Monday, February 10, 2014

Explaining Cash On Cash Return

By Matt Baumberger


The term cash on cash return is used in investment to indicate the ratio of income to investment especially in real estate. It is given as a percentage and used to estimate the expected profit from the investment. It can be used as a basis for decision making to establish if the venture is profitable or not. It gives a quick idea of the expected returns. The estimates are confirmed later with in-depth analysis and calculations.

Some of the investors have used the formula to identify if a property is overpriced. By applying it in a calculation, an investor can judge if the returns promised or indicated are realistic. This will inform the decision to buy or not. It can tell instant equity of the property without having to rely on professional valuation.

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.

Some of the short comings of using this method include calculation using the amount before tax. There are tax obligations for each investment environment and they must be factored. These obligations shape the decisions of investors. The taxes are deferred through capital cost allowance in some cases.

During calculations, other property factors need to be considered. Properties appreciate and depreciate in value. Consideration of capital returns gives an erroneous figure. The investment signal given is not very accurate and may cause unrealistic expectations. Rent collection is used to fulfill other obligations before profits can be calculated.

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 bases its figures on a simplistic percentage that is not the main concern for investors. Most investors are attracted by compound interests which give better returns over time. Calculating the income after taxation gives a more realistic figure. It is also necessary to consider depreciation and expected losses. The formula is however useful when making an initial assessment to get a rough idea.




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