The deal
Water company Severn Trent has launched an RPI-linked 10-year Sterling bond.
Good points
The bond will pay interest semi-annually at 1.3 per cent a year adjusted to take account of changes in the inflation rate. After the 10-year term, the full value of the bond will be repaid.
Bad points
This is an investment. If the bond falls in value investors needing to sell before 10 years would lose out. Also if the company were to go bust, bondholders would not be repaid.
Conclusion
These retail bonds are becoming more common – Tesco launched one recently, for instance – as companies seek new ways to raise money. But investors need to be aware of the risks and be confident of the company they're backing.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies