Search
Close this search box.

Table of Contents

Covenant



Definition

A covenant in financial terms refers to a promise or agreement in a contract or a bond with certain terms and conditions that the issuer or borrower must adhere to. It is usually structured to protect the interest of lenders or bond holders, by setting rules that restrict certain activities or require specific actions from the borrower. Violation of a covenant can lead to a default on the loan or bond, potentially resulting in severe penalties or legal actions.

Phonetic

The phonetic spelling of the word “Covenant” is /ˈkʌv.ən.ənt/.

Key Takeaways

I’m assuming you are asking about the term “Covenant” as used in various contexts (such as a religious context, a legal context or perhaps in a popular culture context, in which case more details would be required). However, assuming you are referring to some of the general definitions:“`html

  1. A Covenant, in its most general form, is a solemn agreement or promise between two or more parties about something specific.
  2. In a religious context, often found in the Bible, a Covenant signifies an agreement made by God with humans, such as the Covenant with Noah after the flood or the Covenant with Abraham.
  3. From a legal perspective, a Covenant refers to an agreement, contract or written promise between two individuals that frequently constitutes a pledge to do or refrain from doing something.

“`Please note, that the term “Covenant” has many other meanings, depending on the context it is used. The above examples cover only a fraction of its applications.

Importance

A covenant, in the context of business and finance, is extremely important as it governs the terms of agreements between two parties, normally in a loan or leasing contract. It stipulates the conditions each party must adhere to maintain the agreed-upon relationship. For instance, covenants in loan agreements often require the borrower to maintain certain financial ratios, like net worth, debt to equity, or liquidity thresholds. These covenants protect the lender by ensuring that the borrower maintains its financial health and is capable of repaying the debt. In effect, covenants reduce the risk of default for lenders and maintain a level playing field for both parties in financial agreements, making them a crucial element of business finance.

Explanation

A covenant, within the realm of finance and business, is essentially an agreement or promise that businesses or corporations include in financial contracts to safeguard their interests. The primary purpose of a covenant is to detail the terms of the agreement between the parties involved and ensure that each party honors its obligations. In the context of corporate borrowing, covenants are used to protect the lenders by assuring that the borrowers will adhere to specific rules or operating guidelines. These measures help to reduce the risk and reassure the lender that their money will be repaid in accordance with the terms agreed upon.Covenants play a crucial role in bonds and loans. For example, covenants in a bond issue might limit how much additional debt a company can undertake, ensuring that the company does not incur so much debt that it will be unable to repay its bondholders. In effect, covenants work to curb the borrowers’ conduct by imposing certain restrictions. Conversely, loan covenants can be used to secure credit by requiring the borrower to meet specific criteria or benchmarks, like maintaining a particular financial ratio, which again reassures the lenders of their repayment. Regardless of the type of covenant, its main objective is always to define the parameters of the agreement and maintain the financial stability of the parties involved.

Examples

1. Loan Agreement Covenant: For instance, a small business might take out a loan from a bank. The bank might include a financial covenant in the loan agreement that stipulates the business must maintain a certain debt-to-equity ratio. If the business does not adhere to this ratio (i.e., if it takes on too much debt compared to its equity), it could be considered in default of the loan.2. Bond Issuance Covenant: Similarly, when a corporation issues bonds to investors, it might include a covenant in the bond agreement preventing it from undertaking certain activities. For example, the covenant might require the company to keep its debt below a certain level or restrict it from selling off its assets. This type of covenant can provide a bondholder with a level of security about the issuer’s financial stability.3. Mergers and Acquisitions Covenants: In the context of a merger or acquisition of a company, the purchasing entity may establish covenants that require the seller to continue operating its business in a certain way until the transaction is complete. These covenants may include preserving a certain level of working capital, not entering into any unrelated business deals, and maintaining the same executive staff. These covenants help to ensure that the value proposition is preserved as transition happens.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is a covenant in financial terms?

A covenant in financial terms refers to a legal promise or agreement made in a company’s bond or debt contracts, specifying what actions the company promises to undertake or refrain from doing.

How many types of covenants are there in business financing?

Typically, there are two covenants in business finance: positive (affirmative) covenants where the company agrees to perform certain actions, and negative (restrictive) covenants where the company agrees not to perform specific actions.

Can you give me an example of a positive covenant?

A common example of a positive covenant is the requirement for the company to maintain certain financial ratios, such as working capital above a particular threshold.

Can you give me an example of a negative covenant?

An example of a negative covenant is a provision forbidding the company from selling any of its vital assets without due consent from its lenders.

What happens if a covenant is violated?

In case of a covenant violation, the lender usually has the right to call back the loan before the maturity date. This is known as acceleration. The lender might also renegotiate the terms or modify the covenant.

What is the purpose of a covenant?

A covenant’s purpose is to protect the lender by requiring the borrower to operate within specific guidelines that decrease the risk of default.

Do all loan agreements have covenants?

Not necessarily. While covenants are common in many loan agreements and bond indentures, not all such contracts have them. It might depend on the terms negotiated between the lender and the borrower.

Who enforces covenants?

The task of enforcing covenants ultimately falls to the lenders or bondholders. This can be either an institution or an individual.

Are covenants legally binding?

Yes, covenants are legally binding. If a borrower fails to comply with the covenants, it is considered a breach of contract, which could result in legal repercussions.

Related Finance Terms

Sources for More Information


About Our Editorial Process

At Due, we are dedicated to providing simple money and retirement advice that can make a big impact in your life. Our team closely follows market shifts and deeply understands how to build REAL wealth. All of our articles undergo thorough editing and review by financial experts, ensuring you get reliable and credible money advice.

We partner with leading publications, such as Nasdaq, The Globe and Mail, Entrepreneur, and more, to provide insights on retirement, current markets, and more.

We also host a financial glossary of over 7000 money/investing terms to help you learn more about how to take control of your finances.

View our editorial process

About Our Journalists

Our journalists are not just trusted, certified financial advisers. They are experienced and leading influencers in the financial realm, trusted by millions to provide advice about money. We handpick the best of the best, so you get advice from real experts. Our goal is to educate and inform, NOT to be a ‘stock-picker’ or ‘market-caller.’ 

Why listen to what we have to say?

While Due does not know how to predict the market in the short-term, our team of experts DOES know how you can make smart financial decisions to plan for retirement in the long-term.

View our expert review board

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More