Convertible Debt

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Questions and Answers

How does a decrease in a company's stock price typically influence a convertible debtholder's decision regarding conversion?

  • It increases the likelihood of conversion to capitalize on potential future stock growth.
  • It decreases the likelihood of conversion, making it more favorable to hold the bond for its fixed income. (correct)
  • It mandates immediate conversion to mitigate potential losses from further stock decline.
  • It has no impact on the conversion decision, as bondholders are primarily concerned with interest payments.

What is the economic rationale behind an issuer including a call provision in a convertible bond?

  • To provide bondholders with the option to redeem the bond at a premium, enhancing its attractiveness.
  • To signal the issuer's confidence in its long-term financial stability to the market.
  • To comply with regulatory requirements mandating issuer control over debt instruments.
  • To protect the issuer from excessively high conversion values by forcing debtholders to convert to equity. (correct)

Which of the following best describes how to interpret the premium to parity for a convertible bond?

  • The amount by which the conversion value of the bond exceeds its face value, indicating the profitability of immediate conversion.
  • The degree to which the convertible bond's market price exceeds the value of the shares received upon conversion, signaling willingness to pay for the embedded option. (correct)
  • The additional return an investor receives for holding the convertible bond to maturity instead of converting it.
  • The percentage by which the bond's coupon rate exceeds the yield to maturity of a comparable straight bond.

What economic factor primarily determines the bond floor of a convertible bond?

<p>The present value of the convertible bond's future cash flows, discounted at a rate reflecting the issuer's credit risk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the investment premium of a convertible bond best interpreted?

<p>It quantifies the percentage by which the convertible bond's price exceeds its bond floor, reflecting the value of the embedded option. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of convertible bonds, what does the 'fugit' metric primarily represent?

<p>The expected number of years until the bond is converted or redeemed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a convertible bond has a higher yield than the dividend yield of the underlying stock, what does this 'yield advantage' generally imply for an investor?

<p>The investor is foregoing potential capital appreciation in exchange for higher current income. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a company issues a convertible bond with a yield to maturity (YTM) significantly higher than its coupon rate, what implication does this have for the bond's initial market price?

<p>The bond will be issued at a discount to its face value, as investors demand a higher return than the stated coupon rate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

XYZ Company issues convertible bonds with a face value of $1,000 and a conversion price of $50. If the company's stock is trading at $42, calculate the premium to parity if the bond is trading at $1,000.

<p>19.05% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company issues a convertible bond with a 5% coupon and a 10-year maturity. Comparable straight debt yields 8%. How is the straight bond value of the convertible calculated, and what does it represent?

<p>The present value of the convertible's coupon payments and face value, discounted at 8%; it represents the bond floor or minimum value of the convertible. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should an investor ideally exercise the conversion option in a convertible bond, assuming rational economic behavior?

<p>When the conversion value exceeds the straight bond value, capturing the potential upside of the stock. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of a callable provision in a convertible bond alter the payoff structure for the issuer, compared to a non-callable convertible bond?

<p>It limits the potential benefit to the issuer by allowing them to force conversion, capping the embedded option's value to investors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the formal representation of convertible debt value, what does the term 'alpha (α)' signify, and how does it affect the conversion decision?

<p>It captures the ownership percentage bondholders would attain upon conversion, influencing the decision to convert based on firm value. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the economic significance of the term 'F/α' in the context of convertible debt valuation?

<p>It represents the breakeven point for conversion, acting as the strike price for the embedded call option. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The formula CD = Face Value / (1 + rf)^T - Any Default + Value of Call is used to calculate Convertible Debt Value. What real world element effects the 'Any Default' variable?

<p>The probability of default (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where a firm's value is lower than the face value of its convertible debt, what is the likely outcome for the value distribution among stakeholders?

<p>Debtholders capture all of the firm's value up to the face value of the convertible debt, potentially leaving nothing for equity holders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Firm with V = 50 and 20m shares outstanding. Firm has 5 convertible bonds with F = 6, 2-year maturity, each of which can be converted into 2m shares at maturity. How to calculate Alpha?

<p>Alpha = (5 x 2) / (5 x 2 + 20) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Convertible bonds were issued with the following terms: V = 50, 20m shares outstanding, 5 convertible bonds, F = 6, 2-year maturity, each bond convertible into 2m shares. Assume rₓ = 5% and σ = 0.3. Aggregate first: F = 30 and α = (5 × 2)/(5 × 2 + 20) = 1/3. What is the difference due to conversion option?

<p>0.5524 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Amazon's 1999 convertible bond issue, what strategic benefit did Amazon derive if its share price remained below the conversion price?

<p>Amazon would avoid conversion, effectively securing cheaper financing compared to issuing straight debt at prevailing rates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the 'free lunch' story, if a firm's share price increases and conversion occurs, what is the financial benefit to the issuing firm such as Amazon?

<p>The firm effectively issues shares at a price higher than the market price at the time of the convertible bond issuance, resulting in lower cost of equity capital. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'expensive lunch story' critique the perceived benefits of issuing convertible debt?

<p>It suggests that the benefits are overstated, as the convertible is compared to straight debt when the price decreases and to equity when the price increases, leading to a biased assessment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Amazon case study, if the firm's stock price decreases and conversion does not occur, how does the convertible debt compare to straight debt and equity financing?

<p>Convertible debt is cheaper than straight debt but more expensive than equity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate outcome of Amazon's 1999 convertible bond offering, specifically regarding the conversion and redemption of the bonds?

<p>Amazon called the bonds, swapping a portion of the debt for Amazon shares and redeeming the remainder in cash. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using a Binomial Model, will calculate Stock Price for Three different Periods. What are the important steps?

<ol> <li>Calculate Stock Prices for Each Period.</li> <li>Calculate Conversion Value for Each Period.</li> <li>Determine whether you will Convert or not.</li> <li>Calculate Bond Value. (A)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of a call feature in a convertible bond impact the decision-making process within a binomial valuation model?

<p>The call feature increases the complexity of the model by introducing the possibility of early redemption, which affects the calculation of bond values at each node. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions would an issuer optimally call a convertible bond?

<p>When the conversion value is greater than the call price, forcing bondholders to convert and limiting their potential gains. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a binomial valuation model for callable convertible bonds with varying interest rates, how are spot rates typically determined across the different states of the world represented by the binomial tree?

<p>Spot rates are calculated dynamically for each state, conditional on the underlying stock price and prevailing market conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do convertible bonds mitigate the agency costs associated with debt financing?

<p>By reducing the incentives for shareholders to increase the firm's risk, aligning the interests of debt and equity holders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the scenario in which a convertible bond's option value is maximized?

<p>When the stock price is just above the exercise price, providing potential for conversion but no certainty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an increasing conversion ratio impact the conversion value line on a convertible bond graph?

<p>It steepens the slope of the conversion value line. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From the bond issuers perspective, why is callable provision more beneficial?

<p>Beneficial to the issuers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the stock is below the break-even point with convertible bonds?

<p>Bond Floor = Straight Bond Value (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to equity holders, if the firm is lower than the Face Value of Convertible debt?

<p>Equity holders get nothing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Stock Price Increases with convertible bonds?

<p>Conversion occurs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation makes the convertible debt cheaper - Straight Debt or Equity?

<p>When firm stock price increases, and conversion occurs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the interpretation of high risk and low risk in terms of straight value vs option value?

<p>If high risk – option &gt; straight If low risk – straight &gt; option (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Convertible Debt Value equates to which of the following options?

<p>Convertible Debt Value = Debt + Additional Option Value (Call - Conversion Price) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the potential for equity dilution impact a company's decision to issue convertible bonds, particularly when the firm's management anticipates substantial future growth?

<p>It discourages the company from issuing convertible bonds, as the dilution could significantly reduce earnings per share. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implications does a 'hard call' provision in a convertible bond indenture have for investors during periods of high stock volatility?

<p>It introduces significant risk for investors, as the issuer can force conversion at a potentially unfavorable time, diminishing potential gains. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what scenario would a company be most inclined to force conversion of its convertible bonds using a call provision?

<p>When the stock price has significantly increased, making the conversion value substantially higher than the call price. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a company's stock price falls significantly below the convertible bond's conversion price, how is the value of the convertible bond primarily determined?

<p>By its straight bond value, reflecting its worth as a fixed-income instrument. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a putable provision in a convertible bond impact the firm's strategic financial planning, especially concerning potential refinancing activities?

<p>It complicates refinancing, as the firm must account for the potential obligation to repurchase the bonds, affecting cash flow management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the credit rating of the issuing company typically influence the investment premium of a convertible bond?

<p>Higher credit ratings lead to lower investment premiums, as the reduced risk lowers the value of the embedded option. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the economic rationale behind an investor accepting a lower coupon rate on a convertible bond compared to a similar straight bond?

<p>Investors are compensated by the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

XYZ Corp. issues convertible bonds with a conversion ratio that increases over time. How does this feature likely impact the bond's initial pricing and its appeal to different types of investors?

<p>It increases the initial price due to the enhanced potential for future conversion value, appealing more to growth investors than income investors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of convertible bonds, how does the volatility of the underlying stock most directly affect the value of the conversion option?

<p>Higher volatility always increases the option value, as it increases the potential for the stock price to exceed the conversion price significantly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the inclusion of a 'reset provision' (which adjusts the conversion price based on the underlying stock's performance) in a convertible bond affect the bond's attractiveness to potential investors?

<p>It enhances the bond's appeal by protecting investors against declines in the stock price, ensuring a minimum conversion value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'fugit' metric impact a portfolio manager's decision-making process when managing a fund that invests in convertible bonds?

<p>It provides an estimate of the expected average life of the bond, influencing portfolio duration and risk management strategies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would the yield advantage of a convertible bond over the dividend yield of the underlying stock be most beneficial to an investor?

<p>When the investor is risk-averse and expects limited stock appreciation, prioritizing income over capital gains. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company issues convertible bonds with a significantly higher yield to maturity (YTM) than its coupon rate. What implications does this spread have for valuing the conversion option embedded in the bond?

<p>It suggests the company is in distress and needs to offer high yields to attract investors, reducing the perceived value of the conversion option due to higher default risk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of convertible bonds, what is the primary significance of the 'bond floor,' and how does it influence investor behavior during market downturns?

<p>The bond floor provides a cushion against downside risk, encouraging investors to hold onto the bond during market downturns as it approaches its intrinsic debt value. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When analyzing convertible bonds, how does a higher premium to parity generally impact an investor's decision regarding whether to purchase the convertible bond or the underlying stock?

<p>A higher premium to parity makes the convertible bond less attractive, as it means the investor is paying more for the conversion option relative to the current value of the shares. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the valuation of convertible debt, how does incorporating a stochastic interest rate model, compared to a static rate, affect the accuracy of pricing callable convertible bonds, especially in volatile markets?

<p>It increases accuracy by better reflecting the dynamic changes in interest rates, which can significantly impact the optimal call strategy of the issuer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does including assumptions about future dividend policy changes affect valuation outcomes in a binomial model for convertible bonds?

<p>Changes in dividend policy can significantly alter the attractiveness of holding the stock versus converting, which affects the convertible bond value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the value of a firm is lower than the face value of its convertible debt, what is the likely outcome for the distribution of value among stakeholders, considering liquidation scenarios?

<p>Bondholders capture the entire value of the firm up to the face value of the debt, leaving equity holders with nothing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A firm has V = 60 and 30 million shares outstanding. It also has 10 convertible bonds with F = 5, 2-year maturity, each convertible into 3 million shares. Calculate alpha (α), representing the fraction of the firm owned by bondholders if they convert.

<p>0.50 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Convertible bonds issued with these terms: V = 70, 40m shares outstanding, 10 convertible bonds, F = 8, 2-year maturity, each bond convertible into 4m shares. Given rₓ = 6% and σ = 0.4, what would increasing volatility to σ = 0.5 likely do to the difference due to the conversion option?

<p>Increase the difference due to the conversion option because higher volatility increases the value of the call option on the firm's value. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the details from Amazon's 1999 convertible bond issuance, how did the conversion price being set 27% higher than the current share price strategically benefit Amazon at the time?

<p>It provided Amazon with cheap financing as investors were willing to accept a lower coupon rate in exchange for the potential future conversion value. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the 'expensive lunch story' critique, what is the primary argument against the perceived dual benefit of convertible debt (cheap financing if the stock price stays low, premium equity issuance if it rises)?

<p>It suggests that in an efficient market, convertibles are priced as a combination of straight debt and an option, implying no 'free lunch'. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario valuing Amazon's convertible bonds using a binomial model, how would a decrease in the risk-free rate affect the call strategy of the issuer and the overall value of the convertible bond?

<p>It would make calling the bond less attractive for the issuer and decrease the option price for the investor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Amazon case study, what was the financial impact of Amazon redeeming a portion of its 1999 convertible bonds for cash rather than converting them into shares?

<p>It reduced the company's cash reserves but avoided dilution of existing shares. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a three-period binomial model used to value a convertible bond, how does the introduction of a call feature with a call price that varies over each period affect the early exercise decision at each node of the binomial tree?

<p>The varying call price introduces additional complexity, requiring a comparison of the conversion value, the call price in that period, and the expected continuation value at each node to determine the optimal action. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a binomial valuation model for convertible bonds, how does the correlation between the movements of the underlying stock price and the credit spread of the issuer affect the modeled bond value, especially when considering default risk?

<p>Increased positive correlation will decrease the modeled bond value due to heightened risk of simultaneous stock decline and credit deterioration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that convertible bonds typically offer a lower coupon rate than straight debt, how might their issuance affect a company's financial ratios and overall creditworthiness, especially if the expected stock appreciation does not materialize?

<p>The lower coupon rate reduces the company's interest expense, potentially improving debt service coverage ratios and short-term creditworthiness, but increasing long-term debt burden if conversion doesn't occur. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a company has the option to finance a project with either straight debt or convertible bonds. Under what conditions would issuing convertible bonds be the unambiguously superior choice from the perspective of minimizing agency costs related to risk-shifting?

<p>When management anticipates significant information asymmetry between themselves and outside investors regarding the project's risk profile. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of convertible bonds, what scenario would create the greatest possible divergence between the theoretical model price and the actual market price, thus presenting a potential arbitrage opportunity?

<p>Significant restrictions on short selling combined with high demand due to a positive reputation can make it hard for market prices to reflect models. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an increase in the conversion ratio of a convertible bond most directly impact the economic alignment between bondholders and equity holders?

<p>Increasing the conversion ratio increases the upside potential for bondholders if the stock price rises, aligning their interests more closely with equity holders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios is issuing a callable convertible bond most advantageous for the issuing company?

<p>The company anticipates a steady increase in its stock price but wants to retain flexibility in managing its capital structure if growth exceeds expectations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the term of a convertible bond, under what market circumstances would the issuer expect the option value to be maximized?

<p>During steady, slightly upward stock prices where the price steadily approaches conversion price during each period in the term. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a company anticipates financial difficulty during the term of a convertible bond, during which of the following scenarios are equity holders at the greatest disadvantage?

<p>At maturity when debts aren't converted, the amount of debt owed isn't forgiven, and the company defaults. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Convertible Debt

Debt that can be exchanged for a predetermined number of the issuer's shares.

Conversion Ratio

The number of shares received when converting one bond.

Conversion Price

The implied cost to 'buy' a share via bond conversion.

Parity (Conversion Value)

The actual market value if a bond is converted immediately.

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Premium to Parity

How much more an investor pays for a convertible bond versus underlying shares.

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Bond Floor

The present value of all future cash flows from the bond.

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Investment Premium

How much an investor pays for the convertible's embedded option.

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Fugit (Years)

The expected average life of a bond.

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Yield Advantage (%)

Difference between convertible bond yield and stock's dividend yield.

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Conversion Ratio

The Face Value divided by the Conversion Price. It determines share conversion.

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Conversion Value/Parity

Stock Price multiplied by the Conversion Ratio to get the Parity Value.

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Premium to Parity

A premium over current conversion value. Investors pay extra for the convertible bond.

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Straight Bond Value

Discounting future cash flows at YTM gives current bond value.

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Investment Premium

Pay extra for conversion option.

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Bond Floor

Convertible bond value is same as straight bond value.

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Break-Even Point

Minimum stock price to make conversion profitable.

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Callable Convertible Bond

Bond issuer can redeem bonds early, forcing conversion.

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Step 1: Binomial Model

Calculate stock's prices at each potential path.

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Conversion Ratio

The slope of the conversion value line.

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Convertible Debt Value

Debt + Call option.

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Alpha (α)

Percentage of firm owned if bonds convert.

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(Alpha x Value) > Face Value

You will want to convert.

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F/a

Breakeven point for conversion decision.

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If Stock Price Increases

Convertible Debt is Cheap

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If Stock Price Decreases

Convertible Debt is Expensive

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Convertible Value

Straight debt plus added option value

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Minimum Convertible Value

Convertible bond value matches conversion value or straight value.

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Hard Call

When the bond can be called back by the issuer unconditionally.

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Callable Provision

Call back of convertible bond by the issuer

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Shareholders increase risk

Convertible Bonds

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Study Notes

  • Convertible debt allows debtholders the option to convert their debt into equity, but not the obligation.
  • Conversion to equity happens when it is financially advantageous for the holder.
  • Debtholders are more inclined to convert debt to equity as the stock price increases.
  • Conversion to equity is less valuable as the stock price decreases, so holding the bond is more beneficial.

Features of Convertible Securities

  • They can be converted into predetermined shares, with a conversion ratio determining the number of shares received upon conversion.
  • Convertible securities have an embedded call option to buy the issuer's common stock.
  • Bondholders convert to equity only when the stock price exceeds a predetermined price.

Callable and Putable Provisions

  • Callable provision allows the issuer to call back the convertible bond if the conversion value is too high, forcing conversion to equity, benefitting the issuer.
  • Putable provision enables bondholders to sell the convertible bond back to the issuer if conditions are unfavorable, increasing the market price of the bond due to the benefit to the bondholders.

Convertible Debt Terminology

Conversion Ratio

  • Specifies the number of shares a bondholder receives upon converting one bond.

Conversion Price

  • Represents the implied purchase price of the convertible in the bond's currency upon conversion.
  • Calculated as Face Value / Conversion Ratio.
    • For example, a face value of 1,000 with a conversion ratio of 81.6327 yields an implied purchase price of $12.25.

Parity or Conversion Value

  • Indicates the true market value of converting the bond and is calculated as the value of shares one would hold if the bond was immediately converted.
    • Shares valued at $15 with a conversion ratio of 81.6327 results in a conversion value of $1,224.49.

Bond Price

  • The market price of the convertible bond reflects the demand and supply dynamics.

Premium to Parity

  • How much a convertible bond investor is willing to pay for the convertible relative to the underlying shares.
  • It informs the investor whether it is more profitable to buy the convertible bond and convert to shares, or to directly buy shares.
    • Stock Price = $15, Conversion Ratio = 81.6327, Bond Price = $1,000 gives a premium to parity of -18.4%.
    • Stock Price = $10, Conversion Ratio = 81.6327, Bond Price = $1,000 gives a premium to parity of 22.5%

Bond Floor

  • Represents the present value of all cash flows embedded in the convertible bond, including future coupon payments and face value.
  • The convertible bond's value is equivalent to the bond floor when the stock price is lower, as conversion is not exercised and allows bondholders to receive full face value and coupon payments at maturity.

Investment Premium

  • Measures how much an investor is prepared to pay for the option embedded in the convertible.
  • Calculated as (Price - Bond Floor) / Bond Floor.

Fugit

  • The expected average life of the bond, derived from the pricing model's assumptions.

Yield Advantage

  • The difference between the current yield on the convertible bond and the dividend yield on the stock.
  • Example: A convertible bond at par with a 4% coupon and the underlying stock with a 1% dividend provides a 3% yield advantage.

Conversion Type

  • Can be voluntary or mandatory, depending on the bond's structure.

Call Type

  • Can be soft or hard, where a hard call allows the issuer to unconditionally call back the convertible.

XYZ Company Convertible Bond Example

Initial Conditions

  • New issue convertible bond with a 5% coupon and 10 years to maturity.
  • Comparable debt yields 8%.
  • Stock price is $42, with a conversion price of $50 and a par face value of $1,000.

Calculations

  • Conversion Ratio Calculation: Conversion Ratio = Face Value / Conversion Price = 1,000 / 50 = 20 shares per bond.
  • Conversion Value or Parity Calculation: Conversion Value or Parity = Stock Price x Conversion Ratio = 42 x 20 = $840.
  • Premium to Parity Calculation: Premium to Parity = (Bond Price - Conversion Value) / Conversion Value = (1,000 - 840) / 840 = 19.05%.
  • Straight Bond Value Calculation: [50 (PVIFA₈%,₁₀) + 1000 (PVIF₈%,₁₀)] = $798.71.
  • Investment Premium Calculation: Investment Premium = (Face Value - Straight Bond Value) / Straight Bond Value = (1,000 - 798.71) / 798.71 = 25.2%.

Excel Implications

  • Conversion value changes with stock price fluctuations.
  • The straight bond value remains constant.
  • Conversion occurs when Conversion Value > Straight Bond Value (e.g., stock price at $40).

Callable Convertible Bond Effects

Issuer Perspective

  • Issuers can prevent investors from capturing high value by adding a callable option, forcing conversion if the stock price exceeds a certain level (e.g., $44).

Bond Floor

  • The minimum value of the convertible is the straight bond value when the stock price is below the break-even point.
  • Conversion occurs when the stock price is above the breakeven point (between $39 and $40).

Valuation Insights

  • Investors convert when stock price is higher than the breakeven point as conversion value exceeds straight bond value.
  • Investors will not convert when stock price is lower than the breakeven point..
  • Option value is highest just above the exercise price, decreasing when deep in the money or deep out of the money.

Formal Representation

Conversion Decision

  • At debt maturity, holders can surrender for face value or convert to common stock.
  • Convertible Debt Value = Debt + Call Option Value (Conversion Price).

Ownership Fraction

  • a = m / (m + n), where m is the shares from convertible debt and n is the shares outstanding.

Conversion Condition

  • Convert if (Alpha x Value) > Face Value.
  • Not convert if (Alpha x Value) < Face Value.

Break-Even Point

  • F/a, where F is the face value and a is alpha.
  • CD = Face Value / (1 + rf)^T - Default Risk + Call Value.

Firm perspective

  • If the firm value is lower than the face value, bondholders capture the value.
  • If higher than breakeven (F/a), conversion occurs and CD value increases.
  • Should the firm be liquidated, if the firm's value dips below the convertible debt's face value, then it is 0 for equity holders as debtholders get priority.

Example Valuation Scenario

Parameters

  • Firm value (V) = 50, 20m shares outstanding.
  • 5 convertible bonds, face value (F) = 6, 2-year maturity.
  • Conversion into 2m shares at maturity.
  • rₓ = 5%, σ = 0.3.

Aggregates

  • F = 30, α = (5 × 2)/(5 × 2 + 20) = 1/3.

Valuation

  • Without conversion: D = 30 − Put Value (V = 50, F = 30) = 29.4836.
  • With conversion: D = 30 − Put Value(V = 50, F = 30) + (1/3) Call Value(V = 50, F = 90) = 30.0360.
  • Difference due to conversion option = 0.5524.

Amazon Case Study

1999 Issuance

  • $1.25 billion of 4.75% convertibles at 98% of par, due in Feb 2009.
  • Convertible into 6.41 shares of stock.
  • Conversion price: $156.01 ($1000 / 6.41).
  • Market conversion value: $787.63 (6.41 × $122.86).

Strategic Decision

  • Issue debt at 11% or convertibles at 4.75% with conversion value of $787.63.

Free Lunch Story

  • Convertible cheaper if share price remains below $122.86.
  • If share price increases above $122.86, conversion occurs at $156.01 per share.
  • Issue equity at a higher price than the market price.

Expensive Lunch Story

  • Convertible is more expensive than straight debt if the price increases because the firm issues shares at a discount with conversion.
  • If the price decreases, the convertible is more expensive than issuing equity because they could have issued overpriced shares.

Amazon Valuation Analysis

  • Straight debt value (4.75% coupon, 10 years, 11% interest): $632.
  • Conversion option value: $980 – 632 = $348.
  • Hence, for entire bond issue of $1.25 billion, Debt = $806m (64.5%) and Equity = $444m (35.5%).

2008 Payout

  • $605 million in debt swapped for 7.8 million Amazon shares.
  • $293 million redeemed in cash (all paid off in Sept 2008).
  • The firm was selling for an average of $77.56 during that period.
  • Conversion value = 6.41 × $77.56 = $497.19

Valuation of Convertible Debt - Binomial Model

Steps

Step 1
  • Calculate Stock Prices For Each Period - using U and D Probability.
Step 2
  • Calculate Conversion Value for Each Period - (Conversion Ratio x Share Price).
Step 3
  • Determine Whether you will Convert or not (only convert when Conversion value is greater than Straight Bond Value).
    • If you convert the Convertible Bond Value will be the Conversion Value.
    • If you do not convert, the Convertible Bond Value will be the Straight Bond Value.
Step 4
  • Calculate B(uuu) (Bond Value) - Don't forget to add on the coupon payment.

Binomial Valuation - Callable Convertible Bonds

  • Forcing the holder to convert when the call price exceeds the convertible bond price.

Optimal Time to call Convertible Debt

  • CV = conversion value
  • CP = call price
    • if CV < CP, don’t call
    • If CV > CP, call and force conversion

Risk Synergy

  • Shareholders have strong incentives to increase the risk of the company, which increases the upper potential for gains of shareholders, but reduces the value of straight debt.
  • Suppose have 2 projects with different risks and cash flows:
    • Safe project → 0.4 × 12.5m + 0.6 × 8m
    • Risky project → 0.4 × 20m + 0.6 × 5m

With straight debt with promised payoff of 7m and equity holder receives the remainder

Safe project:
- Lender: (0.4 × 7) + (0.6 × 7) = 7m
- Equity: (0.4 × 5.5) + (0.6 × 1) = 2.8m
Risky project:
- Lender: (0.4 × 7) + (0.6 × 5) = 5.8m
- Equity: (0.4 × 13) + (0.6 × 0) = 5.2m
  • Lender will be better of to invest in safer project.
  • Equity holders will be better of to invest in risky project.
  • Convertible Bond to resolve the agency costs.

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