What is a corporate bond?

A corporate bond is a debt obligation issued by a business to raise money. Corporate bond buyers are lending money to the company, while the company has a legal obligation to pay interest as agreed to bondholders. When a corporate bond matures, or reaches the end of the term, the company repays the bondholder. Image source: Getty Images.

Why do investors buy corporate bonds?

Investors who buy corporate bonds are lending money to the company issuing the bond. In return, the company makes a legal commitment to pay interest on the principal and, in most cases, to return the principal when the bond comes due, or matures. To understand bonds, it is helpful to compare them with stocks.

How do corporate bonds work?

Corporate bond buyers are lending money to the company, while the company has a legal obligation to pay interest as agreed to bondholders. When a corporate bond matures, or reaches the end of the term, the company repays the bondholder. Image source: Getty Images.