
Explanation:
A callable bond provides the issuer with the advantage of redeeming the bond before its maturity, especially in a decreasing interest rate environment. When interest rates decrease, bond prices increase. This allows the issuer to call back the previously issued bonds, which were issued at higher interest rates, and replace them with new bonds at the current lower interest rates. This strategy allows the issuer to save on interest payments, making it beneficial for them. Therefore, in a decreasing interest rate environment, it is advantageous for the issuer to call the bond.
Choice A is incorrect. It is not beneficial for the issuer to call the bond in an increasing interest rate environment. When interest rates increase, the cost of borrowing increases for issuers. Therefore, they would prefer to keep paying lower coupon payments on existing bonds rather than issuing new bonds at higher interest rates.
Choice C is incorrect. It is not beneficial for the bondholder if the bond is called in a decreasing interest rate environment. When a bond is called, it means that it's bought back by the issuer before its maturity date. In a decreasing interest rate environment, if a bond gets called, then investors will have to reinvest their money at lower prevailing market rates which may lead to less income from their investment.
Choice D is incorrect. While it might seem beneficial for a bondholder if the bond was called in an increasing prices environment because they would receive more money upfront; however, this scenario does not align with benefits of having callable bonds from issuer's perspective as calling back bonds when prices are high would mean higher costs for them.
Q.911 Ohio Automotive Inc. raised capital to finance its expansion into the SUVs market. A year ago, the firm issued a 4-year 6% semi-annual coupon bond. The bond has a special provision that allows the issuer to call its bond before the maturity of the bond. Which of the following options is consistent with the properties of a callable bond?
A
It is beneficial for the issuer to call the bond in an increasing interest rate environment.
B
It is beneficial for the issuer to call the bond in a decreasing interest rate environment.
C
It is beneficial for the bondholder if the bond is called in a decreasing interest rate environment.
D
It is beneficial for the bondholder if the bond is called in an increasing prices environment.
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