In: Economics
Indicate the differences between a bond and a stock. Why is a bond typically (yes, there numerous counter examples to this) considered to be a lower risk investment? Explain.
Stock or shares represent ownership interest in a publicly owned corporation. | ||||||||||
Common stock or shares do not have maturity dates. | ||||||||||
Stocks pay dividends only when the board of directors declare a dividend. Dividends | ||||||||||
are distribution of a company's profits among its shareholders. | ||||||||||
Dividend payments are not tax deductible for corporations or companies. | ||||||||||
Stocks are usually traded on an exchange. | ||||||||||
Bonds are a type of long-term debt in which the issuing company promises to | ||||||||||
pay the principal amount on a specified maturity date. | ||||||||||
Bonds usually make fixed interest payments every six months to the bondholders | ||||||||||
until the bonds mature. The interest paid by the issuing company is tax deductible when the issuing companies | ||||||||||
file for a tax return. | ||||||||||
Bonds are traded in an over the counter market. | ||||||||||
Bonds are typically lower risk investments compared to stocks because | ||||||||||
bonds have more certain cash flows, since they are required to pay the principal on maturity. | ||||||||||
Moreover, bonds are required to make fixed interest payments in the interim period. | ||||||||||
In addition, bonds have a fixed maturity date. | ||||||||||
In the case of bankruptcy, bondholders have a right on the assets of a company ahead | ||||||||||
of the stock owners. |