Current yield vs yield to maturity

Both the current yield and yield to maturity (YTM) formulas are methods of calculating the yield of a bond. However, these two methods of calculation have different applications depending on the goals of the investor.

When a bond is issued, the issuing entity determines its duration, face value (also called its par value) and the rate of interest it pays (also known as its coupon rate). These characteristics remain stable over time and are not affected by any changes in the market value of the bond.

For example, a bond with a $1,000 par value and a 7% coupon rate pays $70 in interest annually.

The current yield of a bond is calculated by dividing the annual coupon payment by the current market value of the bond. Because this formula is based on the purchase price rather than the par value of a bond, it is a more accurate reflection of the profitability of a bond relative to other bonds on the market.

For example, if an investor buys a 6% coupon rate bond (with a par value of $1,000) for a discount of $900, the investor earns annual interest income of ($1,000 X 6%), or $60. The current yield is ($60) / ($900), or 6.67%. The $60 in annual interest is fixed, regardless of the price paid for the bond. If, on the other hand, an investor purchases a bond at a premium of $1,100, the current yield is ($60) / ($1,100), or 5.45%. The investor paid more for the premium bond that pays the same dollar amount of interest, so the current yield is lower.

Current yield can also be calculated for stocks by taking the dividends received for a stock and dividing the amount by the stock’s current market price.

The current yield calculation is helpful in determining which of a selection of bonds generates the greatest return on investment each year. This is especially helpful for short-term investments.

The YTM formula is a more complicated calculation that renders the total amount of return generated by a bond based on its par value, purchase price, duration, coupon rate and the power of compound interest.

This calculation is useful for investors looking to maximize profits by holding a bond until maturity, because it includes the interest that could be earned if annual coupon payments were reinvested, thereby earning additional interest on investment income.

When a bond's market price is above par, called a premium bond, its current yield and YTM are lower than its coupon rate. Conversely, when a bond sells for less than par, called a discount bond, its current yield and YTM are higher than the coupon rate. Only when a bond sells for its exact par value are all three rates identical.