The year was 1994, and the sleepy town of Oakhaven was about to learn a lesson in "the art of the discount" thanks to its most eccentric resident, Arthur "Penny" Penhaligon.
On the day of , Arthur walked into the same diner. He hadn't just collected high interest for five years; he also cashed in on that $350-per-bond capital gain. He bought the whole room a round of coffee and pie, smiling as he explained that in the world of bonds, sometimes the best treasures are found in the "damaged goods" section. buying bonds at a discount
Bonds have a legal obligation to pay back the full $1,000 at the end of their term. Arthur was essentially buying a future $1,000 for a $350 discount. The year was 1994, and the sleepy town
The town gossips at the diner laughed. "Arthur’s buying debt in a sinking ship," they chuckled. But Arthur had read the fine print. He knew the utility’s assets were solid and that the "sinking ship" was just undergoing a very expensive repair. He bought the whole room a round of