| Shares | Debentures |
| A person holding the shares is called shareholder. | A person having the debentures is called’ debenture holder |
| Shares are part of the capital of the company. | Debentures are part of the loan of the company. |
| Shares cannot be converted into debentures. | Debentures can be converted into shares. |
| Shareholders being real owners have voting rights. | Debenture holders being only creditors do not have voting rights. |
| Share may be fully or partly paid. | Debentures are always fully paid up. |