A company issues convertible bonds with a 'make-whole' fundamental change provision. If the company is acquired at a premium, what does this provision typically require?
- AThe acquirer must repurchase all convertible bonds at par
- BThe issuer must pay the bondholders the present value of all remaining coupon payments
- CTemporarily increase the conversion rate to offset lost option time value✓ Correct answer
- DThe bonds are automatically canceled without payment
Why C — Temporarily increase the conversion rate to offset lost option time value
A make-whole fundamental change provision increases the conversion rate when a qualifying change of control occurs, effectively reducing the conversion price and providing additional shares to the bondholder upon conversion. This compensates bondholders for losing the time value of their conversion option, which would normally benefit from the stock's continued potential appreciation. The amount of the increase is typically set forth in a table in the indenture and varies based on the stock price at the time of the fundamental change and the time remaining until maturity. This provision is standard in most convertible bond offerings.
Reading one answer is not the same as being ready
Lucky the Banker is a free practice app with 995+ Series 79 questions, weak-area tracking, and timed mock exams. No credit card, no paywall.
Spot an error in this question or explanation? Tell us — we fix these fast.
- What credit rating generally distinguishes investment-grade bonds from high-yield bonds?
- A company issues $500 million of 2.5% convertible senior notes due in 2031 with a conversion price of $150 per share…
- During the book-building process for an IPO, what types of orders do institutional investors typically submit?
- What is an accelerated bookbuild offering?
- During an IPO, what is typically the final event before shares begin trading on an exchange?
- A company needs to raise $400 million and is deciding between an equity offering and a debt offering. Its stock is…
- A syndicate overallots shares during an IPO and exercises the green shoe option. What is the primary reason the…
- What is the primary difference between equity capital markets (ECM) and debt capital markets (DCM)?
