Last year he arranged to convert $600 million in convertible debt into common stock and thereby cut annual interest costs another $50 million.

Philips owns 32 percent of Grundig, but has convertible debt that gives it effective control.

"It's also very difficult to find properties in New York to buy," he said, "so we wind up doing participating or convertible debt."

Respondents are asked to indicate the method of accounting for convertible debt which they consider should be required.

There are a number of possible approaches to the accounting for convertible debt.

Initial funding was in early 2008, with $750,000 in convertible debt from angel investors.

A major drawback is the exclusion of convertible debt and warrants from the Act.

They are asked to determine which financial instruments - stock, bonds or convertible debt - are the most attractive.

He sold the convertible debt in 2003 when the bonds reached 100 cents on the dollar.

Sure, a new stock or bond issue may not fly, but Amazon might want to retire its $1.9 billion in convertible debt.