# Understanding Equity-Linked Notes: Definition, Features, and Benefits

![Equity-Linked Note (ELN): An investment product that combines a fixed-income investment with additional potential returns that are tied to the performance of equities.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/Mtl9Vy7wOeFLck2WczXsf67FhxA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Equity-linkednote_final-62240f7201424a3aba5354e1702e9c40.png)

*— Investopedia / Michela Buttignol*

## What Is an Equity-Linked Note (ELN)?

Equity-Linked Notes (ELNs) blend fixed-income investments with equity performance potential. These financial instruments can offer capital protection and investment growth together, appealing especially to those who are risk-averse yet optimistic about market prospects.

### Key Takeaways

*   An Equity-Linked Note (ELN) combines a fixed-income investment with potential returns linked to the performance of equities.
*   ELNs can offer full principal protection, making them attractive to risk-averse investors with a positive market outlook.  
    
*   The note's returns are generally based on a participation rate, which determines the investor's gain from the equity's appreciation.
*   ELNs are structured in various ways, sometimes using dynamic hedging or leverage to enhance potential returns.
*   Investment in ELNs carries opportunity costs since the principal and returns are typically paid only upon maturity.

## Benefits and Drawbacks of Equity-Linked Notes

Equity-linked notes provide a way for investors to protect their capital while also getting the potential for an above-average return compared to regular bonds. In theory, returns on an equity-linked note can be unlimited, while downside risk is limited. Even in the worst-case scenario, most equity-linked notes offer full principal protection. That is what makes this type of a structured product appealing to [risk-averse](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/riskaverse.asp) investors who nevertheless have a bullish outlook on the market. That said, equity-linked notes only pay on maturity, so there is an [opportunity cost](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/opportunitycost.asp) for locking in that money if only the principal is returned in the end.

## Mechanism of Equity-Linked Notes

A simple $1,000 5-year equity-linked note might use $800 to buy a strip bond with a 4.5% yield, and invest $200 in call options for the S&P 500 over five years. There is a chance that the options will expire worthless, in which case the investor gets back the $1,000 initially put in. If the options rise in value with the S&P 500, those gains are added to the $1,000 returned to the investor.

## Key Features: Caps, Participation Rates, and Leverage in Equity-Linked

An equity-linked note has a [participation rate](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/participationrate.asp), showing the percentage of stock gains the investor receives. If the participation rate is 100%, then a 5% increase in the underlying is a 5% increase for the eventual payout on the note. However, the cost of structuring the ELN and managing it can lower the participation rate. In the case of a 75% participation rate, for example, a 5% appreciation in the underlying is only worth 3.75% to the investor. 

Equity-linked notes may have diverse structures and features. Some notes may smooth returns with an averaging formula or limit gains with a periodic cap. There are also types of equity-linked notes that use dynamic hedging instead of options, deploying leverage to increase returns from the underlying equity. Overall, equity-linked notes can be a powerful tool for investors who want to protect their principal while still having the potential upside of an equity investment.

## The Bottom Line

Equity-linked notes (ELNs) offer investors a notable advantage by merging the potential for higher returns tied to the performance of equities with the stability of a fixed-income investment. While ELNs promise full principal protection and the potential for unlimited upside, they also carry opportunity costs due to the commitment of funds until maturity. With variations in participation rates, caps, and leverage, investors can tailor their ELN investment to match their risk appetite and market outlook. Ultimately, ELNs serve as a strategic option for risk-averse investors who wish to capitalize on market movements without risking their initial investment.  

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. "[Structured Notes With Principal Protection: Note the Terms of Your Investment](https://www.finra.org/investors/alerts/structured-notes-principal-protection-note-terms-your-investment)."