Question

28. Callable bonds generally: A. grant the bondholder the option to call the bond any time after the deferment period. B. are callable at par as soon as the call-protection period ends. C. are called when market interest rates increase. D. are called within the first three years after issuance. E. have a sinking fund provision

Answer 1

Answer:

E. have a sinking fund provision

Explanation:

Callable bonds are the one wherein the issuer/borrower has an option to redeem the bonds anytime after an initial stipulated period. In case of such bonds, if the issuer decides to redeem the bonds, the holders have to accept the redemption value.

Usually, when market rate of interest on such bonds falls below the coupon rate of such bonds, the issuer redeems such bonds. Thus, such bonds are beneficial to the issuer.

Call protection refers to the period within which such bonds cannot be called or redeemed.

Sinking fund provision refers to transferring a portion of money during the duration of such callable bonds to a separate reserve known as sinking fund, which is created for the purpose of redemption of funds. So when such bonds are to be called, the total money transferred to sinking fund reserve would be raised and used for payment to bondholders.

Creation of such a reserve helps the issuer avoid the pressure of lump sum payment as periodically funds are set aside for the purpose of redemption.