negative covenant
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Related to negative covenant: Negative pledge, Affirmative Covenants
Negative covenant
A bond covenant that limits or prohibits certain actions unless the bondholders agree.
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Restrictive Covenant
A bond covenant that forbids the issuer from taking certain actions. For example, a restrictive covenant may prevent an issuer from issuing more debt until the bond matures. More commonly, a restrictive covenant limits the dividends an issuer may pay to shareholders so as to reduce the risk to the bond. It contrasts with a positive covenant, which requires the issuer to take certain enumerated actions. It is also called a negative covenant.
Farlex Financial Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All Rights Reserved
negative covenant
A clause in a loan agreement that prohibits the borrower from an activity. For example, a negative covenant may restrict the payment of dividends or the issuance of new debt. Compare positive covenant.
Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms for Today's Investor by David L. Scott. Copyright © 2003 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.