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What Are High-Yield Bonds and How to Buy Them
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High-Yield Bonds: Types, What to Know before Investing
High-yield bonds offer better interest rates than investment-grade bonds, but they also carry additional risk.
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Expertise Personal Finance investing retirementConnor Emmert is a former NerdWallet writer and an authority on investing. Prior to joining NerdWallet, he spent several years as a licensed financial advisor with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and Fisher Investments. He earned his bachelor's degree in English at Colby College.
Connor Emmert is a former NerdWallet writer and an authority on investing. Prior to joining NerdWallet, he spent several years as a licensed financial advisor with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and Fisher Investments. He earned his bachelor's degree in English at Colby College. Writer + more + more
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11 years of experienceChris Hutchison helped build NerdWallet's editorial operation and has directed coverage across banking, investing, taxes and insurance. He now leads a team exploring new verticals. Before joining NerdWallet, he was an editor and programmer at ESPN and an editor at the San Jose Mercury News.
Chris Hutchison helped build NerdWallet's editorial operation and has directed coverage across banking, investing, taxes and insurance. He now leads a team exploring new verticals. Before joining NerdWallet, he was an editor and programmer at ESPN and an editor at the San Jose Mercury News. Head of Content, New Verticals + more + moreHigh-yield bond definition
High-yield bond definitionHigh-yield bonds, also called “junk bonds” or “non-investment grade bonds,” are debt obligations that companies issue to raise capital. They generally offer higher interest rates than investment-grade corporate or government bonds because their risk of default is higher.
High-yield bonds, also called “junk bonds” or “non-investment grade bonds,” are debt obligations that companies issue to raise capital. They generally offer higher interest rates than investment-grade corporate or government bonds because their risk of default is higher.As with any bond, investors effectively lend money to the firm issuing the bond, and in exchange they receive regular interest payments. However, the scheduled interest payments and return of principal are not guaranteed. There is always a risk the company may not be able to make its payments on time. High-yield bonds have a higher risk of this default, which is why they must offer higher interest rates to raise the capital.
As with any bond, investors effectively lend money to the firm issuing the bond, and in exchange they receive regular interest payments. However, the scheduled interest payments and return of principal are not guaranteed. There is always a risk the company may not be able to make its payments on time. High-yield bonds have a higher risk of this default, which is why they must offer higher interest rates to raise the capital.» MORE: Learn how to find a financial advisor who can help create a strategy
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Financial Planning Retirement Planning Investment Management Tax Strategy OtherUnderstanding high-yield bonds
Understanding high-yield bondsHigh-yield bonds all share two main characteristics:
High-yield bonds all share two main characteristics:Coupon rate: This is the annual interest rate the issuer pays the bondholder.
Coupon rate Coupon rate : This is the annual interest rate the issuer pays the bondholder.Maturity: This is the date on which the issuer returns the original principal to the bondholder.
Maturity Maturity : This is the date on which the issuer returns the original principal to the bondholder.Most high-yield bonds are issued in $1,000 increments and have maturities of seven to 10 years.
Most high-yield bonds are issued in $1,000 increments and have maturities of seven to 10 years.Some bonds have floating interest rates, meaning the rate changes based on market conditions.
Some bonds have floating interest rates, meaning the rate changes based on market conditions.There are also “zero-coupon” bonds, which don’t make interest payments but are offered at a steep discount.
There are also “zero-coupon” bonds, which don’t make interest payments but are offered at a steep discount.High-yield bonds may also have call provisions, which allow the issuer to buy the bond back from investors before it matures. The issuer may call the bond if market interest rates have dropped since the bond issue and the issuer thinks it can borrow at a lower interest rate.
High-yield bonds may also have call provisions, which allow the issuer to buy the bond back from investors before it matures. The issuer may call the bond if market interest rates have dropped since the bond issue and the issuer thinks it can borrow at a lower interest rate.» MORE: Learn more about how the bond market works
» MORE: » MORE: Learn more about how the bond market worksHigh-yield bonds and credit ratings
High-yield bonds and credit ratingsBond issuers must get a rating from a credit agency such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s or Fitch. These agencies review each company’s finances to determine their creditworthiness, and they assign a rating. Companies in good financial standing typically get an “investment grade” rating from these agencies. Investment-grade corporate bonds generally carry lower risk due to an established history of meeting their debt obligations on time.
Bond issuers must get a rating from a credit agency such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s or Fitch. These agencies review each company’s finances to determine their creditworthiness, and they assign a rating. Companies in good financial standing typically get an “investment grade” rating from these agencies. Investment-grade corporate bonds generally carry lower risk due to an established history of meeting their debt obligations on time.Investment-grade bond ratings
Investment-grade bond ratings Investment-grade bond ratings Investment-grade bond ratingsMoody's
Moody's Moody'sStandard & Poor's
Standard & Poor's Standard & Poor'sFitch
Fitch FitchWhat the grade means
What the grade means What the grade meansAaa.
Aaa.AAA.
AAA.AAA.
AAA.Highest quality, minimal risk.
Highest quality, minimal risk.Aa.
Aa.AA.
AA.AA.
AA.High quality, very low risk.
High quality, very low risk.A.
A.A.
A.A.
A.High/Medium quality, low credit risk.
High/Medium quality, low credit risk.Baa.
Baa.BBB.
BBB.BBB.
BBB.Medium grade, moderate credit risk.
Medium grade, moderate credit risk.Non-investment-grade bond ratings
Non-investment-grade bond ratings Non-investment-grade bond ratings Non-investment-grade bond ratingsMoody's
Moody's Moody'sStandard & Poor's
Standard & Poor's Standard & Poor'sFitch
Fitch FitchWhat the grade means
What the grade means What the grade meansBa.
Ba.BB.
BB.BB.
BB.Substantial credit risk.
Substantial credit risk.B.
B.B.
B.B.
B.High credit risk.
High credit risk.Caa.
Caa.CCC.
CCC.CCC.
CCC.Low quality, very high credit risk.
Low quality, very high credit risk.Ca.
Ca.CC.
CC.CC.
CC.In or near default, some prospect of recovery.
In or near default, some prospect of recovery.C.
C.C.
C.C.
C.Moody's lowest rating, typically in default with little prospect of recovery.
Moody's lowest rating, typically in default with little prospect of recovery.C.
C.D.
D.D.
D.In default, also used when bankruptcy has been filed.
In default, also used when bankruptcy has been filed.New companies without an established history and companies in poor financial standing typically receive a “non-investment grade” rating. To compensate for the higher risk of default involved, these bond issuers must offer a higher coupon rate in order to attract investors.
New companies without an established history and companies in poor financial standing typically receive a “non-investment grade” rating. To compensate for the higher risk of default involved, these bond issuers must offer a higher coupon rate in order to attract investors.» MORE: See our picks for the year’s best wealth managers
» MORE: » MORE: See our picks for the year’s best wealth managersWho issues high-yield bonds?
Who issues high-yield bonds?Firms that issue bonds are often:
Firms that issue bonds are often:Raising capital for growth, expansion, debt restructuring or other cash-flow needs to operate the business.
Raising capital for growth, expansion, debt restructuring or other cash-flow needs to operate the business.Operating in any business sector.
Operating in any business sector.Shouldering a high debt load.
Shouldering a high debt load.A high debt load is one reason that an issuer might get a non-investment-grade rating from credit agencies. There are a few different reasons a company might have a large amount of debt:
A high debt load is one reason that an issuer might get a non-investment-grade rating from credit agencies. There are a few different reasons a company might have a large amount of debt:Fallen angels are companies that were investment grade at one point but were downgraded. Fallen angels usually have experienced difficulty meeting their debt obligations due to adverse economic conditions, and many of them issue high-yield bonds in an attempt to reestablish their investment-grade rating. It is not uncommon for fallen angels to carry an investment-grade rating from one credit agency and a non-investment-grade rating from another. Bonds with varying credit ratings are often referred to as split-rated or crossover.
Fallen angels Fallen angels are companies that were investment grade at one point but were downgraded. Fallen angels usually have experienced difficulty meeting their debt obligations due to adverse economic conditions, and many of them issue high-yield bonds in an attempt to reestablish their investment-grade rating. It is not uncommon for fallen angels to carry an investment-grade rating from one credit agency and a non-investment-grade rating from another. Bonds with varying credit ratings are often referred to as split-rated or crossover.Startup companies may not have an established history of meeting their debt obligations in a timely manner. Many new companies take on more debt as they need capital to grow.
Startup companies Startup companies may not have an established history of meeting their debt obligations in a timely manner. Many new companies take on more debt as they need capital to grow.Companies that have declared bankruptcy may offer high-yield bonds in order to raise capital to finance a bankruptcy exit.
Companies that have declared bankruptcy Companies that have declared bankruptcy may offer high-yield bonds in order to raise capital to finance a bankruptcy exit.Buyouts occur when one company acquires another. Buyers often borrow the money to make the acquisition; these transactions are called leveraged buyouts. In an LBO, the debt will affect the buyer’s balance sheet and credit rating. Thus, many high-yield bonds are in the LBO space.
Buyouts Buyouts occur when one company acquires another. Buyers often borrow the money to make the acquisition; these transactions are called leveraged buyouts. In an LBO, the debt will affect the buyer’s balance sheet and credit rating. Thus, many high-yield bonds are in the LBO space.» Learn more: How bond ladders work
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Financial Planning Retirement Planning Investment Management Tax Strategy OtherPros and cons of high-yield bonds
Pros and cons of high-yield bonds ProsRelatively high interest rates.
ConsRelatively high risk of default.
Advantages and disadvantages of high-yield bonds
Advantages and disadvantages of high-yield bondsThe biggest advantage of investing in high-yield bonds is that they pay higher interest rates than investment-grade corporate bonds and government bonds. This may be attractive to investors looking for higher returns and a way to outpace inflation.
The biggest advantage of investing in high-yield bonds is that they pay higher interest rates than investment-grade corporate bonds and government bonds. This may be attractive to investors looking for higher returns and a way to outpace inflation.However, high-yield bonds have a relatively high risk of default, meaning the investor may not receive their expected interest payments or their original principal.
However, high-yield bonds have a relatively high risk of default, meaning the investor may not receive their expected interest payments or their original principal.Ways to invest in high-yield bonds
Ways to invest in high-yield bondsYou can purchase high-yield bonds directly from the issuer, but another way to get high-yield bonds in your portfolio is by investing in a high-yield exchange-traded or mutual fund. This way, you purchase a portion of a pool of high-yield bonds, and the diversification can spread the risk out. Purchasing an ETF or mutual fund in the high-yield space may cost less than buying individual high-yield bonds in blocks of $1,000 per bond.
You can purchase high-yield bonds directly from the issuer, but another way to get high-yield bonds in your portfolio is by investing in a high-yield exchange-traded or mutual fund. This way, you purchase a portion of a pool of high-yield bonds, and the diversification can spread the risk out. Purchasing an ETF or mutual fund in the high-yield space may cost less than buying individual high-yield bonds in blocks of $1,000 per bond.If you’re unsure whether investing in high-yield bonds is the best choice for your portfolio, speaking with your financial advisor can help guide your decision. If you’re interested in getting started, make sure you’ve done your due diligence and that you understand the terms and conditions of any bond or fund before investing.
If you’re unsure whether investing in high-yield bonds is the best choice for your portfolio, speaking with your financial advisor can help guide your decision. If you’re interested in getting started, make sure you’ve done your due diligence and that you understand the terms and conditions of any bond or fund before investing.» MORE: See our picks for the year's best financial advisors
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Learn More Learn More Learn MoreAre high-yield bonds a good investment?
Are high-yield bonds a good investment?As with any investment, whether high-yield bonds are right for you will depend on your personal risk tolerance, your investment timeline and the balance of your existing investment portfolio. Bonds are often viewed as conservative investments, but high-yield bonds are riskier. Considering your asset allocation can help you decide if including high-yield bonds is right for you.
As with any investment, whether high-yield bonds are right for you will depend on your personal risk tolerance, your investment timeline and the balance of your existing investment portfolio. Bonds are often viewed as conservative investments, but high-yield bonds are riskier. Considering your asset allocation asset allocation can help you decide if including high-yield bonds is right for you. About the author Connor Emmert Connor Emmert Connor Emmert is a former NerdWallet writer and an authority on investing. Prior to joining NerdWallet, he spent several years as a licensed financial advisor with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and Fisher Investments. He earned his bachelor's degree in English at Colby College. See full bio.ON THIS PAGE
High-yield bond definition High-yield bond definition Understanding high-yield bonds Understanding high-yield bonds High-yield bonds and credit ratings High-yield bonds and credit ratings Who issues high-yield bonds? Who issues high-yield bonds? Pros and cons of high-yield bonds Pros and cons of high-yield bonds Advantages and disadvantages of high-yield bonds Advantages and disadvantages of high-yield bonds Ways to invest in high-yield bonds Ways to invest in high-yield bonds Are high-yield bonds a good investment? Are high-yield bonds a good investment?ON THIS PAGE
High-yield bond definition High-yield bond definition Understanding high-yield bonds Understanding high-yield bonds High-yield bonds and credit ratings High-yield bonds and credit ratings Who issues high-yield bonds? Who issues high-yield bonds? Pros and cons of high-yield bonds Pros and cons of high-yield bonds Advantages and disadvantages of high-yield bonds Advantages and disadvantages of high-yield bonds Ways to invest in high-yield bonds Ways to invest in high-yield bonds Are high-yield bonds a good investment? Are high-yield bonds a good investment? More like this Investment Basics Investing Bonds How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost? Most financial advisors charge based on how much money they manage for you. Fees are typically 1% a year but can be lower. 2 By Andrea Coombes, Taryn Phaneuf Do You Need a Financial Advisor? 7 Ways to Tell You may need a financial advisor if you're facing big life changes, don't have financial goals, have complex compensation, high tax bills or for other reasons. Taryn Phaneuf How to Find Cheap or Free Financial Advice Quality financial advice is more accessible than ever — and much of it is free or inexpensive. Here's how to get it. Anna-Louise Jackson 3 Steps to Prepare for Your First Financial Advisor Meeting Here's what think about and bring to your first meeting with a financial advisor. June Sham