Frequently, investors considering DCF Income Payments are concerned that their funds may be invested ‘too long’ in a long term income stream. But even though we list inventory with a “Term” in years, or maturity, the reality is, this is often not a good representation of a case.
In fact, many cases start repaying principal and interest almost immediately. So while the ‘Term” or maturity of two cases might be the same, their Weighted Average Life, or the average amount of time each dollar of principal is invested, may be widely different. The WAL, therefore, is a more accurate way of comparing.
Maturity Date
The final maturity date of DCF Income Payments, just as with bonds, is not always a good measure of the length of the investment. Many bonds return their principal as a single bullet at the bond’s final maturity date. But amortizing bonds, and income streams like DCF Income Payments, repay the principal amount in installments over the bond’s life. This is why the maturity date might not fully explain the liquidity of the investment.
So instead of simply looking at the maturity date, we also consider Weighted Average Life.
How Weighted Average Life Works
A more suitable metric that we prefer to use is Weighted Average Life (WAL). WAL is the average number of years for which each dollar of unpaid principal on an investment remains outstanding. It is the average time that it takes for every dollar of principal to be repaid, weighted by the size of each principal payout. Therefore, the years with higher principal payments will be weighted more heavily in the WAL calculation.
WAL helps investors gauge how quickly bonds pay out their returns. WAL also has implications for risk, because the longer capital from the original investment is held, the longer it is exposed to risks like inflation.
Three example calculations of WAL are shown below, each based on a different principal repayment schedule over a 4 year period. These examples illustrate how the WAL decreases when more repayments are made at an earlier stage in the life of the investment (e.g., end of year 1, vs end of year 3).
WAL is a more exact measurement of a cash flow for DCF Income Payments. It’s also very useful when comparing DCF Payments to other investments like bonds, with smaller coupon payments during the term and a large lump sum out at the end. Typical bonds like this are back-end weighted, and you’ll find DCF Income Payments have a generally shorter WAL when compared to bonds of a similar maturity.
What our customers say about DCF Exchange
“I have worked with DCF a little over 2…”
I have worked with DCF a little over 2 years and have found Nathaniel and Ross the most knowledgeable owners I’ve worked with. In addition, their products are exceptional as I have sold them in IRAs, personal retirement, for Grandchildren, for college expenses and replacements for low yielding CD’s. I will continue to offer them to all clients that need a guaranteed Fixed Rate from Major Insurance Carriers.
“Most definitely now is A Generational Opportunity….“
Most definitely now is “A Generational Opportunity in Bonds (And Fixed Income!)” which is why I am doing what I’m doing – 6+% with COLA, wow!
“FLEXIBLE Design Capability & HELPFUL Consults”
I’ve had many conversations with one of the firm’s Principals, Nathaniel Pulsifer , and he is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of this asset class, and is always willing to customize his inventory to fit my clients’ needs, when possible. ALSO, the DCF illustration system is very easy to use for client presentation and to do what-if scenario modeling!
“Purchasing payment streams from DCF”
I have purchased a few payment streams and am in the process of purchasing another one today. Nathaniel and his staff are great to work with. The transactions have been easy to finalize and the monthly payments have all been received on time, as expected. I have purchased payment streams from 3 other companies and, working with DCF is, by far, the best experience. Nathaniel and his staff really care about providing good customer service. They are responsive and work to earn your business. I have been very happy with my experience with DCF Exchange.
“DCF bought my payment streams….
DCF bought my payment streams- They were quick, Nathaniel was very responsive and easy to work with, and got it done in just a few days.
“Fast, easy process for sale of SMA’s”
Fast, easy process for sale of SMA’s. ACH and wire of money, and the GoldStar relationship make this a very easy process. The DocuSign system used makes it easy to work with clients since there is no in person meeting required. Although we do like to meet in person with clients… will use DCF Exchange for all SMA sales!!!!! A ++++++++
“I have worked with Nathaniel at DCF for…”
I have worked with Nathaniel at DCF for years. Everything is always professional and seamless. A pleasure to work with.
“This is the second transaction I did…”
This is the second transaction I did with Nathaniel Pulsifer at DCF and both went very smoothly. Clients are very happy. I try to incorporate these types of secondary annuities when appropriate. I would highly recommend Nathaniel Pulsifer and DCF to anyone who wants to incorporate these in a clients financial plan.
“These guys are the absolute best”
These guys are the absolute best! I’ve been working with Nathaniel and Ross for many years now, and there’s nobody better in the business. Their knowledge of the industry is unsurpassed, and most importantly they are HONEST and TRUSTWORTHY. I look forward to working with DCF Exchange for many years to come.
“I had an amazing experience with DCF“
I had an amazing experience with DCF! Nathaniel and his team are extremely dialed into these specialty products and I definitely would work with him again! Thanks!
“Extremely knowledgable and ethical”
Extremely knowledgeable and ethical. A pleasure to do business with.
“How fast was that”
How fast was that? VERY!
I was most pleasantly surprised how quick and efficient my payment was processed. Very safe, efficient and accurate.
“Thank you for putting your platform…”
Thank you for putting your platform together. Very nice work, easy for everyone to complete transactions. Almost as easy as writing annuities was 20 years ago –you probably weren’t around when the entire annuity application was 1 sheet of paper, front and back. You could send in that one piece of paper with a check and the deal was done!
“DCF performed far above and beyond my……”
DCF performed far above and beyond my expectations from beginning through the end closing process and beyond. When there seemed to be an issue with the trustee, DCF stepped in and cleared up all misunderstandings and insured everything was correct. I should note that the misunderstandings were really on my part and, once I was finally clear, I now fully understand and agree. Thank you DCF.
“DCF has the investments in inventory ready for me…”
DCF has the investments in inventory ready for me to place with my clients…. instead of many “wait & see” situations offered by other firms. Additionally, Nathaniel has on several occasions “carved-out” just the right size investment amount to fit one of my client’s needs out of a larger case in inventory, or combined parts of several cases to create a combination that fits my clients’ needs perfectly!
