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Question

For various reasons a corporation may issue warrants to purchase shares of its common stock at specified prices that, depending on the circumstances, may be less than, equal to, or greater than the current market price. For example, warrants may be issued:

  1. To existing stockholders on a pro-rata basis.

  2. To certain key employees under an incentive stock-option plan.

  3. To purchasers of the corporation's bonds.

Instructions

For each of the three examples of how stock warrants are used:

a. Explain why they are used.

b. Discuss the significance of the price (or prices) at which the warrants are issued (or granted) in relation to (1) the current market price of the company's stock, and (2) the length of time over which they can be exercised.

c. Describe the information that should be disclosed in financial statements, or notes thereto, that are prepared when stock warrants are outstanding in the hands of the three groups listed above.

Solution

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A.)\textbf{A.)}

1.) The issuance of stock warrants to the existing stockholders gives them the right to purchase additional stocks from the company. Warrants issued on a prorata basis raises the equity capital of the company instead of issuing new stocks, thus no stock issuance costs will be incurred.

2.) The issuance of stock warrants to key employees under an incentive stock-option plan gives them the right to acquire stocks from the company at a discounted price. This plan encourages the employees to perform better and stay for a longer period of time in the company. It is also a way to attract talents, an additional benefit which can be offered.

3.) The convertibility feature of the bonds serves as a “sweetener” to attract potential lenders to buy the bonds.

B.)\textbf{B.)}

1.) The exercise price of the warrants should be less than the current market price of the stocks so that there’s a good chance that existing stockholders will exercise it, thus increasing the equity capital. The length of time which they can be exercised is only very short since its exercise depends on the market price-- and it can change anytime.

2.) Stock option plan that is exercisable in the near term is priced almost similar to the market price on the date of grant. On the other hand, it can be priced above the market price on the date of grant if it is exercisable in the long-term.

3.) The exercise price of the convertible bonds is relative to the length of time over which they can be exercised. If it is exercisable in the short-term, the price is below the market price on the date of grant; if exercisable in the long term, above the market price.

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