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Differences Between Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures

By Adnan Ali

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Updated on: Jun 18th, 2024

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2 min read

Borrowing and lending are two standard terms frequently occurring in the financial world. With the daily exchange of money, it becomes essential for money lenders and receivers to keep fixed-income securities.

Bonds and non-convertible debentures are the most common fixed-income securities in the financial world. However, many people need clarification on bonds with non-convertible debentures, even though they are incredibly different options. Let us dive deep into the core difference between bonds and non-convertible debentures.

What are Bonds?

A bond is a fixed-income security used to lend money to the government or a company. Usually, the money is lent at a specific interest rate, which the borrower has to pay along with the actual face value of the bond.

Governments, companies, and states generally use bonds to finance various projects and raise funds for a particular task. The creditor owns the bond along with the end date when the principal amount is due and the interest. 

A bond is an agreement between a creditor and a borrower.  Bonds act as a significant asset for investors. It contains all the principal amount, maturity date, and interest rate information. In a bond, the interest rate is often called the coupon rate.

What are Non-Convertible Debentures?

Non-convertible debentures, or NCDs, are often issued by renowned companies in the form of a public issue to attain long-term capital. These are fixed-income instruments offered at a relatively high interest rate compared to convertible debentures.

They are non-convertible debentures since they cannot be converted into equity or stocks. Non-convertible debentures also have a specific maturity date at which the principal amount, along with the interest, is to be paid by the money receiver. 

There are no collaterals offered in non-convertible debentures. NCDs are given on the creditworthiness of the issuer. There are also cumulative payout options in NCDs, and the interest amount can be paid monthly, quarterly, or yearly. 

Differences Between Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures

Bonds are often confused with non-convertible debentures. However, there are significant differences between the two. In detail, Let us know the critical differences between bonds and non-convertible debentures. 

Bonds

Non Convertible Debentures

Bonds can either be convertible or non-convertible. If convertible, they can be easily converted into company shares or equities.Non-convertible debentures cannot be converted into equities and company shares.
Bonds may or may not be securedThe assets of a company always secure NCDs.
They are issued to raise capital for various purposes, including infrastructure construction, projects, operations, etc.They are issued to gain long-term capital investment. 
Investors often prefer lending bonds based on their features even though they are more riskier.NCDs are generally safer, and investors seek to earn stable investment returns.
Interest rates may vary from bond to bondThey are generally issued at high interest rates. 

Conclusion

To sum up, bonds and non-convertible debentures are valuable assets for investors. While non-convertible debentures cannot be converted into company shares, bonds can be converted.

With their pros and cons, investors should consider both investment options before choosing one. However, this fact cannot be denied that bonds and non-convertible debentures are great investment options for great returns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between non-convertible debentures and bonds?

A significant difference between bonds and non-convertible debentures is that bonds can be converted into equity or shares, whereas NCDs cannot be converted into equity or shares. Bonds are a slightly riskier asset from an investor’s perspective, whereas, in NCDs, investors might enjoy a stable return with low risks.

Why are debentures better than bonds?

Debentures are better than bonds due to various reasons. A prime reason is that debentures are less risky and yield high returns. Offred on a high-interest rate compared to bonds, investors prefer debentures over bonds, a more crucial asset to own.

Are debentures riskier than bonds?

Debentures are generally less riskier than bonds. This is because, at a high interest rate, investors can enjoy stable returns compared to bonds.

Which is better, FD or debentures?

While both have pros and cons, FDs can prove to be more stable and safe than debentures. However, FDs might offer a low-interest rate, whereas debentures yield high interest with little risk. Thus, it can be the personal opinion of every individual to choose FD or debentures as a better option.

What are non-convertible debentures?

Non-convertible debentures or NCDs are fixed-income securities that are offered by high-rated companies at a high interest rate to gain long-term capital investment. NCDs are generally safer assets than bonds; however, they cannot be converted into equity or company shares.

About the Author

I am a curious person, and Finance is at the top of my list of interests. With more than 5 years of experience in fintech, I am an expert in lending, investment and personal finance. I believe the Devil lies in details, so I dig a lot before writing anything and armed my writing pieces with figures and facts. Read more

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