Course Outline
Join PRO

How do you calculate the actual or real interest rate on a bond investment?

Author:
Harold Averkamp, CPA, MBA

Definition of Actual or Real Interest Rate on a Bond Investment

The actual or real interest rate on a bond payable is also known as effective interest rate, yield to maturity, yield, and market interest rate. This rate can be calculated by discounting the bond’s future cash amounts (semiannual interest payments and the maturity amount) back to the amount of cash paid to buy the bond (the present value).

Example of Actual or Real Interest Rate on a Bond Investment

Assume an investor can purchase a $300,000 7% bond that matures 5 years later for $287,832. The investor will receive the following cash flows: semiannual interest of $10,500 at the end of each of the 10 six-month periods + $300,000 at the end of the 10th six-month period.

The actual interest rate to be earned by the investor (the bond’s yield to maturity) is the interest rate that will discount the interest stream (an ordinary annuity) and the maturity amount (a lump sum) to $287,832. This can be done with software, a financial calculator, or via trial and error using present value tables. In our example, the actual interest rate earned by the investor is 4% per semiannual period or 8% annually.

The reason that the bond can be purchased at a discount from its face and maturity amount, is that the current market interest rate is now 8% and the bond is paying only 7%. Because the market interest rate is more than the bond’s stated interest rate, the market value of the bond is less than the maturity amount.

Join PRO to Track Progress

Features

Free

PRO

Lifetime Access (One-Time Fee)
Explanations
Quizzes
Q&A
Dictionary
Bookkeeping Video Training
Financial Statements Video Training
Visual Tutorials
Quick Tests
Quick Tests with Coaching
Cheat Sheets
Flashcards
Crossword Puzzles
Word Scrambles with Coaching
Bookkeeping Study Guide
Managerial and Cost Accounting Study Guide
Certificates of Achievement
Bookkeeping Certificate of Excellence
Business Forms
Printable PDF Files
Progress Tracking
Motivational Badges and Points
Motivational Medal Rankings
Motivational Activity Streaks
Public Profile Page of Achievements

About the Author

Harold Averkamp

For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) has
worked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online. He is the sole author of all the materials on AccountingCoach.com.

Learn More About Harold

Read 3,033 Testimonials

PRO for Teams
  • Easily onboard new users and team admins
  • Monitor individual user progress and grades
  • Monitor team progress and compare users
  • View average grades and find problem areas
  • Monitor recent activity and user achievements
PRO for Teams
Take the Tour Join Pro Upgrade to Pro