Handbook of Hybrid Instruments

Hybrid instruments - essentially bonds with an equity component - are found in a multitude of guises. This generic heading encompasses a seemingly endless array of finance instruments, including convertible bonds, mandatory convertibles, reverse convertibles, preferred shares, ELKS, DECS and LYONs, Within each one of these instruments are found a wide range of variations and features. These include reset, negative pledge, screw and forced conversion clauses, as well as step up coupons, call schedules, call options with soft and hard protection, etc,

The range of possibilities can seem bewildering, but it is this very flexibility which proves a huge attraction for investors, issuers and financial institutions. On the sell side companies issue these securities and corporate service departments advise on the type of options to include in them. On the buy side, investment managers seek to build portfolios with limited risk exposure using these securities and hedge funds utilize arbitrage opportunities between the convertible bond and the common share.

The opportunities are endless but the seemingly labyrinthine complexities can prove daunting. The Handbook of Hybrid Instruments helps steer a clear path through the maze. Izzy Nelken has drawn together a team of experts to provide in-depth analysis of many o key issues that both sellers and buyers require in order to operate effectively and profitably.

A general introduction is followed by specific information on key clauses and variations, valuation methods, the impact on a firm's value following the public issuance of convertibles, details on when an issuer should call a convertible and the impact of these provisions on the price, the difficult requirement of input data to make sense of the models, indexes and reset convertibles. Finally, a highly useful glossary is provided of all the key terms used in this field.

An analytical CD is also provided with the book, containing sample software of ConvB++. This combines complex state of the art models with a simple, user-friendly interface to assess fair values prices and to hedge parameters of hybrid instruments.

The Handbook of Hybrid Instruments is an indispensable explanatory and analytical tool for all professionals looking for the latest thinking on convertibles from some of the world's leading experts

Izzy Nelken is president of Super Computer Consulting, Inc. in Mundelein, Illinois. Super Computer Consulting, Inc. specializes in exotic options, convertible bonds and other complex derivatives. Izzy holds a PhD in computer science from Rutgers University and was on the faculty at the University of Toronto. In addition to his work with Super Computer Consulting, Izzy teaches numerous courses and seminars around the world on a variety of topics including: credit risk management and credit derivatives exotic options, financial engineering, volatility and correlation and hybrid securities. He is also a lecturer in the prestigious mathematics department at the University of Chicago, Izzy's seminars are known for being non-mathematical. Instead they combine cutting edge analytics with real world applications and intuitive examples. Izzy is the editor and co-author of three previous books covering exotic options, option embedded bonds and volatility in the capital markets and is also the sole author of a book on implementing credit derivatives. www.supercc.com