Bastard Bonds Guide !free! Jun 2026
Some bonds aren’t born of love or law — but of need, circumstance, or shared sin.
Institutional funds like pension plans are legally prohibited from holding these securities (their charters require “investment grade” or even just “performing” assets). Consequently, when a bond becomes a bastard, institutions dump them at pennies on the dollar, creating a liquidity vacuum. bastard bonds guide
This is not a recommendation to go out and buy the first orphan CUSIP you see. It is a warning and an invitation. Do the homework. Read the dockets. Calculate the legal waterfall. And if you find a bond trading at $0.04 with a clear lien on a $2 billion lawsuit, do not hesitate. Some bonds aren’t born of love or law
A drilling company in Texas had $200 million in cash and $150 million in bonds. They filed a late 10-K. The bonds dropped to $0.50 overnight. The company wasn't bankrupt; they were just incompetent. Two months later, they filed the form, and the bonds went back to par (100 cents). That is a 100% return in 60 days. This is not a recommendation to go out
High Strength + Vitality. Go melee, grab a heavy weapon, and let allies handle support.