Newsletter Subscribe
Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter
| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
An obligation bond is a type of debt security backed by the full faith, credit, and taxing power of a government entity. It represents a legally enforceable promise by the issuer to repay the borrowed amount with interest, making it one of the most secure forms of public borrowing.
What is Obligation Bond?
An obligation bond is a government-issued bond secured by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes or use general revenues to meet repayment obligations. These bonds are commonly issued by states, municipalities, and other public authorities to finance infrastructure projects, schools, utilities, and public services.
Definition
An obligation bond is a debt instrument guaranteed by a government’s general taxing authority or overall revenue base, ensuring repayment of principal and interest to investors.
Key Takeaways
- Obligation bonds are considered low-risk because they are backed by government taxing power or general revenues.
- They are widely used in public finance to support long-term infrastructure and development projects.
- They generally offer lower yields compared to higher-risk municipal or corporate bonds.
Understanding Obligation Bonds
Obligation bonds are central to how governments finance large‑scale capital projects without immediately raising taxes or fees. When a government issues an obligation bond, it pledges its general revenues or taxing authority as security. This pledge significantly reduces default risk, making these bonds attractive to conservative investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, and individuals seeking stable returns.
There are two well‑known structures within this category: general obligation bonds (GOs) and limited obligation bonds. General obligation bonds are often voter‑approved and backed by full taxing power. Limited obligation bonds may rely on specific revenue sources but still represent a broad financial commitment by the issuer.
In financial markets, obligation bonds typically carry high credit ratings because of the strong backing from the issuing government. As a result, they play a stabilizing role in investor portfolios and public budgets.
Real‑World Example
A city issues a general obligation bond to build new schools and upgrade public roads. The bond is backed by the city’s authority to levy property taxes. Investors purchase the bond knowing that repayment is legally secured by the city’s full revenue base.
Importance in Business or Economics
Obligation bonds matter because they:
- Fund essential infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals, public utilities).
- Provide governments with a stable, long-term financing mechanism.
- Offer investors predictable, lower‑risk returns.
- Support economic development by enabling capital investment without immediate tax increases.
Types or Variations
General Obligation Bond (GO): Backed by full taxing power of the government.
Limited Obligation Bond: Secured by specific revenue sources but still supported by governmental rights or guarantees.
Double‑Barreled Bond: Backed by both general revenues and specified revenue streams.
Related Terms
- General Obligation Bond (GO)
- Revenue Bond
- Municipal Bond
- Debt Financing
- Public Finance
- Government Securities
Sources and Further Reading
- Investopedia – General Obligation Bond: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/generalobligationbond.asp
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Municipal Bonds: https://www.sec.gov/muniedu/municipal-bonds
- Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB): https://www.msrb.org
- Corporate Finance Institute – Bonds: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/capital-markets/bonds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are obligation bonds safe investments?
Yes. They are backed by the government’s authority to raise taxes or allocate general revenues, making them one of the safest fixed‑income investments.
How do obligation bonds differ from revenue bonds?
Obligation bonds are backed by general taxes or revenues, while revenue bonds rely solely on income from a specific project (e.g., toll roads or utilities).
Do obligation bonds require voter approval?
In some jurisdictions, general obligation bonds must be approved by voters before issuance, especially when tax increases are involved.
