Difference between Shares and Debentures can be explained on the basis of the following points:
1. Ownership
A shareholder is an owner of the company. Debenture holder is only a creditor. A share is a part of the owned capital. A debenture is a part of borrowed capital.
2. Return
The return on shares is known as dividend while the return on debentures is called interest. The rate of return on shares may vary from year to year depending upon the profits of the company but the rate of interest on debentures is pre-fixed. The payment of dividend is an appropriation out profits, whereas the payment of interest is a charge on profits and is to be paid even if there is no profit.
3. Repayment
Normally, the amount of shares is not returned during the life of the company, while the debentures are issued for a specified period and the amount of debentures is returned after that period. However, an amendment in 1998 to The Companies Act, 1956 has permitted the companies to buy back its own shares from the market, particularly, when the price of its share in the market is lower than the book value.
4. Voting Rights
Shareholders enjoy voting rights whereas debenture holders do not normally enjoy any voting right.
5. Issue on Discount
Both shares and debentures can be issued at a discount. However, shares can be issued at discount in accordance with the provisions of Section 79 of The Companies Act, 1956 which stipulates that the rate of discount must not exceed 10% of the face value.
6. Security
Shares are not secured by any charge whereas the debentures are generally secured and carry a fixed or floating charge over the assets of the company.
7. Convertibility
Shares cannot be converted into debentures whereas debentures can be converted into shares if the terms of issue so provide, and in that case these are known as convertible debentures.