Convertible bonds binomial model

As explained in the introduction, the value of a convertible bond is the sum of two main components, the option-free bond and a call option on underlying security. The value of the option-free bond, or bond floor, is determined as the sum of future payments (coupon and principal at maturity). Therefore, the bond component is influenced by three main parameters, that is the maturity, the coupon percentage on par value and the yield to maturity (discount rate). Differently, the value of a call option can be found mainly through two option pricing models, Black Scholes model and binomial tree model. 

Therefore, the model is easy to implement and gives similar results as the binomial tree. Because B S works in continuous compounding while the binomial tree in discrete time, the models give the same results only if the binomial tree has a high number of steps. The more periods in binomial tree are implemented, the nearer is the value that we get in both models. Consider the convertible bond pricing shown in Section 9.3.1. In that analysis we estimate the value of a call option using the binomial tree, obtaining a value per call of 0.46. 

Fair Value of a Convertible Bond The Binomial Model... 

The fair price of a convertible bond is the one that provides no opportunity for arbitrage profit that is, it precludes a trading strategy of running simultaneous but opposite positions in the convertible and the underlying equity in order to realize a profit. Under this approach we consider now an application of the binomial model to value a convertible security. Following the usual conditions of an option pricing model such as Black-Scholes (1973) or Cox-Ross-Rubinstein (1979), we assume no dividend payments, no transaction costs, a risk-free interest rate, and no bid-offer spreads. 

Application of the binomial model requires a binomial tree detailing the price outcomes from the start period, which is shown at FIGURE 13.3. In the case of a convertible bond this will refer to the prices for the underlying asset, which is the ordinary share of the issuing company. 

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