Investment dictionary

MAKE WHOLE CALL (PROVISION)

A type of call provision on a bond allowing the borrower to pay off remaining debt early. The borrower has to make a lump sum payment derived from a formula based on the net present value (NPV) of future coupon payments that will not be paid because of the call.

A make whole call will be defined in the indenture. The issuer doesn't expect to have to use this type of provision, but if the issuer does, investors will be compensated, or "made whole." Because the cost can often be significant, such provisions are rarely invoked.