How to Calculate Convertible Bonds

Convertible bonds allow investors to receive regular bond interest payments. Convertible bonds also allow upside appreciation if the stock underlying the bond rises. Bond prices vary with the risk of the credit security of the bond, the interest rate level of the bond coupon, and movement of the stock price above the conversion price, as well as the length of time before the conversion ends. Convertible bonds of high-quality issuers represent a reasonable investment with moderate risk for most investors.

Instructions
Things You'll Need

Spreadsheet program
Bond price and yield calculator

1 Use a bond calculator and find a bond of similar credit to the convertible bond--but one that is not convertible. Estimate the current yield to maturity of the plain bond. Enter the coupon rate and maturity of the convertible bond and the yield to maturity of the similar bond. The calculated price represents the bond value of the convertible. Subtract the result from the market value of the convertible bond. The difference is the market value of the equity.
2 Review the technical details of the convertible bond issue from the prospectus. Learn when the bond may be converted and whether there is an extraordinary call date that can force conversion. Determine the number of shares convertible per $1,000 face amount of the bond and the price at which they may be converted. Note the current price of the common stock. Enter all the data onto a spreadsheet.
3 Compute the difference between the stock price and the conversion price. If the stock price is greater than the conversion price, multiply the total number of convertible shares by the stock price. Continue to hold the bond unconverted until your analysis indicates the price has peaked. Consider selling the bonds at this time. If you sell, you forgo the current income from the coupon stream, but capture the highest value of the stock and have more proceeds to reinvest.
4 Convert the bond if the stock dividends are greater than the coupon income and, in your judgment, the stock will continue to rise. This sometimes happens, but you gain income and continue to share dollar for dollar in any price appreciation. There should be no brokerage fee for conversion of the convertible bond. If the stock price is at a discount to the conversion price, wait for the stock price to rise or hold the bond to maturity.
5 Prepare to act if you receive notice that the bonds are being called. You are notified a bond is being called by letter or by your broker. This means you have a limited amount of time to decide whether to sell your holdings. Bonds automatically are transferred into stock if you do nothing. If you do not wish to own the stock, sell the convertible bond before the call date. The price difference between cost and sales price is a taxable capital event.

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