Final answer:
When a bond is issued at a discount, it means that the market interest rate is higher than the contractual interest rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a bond is issued at a discount, it means that the market interest rate is higher than the contractual interest rate. This is because when the market interest rate is higher, the bond becomes less attractive to investors and the issuer needs to lower its price to make it more appealing. In the case of Karson Inc., if their 10-year bonds are issued at a discount, it indicates that the market interest rate exceeds the contractual interest rate.