In: Economics
Which if the following would you prefer to be buying based on yield to maturity (assume n = 25)? A) A $10,000 par value security with a 9% coupon rate selling for $9,000 B) A $15,000 par value security with a 7% coupon rate selling for $15,700 C) A $20,000 par value security with a 9% coupon rate selling for $20,500. D) A $25,000 par value security with a 7% coupon rate selling for $25,500.
The yield to maturity is the expected total return on the bond
if that is held until the maturity of the instrument.
The formula for YTM can given as
A | B | C | D | |
Par value | 10000 | 15000 | 20000 | 25000 |
Market Price | 9000 | 15700 | 20500 | 25500 |
Coupon rate | 9% | 7% | 9% | 7% |
Year to Maturity | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
YTM | 10.11% | 6.61% | 8.75% | 6.83% |
Bond A is the most preferable as it has highest yield to
maturity.
Another approach is the premium and discount offered by the
bond.
Considering the current price and par value of all the bonds, only
bond A is at the discount while other 3 are trading at a premium.
This indicates that bond A will definitely have a higher YTM than
other 3 bonds.
Par Value Market Price Number of Years to Maturity Annual Interest + Yield to Maturity Par Value +Market Price