Calendarization
- Converts future cash flows into equivalent amounts at a chosen point in time so different investments or assets can be compared.
- Uses a discount rate to reflect the time value of money when producing present-day values.
- Applied in finance, portfolio management, and real estate to compare alternatives on a common time basis.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”Calendarization (also referred to as benchmarking) is the process of converting a stream of future cash flows, whether from an investment or an asset, into equivalent amounts at a specific point in time to allow more accurate comparison of different investments or assets.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Calendarization/benchmarking turns future payments or receipts into amounts measured at a single point in time (commonly present-day values). This requires a discount rate that represents the time value of money; applying that rate produces comparable values across options with different timing or durations. By expressing cash flows on the same temporal basis, calendarization enables direct comparison of investments, portfolios, or assets.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Bond comparison
Section titled “Bond comparison”An investor comparing a one-year bond and a two-year bond would convert their future cash flows into present-day values using a discount rate.
The one-year bond valuation shown in the source:
The two-year bond valuation shown in the source: \text{1,000 x (1 + 0.06) / (1 + 0.03) ^ 2 = \$914.29}
Based on these present-day values, the one-year bond is the better option.
Portfolio benchmarking
Section titled “Portfolio benchmarking”A portfolio manager may convert the future cash flows of a portfolio into present-day values and compare them to the present-day value of a benchmark such as the S&P 500 to assess performance.
Real estate comparison
Section titled “Real estate comparison”A property owner can convert expected future rental income into present-day values using a discount rate and compare that to the present-day value of a similar property to evaluate potential rental income relative to market value.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”- Comparing different investments or assets on a common time basis.
- Portfolio performance comparison against benchmarks (e.g., S&P 500).
- Valuing future rental income against present-day property values in real estate.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Benchmarking
- Discount rate
- Present-day value
- Time value of money
- S&P 500