What Is Call Feature?

A comprehensive guide to understanding call features or call provisions in bond indentures, including schedules, redemptions, call premiums, and call prices.

A call feature, also known as a call provision, is an essential aspect of bond indentures. It is an agreement between the bond issuer and the bondholder that stipulates the schedule and conditions under which the issuer can redeem the bond before its maturity date. This provision is particularly relevant to both corporate and municipal bonds.

Structure and Terms of Call Features

Redemption Schedule and Price

The indenture details the specific timeframe (schedule) and price at which the bond can be called (redeemed) by the issuer. Typically, the call feature’s schedule includes periods of call protection and the premium associated with early redemption.

Call Protection

Call protection refers to a specified duration during which the bond cannot be called. For instance, many corporate and municipal bonds have ten-year call protection, ensuring that investors receive interest payments for a guaranteed period.

Government Securities

Unlike corporate and municipal bonds, government securities usually do not include call features. This absence reflects their lower risk and different issuance objectives.

Call Premium and Call Price

Call Premium

The call premium is the amount above the bond’s face value that the issuer must pay to redeem the bond early. This premium compensates investors for the risk and inconvenience of the early redemption.

Call Price

The call price is the total amount (face value plus call premium) paid by the issuer to redeem a bond before its maturity. The call price is usually higher than the bond’s face value to account for the interest payments the investor will miss out on due to the early redemption.

Practical Examples

Consider a corporation that issues a 20-year bond with a ten-year call protection period and a call premium of 5%. If they decide to call (redeem) the bond after 10 years, they must pay the bondholders the face value plus the 5% premium.

Historical Context

The practice of including call features in bonds dates back to the early 20th century, allowing issuers to manage their debt obligations more flexibly. By enabling early redemption, issuers can refinance their debt when interest rates decline, reducing their borrowing costs.

Comparisons to Related Terms

• Indenture: A formal agreement between bond issuers and bondholders detailing the key terms, including the call feature.
• Call Premium: Additional amount paid to bondholders if the bond is redeemed before maturity.
• Call Price: The total price, including the call premium, paid by the issuer for early redemption.
• Put Feature: Unlike a call feature, a put feature allows bondholders to sell the bond back to the issuer before maturity.

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of a call feature in bonds?

The primary purpose is to give the issuer the flexibility to redeem the bonds before maturity, particularly if interest rates decrease, allowing them to refinance at lower rates.

How does a call feature affect investors?

Call features present a risk to investors, as they might be forced to reinvest their funds at lower interest rates if the bond is called early. However, call premiums can partially mitigate this risk by providing additional compensation.

Are all bonds callable?

No, not all bonds have call features. Most government bonds, for example, typically do not contain call provisions, whereas many corporate and municipal bonds do.

What steps should an investor take when considering callable bonds?

Investors should carefully review the bond indenture for the call feature details, including the length of the call protection period and the call premium, to understand the potential risks and rewards.

Summary

The call feature in bond agreements allows issuers to redeem bonds before maturity under specified conditions. Key aspects include the redemption schedule, call protection, call premium, and call price. Understanding these elements enables investors to make informed decisions about their bond investments and manage the associated risks effectively.