How do bonds and debentures work and what are their characteristics?
Curious about bonds and debentures
Bonds and debentures are debt securities that allow governments, municipalities, and corporations to raise capital from investors. When an investor purchases a bond or debenture, they are essentially lending money to the issuer for a specified period in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of the principal amount at maturity.
Here's how bonds and debentures work and some of their characteristics:
1. Issuance: Bonds and debentures are issued by governments (government bonds), municipalities (municipal bonds), or corporations (corporate bonds) to raise funds for various purposes, such as financing public projects, infrastructure development, or business expansion.
2. Coupon Rate: The issuer sets a fixed interest rate (coupon rate) at the time of issuance. This rate represents the annual interest payment as a percentage of the face value (par value) of the bond. For example, if a bond has a face value of ₹1,000 and a coupon rate of 5%, the bondholder will receive ₹50 in annual interest payments.
3. Interest Payments: Bondholders receive regular interest payments (also known as coupon payments) at predetermined intervals, typically semiannually or annually. These payments represent the interest earned on the bond's face value.
4. Maturity Date: Bonds and debentures have a specific maturity date, which is the date on which the issuer repays the face value to the bondholders. At maturity, the bondholder receives the principal amount (face value), and the bond ceases to exist.
5. Face Value: The face value, also known as par value, is the nominal value of the bond, usually expressed in denominations such as ₹1,000 or ₹10,000. It is the amount the issuer agrees to repay to the bondholder at maturity.
6. Market Value: The market value of bonds and debentures can fluctuate based on changes in interest rates, credit ratings, and market conditions. If interest rates rise, existing bonds with lower coupon rates may become less attractive, leading to a decrease in their market value. Conversely, if interest rates fall, existing bonds with higher coupon rates may become more attractive, leading to an increase in their market value.
7. Credit Rating: Credit rating agencies assess the creditworthiness of bond issuers and assign credit ratings to their bonds. Higher credit ratings indicate lower credit risk, and lowerrated bonds may offer higher yields to compensate for the additional risk.
8. Callable and NonCallable Bonds: Some bonds are callable, which means the issuer has the option to redeem the bonds before their maturity date. Callable bonds may be redeemed if interest rates decline, allowing the issuer to refinance at a lower cost. Noncallable bonds, on the other hand, cannot be redeemed before the maturity date.
9. Convertible Bonds: Convertible bonds give bondholders the option to convert their bonds into a predetermined number of the issuer's common shares. This feature provides the opportunity for bondholders to participate in potential stock price appreciation.
10. Tax Treatment: Interest income from bonds and debentures is generally taxable as per the prevailing tax laws. However, certain government bonds and taxsaving bonds may offer tax benefits to investors.
11. Risk and Returns: Bonds and debentures are generally considered less risky than stocks. They provide a stable income stream and are often preferred by investors seeking income generation and capital preservation. However, they typically offer lower returns compared to stocks, which have higher growth potential but come with higher market volatility.
In summary, bonds and debentures offer investors an opportunity to earn regular interest income and receive the principal amount at maturity. They are suitable for investors seeking a more stable and predictable form of investment with lower risk compared to equities. The choice between bonds and debentures, as well as their specific characteristics, depends on individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, and the prevailing market conditions.