How to Develop a Prospectus for Bonds
A prospectus for bonds is a document that explains all the information about the company issuing the bonds. The prospectus explains the risks involved, as well how investors’ money will be used. In other words, any information an investor might want to know about the bond, he can find in the prospectus.
It is important that a bond issuer develop a solid prospectus, as it is required in order to sell the bonds.
5 Steps to Develop a Prospectus for Bonds
1. Include the management team of the company in the prospectus.
One of the first things an investor will want to know is who is running the company, because if management team has a solid business record, it is more likely that the bond won’t default in the future.
2. Detail the exact number of bonds that are going to be issued.
Investors need to know exactly how many bonds are going to be sold so they can guesstimate how much debt the company will accumulate. The more in debt a company is, the more risk there is that the company won’t be able to repay the bonds.
3. Provide the interest rate the investor will receive as well as the terms.
For example, if the interest rate is 5 percent, explain that it will be paid once a year, twice a year, etc. In other words, describe how the investor is going to get their interest reimbursed on a yearly basis. Typically, it is done at six-month intervals.
So, if the interest is 5 percent and the bond was purchased on January 1, the investor would receive 2.5 percent in six months, and another 2.5 percent on January 1st of the following year.
4. Disclose any tax-exempt advantages.
Some bonds are mixed in with municipality bonds or government bonds, and if this is the case, the investor can get an exemption for investing in the government. It is important that the investor understand this in order to make an informed decision.
5. Mail the prospectus into the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for review.
Once they have reviewed and approved it, you can begin selling the bonds. Without the SEC’s approval, the sale of bonds is prohibited, which is why it is so important that you have a complete, detailed prospectus. The SEC is looking out for the investor in this case, not the business.
You Might Also Like :: What Are the Risks Associated With Owning a Corporate Bond?
