Answer:
The coupon rate the company should set on its new bonds if it wants them to sell at par is 4.86%.
Explanation:
The coupon rate can be determined by calculating the yield to maturity (YTM) using the following RATE function in Excel:
YTM = RATE(nper,pmt,-pv,fv) * Number of semiannuals in a year = RATE(nper,pmt,-pv,fv)*2 .............(1)
Where;
YTM = yield to maturity = ?
nper = number of periods = number of years to maturity * number of semiannuals in a year = 20 * 2 = 40
pmt = semiannual coupon payment = face value * (annual coupon rate / number of semiannuals in a year) = 1000 * (5.6% / 2) = 28
pv = present value = current bond price = $1,094.30 = 1094.30
fv = face value of the bond = 1000
Substituting the values into equation (1), we have:
YTM = RATE(40,28,-1094.30,1000)*2
Inputting =RATE(40,28,-1094.30,1000)*2 into excel (Note: as done in the attached excel file), we have
YTM = 4.86%
Therefore, the coupon rate the company should set on its new bonds if it wants them to sell at par is 4.86%.
