A common metric in real estate and private equity investing, this calculation divides the total cash distributions received from an investment by the total cash invested. For example, if an investor contributes $1 million to a project and eventually receives $2.5 million back, the metric is 2.5x.
This simple ratio provides a clear measure of investment profitability, allowing for straightforward comparisons across different opportunities. Understanding this return metric is essential for assessing overall investment performance and making informed decisions about future capital allocation. Its widespread use speaks to its enduring relevance in evaluating financial success in illiquid investments.
