Convertible Security

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Definition: Convertible Security


Convertible Security


Full Definition of Convertible Security


A convertible security or convertible is a hybrid security with a provision for the convertible to be exchanged for some other security. Usually, conversion is at the security holder’s option, but a mandatory convertible security requires conversion, usually according to some schedule.

Most convertibles are either convertible preferred stock or convertible bonds issued by a corporation and convertible to that corporation’s common stock any time, at the security holder’s option. These standard convertible securities are the topic of this article.

Convertible securities have a par value, and their yield is quoted as a percentage of par. Each security may be converted into a fixed number of common shares. That number is the security’s conversion ratio. For example, if a convertible bond’s conversion ratio is 12.5, and the bond has a par value of USD 1,000, then each USD 80 of par value can be converted into a single share. This number is called the conversion price.

Convertibles routinely have an anti-dilution provision, which adjusts the conversion ratio as appropriate in the event of a stock split or stock dividend. Some convertibles have a conversion ratio that changes according to a fixed schedule. For example, a convertible bond’s conversion ratio might be 12.5 for the bond’s first five years and then drop to 11 after that.

As is typical of hybrid securities, convertibles can be difficult to value. Further complicating valuation, convertibles may have additional embedded options or features. Many are callable after a few years of call protection. When called, holders are forced to either surrender the security for the call price or convert them. If they convert, the transaction is called a forced conversion. Some convertibles have a put feature, allowing holders to return the security to the issuer for some fraction of par value on certain dates.

A convertible’s investment value is what the market value of the convertible would be if it were stripped of its conversation feature. This reflects the security’s future cash flows, current interest rates, the issuer’s credit quality, and any other features such as put or call provisions other than the conversion option. Investment value isn’t generally observable in the marketplace, but it is a useful notion that can be ascribed a value using standard bond pricing or financial engineering methodologies.

A convertible’s conversion value (or parity value) is the value that could be realized by immediately converting the convertible to common stock. It is easily calculated as

conversion value = (conversion ratio) current stock price

These notions—investment value and conversion value—are important because a convertible’s market price should always exceed both quantities. Otherwise, arbitragers will step in and start accumulating the convertible, thereby driving up its market price. The two quantities are often quoted as premiums.

Obviously, both premiums should be nonnegative.

Convertible securities exhibit four different modes of behaviour depending on the level of the underlying stock price and the credit quality of the issuer.

Practitioners tend to distinguish between four modes of behaviour of a convertible bond, depending upon the level of the underlying stock and the issuer’s credit quality. Usage is hardly standardized, but we may distinguish between

  • distressed,
  • busted,
  • hybrid-like, and
  • equity-like
  • modes of behaviour.

A convertible’s behaviour is equity-like when its conversion value exceeds its investment value, and the bond behaves like an in-the-money option. Its value fluctuates almost directly with the underlying stock price.

The convertible’s behaviour is hybrid- or option-like at lower stock prices where the conversion value is less than the investment value but there is still a reasonable likelihood of the stock price rising enough to make conversion attractive. In this state, the convertible exhibit’s truly hybrid behaviour. Its market price is sensitive to the underlying stock price, interest rates, implied volatilities and the issuer’s credit quality.

At still lower stock prices, the conversion option is so far out of the money that it is almost worthless. Here, the convertible is called busted. Its behaviour is much like a non-convertible bond or another fixed-income instrument. Its market price fluctuates with interest rates and the issuer’s credit quality.

Finally, if the issuer becomes financially troubled, its credit rating will fall well below investment grade and the stock price will plummet to very low levels. Here the conversion feature is all but irrelevant. The convertible is a distressed security whose market price fluctuates primarily with the credit quality of the issuer.

Because convertibles can be so difficult to value, there is a perception that they are frequently mispriced in the market. Convertible arbitrage is a market-neutral trading strategy that seeks to profit from such mispricings.


Convertible Security FAQ's


What Are Convertible Securities?

Convertible Securities are equity or debt investments that can be exchanged for something else of value upon the happening of some future event. The most common convertible securities are debentures and preferred stock that are convertible into common stock. The election of the holder is usually all that is required to convert.

Convertible securities are a nice way for investors to hedge. They allow them to acquire a debt instrument, for example, with its rights to interest and principal payments, without sacrificing the chance to participate in the company’s capital appreciation. When a company does well, the investor can convert his debenture into stock that is more valuable. When a company is less successful, he can retain his debenture and receive his interest and principal payments.

Most venture capitalists like convertible securities because they help preserve their capital and give them the potential of profiting from increases in the value of the company’s stock. By giving their holders an option for removing money from a modestly successful company, convertible securities help investors preserve their capital even when their portfolio companies are not successful enough to allow them to liquidate their investments through public offerings.

Contrary to popular opinion, most venture capital investments do not generate large profits for their investors. Most portfolio companies succeed modestly or fail. Deal structures that include convertible debentures can enable investors to retrieve their capital from their modest successes for reinvestment in other companies.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Convertible Security are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 30th December, 2021 | 0 Views.