Answer:
The company should set the coupon rate on its new bonds at current yield to maturity of 4.81% if it wants them to sell at par.
Explanation:
There is a need to first calculate 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 = 17 * 2 = 14
pmt = semiannual coupon payment = face value * (annual coupon rate / number of semiannuals in a year) = 1000 * (12.2% / 2) = 61
pv = present value = current bond price = 1434.96
fv = face value of the bond = 1000
Substituting the values into equation (1), we have:
YTM = RATE(14,61,-1434.96,1000)*2
Inputting =RATE(14,61,-1434.96,1000)*2 into excel (Note: as done in the attached excel file), the YTM is obtained as 4.81%.
Therefore, the company should set the coupon rate on its new bonds at current yield to maturity of 4.81% if it wants them to sell at par.
