Chapter 2 - Corporate Bonds Flashcards
Why would a company issue bonds?
To raise working capital or fund capital expenditures.
Who are some of issuers of debt?
Corporations, US Government, Municipalities, US Territories
Explain Term, Serial, Balloon maturities.
Term is when the principal of the whole issue matures at once. Serial is when portions of the principal mature at different intervals. Balloon is when portions of principal mature over time then a big lump sum payment is made at the end.
What are some things a bond certificate would have on it?
Name, interest rate, payment date, maturity date, call features, principal amount, CUSIP…
What is a bearer bond?
The bond has no registration, and you must clip the coupons in order to redeem the interest.
For US Government Bonds which registration is used?
Book entry: no certificate is received, the transfer agent maintains records and the customer has a confirmation number.
If a customer wants interest payments received by mail which registration is required?
Fully registered or Book Entry
What is the pricing for corporate bonds, increments? Give an example.
Corporate bonds increase in 1/8 increments. 98 1/8 = 98 1/8% of $1000 = 981.25
What is the basis for ratings?
Financial stability, amount of debt, cashflow, history of repayment, asset protection, management
What is the cutoff for an investment grade bond, rating wise?
Anything below a BBB for S&P, or Baa for Moody’s
What is the relationship between yield and a bond’s rating?
Higher rating = lower yield
Lower rating = higher yield
From highest to lowest, what are the safest bonds and give some examples.
US Government - T-bills, notes, bonds, Series EE and HH
Government Agencies - GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC, FFCB
Municipals - GO’s and Revenue bonds
Corporate - Secured bonds, debentures, sub. deben. income bonds
What is a sinking fund?
Operated by the bonds trustee and is a place where they may save to retire a issue, buy more in the open market…
What is the formula for a call premium, give an example.
When an issuer calls a bond early, will usually give a premium. Call price - par = call premium. 103 - 100 = 3, $30
Why would an issuer call a bond early?
Refinance higher interest rate debt with a lower one. Replace short term with long term debt and vice versa.
What is refunding and prerefunding?
Raising money to call an issue.
Issuing a new set of bonds at a lower rate, and putting the proceeds into escrow until the other issue at the higher rate may be called.
What is a tender offer?
Issuer extends a offer for outstanding bonds at a premium price.
What is yield and how is it determined?
Expresses cash interest payments in relation to a bonds value. It is determined by credit quality, maturity, interest rates and if it’s callable.