IRR: Internal Rate of Return Explained

dakar boom bap, afrobeat disco, afro house rock · 4:04

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Sarah's got a million dollars burning holes in venture deals
Investing in three startups, wants to know which one's for real
Company A pays back slowly, B explodes then crashes down
C delivers steady returns, but which deserves the crown?

[Chorus]
I-R-R, the magic number that we seek
Internal Rate of Return makes the strongest players speak
It's the discount rate that zeros out your N-P-V
When cash flows in and cash flows out reach perfect harmony
I-R-R, I-R-R, the heartbeat of your trade
I-R-R, I-R-R, where fortunes can be made

[Verse 2]
Year zero costs a hundred grand, year one brings back just ten
Year two delivers forty more, year three pays sixty then
We solve for that mysterious rate where present value's nil
Trial and error, spreadsheet magic, bend numbers to your will

[Chorus]
I-R-R, the magic number that we seek
Internal Rate of Return makes the strongest players speak
It's the discount rate that zeros out your N-P-V
When cash flows in and cash flows out reach perfect harmony
I-R-R, I-R-R, the heartbeat of your trade
I-R-R, I-R-R, where fortunes can be made

[Bridge]
Higher than your cost of capital means green lights all around
Lower means you're hemorrhaging wealth into the ground
But watch for multiple solutions when cash flows change their sign
One project might have three I-R-Rs, now that's by design

[Verse 3]
Private equity kings and queens worship this sacred measure
Twenty percent internal returns unlock investor treasure
Compare it to your hurdle rate, your minimum demand
If I-R-R exceeds your floor, extend your eager hand

[Chorus]
I-R-R, the magic number that we seek
Internal Rate of Return makes the strongest players speak
It's the discount rate that zeros out your N-P-V
When cash flows in and cash flows out reach perfect harmony
I-R-R, I-R-R, the heartbeat of your trade
I-R-R, I-R-R, where fortunes can be made

[Outro]
From zero to your I-R-R, that's where the profit lies
Master this essential tool and claim your market prize

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