What are convertible corporate bonds?

Converting a bond is based on par value and the fixed conversion price that appears on the bond. The conversion price is not the price the stock is purchased at. So, it is unlike a "Stock Option". The time to convert is the investor's choice. An example:

A customer owns ABC convertible bond that is selling in the market at $1040 or $104, the common stock is selling at $54 and the conversion price is $50. The investor would like to convert, but will only do so when the stock value is trading above the bond value. "Parity" would occur when the bond and stock are equal. The first thing you must find out is the amount of shares the customer is entitled to. We get that by dividing the conversion price into the par value of the bond ($1000). $1000 divided by 50 equaly 20.

The investor can convert out of the bond into 20 shares of stock - no more no less. The stock is currently trading at $54, so the the stock value is found by multiplying 20 (shares) by $54 (stock value), which equals $1080. $1080 is above the bond selling price of $1040, so converting at this time would meet the customer's objectives of converting only when the stock value was above bond value or "above parity".

See also Corporate Debenture Bonds - Convertible Bond Article

Recommended Book Titles on Convertible Corporate Bonds

Pricing Convertible Bonds - The Convertible Bonds (CB) market is growing all the time. To date, over one trillion dollars worth of CBs are in circulation. Corporations are finding this source of fund-raising more and more attractive. And for different reasons, the buyers are finding CBs increasingly attractive investment vehicles. There are few works on the subject of pricing convertible bonds. Most books discussing derivative products cover all details of pricing futures and options in minute detail. Convertible bonds and warrants are usually mentioned as an after thought in the latter chapters. This is the first book to address the very complex issue of pricing convertible bonds.

Convertible Securities: The Latest Instruments, Portfolio Strategies, and Valuation Analysis, Revised Edition - Convertible securities, combining aspects of both stocks and bonds, truly create a "best of both worlds" investment. This instructive book uses everyday terms and illustrations to explain types of convertibles, reveal high-return investment strategies, and decode pricing, hedging, and risk/return considerations.

Global Convertible Investing: The Gabelli Way - Proven convertible investing approaches from a global leader Global Convertible Investing: The Gabelli Way offers novice and experienced investors alike a comprehensive guide. In-depth analysis takes readers step-by-step through the process of understanding what convertibles are, how to value and price them, how to identify convertibles with potential, and how to profit from them. The proven approaches of the Gabelli Asset Management firm gives readers an inside perspective on option pricing theory, convertible valuation techniques, mandatory convertible securities, and much more. With Global Convertible Investing: The Gabelli Way readers will be able to learn from the firm's proven methods and approaches and apply them to use convertibles as a profitable investment vehicle for themselves.

Convertible Arbitrage: Insights and Techniques for Successful Hedging - Minimize risk and maximize profits with convertible arbitrage Convertible arbitrage involves purchasing a portfolio of convertible securities-generally convertible bonds-and hedging a portion of the equity risk by selling short the underlying common stock. This increasingly popular strategy, which is especially useful during times of market volatility, allows individuals to increase their returns while decreasing their risks. Convertible Arbitrage offers a thorough explanation of this unique investment strategy. Filled with in-depth insights from an expert in the field, this comprehensive guide explores a wide range of convertible topics. Readers will be introduced to a variety of models for convertible analysis, "the Greeks," as well as the full range of hedges, including titled and leveraged hedges, as well as swaps, nontraditional hedges, and option hedging. They will also gain a firm understanding of alternative convertible structures, the use of foreign convertibles in hedging, risk management at the portfolio level, and trading and hedging risks. Convertible Arbitrage eliminates any confusion by clearly differentiating convertible arbitrage strategy from other hedging techniques such as long-short equity, merger and acquisition arbitrage, and fixed-income arbitrage. Nick Calamos (Naperville, IL) oversees research and portfolio management for Calamos Asset Management, Inc. Since 1983 his experience has centered on convertible securities investment. He received his undergraduate degree in economics from Southern Illinois University and an MS in finance from Northern Illinois University.

Corporate Bonds: Structure and Analysis - Corporate Bonds: Structures and Analysis covers every aspect of corporate bonds, including bond structures, credit analysis, and investment strategies. This book discusses state-of-the-art technology for valuing corporate bonds, as well as innovative new products such as step-up notes and range notes. Complete with contributions from today s top financial experts, Corporate Bonds is the definitive reference for this vital market.

Corporate Bonds and Structured Financial Products - This book is a detailed account of the instruments that are used in the corporate bond markets, from conventional "plain vanilla" bonds to hybrid instruments and structured products. There is background information on bond pricing and yield, as well as a detailed look at the yield curve. The book covers the full set of instruments used by companies to raise finance, and which are aimed at a wide range of investors. It also discusses the analysis of these instruments.

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