Types of Debentures

Derived from the Latin word “debere,” which means “to borrow,” the term “debenture” refers to a written tool or long-term security that yields a fixed interest rate. It is issued by finance companies and secured against assets.

The debt instruments are referred to as bonds which act as an IOU between the lender and borrower. Debentures are availed by companies when they require funds at a fixed interest rate for expanding their business.

Debentures comprise a prefixed agreement for repayment of the principal amount after the arrival of a particular date or at intervals. Other repayment options may be based on terms decided by the lending firm. When it comes to the payment of the interest at a fixed rate, it is usually done either annually or semi-annually.

As per section 2(30) of The Companies Act of 2013, debentures comprise debenture inventory, bonds, and numerous other securities of a particular enterprise.

Different debentures are distinguished from each other based on their redemption date, tenure, security, redemption method, convertibility, rate of interest, coupon rate, etc.

Classification of Debentures

Debentures are classified into different categories, depending on numerous factors such as redemption period, interest rate, coupon rate, etc. Here are some of the most popular variants of debentures:

1. Registered Debentures

In registered debentures, all details regarding addresses, names, and the particulars of holding of the respective debenture holders are filed and stored in an official book or register kept and managed by the enterprise.

Registered debentures can only be moved or transferred by performing a generic transfer deed. Moreover, only the holders have the authority to redeem registered debentures. Hence, such debentures are easily transferrable. However, registered debentures can only be transferred if provisions stated under the Companies Act, 2013, are fulfilled.

2. Bearer Debentures

Bearer debentures are a variety of debentures that can be transferred from one entity to another by the method of delivery. Moreover, the company does not store official records of the holders.

The interest charged on the debenture is paid to the individual who produces the interest coupon attached to such debentures.

3. Secured Debentures

Secured debentures are types of debentures secured by a specific charge on a company’s assets. Also referred to as mortgage debentures, the holders of secured debentures hold the power to recover the principal amount and a higher amount of interest out of the assets mortgaged by the company.

In the case of secured debentures, the company makes a default in payment. Moreover, the debenture holders hold the right to recover uncleared dues from the property they have mortgaged or pledged as collateral.

4. Unsecured Debentures

An unsecured debenture refers to a type of debenture where agreements regarding the debenture’s terms and conditions are outlined. Moreover, customers are not required to pledge any asset as collateral to acquire the loan.

Since no asset is required to be used as security, unsecured debentures often feature a high rate of interest.

With unsecured borrowing, lenders face significant risk. However, to mitigate it, they often ask for a personal guarantee before issuing the loan capital.

5. Redeemable Debentures

A redeemable debenture refers to a written agreement regarding a loan that the lender must repay by a set period of time. Most redeemable debentures feature lower interest rates and more extended time frames for repayment of the borrowed amount.

Redeemable debenture agreements cover the precise time and method of repayment that debenture holders are bound to follow.

6. Non-redeemable Debentures

Irredeemable debentures also referred to as non-redeemable debentures, are debentures that cannot be redeemed during the issuing company’s lifetime. In simpler words, non-redeemable debentures can only be redeemed when the issuing company gets dissolved.

Another instance when irredeemable debentures can be redeemed is when they reach their expiry date or if the issuing firm is ready and willing to return the borrowed loan capital.

Irredeemable debentures do not feature a specific maturity period or date. However, issuers hold power to callback callable debentures. Non-redeemable debenture holders are entitled to receive interest on such debentures.

7. Convertible Debentures

Convertible debentures are long-term debts issued by financial institutions. They can be converted into equity shares after a certain period. Partly convertible debentures are also a variant of convertible debentures.

Fully convertible debentures do not involve any underlying collateral backing up the borrowed loan capital. Since convertible debentures are long-term debts, they pay significant interest to debenture holders.

Convertible debentures can also be exchanged for acquiring stocks at specified dates or periods. This feature of convertible debentures provides debenture holders with some much-needed security since investing in non-secured debentures often comprises many risks.

8. Non-convertible Debentures

As the name suggests, non-convertible debentures are debentures that cannot be converted into shares or equities. This type of debenture is used as a tool to raise long-term funds by firms and organizations through a public issue.

The interest of a non convertible debenture is generally paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Moreover, such debentures also feature a fixed maturity period.

Non-convertible debentures offer debenture holders top-notch returns, involve low risks, and have higher interest rates as compared to convertible debentures.

9. First Debentures

First debentures refer to a type of debenture which is repaid to the issuer before other varieties of debentures.

10. Second Debentures

A second debenture refers to the variant of a debt instrument paid back after the first debenture is cleared by the debenture holder.