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Simple English definitions for legal terms
asset-coverage test
Read a random definition: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
A quick definition of asset-coverage test:
Asset-Coverage Test: A rule that says a company can only borrow more money if they have enough assets (like buildings or equipment) to cover their debts. The test sets a minimum ratio of assets to debt that the company must maintain in order to borrow more money.
A more thorough explanation:
An asset-coverage test is a restriction in a bond-indenture that allows a company to borrow more money only if the ratio of its assets to debt does not fall below a certain minimum. This test is used to ensure that a company has enough assets to cover its debts and can continue to pay its creditors.
Let's say a company has $10 million in assets and $5 million in long-term debt. The asset-coverage ratio would be 2:1 ($10 million divided by $5 million). If the bond-indenture requires a minimum asset-coverage ratio of 1.5:1, the company would be allowed to borrow more money as long as its assets remain above $7.5 million (1.5 times its long-term debt).
Another example would be a company that has $20 million in assets and $10 million in long-term debt. The asset-coverage ratio would be 2:1 ($20 million divided by $10 million). If the bond-indenture requires a minimum asset-coverage ratio of 2:1, the company would not be allowed to borrow more money until it increases its assets or reduces its debt.
These examples illustrate how the asset-coverage test works. It ensures that a company has enough assets to cover its debts and can continue to pay its creditors. If a company's asset-coverage ratio falls below the minimum required by the bond-indenture, it may be a sign that the company is in financial trouble and may not be able to meet its obligations.