A preferred return is a common feature of a real estate partnership structure whereby an investor’s return is put in first priority prior to any sponsor/manager participation in the profits or performance compensation. For example, investors may receive an 8% preferred return which entitles investors to a minimum of an 8% annualized, compounding return prior to the sponsor receiving any performance compensation. This does not mean the preferred return level is by any means guaranteed and there is typically no recourse aside from the accruing and compounding of such preferred return associated with not maintaining the preferred return payout.
However, this crucial partnership mechanism does not work in the same way in all deals. Specifically, in this article, we will focus on the difference between a preferred return which includes the return of capital (IRR hurdle), and one which does not. I make this comparison a lot and I can often tell that people get confused when I try to explain the difference. Here is the best way I can break it down.
Preferred Return (IRR Hurdle) – Distribution Priority:
- Investors receive any accrued but unpaid 8% preferred return
- Investors receive 100% of their originally invested capital back
- Excess cash flow or refi/sale proceeds are split 70% to investors, 30% to sponsor
Preferred Return (promote on cash flow) – Cash Flow Distribution Priority:
- Investors receive any accrued but unpaid 8% preferred return
- Excess cash flow is split 70% to investors, 30% to sponsor
Preferred Return (promote on cash flow) – Refi/Sale Distribution Priority:
- Investors receive any accrued but unpaid 8% preferred return
- Investors receive 100% of their originally invested capital back
- Excess refi/sale proceeds are split 70% to investors, 30% to sponsor
As you can see, in the second preferred return scenario, there is actually a difference in the distribution priority depending on whether or not the distributions are generated from cash flows or from a capital event (refi or sale). The slight tweak allows the sponsor to earn a promote on ongoing cash flows which are above and beyond the preferred return (usually 6% to 9%).
I like simplicity so I appreciate the IRR hurdle format because it applies to all cash flows regardless of the type of cash flow it is. Doing it this way also makes accounting simpler since all cash flow distributions go to investors on a prorated basis, eliminating the need to calculate a promote every quarter or year. Because the promote only kicks in after all capital has been returned in the IRR hurdle style preferred return, the promote typically only comes into play upon a sale. Upon sale, a Microsoft Excel XIRR calculation is used to assign dates to all of the cash flows of the project (including original investment) to calculate an 8% IRR to investors prior to any distributions to the sponsor as promote (carried interest). This is why this preferred return is also called an IRR hurdle. It goes without saying that this structure is more capital protective for investors since they don’t have to pay promote until 100% of their capital is returned and their minimum return is met.
However, there are some downsides to this structure as well. The foremost downside is the fact that a sponsor operating a deal under this structure has a substantial incentive to sell the project as quickly as possible even if it is not the best timing in order to monetize his or her promote. It is more difficult for a sponsor to hold a good deal that has increased in value and receive no performance compensation when they know if they sell, they can stand to gain hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is especially true for newer sponsors who have a smaller portfolio since they cannot live off of and grow their business through just asset management fees.
This can be detrimental to investors who are seeking longer-term cash flow investments because they are at risk of their sponsor selling the deal early. As an investor, it may be worth accepting a promote on cash flow to keep your sponsor motivated to hold the deal and optimize operations.
About Lone Star Capital
Lone Star Capital is a real estate investment firm focused on underperforming multifamily properties in Texas and surrounding states. Lone Star creates core-plus and value-add opportunities that deliver superior risk-adjusted returns by implementing moderate to extensive renovations, improving management, and designing creative capital solutions. Lone Star owns over 1,500 units worth nearly $100M. Click through to view our company presentation here.
About the Author
Robert Beardsley oversees acquisitions and capital markets for the firm and has acquired over $100M of multifamily real estate. He has evaluated thousands of opportunities using proprietary underwriting models and published the number one book on multifamily underwriting, The Definitive Guide to Underwriting Multifamily Acquisitions. He has written over 50 articles about underwriting, deal structures, and capital markets and hosts the Capital Spotlight podcast, which is focused on interviewing institutional investors. Robert also helps run Greenoaks Capital, his family’s real estate investment and advisory firm. Robert grew up in Silicon Valley and currently lives in New York City, where he enjoys reading nonfiction, traveling, working out, meditating, playing golf and piano.
*This site contains educational content provided by third parties. NuView Trust does not endorse, recommend or approve any of the companies or individuals or investment vehicles or strategies that may be discussed. NuView Trust encourages clients to seek legal or tax advice as necessary and to perform their own due diligence before engaging in any investment vehicle or strategy.
