Effective Interest Amortization of Bond Premium or Discount: Videos & Practice Problems

The effective interest method for amortizing bond premiums or discounts is a crucial concept in understanding bond pricing and accounting. The relationship between the stated interest rate of a bond and the market interest rate significantly influences the bond's price. When the stated rate equals the market rate, the bond sells at face value. Conversely, if the stated rate is lower than the market rate, the bond sells at a discount; if it is higher, the bond sells at a premium.

For example, consider a bond issued by ABC Company with a face value of $100,000, a stated interest rate of 9%, and a market interest rate of 10%. Since the stated rate is lower than the market rate, this bond will sell at a discount. To determine the bond's price, we need to calculate the present value of future cash flows, which include periodic interest payments and the principal repayment at maturity.

The cash interest payment can be calculated as follows: the face value of the bond multiplied by the stated interest rate, divided by the number of payment periods per year. In this case, the semiannual interest payment is:

Cash Interest = \( \frac{100,000 \times 0.09}{2} = 4,500 \)

Since the bond matures in 5 years and pays interest semiannually, there will be a total of 10 interest payments. The present value of these cash flows can be calculated using present value tables. The present value of an annuity formula is used for the interest payments, while the present value of a lump sum formula is used for the principal repayment at the end of the bond's term.

To find the present value of the annuity (interest payments), we use the formula:

Present Value of Annuity = Cash Payment × Present Value Factor

Where the present value factor is derived from the annuity table based on the number of periods and the market interest rate. For our example, with 10 periods and a market rate of 5% (10% divided by 2), the present value factor is 7.722. Thus, the present value of the interest payments is:

Present Value of Interest = \( 4,500 \times 7.722 = 34,749 \)

Next, we calculate the present value of the principal payment using the lump sum formula:

Present Value of Lump Sum = Principal × Present Value Factor

Using the lump sum table, the present value factor for 10 periods at 5% is 0.614. Therefore, the present value of the principal payment is:

Present Value of Principal = \( 100,000 \times 0.614 = 61,400 \)

Finally, the total price of the bond today is the sum of the present values of the interest and principal payments:

Price of Bond = Present Value of Interest + Present Value of Principal

Price of Bond = \( 34,749 + 61,400 = 96,149 \)

This price confirms that the bond is sold at a discount, as expected. The journal entry for this transaction would involve debiting cash for the amount received ($96,149) and crediting bonds payable for the full face value ($100,000). The difference, which represents the discount on bonds payable, is calculated as:

Discount on Bonds Payable = Face Value - Price of Bond

Discount on Bonds Payable = \( 100,000 - 96,149 = 3,851 \)

Understanding these calculations is essential for accurately recording bond transactions and amortizing any discounts or premiums using the effective interest method.

The effective interest method is a crucial approach for accounting for bonds, particularly when dealing with discounts and premiums. Understanding the bond's carrying value is essential, as it represents the book value of the bond and is reflected on the balance sheet. The carrying value is calculated as the principal amount in the bonds payable account adjusted for any discount or premium. This adjustment is vital for accurately reporting the bond's value over time.

When recording journal entries related to bond interest, there are three key components to consider: the interest expense, the cash payment, and the amortization of the discount or premium. The interest expense is determined by multiplying the bond's carrying value by the market interest rate. This amount is always debited to the interest expense account. In contrast, the cash interest payment is calculated using the principal amount of the bonds multiplied by the stated interest rate. If the bonds pay interest semiannually, both the stated and market interest rates should be divided by two.

The amortization of the discount or premium serves as the balancing figure in the journal entry. For discounted bonds, the discount has a debit balance, so it is credited to reduce that balance. Conversely, for premium bonds, the premium has a credit balance, requiring a debit to decrease it. Thus, the journal entry for a discounted bond would include a debit to interest expense, a credit to cash, and a credit to the discount on bonds payable. For a premium bond, the entry would consist of a debit to interest expense, a credit to cash, and a debit to the premium on bonds payable.

As the bond matures, the carrying value will change, affecting the interest expense and the amortization of the discount or premium. However, the cash payment remains constant, as it is based on the principal amount and the stated interest rate. This dynamic is crucial for maintaining accurate financial records and understanding the impact of interest on bond accounting.

In the context of bond accounting, understanding the effective interest method is crucial for accurately reflecting interest expenses and amortization of discounts over the life of a bond. When a bond is issued at a discount, the carrying value starts below the face value, and this difference is amortized over time, impacting both interest expense and the bond's carrying value.

For instance, consider a bond with a face value of $100,000, issued at a beginning carrying value of $96,149, and a stated interest rate of 9%. Since the bond pays interest semiannually, the cash interest payment remains constant at $4,500, calculated as follows:

Cash Interest Payment = Principal Amount × Stated Rate / 2 = $100,000 × 0.09 / 2 = $4,500.

The interest expense, however, fluctuates based on the carrying value and the market interest rate. For the first period, the interest expense is calculated using the carrying value of $96,149 and the market rate of 10%:

Interest Expense = Carrying Value × Market Rate / 2 = $96,149 × 0.10 / 2 = $4,807.

The discount amortization for this period is the difference between the interest expense and the cash payment:

Discount Amortization = Interest Expense - Cash Payment = $4,807 - $4,500 = $307.

As the discount is amortized, the new balance of the discount account is adjusted by subtracting the amortization amount from the previous balance. This process continues, with the carrying value of the bond increasing as the discount decreases, until it reaches the face value at maturity.

For subsequent periods, the calculations follow the same logic. The new carrying value is used to determine the interest expense, which will generally increase as the carrying value rises. This method aligns the reported interest expense more closely with the actual cost of borrowing, reflecting the market conditions at the time of issuance.

By the final period, the remaining discount balance is fully amortized, ensuring that the carrying value equals the face value of the bond, which is $100,000. This systematic approach to bond accounting not only adheres to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) but also provides a clear picture of the financial implications of bond financing over time.

Creating an amortization table is a crucial step in managing bond transactions, as it provides the necessary figures for subsequent journal entries. Once the table is established, the process of recording journal entries becomes straightforward. For instance, on July 1, 2018, the journal entry would involve debiting the interest expense for $4,807, crediting the discount on bonds payable for $307, and recording a cash interest payment of $4,500. This reflects the interest expense incurred and the cash paid to bondholders.

As the year progresses, on December 31, 2018, an important adjustment must be made to account for the interest accrued over the past six months. The journal entry for this date would include debiting the interest expense for $400,823, crediting the discount on bonds payable for $323, and recognizing an interest payable of $4,500. This entry acknowledges the interest that has been earned but not yet paid, demonstrating the accrual accounting principle.

On January 1, 2019, when the interest is finally paid, the entry would involve debiting the interest payable for $4,500 and crediting cash for the same amount. This transaction eliminates the liability recorded in the previous entry, reflecting the actual cash outflow to settle the interest obligation.

Understanding these journal entries is essential for accurately reflecting the financial position of a company regarding its bond liabilities. The process emphasizes the importance of both accruals and cash payments in financial reporting, ensuring that all expenses are recognized in the appropriate accounting periods.