Difference between Convertible and Non Convertible Debentures

Debentures are popular debt instruments that a company issues to raise capital from the public for conducting its business operations. There are different debentures and you can categorise them on the basis of redeem ability, transferability and convertibility. On basis of convertibility, they are two types i.e., convertible and non convertible debentures. In this article, we will discuss the difference between convertible vs non-convertible debenture.

Convertible vs Non Convertible Debentures

The following table shows the key differences between convertible vs non-convertible debenture.

Parameter	Convertible Debenture	Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD)
Definition	The company can convert them fully or partially into equity shares after a specific period	The company cannot convert them into equity shares of the company
Types of Debentures	Partially Convertible Debentures – only some portion of debentures are convertible into equity shares. Fully Convertible Debentures – they are fully convertible into equity shares on the maturity period.	Secured NCD – they are backed by the company assets. Also, If a company defaults on payment, investors can claim by liquidating its assets. Unsecured NCD – they are not backed by any collateral. Therefore, in case of default, investors have to wait till they receive payment.
Rate of Interest	They have a lower interest rate than NCD since they can be converted into equity shares	They have a higher interest rate than convertible debentures
Maturity Value	The maturity value of these debentures depends on the company’s stock price at that time. A high stock price will give higher returns, while a low stock price will give lower returns	The maturity value of these debentures remains the same where the investors will receive returns on maturity
Market Conditions	During bad market conditions, the debenture holders have an option to convert into equity shares	During bad market conditions, the debenture holders have no option to convert and also wait till the maturity for redemption
Status	The holders of convertible debentures enjoy the dual status of creditor and also shareholder (owner) of the company.	The holders of non-convertible debentures are only the creditors of the company
Risk	They are less risky since you can convert them into equity shares	They are riskier than convertible debentures as you have to hold until maturity to receive payments.

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