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Investment Recovery Period Method
The investment recovery period (IRP) method is a financial analysis tool used for determining the optimum amount of time to retain an investment. It is specifically used to determine the time it takes for an organization to recover the capital invested in a particular asset. The traditional IRP is composed of three elements: discounted cash flow, net present value and internal rate of return. By analyzing the present value of future cash flows, the recovery period can be identified and the investment can be held or sold accordingly. The IRP model is used to ensure that the financial decisions a company makes are accurate and will yield the greatest profits possible.
The discounted cash flow element of the IRP model involves a discount rate that is applied to the expected future cash flows to determine their current value. Standard discount rates are usually 10 percent, but they may vary depending on the prevailing economic conditions and the risk associated with the investment. This rate is applied to every cash flow over the life of the investment, thus constructing an accurate picture of the present value of the asset. The net present value (NPV) element is derived from this discounted cash flow. The NPV is calculated by subtracting the present value of the outflows from the present value of the inflows. If the NPV is greater than zero, the investment is considered to have a positive return, whereas a negative NPV suggests that the return is likely to be low or non-existent.
The internal rate of return (IRR) element of the IRP model measures the profitability of an investment. This rate is derived from the NPV as it affects the returns associated with the asset. The IRR is simply the discount rate at which the investment will break even. If the IRR exceeds the discount rate, then the investment is expected to yield a positive return. Conversely, if the IRR is lower than the discount rate, then it is likely that the investment will produce a smaller return or even losses.
The investment recovery period method provides a basis for evaluating long-term investments. By including the discounted cash flow, net present value and internal rate of return elements into the model, organizations can determine the optimal time at which to recover the capital invested in an asset and maximize the return on investment. By calculating the present value of future cash flows, a company can identify the recovery period, which will enable them to keep the asset for a sufficient period of time to gain back the initial capital invested and reap the most benefit for the organization.