types of bonds issued by corporations
secured debt securities
backed by various forms of assets of the issuing corporation
unsecured debt securities
backed only by the reputation. credit record and financial stability of the corporation
mortgage bonds
corporation will borrow money back by real estate of the corporation. Value of real estate must be in excess of the amt borrowed. If corporation can’t pay loan back the real estate is sold off to pay the bondholders. If sale of the property results in an outstanding balance, the mortgage holder becomes a general creditor for the unsatisfied balance
equipment trust certificates
collateral trust bonds
debentures
a debt obligation of the corporation backed only by its word and general creditworthiness. quality depends on overall assets and earnings of the corporation
guaranteed bonds
a bond that is guaranteed as to payment of interest, or both principal and interest but a corporate entity other than the issuer.
- popular with railroad industry
Senior
describes relative priority of claim of a security.
every debt security has senior claim over preferred stock.
Subordinated
usually describing a debenture
still senior to any stockholder
income bonds/adjustment bonds
are used when a company is reorganizing and coming out of bankruptcy.
pay interest only if the corporation has enough income to meet the payment and BOD declares a payment.
Not suitable for investors looking for stable income
income bonds
zero coupon bond
liquidation priority
1a. secured creditors (mortgage bonds, equipment trusts, collateral trust bonds)
1b. wages
1c. taxes
2. unsecured creditors (general creditors, debenture holders)
3. subordinated debt holders
4. preferred stockholders
5. common stockholders
convertible debt securities
investors may exchange debt into shares of the company’s common stock.
issued by company.
excised at the discretion of the investor
Conversion ratio varies
typically debentures
conversion price
is the stock price at which a convertible bond can be exchanged for shares of common stock
conversion ratio
benefits of convertible debt to issuer
sweetener for issuer: sold with lower coupon; can eliminate a fixed interest charge at conversion thus reducing debt; b/c it occurs over time, shouldn’t impact stock price; at issuance conversion price is higher than common stock
disadvantage of convertible debt to issuer
benefits of convertible debt to investor
disadvantage of convertible debt to investor
1/8
$1.25
1/4
$2.50
3/8
$3.75