MIRR Function (Modified Internal Rate of Return)

Calculate the modified internal rate of return with different financing and reinvestment rates

MIRR Calculator

MIRR Calculation

Calculates the modified internal rate of return (MIRR) for a series of cash flows with different financing and reinvestment rates.

Enter Values
Tip: Enter one cash flow value per line. At least one negative (outflow) and one positive value (inflow) are required.
Negative values = outflows/investments, Positive values = inflows/returns
%
Cost of borrowing/financing
%
Return on reinvested cash flows
Result
Modified Internal Rate (MIRR):

Explanation

MIRR vs. IRR

Difference:

IRR: Assumes constant reinvestment rate

MIRR: Considers different financing and reinvestment rates

Advantage:

MIRR is more realistic and better for comparing projects

What is MIRR?
  • MIRR = Modified Internal Rate of Return
  • Considers realistic financing costs
  • Considers realistic reinvestment return
  • More accurate assessment than IRR
  • Better suited for project comparison


Mathematical Foundations of MIRR Calculation

The MIRR (Modified Internal Rate of Return) considers different rates for financing and reinvestment:

Positive Cash Flows Compounded
\[\text{FV}_+ = \sum_{t=0}^{n} CF_t^+ \times (1 + \text{RRate})^{n-t}\]

Compounded at reinvestment rate

Negative Cash Flows Discounted
\[\text{PV}_- = \sum_{t=0}^{n} \frac{CF_t^-}{(1 + \text{FRate})^t}\]

Discounted at finance rate

Description of Parameters

Cash Flow List

The cash flow list contains a series of payment streams occurring at regular intervals (e.g., annually). The list must contain at least one negative value (cash outflow, e.g., investment) and at least one positive value (cash inflow, e.g., returns).

Important: The order is critical! The first value is typically the initial investment (negative), followed by returns (positive).

Example:
-10000 (Investment)
4000 (Return Year 1)
4000 (Return Year 2)
5000 (Return Year 3)

Finance Rate

The finance rate is the interest rate at which capital is borrowed (financed). This is typically the loan interest rate or the cost of debt.

Example: If you take a loan at 5%, the finance rate is 5%.

The value is entered as a percentage (e.g., 5 for 5%).

Reinvest Rate

The reinvestment rate is the interest rate at which cash inflows (positive cash flows) are reinvested. This is typically the return you can achieve with excess funds.

Example: If you can invest returns at 6%, the reinvestment rate is 6%.

The value is entered as a percentage (e.g., 6 for 6%).

Result (MIRR)

The result is the modified internal rate of return (MIRR) expressed as a percentage. This value indicates the average annual return considering realistic financing and reinvestment rates.

Interpretation: An MIRR of 5.73% means that the investment grows at an average rate of 5.73% per year when financing costs (5%) and reinvestment return (6%) are considered.

Quick Reference

MIRR vs. IRR

IRR: Constant rate for both directions

MIRR: Different rates more realistic

Typical Values

• Finance: 3-8%

• Reinvestment: 4-10%

• MIRR usually between both

• MIRR < IRR (more realistic)

Use Cases

• Investment evaluation

• Project comparison

• Capital budgeting

• Private equity

• Real estate investment

MIRR Modified Rate of Return - Detailed Explanation

Fundamentals

The MIRR (Modified Internal Rate of Return) is an improved version of IRR that considers realistic assumptions about financing and reinvestment costs.

Basic Principle:
MIRR considers two different interest rates:

Finance Rate: Cost of debt
Reinvestment Rate: Return on surplus funds

Why MIRR is Better

IRR has limitations that MIRR overcomes:

Benefits of MIRR

1. Realistic: Treats inflows and outflows differently
2. Unique: One solution even with complex cash flows
3. Comparable: Better basis for project comparison
4. Practical: Matches real financing conditions

Calculation & Methodology

MIRR is calculated in three steps:

Calculation Steps:
1. Discount negative cash flows at finance rate
2. Compound positive cash flows at reinvestment rate
3. Find MIRR where both values are equal

Practical Application

MIRR is used in many financial decisions:

Areas of Use
  • Capital budgeting (project selection)
  • Comparing different investments
  • Evaluating private equity deals
  • Real estate investment analysis
  • Corporate financing
Calculation Tips
  • Realistic Rates: Use actual market rates
  • Consistent Periods: All cash flows should have equal intervals
  • Minimum Requirement: Min. 1 negative + 1 positive value
  • Rate Comparison: MIRR usually between both rates
  • Compare with IRR: MIRR < IRR shows rate effect
  • Sensitivity: Test different scenarios

Key Insights

MIRR is More Practical Than IRR

MIRR better reflects reality by considering that debt and surplus are traded at different rates. This leads to more reliable decisions.

MIRR Between the Rates

MIRR typically falls between the finance and reinvestment rates. If finance is 5% and reinvestment is 8%, MIRR often falls between 6-7%.

Unique Solution

Unlike IRR, MIRR always has a unique solution, even with unconventional cash flow patterns (multiple sign changes).

Decision Rule

Investments with MIRR > cost of capital should be pursued. When comparing: Higher MIRR = better investment (under equal conditions).

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