There are two primary reasons a bond might be worth less than its listed face value. A savings bond, for example, is sold at a discount to its face value and steadily appreciates in price as the bond approaches its maturity date. Upon maturity, the bond is redeemed for the full face value. Other types of tradeable bonds are sold on the secondary market, and their valuations depend on the relationship between yields and interest rates, among other factors.
All bonds are redeemed at face value when they reach maturity unless there is a default by the issuer. Many bonds pay interest to the bondholder at specific intervals between the date of purchase and the date of maturity. However, certain bonds do not provide the owner with periodic interest payments. Instead, these bonds are sold at a discount to their face values, and they become more and more valuable until they reach maturity.
Not all bondholders hold onto their bonds until maturity. In the secondary market, bond prices can fluctuate dramatically. Bonds compete with all other interest-bearing investments. The market price of a bond is influenced by investor demand, the timing of interest payments, the quality of the bond issuer, and any differences between the bond's current yield and other returns in the market.
An Example of Fluctuating Bond Price
For instance, consider a $1,000 bond that has a 5% coupon. Its current yield is 5%, or $50 / $1000. If the market interest rate paid on other comparable investments is 6%, no one is going to purchase the bond at $1,000 and earn a lower return for their money. The price of the bond then drops on the open market. Given a 6% market interest rate, the bond ends up being priced at $833.33. The coupon is still $50, but the yield for the bond is 6% ($50 / $833.33).
FAQs
The price for a bond or a note may be the face value (also called par value) or may be more or less than the face value. The price depends on the yield to maturity and the interest rate. The "yield to maturity" is the annual rate of return on the security.
Can bonds be worth less than face value? ›
There are two primary reasons a bond might be worth less than its listed face value. A savings bond, for example, is sold at a discount to its face value and steadily appreciates in price as the bond approaches its maturity date. Upon maturity, the bond is redeemed for the full face value.
What happens if a bond sells for less than face value? ›
The amount a bond sells for below face value is a discount. A difference between face value and issue price exists whenever the market rate of interest for similar bonds differs from the contract rate of interest on the bonds.
When the current price of a bond is less than its face value? ›
Similarly, if the market price is $1010, the bond is trading at a price of 101. When the bond price is higher than its face value, it's described as trading at a premium to par. On the other hand, when the bond price is lower than its face value, it is said to be trading at a discount to par.
Why are bonds sold below face value? ›
Below par refers to a bond price that is currently below its face value. Below par bonds are said to be trading at a discount, and the price will be quoted below 100. Bonds trade below par as interest rates rise, as the issuer's credit rating falls, or when the bond's supply greatly exceeds demand.
How much is a $100 savings bond worth after 20 years? ›
How to get the most value from your savings bonds
| Face Value | Purchase Amount | 20-Year Value (Purchased May 2000) |
|---|
| $50 Bond | $100 | $109.52 |
| $100 Bond | $200 | $219.04 |
| $500 Bond | $400 | $547.60 |
| $1,000 Bond | $800 | $1,095.20 |
Three factors that influence a bond's current price are the issuer's credit rating, market interest rates, and the time to maturity.
Why would someone sell a bond for less than its value? ›
If interest rates go up, it results in a decline in the value of the bond. The bond must, therefore, sell at a discount. Hence the name, discount bond. The discount takes into account the risk of the bond and the creditworthiness of the bond issuer.
What is it called when you sell a bond above its face value? ›
A premium bond is a bond trading above its face value, or in other words; it costs more than the face amount on the bond. A bond might trade at a premium because its interest rate is higher than current rates in the market.
What are bonds that sell at less than face value? ›
Bonds that trade at a value of less than face value would be considered a discount bond. For example, a bond with a $1,000 face value that's currently selling for $95 would be a discounted bond.
If you purchase a bond in the secondary market at the face value, it is considered to be sold at “par.” If a bond's price is above its face value, it is sold at a premium. If a bond's price is below face value, it is sold at a discount. It's important to understand that not all bonds are created equal.
What does face value mean in bonds? ›
Face value in bonds
The face value of each bond, also referred to as the par value or redemption value, is set by the issuer and typically printed on the bond itself. It represents the amount the issuer promises to pay once the bond reaches maturity.
Does the price of a bond always match its face value? ›
A bond's face value is fixed, often issued in $1,000 denominations. By contrast, its price fluctuates in response to market interest rates, time to maturity, and the issuer's credit rating. A bond may be priced above par, or below par based on these conditions.
Can a bond be worth less than face value? ›
Bonds and Notes
The interest rate for a particular security is set at the auction. The price for a bond or a note may be the face value (also called par value) or may be more or less than the face value.
When a bond issue sells for less than its face value? ›
A bond issue that sells for less than its face value is issued at a discount. Bonds issued at a discount means that the amount received or the issuance price is less than the face value of the bonds issued. This as a result of the stated rate being lower than the market rate of interest.
Should you buy bonds when interest rates are high? ›
Should I only buy bonds when interest rates are high? There are advantages to purchasing bonds after interest rates have risen. Along with generating a larger income stream, such bonds may be subject to less interest rate risk, as there may be a reduced chance of rates moving significantly higher from current levels.
Can you buy bonds for less than face value? ›
A discount bond is offered at a lower price than the prevailing market rate. Buying the bond at a discount means that investors pay a price lower than the face value of the bond. However, it does not necessarily mean it offers better returns than other bonds.
Is the price of the bond always the same as the face value? ›
The par value (face value) of a security will never change. For instance, a bond issued at par of $1,000 will always pay that amount upon its maturity. However, because bonds pay interest, the market price of the bond may rise or fall from the face value as prevailing interest rates change.
