What is Call Premium? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A call premium is the extra amount that an issuer must pay to bondholders when redeeming a bond or preferred stock before its maturity date. This premium is above the bond's par value and serves as compensation to bondholders for the early redemption. Essentially, it acts as a penalty for the issuer for not allowing the bond to reach its scheduled maturity.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a company issues a bond with a par value of $1,000 and a call premium of $50, the issuer must pay $1,050 to redeem the bond early. This ensures that bondholders receive fair compensation for the premature termination of their investment. (Hypothetical example.)

Comparison with related terms

Term Description Difference
Call Premium Extra payment to bondholders for early redemption. Specifically related to bonds and preferred stocks.
Redemption Price Total amount paid to redeem a bond, including any premiums. Includes call premium but may also include accrued interest.
Par Value Face value of a bond or stock. Does not include any premiums or additional payments.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a bondholder and your bond is called, review the terms of your bond agreement to understand the call premium you will receive. If you have questions or need assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you navigate the redemption process. For complex situations, seeking professional legal advice may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Typical call premiums range from 1% to 5% of the bond's par value.
  • Call premiums are specified in the bond's indenture.
  • They are most common in corporate bonds and preferred stocks.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A call premium is an additional amount paid to bondholders when a bond is redeemed before its maturity date.