Calculating Equity Multiple: A Simple Guide
The multiple on invested capital is calculated by dividing the total distributions received from an investment by the total invested capital. For example, if an investor contributes $1 million to a project and eventually receives $2.5 million in distributions, the multiple is 2.5x. This simple metric provides a readily understandable measure of return performance.
This metric offers a clear and concise way to evaluate investment profitability, often preferred for its simplicity compared to other, more complex measures like internal rate of return (IRR). By focusing on the total value returned relative to the initial investment, it provides a holistic view of an investment’s overall success. Historically, this method has been used across a wide range of asset classes, including real estate, private equity, and venture capital, reflecting its broad applicability in assessing investment outcomes.