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system
how much principal do i get back with a target-maturity etf?
user
adding a couple more assumptions, i'd compute about $18.23 would be that pay out in 2018.  this is computed by taking the current portfolio's holdings par values and dividing by the outstanding shares(92987/5100 for those wanting specific figures used). now, for those assumptions: something to keep in mind is that bonds can valued higher than their face value if the coupon is higher than other issues given the same risk.  if you have 2 bonds maturing in 3 years of the same face value and same risk categories though one is paying 5% and the other is paying 10% then it may be that the 5% sells at a discount to bring the yield up some while the other sells at a premium to bring the yield down.  thus, you could have bonds worth more before they mature that will eventually lose this capital appreciation.
assistant