LBO Model Question: Using IRR as Input

Need help with a comment an MDs gave me on my model:

Right now, I'm assuming an exit multiple, assuming an IRR (of 25%), and then working backwards to find an implied entrance multiple. Basically, a simple lbo model, finding sponsor ability to pay (although we're not building in debt, because this is a tech company w/o stable cash flows).

Now my MD is telling me to make sure the entry and exit multiples equal to each other, yet still using IRR as the input to derive valuation. To me, this doesn't seem possible. By doing so, you've got two "moving parts" in the model, with only one input (the IRR of 25%).

You can input entry and exit multiples to derive an IRR, but you'll only get a very discrete set of possible IRR ranges based on these assumptions. I've attached a data table where I did exactly that (cell highlighted in yellow where entry and exit multiples
are equal). As you can tell here, you couldn't arbitrarily choose an IRR of, say, 20% and get two matching multiples that equate to such an IRR. It simply doesn't exist.

Please please please someone tell me if I'm approaching this wrongly... I've told him these exact points but he refuses to acknowledge my arguments and is not providing helpful feedback.

Attachment Size
Data Table 5.04 KB 5.04 KB
2 Comments
 

Make the entrance and exit multiple 1.65? Would that work? I see your problem. The higher the entrance multiple = higher exit multiple so it'll have a two-fold effect on IRR. You may need to change cash flow if you want to meet the 25% IRR.

 

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