
Answer-first summary for fast verification
Answer: $65.50 million
## Explanation In the Merton model for credit risk, the value of risky debt can be calculated using the put-call parity relationship: **Value of Risky Debt = Value of Risk-Free Debt - Value of Put Option** Where: - **Value of Risk-Free Debt** = Face Value × e^(-rT) - **Value of Put Option** = $6.95 million (given) ### Step 1: Calculate the value of risk-free debt Face Value = $80 million Risk-free rate (r) = 4% = 0.04 Time to maturity (T) = 5 years Value of Risk-Free Debt = $80 million × e^(-0.04 × 5) = $80 million × e^(-0.20) = $80 million × 0.8187 = $65.50 million ### Step 2: Calculate the value of risky debt Value of Risky Debt = $65.50 million - $6.95 million = $58.55 million However, this calculation gives us $58.55 million, which corresponds to option C. But let me verify this approach. Actually, in the Merton model: **Value of Debt = Value of Risk-Free Debt - Put Option Value** So: Value of Debt = $65.50 million - $6.95 million = $58.55 million But wait, let me reconsider. The put option value represents the credit risk premium. The correct relationship is: **Value of Debt = Present Value of Face Value - Put Option Value** So: Value of Debt = $65.50 million - $6.95 million = $58.55 million This matches option C ($58.55 million). However, let me double-check the calculation: Present Value of Face Value = $80 × e^(-0.04×5) = $80 × 0.8187 = $65.496 million ≈ $65.50 million Value of Debt = $65.50 million - $6.95 million = $58.55 million **Therefore, the correct answer is C ($58.55 million)** The put option value of $6.95 million represents the cost of credit insurance, which is subtracted from the risk-free value of the debt to get the market value of the risky debt.
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A firm has an asset value of $110 million with asset volatility of 30% per annum. Its only debt is a zero-coupon bond with face value of $80 million that matures in five years. The risk-free rate is 4%. The Black-Scholes Merton price of a put option on the firm's assets with strike price equal to the face value of the bond is $6.95 million. Which is nearest to the current value of the firm's debt?
A
$6.95 million
B
$41.30 million
C
$58.55 million
D
$65.50 million
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