Finally, you hear that FL is contemplating offering a new 4-year bond to the public, but the
Question:
Finally, you hear that FL is contemplating offering a new 4-year bond to the public, but the structure of payments proposed is quite unusual. For the first two years the bond will not pay any coupons. Starting in the third year (30 months from now) the bond will pay equal semi-annual coupons for the remainder of its life. The annual coupon rate from year 3 through 4 is expected to be set at 10%.
1. Would you expect the yield on this bond to be above or below 4.4% and why?
2. Why would FL be considering issuing such a “step up” bond? FL will be selling each new bond at par value.
3. If the actual required return on this bond is 4.4%, would investors find it appealing?
If FL is raising 100 million in this bond offering, how much value would FL be transferring to new investors?
4. What coupon rate should the company select if it wanted to ensure the price of the bond (at par) would be fair (neither over or underpriced)?
Introduction to Corporate Finance What Companies Do
ISBN: 978-1111222284
3rd edition
Authors: John Graham, Scott Smart