What is Holding Period Return/Return

Holding period yield (HPY) measures the total return from an investment during a given time period in which asset is held by the investor. It is to be noted that HP doesn't mean that security is actually sold and the gain or loss is actually realised by investor. Concept of HPY is applicable whether one is measuring the realized return or estimating the future return. It can be calculated as follows:

HPY = (Any cash payments received + price change over the holding period) / Price at which the asset is purchased (beginning price)