Extended Internal Rate of Return (XIRR): Work, Formula & How to Calculate

What is XIRR?

The XIRR is a single rate of return that calculates the current value of an investment after considering all installments and redemptions. The XIRR represents your personal rate of return. It represents your real return on investment. XIRR stands for “Extended Internal Rate of Return.” It is a method for calculating returns on investments in which several transactions occur at various periods. Calculating returns in the case of SIP is complicated since there are several investments (and hence various purchase prices) and varied time periods for each payment. Returns on mutual fund SIPs are frequently calculated using the XIRR.

Geeky Takeaways:

• While CAGR is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a mutual fund, XIRR is more significant when assessing the returns on your investments.
• XIRR is a more accurate method of calculating return when a sequence of investments is made over time, including withdrawals, dividends, switches, and other transactions. When assessing mutual fund returns, XIRR performs far better than IRR and CAGR.
• Investors may make smarter judgments and negotiate the intricacies of the financial markets by using XIRR.
• The internal rate of return (IRR) is computed first, followed by a daily cash flow estimate and, at each period, an accounting for the time value of money.

How XIRR Work?

1. CAGR is one of the most significant measures for evaluating mutual fund schemes before investing. However, XIRR allows an investor to precisely compute the returns on his investment, which entails several transactions at irregular intervals.

2. If an investor is investing in mutual funds via SIP, utilize an online XIRR calculator to evaluate their performance. Alternatively, the investor may work with a financial advisor to create a mutual fund portfolio that aligns with his investing goals.

3. XIRR calculates the annualized return on investments by considering the cash flows in and out of the mutual fund investment at different points in time. These cash flows can be investments made by the investor, income earned from mutual fund investments, and withdrawals made by the investor.

4. The XIRR determines the interest rate that, when applied to your investment over time, would result in the same end value as your original investment. It accomplishes this by trial and error, evaluating several interest rates until it discovers one that yields the desired end result.

XIRR Formula

In the formula,

NPV = Net Present Value of the Cash Flows

R = Applicable Interest Rate

Initial Investment = Invested Amount

Cash Flows = Amounts Invested and Withdrawn Over the Tenure of the Investment

Importance of XIRR in Mutual Funds

1. Accurate Evaluation of Investment Performance: XIRR takes into account both the timing and volume of cash flows, resulting in a more exact evaluation of investment returns. This is critical for determining the real performance of assets, especially those with dynamic cash flows, such as mutual fund SIPs, which require monthly payments.

2. Handling of Irregular Cash Flows: Unlike standard measurements like CAGR, XIRR can handle investments with irregular cash flows, such as fluctuating contribution amounts and frequency. This makes it appropriate for measuring the performance of assets such as SIPs, in which contributions may vary.

3. Consideration of the Time Value of Money: The XIRR considers the particular dates of cash flows to account for the time value of money. This guarantees that the computation appropriately captures the timing of investments, giving investors an accurate depiction of their returns.

4. Portfolio Diversification Assessment: For investors with diverse portfolios that include investments with varying cash flow patterns, XIRR can assist in correctly assessing the portfolio’s overall performance. By measuring the XIRR of the entire portfolio, investors may assess the efficacy of their diversification strategy and make modifications accordingly.

5. Better Decision Making: By offering a more precise estimate of investment returns, XIRR enables investors to make more informed decisions about their investment strategy, asset allocation, and financial objectives. This allows investors to better match their investment selections with their long-term goals and risk tolerance.

Benefits of XIRR

1. Allows Investors to Compare Options: Investors may assess the profitability of investments over time by using the extended internal rate of return approach.

2. Compute Portfolio Returns All at Once: Investors must determine the XIRR for every fund. Investors may now determine the XIRR for their whole portfolio at once.

3. Precise Return Calculation: The XIRR technique is a useful tool for determining returns on a number of assets and withdrawals.

Limitations of XIRR

1. Requires Precise Cash Flow Data: The date and amount of each cash flow, as well as precise and comprehensive cash flow data, are necessary for XIRR. The accuracy of the XIRR estimate may be impacted by missing or erroneous data.

2. Sensitive to Small Changes in Data: The cash flow data’s slightest modifications might have an impact on the XIRR, making it a sensitive indicator. Due to this, comparing several investments or deciding only on the basis of the XIRR return may be challenging.

3. May Not Be Suitable for All Investment Types: Investments with erratic cash flows, like real estate or private equity, are best suited for XIRR. Bonds and annuities are examples of investments that might not be suitable.

Why Does XIRR in Mutual Funds Make Financial Sense?

1. The mutual fund industry uses XIRR, or the internal rate of return of mutual funds.

2. The performance of a mutual fund over a certain time period is estimated by mutual fund firms using internal rates of return. They are typically employed to project a portfolio’s performance or future returns.

3. The internal rate of return is determined initially, followed by a daily cash flow estimate and, at each period, the temporal value of money. This process yields the XIRR, which ultimately is helpful for investors.

4. An investment’s average return over a predetermined time is measured using an investment performance metric called XIRR.

5. The internal rate of return (IRR) of an investment over a specific time period is calculated using XIRR. The discount rate that brings the net present value (NPV) of all cash flows from an investment to zero is known as the internal rate of return (IRR).

6. It is used with assets like equities and mutual funds that don’t always have cash flows within a set time frame.

How To Calculate XIRR Using Excel?

1. Put each transaction you make into a single column. All inflows are recorded as positive, such as redemptions, and all outflows, such as investments and purchases, will be indicated as market-negative.

2. Include the relevant transaction date in the following column.

3. Mention the date and the holding’s current value in the final row.

4. Next, using Excel’s XIRR function, which looks like this: XIRR (values, time, estimation).

5. Choose values for a sequence of cash flows that match a date-based payment plan. The date columns represent the dates of the initial investment and the cash flows’ receipt. If you omit the guess argument, it is not required. Excel used 0.1 as the value.

For example:

For this calculation you need is with an example of six-month SIP. Let

SIP amount = ₹ 6000

SIP investment dates = start-01/01/2024, end-01/06/2024

Redemption date = 01/07/2024

Maturity amount = ₹ 39000

Assuming following cash flows:

01-01-2024	-6000
11-02-2024	-6000
01-03-2024	-6000
08-04-2024	-6000
19-05-2024	-6000
01-06-2024	-6000
01-07-2024	+37000
XIRR	10.43820441

The cash flows in the table above happen at irregular times. Here, the return on these cash flows may be calculated by an investor using the XIRR function. Never forget to include the “minus” symbol when an investor makes a financial investment.

Open excel sheet:

In column A enter the dates of transaction of outflows and inflows on left side

In column B enter SIP figures of 6000 (using a negative sign as it is a cash outflow)

Against the redemption date (Column A), enter the redemption amount (Column B) (37000).

In the box below 37000, type in: ” = XIRR (B1: B7, A1: A7)*100″ and hit enter

XIRR at the rate 10.43820441 will be shown.

XIRR vs. CAGR vs. IRR

Basis	XIRR	CAGR	IRR
Calculation Nature	It is an expansion of the IRR to account for erratic time periods and erratic cash flow.	determines an investment’s yearly growth rate over a certain time frame.	It is the discount rate at which an investment’s cash flow NPV (Net Present Value) drops to zero.
Events related to Cash Flow	A number of inflows and/or outflows occurring at regular or irregular intervals	One inflow and only one outflow	Several Inflows and/or Outflows Occurring Regularly
Type of Return	Compounding	Compounding	Compounding
Timing Considerations	Takes into account the cash flow timings.	Ignores the timing aspects of cash flows.	Considers the timings of cash flows.
Level of Complexity	Higher	Lower	Medium
Accuracy	Higher	Lower	Medium
Versatility	Higher (Adjustable to a wider variety of investing circumstances. It takes timings and cash flow abnormalities into account.)	Lower (Used exclusively to assess the yearly growth rate.	Lower (Works best for projects with steady financial flows.)

Extended Internal Rate of Return (XIRR) – FAQs

How much XIRR is a decent rate?

A suitable XIRR rate is determined by a variety of parameters, including your risk tolerance, the investment horizon, and the type of asset. Generally speaking, though, an XIRR of 7-8% is regarded as desirable for debt funds, while 11–12% is appropriate for equity funds.

Is XIRR superior to CAGR?

XIRR is seen to be a more accurate indicator of investment returns than CAGR, particularly for products like SIPs that have erratic cash flows. But since CAGR is simpler to compute and comprehend, it’s frequently employed as a broader indicator of investment success.

What distinguishes XIRR and IRR primarily?

IRR and XIRR vary primarily in that XIRR considers the actual timing of the cash flows, whereas IRR implies that all cash flows in your investment fund occur at the conclusion of the period. Because of this, XIRR is a more accurate indicator of an investment’s real returns, particularly for those with erratic cash flows.

Does XIRR compound every year?

XIRR is not compounded annually. It computes your investment’s return using daily compounding.

For SIP subscribers, how important is XIRR?

In the Indian context, XIRR is an invaluable tool for assessing investment success, especially when used in conjunction with SIP investments. With examples specifically designed for the Indian market, investors may gain a practical comprehension of its concepts and make well-informed decisions to meet their financial goals.