Which of the following is true about a corporate bond?

A corporate bond represents a formal debt obligation incurred by a corporation to raise funds, typically for operational expansion, to finance projects, or refinance existing debt. When an investor purchases a corporate bond, they are effectively lending money to the corporation, which promises to pay back the principal amount on a specified maturity date along with periodic interest payments, known as coupon payments.

The key characteristic that substantiates the correctness of this choice lies in its definition as a legal agreement whereby the corporation commits to its repayment terms, making it distinct from other financial instruments. Unlike stocks, which represent ownership in a company and come with risks including market volatility and dividends that may not be guaranteed, corporate bonds are structured obligations that outline clear terms for repayment, thus providing a measure of predictability for investors.

The misunderstanding surrounding corporate bonds often stems from misconceptions about risk and profit. For example, although some might think bonds are risk-free or that they somehow guarantee profits, this is not the case. While they are generally considered safer than stocks, especially investment-grade corporate bonds, they still carry risks, including credit risk and interest rate risk, which can affect the bond's pricing and the corporation's ability to honor its debt obligations.