Debentures:
A debenture is a document issued by a company under its seal to acknowledge its debt. Debenture holders are, therefore, termed as creditors of the company. Debenture holders are paid a fixed rate of interest.
Types of Debentures:
a. Secured and Unsecured Debentures:
Secured (Mortgaged) debentures are debentures which are secured by a charge on the assets of the company. Unsecured (Simple or naked) debentures do not carry any charge or security on the assets of the company.
b. Registered and Bearer Debentures:
In the case registered debentures, the name, address and other details of the debenture holders are entitled in the books of the company. The debentures which are transferable by mere delivery are called bearer (Unsecured) debentures.
c. Convertible and Non-convertible Debentures:
Convertible debentures are those debentures that can be converted into equity shares after the expiry of a specified period. On the other hand, non-convertible debentures are those which cannot be converted into equity shares.
d. First and Second:
Debentures that are repaid before other debentures are repaid are known as first debentures. The second debentures are those which are paid after the first debentures have been paid back.
Merits:
1. It. is preferred by investors who want fixed income at lesser risk
2. Debenture holder do not have voting right
3. Interest on Debentures is a tax deductible expense
4. It does not dilute control of equity shareholders on management
5. Debentures are less costly as compared to cost of preference shares
6. They guarantee a fixed rate of interest
7. It enables the company to take the advantage of trading on equity.
8. The issue of debentures is suitable when the sales and earnings are relatively stable.
Limitations:
1. It is not suitable for companies with unstable future earnings.
2. The company has to mortgage its assets to issue debentures.
3. Debenture holders do not enjoy any voting rights.
4. In case of redeemable debentures, the company has to make provisions for repayment on the specified date, even during periods of financial difficulty.
5. With the new issue of debentures, the company’s capability to further borrow funds reduces.
