Abstract
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Using Excel’s =LAMBDA and =MAKEARRAY functions allows for the creation of user-defined functions for generating waterfall calculations for a private equity deal, without needing VBA or macro programming.
The three primary waterfall functions determine the waterfall distributions and related performance metrics, including internal rates of return (IRRs) and multiples of invested capital (MOICs), both with and without carried interest.
Copying the cell that uses a waterfall function from the source file to a new file automatically transfers the function and its related intermediate functions. As a result, these functions can be used immediately in other models.
Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
9-8-2025
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Tom; Liu, Summer; and Marshall, Cassandra D., "Creating Private Equity Waterfall Functions in Excel" (2025). Finance Faculty Publications. 78.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/finance-faculty-publications/78

Comments
Please do not cite without permission.