Question: Barton Simpson, the chief financial officer of Broadband Inc. could hardly believe the change in interest rates that had taken place over the last few months. The interest rate on A2 rated bonds was now 6 percent. The $30 million, 15-year bond issue that his firm has outstanding was initially issued at 9 percent five years ago. Because interest rates had gone down so much, he was considering refunding the bond issue. The old issue had a call premium of 8 percent. The underwriting cost on the old issue had been 3 percent of par, and on the new issue it would be 5 percent of par. The tax rate would be 30 percent and a 4 percent discount rate would be applied for the refunding decision. The new bond would have a 10-year life. Before Barton used the 8 percent call provision to reacquire the old bonds, he wanted to make sure he could not buy them back cheaper in the open market.

d. In terms of the refunding decision, how should Barton be influenced if he thinks interest rates might go down even more?

Step by step solution

01

Meaning of bond interest rates

The bond interest rate is the rate of interest that the issuer pays to the bondholder. The rate of interest is calculated based on the face value of the bonds and this interest rate is benefit for the bondholder for investing their funds.

02

Decision regarding refunding if the interest rate falls

If the interest rates go down, then it will reduce the cost of borrowing and the interest savings of the company will increase but the company should also consider that if the interest rates will move up its cost of borrowing will also increase.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

• Full Textbook Solutions

  Get detailed explanations and key concepts

• Unlimited Al creation

  Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

• Ads-free access

  To over 500 millions flashcards

• Money-back guarantee

  We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!