Question

IBM issues bonds with a sinking fund provision that the company can call 7% of the bonds at par value or the company can buy the required bonds on the open market. IBM will choose to buy the required bonds on the open market if the bonds are traded at ______ in the market. Select one: a. $1850 b. $1116 c. $ 990 d. $1049 e. $1053

Answer 1

Answer:

c. $990

Explanation:

I am assuming that the par value of the bonds is $1,000. If the market price of the bonds is above $1,000, IBM can choose to redeem them at par value. E.g. if market value is $1,049, they can redeem them at $1,000 resulting in a $49 gain.

But if the bonds are selling below par value (under $1,000), then IBM should redeem them at market price since they will spend less money. E.g. if the market price is $990, why would they buy them at $1,000?