The core business of TVL Corporation is undergoing a difficult period. TVL bonds have been downgraded to CCC in order to reflect the higher probability of default the company now faces. TVL is considering a very promising (high NPV, low risk) capital investment project which, if successful, will get it out of its current predicament. Financing the project will require issuing more high-yield debt at a very substantial yield. TVL plans to attach a call provision to its bonds.
a) What is the role of the call provision in the specific case of TVL?
b) What determines the value of a call provision? How will the call provision affect the pricing of the issue?
c) Do you expect the call provision to be costly to TVL? Explain.