debenture etymology

Etymology

The term "debenture" originates from the Latin word "debentur," meaning "they owe."

Meaning and Origin

A debenture is a type of debt instrument that represents a loan made by an investor to a company. It is backed by the company's assets and usually carries a fixed interest rate.

Debentures emerged in the late 16th century in England when merchants would issue bonds to finance their trading expeditions. These bonds were called "debentures" because they acknowledged the company's obligation to repay the loan. Initially, debentures were not secured by collateral, but over time, it became common for companies to secure them with specific assets.

In the 19th century, debentures became more widely used as a form of corporate financing. Companies would issue debentures to raise funds for capital projects, expansion, or acquisitions. Debentures offered investors a secure and stable investment with a fixed return.

Types of Debentures

There are various types of debentures, including:

  • Secured debentures: Backed by specific assets of the company.
  • Unsecured debentures: Not backed by any specific assets.
  • Convertible debentures: Can be converted into equity shares of the company.
  • Subordinated debentures: Have a lower priority in repayment of interest and principal than other debt obligations.

Features of Debentures

Debentures typically have the following features:

  • Fixed interest rate
  • Fixed maturity date
  • Security (in the case of secured debentures)
  • Protection against default (through the appointment of trustees)
  • Tradability (can be bought and sold in the secondary market)

debenture relate terms

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