The IRR and MIRR analyses are two methods for estimating a project's prospective profitability and return on investment. Understanding IRR and MIRR and their differences will help you perform a more accurate financial analysis to estimate a project's potential.
The firm must choose the strategy that produces the greatest results while also meeting the demands of the investors.Metric | IRR (Internal Rate of Return) | MIRR (Modified Internal Rate of Return) |
Full Form | Internal Rate of Return | Modified Internal Rate of Return |
Calculation | Finds the rate at which the Net Present Value (NPV) of cash flows becomes zero. | Uses a specified reinvestment rate and a financing rate to determine profitability. |
Cash Flow Assumption | Assumes that all cash flows are reinvested at the IRR itself. | Recognizes that cash flows are reinvested at a different rate (reinvestment rate) and financed at another rate (financing rate). |
Realism | May not always reflect practical reinvestment scenarios. | Provides a more realistic assessment by considering actual reinvestment and financing conditions. |
Sensitivity to Cash Flows | Sensitive to the timing and magnitude of cash flows, particularly when they change sign (from positive to negative or vice versa). | Less sensitive to changes in cash flow patterns due to its use of a specified reinvestment rate. |
Decision Criteria | If IRR exceeds the required rate of return or cost of capital, the investment is deemed acceptable. | If MIRR is greater than the cost of capital, the project is considered viable. |
Multiple IRRs | Can yield multiple IRRs in complex cash flow patterns, making interpretation challenging. | Avoids the problem of multiple IRRs, providing a single, more reliable rate of return. |
Consistency | IRR may lead to conflicting investment decisions when comparing mutually exclusive projects with different cash flow patterns. | MIRR offers more consistent investment decisions when evaluating mutually exclusive projects. |
Popular Use Cases | Commonly used for simple projects with relatively straightforward cash flows. | Preferred for projects with unconventional cash flow patterns and varying reinvestment opportunities. |
Formula | Uses a trial-and-error approach to find the rate that satisfies the NPV equation. | Employs a direct formula based on future and present values of cash flows, reinvestment, and financing rates. |