Debentures are long-term financial instruments issued by corporations. Debts may or may not be converted into cash. Let us quickly clarify different between convertible and non-convertible debentures, meaning, types, risk as well as their features.
Debentures are long-term debt products sold to investors by corporations. They have a fixed rate of interest. You can also refer to different types of corporate bonds for more knowledge. Debentures can be issued by a company in both changeable and non-changeable forms. Convertible debentures can be exchanged for equity. You can choose the payback date for non-convertible debentures.
What are Non Convertible Debentures Meaning?
Non-convertible debentures cannot be convert to stock or equity by the issuer. Companies typically use them to raise capital without converting it into equity. Uncollateralize NCDs are common. Investors rely only on the creditworthiness of the issuer and credit agency ratings. These ratings assist investors in determining an issuer’s creditworthiness and future prospects.
NCDs have predetermined rates. Depending on the loan’s terms, interest is paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. At the end of the term, the investor will get both the principal and the interest. In terms of liquidity, risk, and tax benefits, NCD investments surpass convertible debentures.
Types of Non Convertible Debentures
There are two types of non convertible debentures (NCD) are as follows:
Secured Non Convertible Debentures
Because they are back by company assets, secure NCDs are the most secure alternative. If the firm fails to pay on time, investors may be force to liquidate its assets in order to regain their losses. However, the rates of return on these NCDs are low.
Unsecured Non Convertible Debentures
The investors must wait if the corporation does not pay them. The company has no assets with which to repay its debts. In other words, they are paid after holders of secured NCDs. In addition, these NCDs have a higher interest rate than Secured NCDs.
Difference Between Convertible and Non-Convertible Debentures
Investors profit from both convertible and non-convertible debentures. We’ll go over a couple of them in more detail below.
Maturity
The stock price determines the maturity value of convertible debentures. Investing in expensive stocks pays off. Non-convertible bonds, on the other hand, have a fixed maturity value and yield.
Interest Percentage
Because they can be change into equity shares, convertible debentures pay less interest. Non-convertible debentures pay higher interest rates and are a popular investment vehicle.
Conversion
Convertible debentures can be convert into equity shares by the issuer. Non-convertible bonds are not convertible into equity.
Status
Holders of convertible debentures are both debtors and shareholders because they can be convert to equity shares. Holders of non-convertible debentures may be the company’s creditors.
Market Conditions
Convertible debentures may become equity shares in a volatile market. Debentures that are not convertible into equity shares must be redeem at maturity. Convertible debentures can be convert to stock options.
Features of Non Convertible Debentures
Let us understand the features of non convertible debenture further in this topic.
Subscription
When NCDs are publicly tradable, investors can purchase them. Investors can purchase them using stock exchange brokers.
Liquidity
Because NCDs must be listed, they are easier to sell. NCDs can be tradable at any time on the secondary market. This is an important feature because it allows you to obtain cash quickly.
Interest Percentage
An NCD typically pays more than a fixed deposit. Non-repayable debentures have higher interest rates as well. They have the option of paying the interest monthly, quarterly, biannually, or annually. They also permit delayed payments.
Tenure
NCDs can last from 90 days to ten years, providing them a lot of leeway. Whether to invest in short-term or long-term NCDs is determine by the investor’s objectives.
Taxation
NCDs are tax in the same way that debt is. The tax rate on STCG is determine by the investor’s tax bracket if they sell NCD within three years. If the investor sells the NCD after three years, the LTCG with indexation is 20%.
Credit Rating
Credit rating organisations such as CRISIL, CARE, and ICRA must rate NCDs. It is critical in assessing a company’s creditworthiness and ability to pay creditors. A company with a solid credit rating is more likely to pay its bills on schedule. If the bond issuer fails to make timely payments, the rating agency will lower the bond.
Considerations for Purchasing a NCD
The following factors should be consider for purchasing a NCD are as follows.
NPA Provisions
The corporation should continue to invest in non-profitable assets. So, this protects the company’s ability to pay its bills and lowers investment risk.
Debt Ratio
Before investing, investigate a company’s finances. The debt-to-equity ratio and other financial metrics will be easier to understand. Furthermore, the organization’s funding should not be based on loans.
Credit Rating
The credit rating is critical while purchasing NCDs. You must select a company with AA or better credit. The credit rating of the organisation reflects its financial health and reputation. As a company’s credit rating increases, investing becomes safer.
Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)
This figure shows the company’s ability to bear future losses. Before investing in an NCD, consider the company’s past performance.
The Goal of NCD
You can purchase an NCD that corresponds to your financial objectives and investment time range. NCDs are issue by businesses to raise capital for specific objectives. This aim should be clear so that the organization can use investor cash to expand. As a result, this should be state in the offer agreement.
Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR)
This is the number of times a company’s cash flow covers its debt. Simply enough, it illustrates the company’s ability to manage debt. The interest coverage ratio of a corporation is high.
Conclusion
Firms with high credit ratings sell non-convertible debentures to the general public in order to generate long-term capital gains. They typically pay a higher interest rate than convertible debentures. Hope now you understand what are Non-Convertible Debentures, What are the difference between Convertible Debentures and Non Convertible Debentures, its types, features, risk and many more. To gain insights on bearer debentures, read this article.
