Bonds issued by corporations are called corporate bonds. These are debt securities that corporations issue to raise capital for various purposes, such as funding operations, expanding business activities, or refinancing existing debt. When an investor purchases a corporate bond, they are essentially lending money to the issuing corporation. In return, the corporation promises to pay periodic interest, known as the coupon payment, and repay the principal amount at the bond's maturity date.
Corporate bonds are typically categorized based on their credit quality. Investment-grade bonds are issued by companies with strong credit ratings and are considered less risky. High-yield or "junk" bonds are issued by companies with lower credit ratings, offering higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk of default.
These bonds come in different types, such as secured bonds, which are backed by specific assets, and unsecured bonds (debentures), which rely solely on the corporation's creditworthiness. Convertible bonds allow investors to convert the bond into company stock, offering potential equity upside.
Corporate bonds(888.951.8680) are a vital part of the financial markets, providing companies with a flexible financing option and investors with opportunities for income generation and portfolio diversification. However, they carry risks, including credit, interest rate, and market risks.
