Make-Whole Calls (MWC):
Make-whole calls (MWC) first appeared in the bond markets in the mid-1990s and have become commonplace ever since. In fact, MWCs have become more commonplace in corporate bonds than their counterpart the traditional par call.
At the most basic level a MWC, when exercised by the issuer, provides an investor with a redemption price that is the greater of the following:
- Par value, or
- A price that corresponds to the specific yield spread over a stated benchmark such as a comparable Treasury security (plus accrued interest)
If a bond is redeemed early (called) by the issuer, the holder (investor) is made whole on forgone coupon payments as the make-whole call payment is equal to the net present value of all coupon payments forgone because of the early redemption.
Difference between a MWC and a Traditional Call:
MWCs are quoted in a spread to a predetermined Treasury security with a similar maturity; for example a 10-year corporate bond would likely be matched to a 10-year Treasury. This differs from a traditional call option that has its call price either fixed or predetermined according to a call schedule. Whereas a traditional call can only occur after a specified period of time, it should be noted that a MWC can be exercised at any time. Additionally, as the spread between the MWC bond and its benchmark Treasury narrows, the MWC price can continue to rise without a ceiling. Bonds that have a traditional call effectively have a price limit, or ceiling, as investors will be unlikely to purchase a bond for more than its call price once the call date draws near.
An Example of a Make-whole Call:
Coupon: 3.60%
Maturity: 12/10/2029
Current Price: $104.698
Make Whole Spread: +30bp
If the reference Treasury (maturing 2/15/30) is currently yielding 1.53%, a +30bp spread equals 1.83%, which translates to a price of $115.48. If the make whole call is exercised by the issuer, the investor would receive $115.48 which is greater than $100.00. (example is for illustrative purposes only)
Summary of a Make-Whole Call:
The call price will never be below par.
Although the make-whole spread is fixed, Treasury prices constantly change, thereby the call price is a moving target.
The call price will never be below par.
| Item | Make-whole Call | Traditional Call |
|---|---|---|
| Call Price | Although the make-whole spread is fixed, Treasury prices constantly change, thereby the call price is a moving target. The call price will never be below par. |
Call price is fixed |
| When can the call be exercised? | Typically callable anytime. More likely exercised during a restricting period such as a merger, takeover, etc. | Predetermined according to a schedule. |
| Is this Common? | Many corporate bonds, some municipal bonds and preferred securities have MWC provisions. | Some bonds have both traditional and MWCs together. |
There are risks involved with this strategy including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, liquidity, credit quality, volatility and duration. Past performance is no assurance of future results. Investors should discuss the risks inherent in bonds with their Raymond James Financial Advisor.
The data and information contained herein was obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but RJA does not guarantee its accuracy and/or completeness. Neither the information nor any opinions expressed constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security referred to herein. Investors should discuss the risks inherent in bonds with their Raymond James Financial Advisor. Risks include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, liquidity, credit quality, volatility, and duration. Past performance is no assurance of future results.
U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed by the U.S. government and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and guaranteed principal value.
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