CAGR Formula:
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The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is a measure of the mean annual growth rate of an investment over a specified time period longer than one year. It represents one of the most accurate ways to calculate and determine returns for anything that can rise or fall in value over time.
The calculator uses the CAGR formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the constant annual growth rate that would be required for an investment to grow from its beginning balance to its ending balance over the specified time period.
Details: CAGR is widely used to compare the historical returns of different investments, evaluate investment performance, and make informed financial decisions. It smooths out the volatility and provides a clear picture of average annual growth.
Tips: Enter the beginning value, ending value, and number of years. All values must be positive numbers (beginning value > 0, ending value > 0, years ≥ 1).
Q1: What is a good CAGR percentage?
A: A "good" CAGR depends on the investment type and market conditions. Generally, a CAGR above 8-10% is considered good for stock investments, but this varies by industry and economic climate.
Q2: How is CAGR different from average annual return?
A: CAGR accounts for compounding effect, while average annual return simply averages the yearly returns. CAGR provides a more accurate representation of growth over time.
Q3: Can CAGR be negative?
A: Yes, if the ending value is less than the beginning value, the CAGR will be negative, indicating a loss over the period.
Q4: What are the limitations of CAGR?
A: CAGR assumes smooth growth and doesn't account for volatility or intermediate cash flows. It also doesn't reflect risk or the actual year-to-year returns.
Q5: How is CAGR used in business planning?
A: Businesses use CAGR to analyze revenue growth, market expansion, investment returns, and to set realistic growth targets for future periods.