.

What is Internal Rate of Return (IRR)?

The Internal Rate of Return is a discount rate that makes the net present value (NPV) of all cash flows from a particular investment equal to zero. IRR can be thought of as the rate of growth an investment is expected to generate annually. The higher the IRR, the more desirable the investment.

How is IRR Calculated?

The calculation of IRR can be complex as it involves solving for the discount rate in the NPV equation that equates the sum of present values of all future cash flows to the initial investment. Fortunately, most financial calculators and software, including Vyzer, can compute IRR easily.

Why is IRR Important?

IRR is an essential tool in capital budgeting. It allows investors to compare the profitability of different investments and make decisions accordingly. An investment is considered good if its IRR is greater than the cost of capital or an alternative investment's IRR.

IRR also takes into account the time value of money, recognizing that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future. It provides a single, comparable rate that reflects the annualized return on an investment, factoring in the timing and scale of cash flows.

At Vyzer, we aim to provide you with the insights needed to manage your wealth more effectively. We help you keep track of crucial metrics like IRR, empowering you to make informed financial decisions with confidence.

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