In its 2016 annual report to shareholders, Health Foods, Inc., disclosed the following
information about some of its indebtedness: The fair value of convertible subordinated
debentures is estimated using quoted market prices. Book amounts and estimated fair
values of our financial instruments other than those for which book amounts
approximate fair values as noted above are as follows (in thousands)
In addition, the company disclosed the following: We have outstanding zero coupon
convertible subordinated debentures which had a book amount of approximately $158.8
million and $151.4 million at September 26, 2016, and September 28, 2015,
respectively. The debentures have an effective yield to maturity of 5 percent and a
principal amount at maturity on March 2, 2030, of approximately $308.8 million. The
debentures are convertible at the option of the holder, at any time on or prior to
maturity, unless previously redeemed or otherwise purchased. The debentures have a
conversion rate of 10.64 shares per $1,000 principal amount at maturity, representing
3,285,632 shares. The debentures may be redeemed at the option of the holder on
March 2, 2020, or March 2, 2025, at the issue price plus accrued original discount
totaling approximately $188 million and $241 million, respectively.
Required: Explain why the estimated fair value of the debentures exceeds their book
amount at the end of fiscal year 2016.
Briefly explain how you can determine if a company is effectively using leverage.