Par

Definition

In finance, par refers to the nominal or face value of a bond or other financial instrument, typically set at $1,000 for bonds. This value is crucial when pricing long-term liabilities, as it represents the amount that the issuer agrees to pay back to the bondholder at maturity, along with periodic interest payments. Understanding par is essential for evaluating the cost of borrowing and assessing the yield on bonds relative to market conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bonds can be issued at par, above par (premium), or below par (discount), which affects their pricing in the market.
2. When a bond is sold at par, it means that the market price of the bond equals its face value, which can happen when interest rates are stable.
3. Par value is significant for investors as it determines how much they will receive when the bond matures, making it a key factor in investment decisions.
4. If market interest rates rise above the coupon rate of a bond, it may sell for less than its par value due to decreased demand from investors.
5. Understanding the relationship between par value and market price helps investors gauge the potential risks and rewards associated with purchasing long-term debt instruments.

Review Questions

• How does par value influence an investor's decision when purchasing bonds?
  • Par value is critical for investors because it determines the amount they will receive upon maturity. When assessing a bond's attractiveness, investors compare its coupon rate to current market interest rates. If a bond sells at par, it suggests that the coupon rate aligns with market expectations, making it a safer investment. Understanding this relationship helps investors make informed decisions about potential risks and returns.
• Discuss how changes in market interest rates affect bonds trading at or near their par value.
  • When market interest rates change, they can significantly impact bonds trading at or near their par value. If interest rates rise above the coupon rate of existing bonds, those bonds may sell below par due to decreased demand since newer bonds offer higher yields. Conversely, if rates fall below a bond's coupon rate, that bond may trade above par as investors seek higher returns. This dynamic reflects how closely linked par value is to prevailing market conditions.
• Evaluate the implications of issuing bonds at different values relative to their par on a company's financial health and investor perception.
  • Issuing bonds at various values relative to their par can have significant implications for a company's financial health and how investors perceive it. If a company consistently issues bonds below par (at a discount), it might indicate perceived higher risk or lower creditworthiness. This can lead to increased borrowing costs over time. Conversely, issuing bonds at or above par may signal stronger financial stability and investor confidence, potentially reducing interest costs and improving access to capital markets for future funding needs.

Related terms

Coupon Rate: The interest rate that a bond issuer pays to bondholders, expressed as a percentage of the bond's face value or par value.

Yield to Maturity:

The total return anticipated on a bond if it is held until it matures, taking into account its current market price, par value, coupon interest rate, and the number of years remaining until maturity.

Discount Rate: The interest rate used to determine the present value of future cash flows from a financial asset, including bonds; it is often compared to the bond's coupon rate and par value.