Senior bonds are debt securities issued by institutions or companies. These bonds have a high-priority claim on an organisation’s assets during liquidation or bankruptcy. Senior bonds provide a great level of stability and security and are considered one of the safest options. Meanwhile, subordinate or junior bonds have high returns and high risk. They are paid off after the senior bonds and are prioritised later. Find out more about these bonds by going over the following sections.
Types of Senior and Subordinate Bonds
The senior and subordinate bonds are divided into the following types:
Senior Bonds
- Senior Unsecured Bonds: The senior unsecured bonds are not backed by any asset, but they are prioritised over any subordinate bond.
- Senior Secured Bonds: These are also called the first-line bonds that are repaid first and are the safest kinds of bonds. Specific assets secure them as collateral. So, if there is a default, senior secured bond investors will be paid first.
Subordinate or Junior Bonds
- Perpetual Bonds: Perpetual bonds offer ongoing interest payments without a maturity date. They also come with a high risk since they have a low repayment priority.
- Subordinate Debt: Subordinate debts are prioritised right after paying off the senior bonds. These also have increased risk due to their high interest rates.
Difference Between Senior and Subordinate Bonds
The following are all the differences between the senior and subordinate bonds:
Payment Priority
Senior bonds are given some of the highest payment priority during bankruptcy or default. So, these bonds have better stability and less risk. Subordinate bonds are paid only after the senior bonds. It’s not a high priority, and it also has a higher risk.
Credit Ratings
Senior bonds come with higher credit ratings compared to subordinate bonds, which makes them a more reliable investment.
Interest Rates
Senior bonds have low interest rates and provide low returns. However, subordinate bonds have higher interest rates and the possibility of higher returns. Despite this, they are riskier than senior bonds.
Wrapping Up!
The senior and subordinate bonds have their benefits and drawbacks, and they are suitable for investors who are looking for their qualities. However, it is necessary to ensure that one invests through a reliable issuer who will give the returns on time. So, even if the payment for subordinate bonds is made later, the investor will still receive the amount successfully.
FAQs
1. What are the risks and rewards of investing in senior bonds?
Senior bonds don’t have much risk since they are the most stable investments. They are a reliable source of income even if they generally offer fixed interest payments. Senior bonds add incredible value to your portfolio and help diversify your investments.
2. Which bonds are better, the senior or the subordinate?
The senior and subordinate bonds have their pros and cons, and they are meant for investors who are looking for what they are offering. It is challenging to say that one is better than the other when they are different concepts and offer separate benefits.
3. Are payments given to subordinate bondholders during bankruptcies?
Payments are made to every investor, but the priority of the payment is different. The senior bond investors will always be prioritised first, and then the subordinate bonds are paid. So, one can rest assured that they can get high returns from these bonds even if it’s a bit risky.
