What is the impact of terminal cash flow changes on positive IRRs compared to negative IRRs?

The correct choice states that positive IRRs are less responsive than negative IRRs to changes in terminal cash flows. This concept is rooted in the behavior of cash flows in investment analysis.

In general, positive IRRs reflect projects or investments that are generating returns above the cost of capital over their operational lifetimes. When terminal cash flows, which represent cash inflows at the end of the project or investment period, are adjusted upwards or downwards, the impact on the positive IRRs is often more muted. This is because the initial cash flows have already contributed significantly to achieving positive returns, and the overall financial performance is less sensitive to final adjustments.

Conversely, investments that yield negative IRRs are typically those that fail to recoup their initial investments and require more substantial adjustments to reach a breakeven point. Therefore, when terminal cash flows change, these negative IRRs experience a stronger response since any potential increases in terminal values directly influence the possibility of transitioning to a positive IRR. Thus, alterations in the terminal cash flow can dramatically impact the rate at which these projects recover their costs, making them more sensitive to changes.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in the alternative investment field, as it highlights how the timing and magnitude of cash flows affect project evaluations and