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Coupon meaning

What does Coupon mean?
The coupon is the periodic interest paid to a bondholder, usually calculated on the principal amount and expressed as a percentage (the coupon rate). In practice, the term is used both for the rate and for each interest payment scheduled in the bond’s terms and conditions. It is a market and contractual expression rather than a concept defined by legislation or case law, and usage is broadly consistent across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Key features typically addressed in bond documentation include: whether the coupon is fixed or floating (for example, SONIA or €STR plus a margin), any step‑up/step‑down, payment frequency (commonly semi‑annual or annual), day‑count convention, interest commencement date, and interest payment dates. Variants include zero‑coupon bonds (no periodic interest; issued at a discount) and payment‑in‑kind (PIK) coupons (interest satisfied by issuing further securities or capitalising amounts). Practical points: accrued interest is usually paid by a buyer to a seller on transfer; bonds may trade ex‑coupon for a short period before a payment date; and documentation may include withholding tax and gross‑up provisions.
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PRACTICE NOTES
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PRACTICE NOTES
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PRACTICE NOTES
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