Explaining Cash On Cash Return

By Matt Baumberger


Cash on cash return is an investment term that gives the percentage ratio of the money you get before tax to your total investment. It is only used on investment that is expected to give profit. The formula is used as a quick test to set the ground for further review or analysis of investment. It can tell an investor if the returns are satisfactorily high.

Investors use this form of calculation to tell if the figure quoted on a property is good value for money. The formula is simple and can tell an investor if there is a realistic possibility of making good money from the venture. This will drive you to buy a property or look elsewhere. It gives the instant equity of the property in question.

In a real case scenario, an agent may demand 1.2M dollars for a property. The down payment to be made is set at 300,000dollars. Expected rent collection from the property is five thousand dollars. The total for the whole year will be 60,000 dollars. To calculate the rate of returns, you will divide 60,000 by 300,000. This gives you 20 percent. It means that your investment will give you returns at 20 percent per year.

The calculations are based on raw figures obtained from an income flow before tax. Such figures do not represent the real situation because each investor has individual tax obligations. These obligations influence investment decisions made regarding any property. Some investors defer the taxes through the capital cost allowance.

The formula used to arrive at the figure does not consider appreciation and depression effects. Money returned as capital should not be considered as income. This means that the figures given through this calculation are deceptive and could mislead investment decisions. They are raw assumptions that do not give the actual situation to investors. The assumption made is that all money gotten from the investment is considered as income on the part of the investor.

The formula used to calculate the income has not factored potential risks associated with the investment. They include economic factors like inflation, natural calamities and unforeseen occurrences. Such situations have a direct impact on your investment and will determine how much you get in the long run.

Cash on cash return percentages are based on simple interest calculations. Compound interests are more attractive to investors focusing on long term returns. Calculations after tax are more accurate because necessary adjustments have been made. These calculations have factored the important changes like expected losses and depreciation. They can be reliably used in complex investment calculations.




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