What is non-cumulative debentures?

Non-cumulative debentures are a type of debt instrument that does not accrue unpaid interest if the issuer fails to make interest payments during a specific period. Unlike cumulative debentures, which allow for the accumulation of missed interest payments that must be paid in the future, non-cumulative debentures provide no such benefit to investors. If interest is not paid, it is simply lost, making these debentures riskier for investors. They are often issued by companies looking to raise capital without committing to guaranteed future payouts.