A zero-coupon bond is a debt security instrument that does not pay interest. Zero-coupon bonds trade at deep discounts, offering full face value (par) profits at maturity. The difference between the purchase price of a zero-coupon bond and the par value, indicates the investor’s return.

How do you find the face value of a zero coupon bond?

The target purchase price of a zero coupon bond, assuming a desired yield, can be calculated using the present value (PV) formula: price = M / (1 + i)^n. M is the face value at maturity, i is the desired yield divided by 2, and n is the number of years remaining until maturity times 2.

What is the par value of a zero coupon bond?

Zero Coupon Bonds A zero coupon bond generally has a reduced market price relative to its par value because the purchaser must maintain ownership of the bond until maturity to turn a profit. A bond that sells for less than its par value is said to sell at a discount.

Why do zero coupon bonds sell well below their face value?

Zero coupon bonds sell well below their face value (at a deep discount) because they offer no coupons.

Why would you buy a zero coupon bond?

A zero-coupon bond is a discounted investment that can help you save for a specific future goal. A zero-coupon bond doesn’t pay periodic interest, but instead sells at a deep discount, paying its full face value at maturity. Zeros-coupon bonds are ideal for long-term, targeted financial needs at a foreseeable time.

What is the market value of a zero-coupon bond with 5 years to maturity?

A 5 year zero coupon bond is issued with a face value of $100 and a rate of 6%. Looking at the formula, $100 would be F, 6% would be r, and t would be 5 years. After solving the equation, the original price or value would be $74.73. After 5 years, the bond could then be redeemed for the $100 face value.

How to calculate the APR on a zero coupon bond?

Enter the face value of a zero-coupon bond, the stated annual percentage rate (APR) on the bond and its term in years (or months) and we will return both the upfront purchase price of the bond, its nominal return over its duration & its yield to maturity. Entering Years: For longer duration bonds enter the number of years to maturity.

What is the yield to maturity of a zero coupon bond?

YTM = yield to maturity, as a decimal (multiply it by 100 to convert it to percent) Let’s say a zero coupon bond is issued for $500 and will pay $1,000 at maturity in 30 years. Divide the $1,000 by $500 gives us 2. Raise 2 to the 1/30th power and you get 1.02329. Subtract 1, and you have 0.02329, which is 2.3239%.

How to calculate the discount to face value?

The above formula is the one we use in our calculator to calculate the discount to face value every half-year throughout the duration of the bond’s term. Here is an example calculation for the purchase price of a $1,000,000 face value bond with a 10 year duration and a 6% annual interest rate. YTM = (M/P) 1/n – 1

Do you lose more money with zero coupon bonds?

But the zero coupons build that in, so you get actually about twice as much appreciation for given declining interest rates with a zero coupon, as with a coupon bond, and the longer the maturity, the more bang for the buck. Now, it works both ways. You’ll lose more money if rates go up.