CHAPTER 20—HYBRID FINANCING: PREFERRED STOCK, LEASING, WARRANTS, AND
CONVERTIBLES
32. Which of the following statements about convertibles is most CORRECT?
The coupon interest rate on a firm’s convertibles is generally set higher than the market yield on its otherwise
similar straight debt.
One advantage of convertibles over warrants is that the issuer receives additional cash money when
convertibles are converted.
Investors are willing to accept a lower interest rate on a convertible than on otherwise similar straight debt
because convertibles are less risky than straight debt.
At the time it is issued, a convertible’s conversion (or exercise) price is generally set equal to or below the
underlying stock’s price.
For equilibrium to exist, the expected return on a convertible bond must normally be between the expected
return on the firm’s otherwise similar straight debt and the expected return on its common stock.
FOFM.BRIG.16.20.04 – Convertibles
United States – BUSPROG.FOFM.BRIG.16.03 – Analytic skills
United States – OH – DISC.FOFM.BRIG.16.08 – Investments
Multiple Choice: Conceptual
33. Which of the following statements concerning warrants is most CORRECT?
Bonds with warrants and convertible bonds both have option features that their holders can exercise if the
underlying stock’s price increases. However, if the option is exercised, the issuing company’s debt declines if
warrants are used but remains the same if convertibles are used.
Warrants are long-term put options that have value because holders can sell the firm’s common stock at the
exercise price regardless of how low the market price drops.
Warrants are long-term call options that have value because holders can buy the firm’s common stock at the
exercise price regardless of how high the stock’s price has risen.
A firm’s investors would generally prefer to see it issue bonds with warrants than straight bonds because the
warrants dilute the value of new shareholders, and that value is transferred to existing shareholders.
A drawback to using warrants is that if the firm is very successful, investors will be less likely to exercise the
warrants, and this will deprive the firm of receiving any new capital.