7.2 Calculating Price And Yield Of Bond

Calculating Price And Yield Of A Bond

Topic Overview

In this section, you will learn how to perform calculations related to bond pricing and yield. The most accurate method used to determine the value of a bond is to calculate its present value. The present value tells us the amount an investor should pay today to receive a guaranteed sum of money at a specific future date.

Example Calculation

Suppose you had the opportunity to invest money today to receive $1,000 one year from today at an average current interest rate of 5%. Considering this rate, you determine the present value as follows:

Present Value Calculation

The present value ( ext{PV}) is calculated using the formula for discounting future values:

To find the present value (PV), we rearrange the formula:

So, $952.38 invested today at a 5% interest rate will grow to $1,000 in one year.

You can verify the calculation with your calculator by entering: $952.38 + 5% or $952.38 × 1.05.

Key Point

This simplified example calculates a single future value at maturity. In reality, the cash flow from a typical bond consists of regular coupon payments and the principal amount returned at maturity. Thus, the bond’s present value is the sum of the present values of all these future cash flows.

Present Value Of A Bond with Coupon Payments

To calculate the present value of a bond with periodic coupon payments, follow these four steps:

1. Select the discount rate: This will be used to discount future cash flows.
2. Calculate the present value of the bond’s coupon payments: This involves discounting each of the coupon payments back to the present.
3. Calculate the present value of the bond’s principal at maturity: This involves discounting the lump sum received at maturity.
4. Add these present values together: The resulting sum is the bond’s current worth.

Present Value Formula With Coupons

The general formula that includes coupon payments is as follows:

• PV: Present value of the bond
• C: Coupon payment
• r: Discount rate per period
• n: Number of compounding periods to maturity
• FV: Principal received at maturity (Future Value)

Real-World Example

For all examples in this chapter, we use a four-year, semi-annual, 9% coupon bond with a discount rate of 10%. Bond prices are often quoted with a base value of $100. Here, we maintain a principal of $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Discount Rate?

The discount rate is the interest rate used to discount future cash flows of a bond back to their present value.

Why is Present Value Important?

Present value helps investors determine how much they should be willing to pay today to achieve a specific return in the future.

How Does Coupon Rate Affect Bond Prices?

Higher coupon rates will result in higher regular payments, making the bond more valuable and thus increasing its price.

What if Interest Rates Rise After I Purchase a Bond?

If interest rates rise, the present value of the bond’s future cash flows decreases, leading to a decrease in the bond’s price.

Key Takeaways

• The present value method is essential for accurately determining the value of a bond.
• Consider all future cash flows from the bond, including coupon payments and principal repayment.
• The discount rate is critical in these calculations, effecting the bond’s present value significantly.
• Understanding these principles helps make informed investment decisions in the bond market.

Glossary

• Present Value (PV): The current value of a future sum of money or stream of cash flows given a specified rate of return.
• Coupon Payment: Periodic interest payments made to bondholders during the life of the bond.
• Discount Rate: The interest rate used to discount future cash flows to their present value.
• Principal (or Face Value): The bond’s initial amount or the bulk sum paid back at maturity.
• Future Value (FV): The amount of money an investment will grow to over a period of time at a given interest rate.

Diagrams and Tools

    graph LR
	A[Start] --> B[Select Discount Rate]
	B --> C[Calculate PV of Coupon Payments]
	C --> D[Calculate PV of Principal]
	D --> E[Sum Present Values]
	E --> F[Bond Worth Today]

Use this guide as a foundational tool to accurately assess bond investments and stay confident during your Canadian Securities Course certification exam!

In this section

• 7.2.1 Discount Rate
  In-depth information on the discount rate in bond valuation, its relevance, calculation, and distinction from other rates such as the yield and coupon rate.
• 7.2.2 Calculating Fair Price Of Bond
  Learn how to calculate the fair price of a bond through present value calculations. This guide offers step-by-step instructions and formulas to determine the value of a bond's principal and coupon payments.
• 7.2.3 Calculating Yield On Treasury Bill
  Learn how to calculate the yield on a Treasury Bill (T-bill) which trades at a discount and matures at par. This guide provides the formula, detailed explanations, and an example calculation.
• 7.2.4 Calculating Current Yield On Bond
  Learn how to calculate the current yield on a bond using a simple formula, as well as understand its practical applications.
• 7.2.5 Calculating Yield To Maturity On Bond
  Learn how to calculate yield to maturity on bonds, understand its significance, and explore detailed procedures with examples and formulas.