Non-convertible debentures

Non-Convertible Debentures or NCD cannot be converted into equity shares & hence offer investors higher interest rates. NCDS can further be classified as Secured & Un-Secured.

Secured NCDs are backed by the organization or the issuer company’s assets to fulfill debt obligation. Moreover, NCDs may also feature Put Or Call Options. In simple terms, if the NCDs are issued under “Call Options” (Callable Bonds) then they can be redeemed by the issuer before the maturity. The issuer can can call back bonds if they are issued in a high rate environment & the rates fall subsequently. Whereas in a bond issued under “Put Option” , the investor can sell the bond to the issuer at a specified price before its maturity, if the interest rates go up after the issuance of the bonds.

Features

1. NCDs offer high returns & low risk options. The interest rate & rate of return are subject to market conditions
2. As per section 193 of Income Tax Act, there will be no tax levied on securities issued by companies if they are in a demat form & listed on a stock exchange. However, they are taxable if held in physical form
3. NCDs are rated by agencies like FITCH, CRISIL & ICRA
4. They are offered in four options: monthly, quarterly, annual & cumulative interest

Bonds

Bonds are basically a way for companies & governments for issuing capital for expansion, infrastructural projects, etc. By issuing bonds to the public, the organizations & Government can raise money for their projects. In simple terms bonds are like a loan for which you are the lender. The organization who sells the bonds is known as issuer & the holder is called as an investor. The bonds usually have a defined term or maturity, upon which the bonds can be redeemed.

Features

Diversification: Investment in fixed income securities counterbalances high-risk investments in a portfolio and serves to even out returns in times of volatility.

Fixed returns: They offer a potentially attractive and regular income avenue as the rate of interest is fixed (in most cases but not all) till maturity.

YTM (Yield to Maturity): By investing in bonds and holding them till redemption, you can earn maximum returns in the form of regular interest plus the face value amount on maturity.

Protect from volatility: While fixed income securities generally do not offer the high returns potential of other investments, you are spared from the volatility common in other markets as its price fluctuation is relatively lesser than equity stocks.

Liquidity: Fixed income securities provide the flexibility and liquidity required to construct a portfolio customized to your specific investment objective. If required, low-risk fixed income instruments like government bonds can be sold at short notice.

Lower Risk: Fixed income securities represent a loan from investors. As these investors are creditors to the company, in the eventuality of the company being winded down, they have priority over shareholders.

Capital Gain Bonds (54EC Bonds)

According to section 54EC, any person (individuals, HUFs, partnership firms, companies etc.) can avail exemption in respect of long-term capital gains (arising from the sale of long term capital asset other than equity shares and securities), if the capital gain is invested in Capital Gain bonds. The exemption will be the amount of capital gain or the amount of investment made, whichever is less. Interest rate offered on these bonds is 6% per annum. The exemption is subject to:

• The investment is made within a period of 6 months from the date of transfer of the asset
• Lock-in-period of 3 years
• Bonds sold, transferred or converted into money or any loan or advance taken on security of such bond within a period of 3 years from the date of acquisition, the capital gains earlier exempt are taxable in the year of sale or transfer of the bonds
• Maximum investment limit of up to Rs. 50 Lakhs in a Financial Year per individual.
• If the amount invested in bonds is less than the capital gains realized, only proportionate capital gains would be exempt from tax.

Government Bonds

These bonds are offered by the Government of India at a fixed rate. As these are issued & backed by the Government, they are very safe. Interest is taxable in the hands of the investor & it has a lock in period of 6 years.

• There isn't any ceiling on these bonds & are open for investments by individuals, charitable investments & universities
• These bonds come with a lock in period of 6 years & carry an 8% interest per annum
• The interest on cumulative bonds are paid off at maturity, compounded with the half yearly rates
• The interest on non-cumulative are paid at half yearly intervals

Corporate Bonds

These bonds are issued by organizations in private or public sector. These are issued with the objective of borrowing funds from the market to finance their operations/growth. Generally issued for period ranging from 1 year to 20 years, these type of bonds offer income in form of regular interest.

• The principal amount invested is safe & regular income in form of interest
• High rate of interest offered
• Through issue of such bonds, long term capital needs of the corporate sector can be met
• If the bonds are listed, then liquidity along with capital appreciation is on the offer

Zero Coupon Bonds

These types of bonds are sold at the fraction of their Face Value & offers no monthly or periodic interest payments to the investor/holder. These bonds are offered at a discount on the Face Value & on maturity, the investors get the Face Value back. Thus, the difference between the two is the profit earned.

• They are offered at a fixed interest rate
• These bonds appreciate gradually & the earnings accumulate until maturity

Junk Bonds

Also, known as high-yield bond, they are issued by organizations that are not financially stable & are considered below investment grade. Being a risky trade for the investor, the issuer offers high rate of returns upon maturity to compensate the additional risk.

• High rate of returns but suitable for investors with appetite for high risk
• Can boost overall returns in your portfolio while avoiding higher volatility of stocks