Shares and Debentures

Shares and Debentures can be distinguished on these bases:

Basis SharesDebentures
1. StatusShareholders are the real owners of the company. They provide ownership capital which is not refundable during the lifetime of the company.Debenture holders are the creditors of the company. They provide loans generally for a fixed period, which the company has to paid back.
2. Nature of

return on

investment

Shareholders get dividend that depend on the profit of the company.Interest is paid on debentures at a fixed rate. Interest is payable even if the company is running at a loss.
3. RightsThey have the right to vote and determine the policies of the company.Debenture holders do not have the right to attend meetings of the company. So they have no say in the management of the company.
4. SecurityNo security is required to issue shares.Generally debentures are secured. So, sufficient fixed assets are required when debentures are to be issued.
5. Order of

repayment

Share capital is paid back only after paying the debenture holders and creditors.Debenture holders have the priority of repayment over shareholders.
6. RiskRisk is high due to uncertainty of returns.There is little risk due to certainty of return.

 

Debentures Issued as Collateral Security

Debentures and Types of Debentures