Monday, October 29, 2018

Difference Between Share And Debenture

Difference Between Share And Debenture
The main dissimilarities or difference between shares and debentures can be pointed out as follows:
1. Meaning
Share: It represents owned capital of the business
Debenture: It represents borrowed capital of the business

2. Financing Period

Share: It is long term financing option
Debenture: It is medium term financing option

3. Ownership

Share: It provides ownership
Debenture: It is a form of debt. So, it does not provide ownership.

4. Return Received

Share: In the form of dividend
Debenture: In the form of interest

5. Certainty

Share: No certainty of dividend. Dividend is paid in case of profit only.
Debenture: Interest is certain and should be paid fixed rate of interest in case of loss also.

6. Security

Share: Not secure form of investment. It is riskier than debenture.
Debenture: It is secure than shares.

7. Voting And Management Participation

Share: Shareholders can cast their vote and have the right to participate in management.
Debenture: Debenture holders have no right of voting and management participation

8. Identity Of Holders

Share: Shareholders or owners
Debenture: Debenture-holders or creditors

9. Repayment Priority

Share: After debenture-holders and other liabilities.
Debenture: Before shareholders

10. Convertibility

Share: No
Debenture: Yes

11. Redemption

Share: Cannot be redeemed
Debenture: Can be redeemed after maturity

12. Maturity Period

Share: No maturity period
Debenture: Yes

 
Also Read: 

13. Tax Deduction

Share: Dividend is not deducted from taxable income
Debenture: Interest is deducted from taxable income

14. Popularity

Share: Widely used and  popular form of investment
Debenture: Less popular than share

15. Nature Of Investors

Share: Risk Takers
Debenture: Risk Averters

Share Vs Debenture (Comparison Chart)

Basis For Difference

Share
Debenture
Introduction

Owned Capital
Borrowed Capital
Period

Long-term
Medium-term
Provides Ownership ?

Yes
No
Return

Dividend
Interest
Certainty Of Return

No
Yes
Secure

No
More secure
Management Participation
Yes
No
Holders' Identity

Owners
Creditors
Repayment

After debenture
Before share
Convertibility

No
Yes
Can Be Redeemed ?

No
Yes
Fixed Maturity Period

No
Yes
Tax Deduction

No
Yes
Popularity

More
Less

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between share and debenture and to make comparison between them.