Which is not one of the core factors looked at in bond underwriting?

• A. Contingency
• B. Collateral/Capital
• C. Capability
• D. Character

Answer: (A)

Bond underwriting centers on four key criteria—Character, Capacity, Capital, and Collateral. Character looks at the issuer’s management reliability and governance; Capacity gauges the ability to generate enough cash flow to meet debt service; Capital reflects the strength of the issuer’s balance sheet; Collateral concerns the assets pledged to secure the debt, if any. Contingency isn’t one of these core factors; it relates to potential future events or risks rather than the issuer’s creditworthiness as measured by the four Cs. That’s why it isn’t considered a core underwriting factor. The other options align with the four Cs—Capability corresponds to Capacity, and Character is exactly one of the factors, while Collateral/Capital references two of the core areas.