Q. Why convertibles might be an attractive source of finance for companies?

- Convertibles is able to provide immediate finance at lower cost since the conversion option effectively reduces the interest rates payable.

- They represent attractive investments to investors as they are effectively debt risks for future equity benefits. Therefore finance is relatively easily raised.

- Must the company's assumption regarding the likelihood of conversion prove true then there is no problem of establishing a large sinking fund for the redemption of the debentures.

- Convertibles permit for higher gearing levels than would otherwise be the case with straight debt (interest costs are potentially lower with convertibles).