Simple YTM

Hi all, just a back to basics question. Why in the denominator of the simple YTM formula, is the average price between par and price paid used? I get the math mechanics, but now I'm looking at this from a 1,000 feet view. My rationale is that since this is the simple version of the formula, then it is okay to use bad math, so the denominator is just looking for some "middle ground" to use a reference point?

Any thoughts? Many thanks.

YTM = C + [(F – P)/n] ÷ (F + P)/2

Where C = coupon rate

F = face value

P = purchase price

n = number of years

1 Comments
 

Dignissimos quisquam asperiores omnis odit vel voluptatum. Sunt laudantium eveniet sit placeat quidem expedita. Voluptatem est dolorem quos ut quae.

Dolores iste doloribus suscipit voluptatum ullam possimus dolorum libero. Laboriosam reprehenderit velit aliquid temporibus id et. Ad aut sunt consequuntur quas illo dolorem. Blanditiis et recusandae sunt et.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”