Chapter 10 - Bond Prices and Yields 10-1 CHAPTER 10 BOND PRICES AND YIELDS 1. a. Catastrophe bond. Typically issued by an insurance company. They are similar to an insurance policy in that the investor receives coupons and par value, but takes a loss in part or all of the principal if a major insurance claims is filed against the issuer. This is provided in exchange for higher than normal coupons. b. Eurobonds are bonds issued in the currency of one country but sold in other national markets. c. Zero-coupon bonds are bonds that pay no coupons, but do pay a par value at maturity. d. Samurai bond. Yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non-Japanese issuers are called Samurai bonds. e. Junk bond. Those rated BBB or above (S&P, Fitch) or Baa and above (Moody’s) are considered investment grade bonds, while lower -rated bonds are classified as speculative grade or junk bonds. f. Convertible bond. Convertible bonds may be exchanged, at the bondholder’s discretion, for a specified number of shares of stock. Convertible bondholders “pay” for this option by accepting a lower coupon rate on the security. g. Serial bond. A serial bond is an issue in which the firm sells bonds with staggered maturity dates. As bonds mature sequentially, the principal repayment burden for the firm is spread over time just as it is with a sinking fund. Serial bonds do not include call provisions. h. Equipment obligation bond. A bond that is issued with specific equipment pledged as collateral against the bond. i. Original issue discount bonds are less common than coupon bonds issued at par. These are bonds that are issued intentionally with low coupon rates that cause the bond to sell at a discount from par...
