A Study on Debentures and its Features

Debenture in Accounting

Meaning of Debentures-

A debenture is a type of debt that a lender, such as a bank uses to provide capital to businesses and individuals. It allows the lender to secure loan repayments against the borrower’s assets – even if the borrower defaults. A fixed or floating charge can be granted through a debenture.

A fixed charge is typically placed on a tangible asset like real estate. In the event of a payment default, it empowers the lender to seize and sell the borrower’s assets. The borrower would be unable to sell the asset without the lender’s permission if the fee was fixed.

How Does Debenture Work?

A debenture is issued by the borrower through an agreement known as an indenture. This agreement specifies specifics such as the loan amount, convertibility, interest rate, and maturity date, according to the country of issue. The investor then lends the money to the borrower with the expectation of return at the agreed-upon interest rate.

Features of Debentures-

The following are the most important characteristics of Debentures: 

• A debenture is a legal document that acknowledges a debt. It comes in the form of a certificate stamped with the company’s seal (called a Debenture Deed).
• It normally displays the loan amount as well as the due date. It has an interest rate and an interest payment due date. Debentures can be secured or unsecured, 
• depending on the company’s assets. Debentures are normally transferable by the holder of the debenture. 
• Debenture holders do not have voting rights at the company’s general meetings of shareholders, but they may convene separate meetings or votes, such as on amendments to the debentures’ rights. In the company’s financial statements, the interest paid to them is a charge against profit.

Types of debentures-

Different forms of debentures can be issued by a corporation. However, it depends on their objectives and requirements. A debenture’s classification is determined by factors such as security, duration, coupon rate, redemption manner, convertibility, and security.

Convertible Debentures and Non-Convertible Debentures are the two forms of debentures issued by companies. A partially convertible debenture is another sort of debenture that is less well-known.

The company that issues partially convertible debentures determines the fixed percentage of debentures that may or may not be converted into company stock in such instances.

Convertible Debentures – Convertible debentures are debt which can be converted into cash. Investors in certain types of debentures have the option to convert their whole debenture holdings into equity shares in the company. On a regular note, the rights of debenture holders, the conversion trigger date, and the conversion date are all stated at the time of issuance.

Non-convertible debenture – Companies that do not offer the opportunity to convert debentures into equity shares issue non-convertible debentures.

Registered debenture – In the case of a registered debenture, the company that issues the debentures records all of the holder’s information, including the name and address of the investors, as well as the number of debentures provided by the firm to the debenture holder, in the debenture register.

Unregistered debentures – Also known as bearer debentures, are issued by a firm and allow their holders to keep no records. Regardless of the name mentioned on the debenture, the corporation pays the principal amount along with the holder. This sort of debenture also has the advantage of being easily transferable in the market.

Redeemable Debentures –  These debentures are redeemable if the redemption date is explicitly stated on the debenture certificate of the corporation. The corporation is obligated to return the main amount to the debenture holder once the redemption date arrives.

Irredeemable debenture – These debentures are the polar opposite of irredeemable debentures, as opposed to irredeemable debentures, which have a predetermined deadline for payment to the debenture holder. It can be redeemed only when a company goes into the process of liquidation.

Importance of Debentures-

• Debentures can assist you in getting the most money per share. Due to the advantages of financial leverage, earnings per share can be enhanced.
• It aids in the mobilisation of public savings and cash for investment purposes. Debentures are a good source of capital for a firm in a down market and are favourable to investors.
• Debenture financing is a less expensive option for the company. Debentures have a lower cost of capital than equity. Because interest is levied against the profit and loss account, debentures help to decrease income tax.
• A debenture is an excellent long-term funding option. It offers companies quick and inexpensive long-term financing.
•  Debentures enable companies to use leverage in their financial structure.
• Debenture aids in the mobilisation of public savings, particularly from risk-averse investors.
• Because the interest paid on the debt is subtracted from the company’s profits, the debenture serves to reduce the company’s tax burden.

Conclusion

Debentures are particularly significant to debentures because they provide investors with a regular interest rate or coupon rate back. Convertible debentures are more appealing to investors because they can be converted to equity shares after a set length of time.