Question
Give the meaning of Debenture and state its characteristics.

Answer

  • Introduction :
  • In any business along with own capital. borrowed capital too is there.
  • Sometimes company needs long term capital.
  • It expects to repay the amount after stipulated period. Company attempts to collect money through issuing debenture.
  • Today debenture has gained popularity as a means to collect money.
  • Investors purchase debenture to earn fixed, regular income.
  • Meaning of Debenture :
  • Debenture is the borrowed capital obtained by the company. it is debt of the company.
  • It can be known as loan also. Like share capital borrowed capital is distributed in certain equal parts. Each part is known as 'debenture'.
  • Debenture holders are the creditors of the company.
  • Company gives debt certificate to all its debenture holders. It includes the amount, rate of interest, date of repayment of debenture and other conditions.
  • Debenture is used as a sources of long term and medium term finance.
  • Characteristic of Debenture : They are as under :
  • Creditors of the Company :
  • Like other creditors debenture holders providing finance to the company are its creditors. Each debenture holder is a creditor of the company.
  • Charge on Assets :
  • Company issues debentures and collects finance and for the safety of investment it gives them right over its assets means create liability on assets.
  • Fixed rate of Interest :
  • Each debenture holder is paid interest. The rate of interest is mentioned on the certificate issued by the company.
  • Repayment of Capital on fixed time :
  • Debenture holder is repaid the money after a certain fixed period.
  • Repayment of Money by Installment :
  • As per the terms and conditions laid down by the company, it gives refund of the capital to the debenture holder by installment. e.g.
  • Debentures are issued for $10$ years and company refund the amount in the last four year in equal installment.
  • Various types of Debenture :
  • There are various types of debentures such as debentures with or without security, convertible and non-convertible debenture.
  • Listing in Stock Market :
  • If the debenture is listed in stock market then its purchase and sale is carried out in the market.
  • Time Period :
  • Normally finance is obtained through long term or medium term debenture.
  • First preference for payment at the time of dissolution :
  • When the company is dissolved. capital is refunded to the debenture holders, first before the share capital is refunded.
  • Conclusion:
  • In the present days many prestigious and well-established companies issue debentures to meet their financial needs for some period.

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