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Economy and Finance

Economy and Finance

What are Differential Voting Rights (DVRs) shares?

29 Jul 2023 Zinkpot 154
  1. Differential Voting Rights (DVRs) shares provide shareholders with either higher or lower voting rights in comparison to ordinary shareholders of the company.
  2. When a shareholder has higher voting rights in the ratio of 10:1, it means they have 10 votes per share held. Conversely, lower voting rights in the ratio of 1:10 means having 1 vote for every 10 shares held.
  3. However, Indian companies are prohibited to issue equity shares with high voting rights. As a result, the DVR shares available in the market typically have limited voting rights.
  4. These shares are traded on the stock exchange, similar to ordinary shares, but often at a discounted price and with a higher dividend.
  5. For example, a Tata Motor DVR has 10% voting rights compared to an ordinary Tata Motor share, which means it has voting rights in the ratio of 1:10 - one voting right for every 10 shares held. Moreover, DVR shares of Tata Motors are traded at 5% more dividend than Tata Motors Ordinary shares.
  6. These shares are issued to prevent a hostile takeover because DVRs are issued with limited voting rights, which do not dilute the promoter’s voting rights.
  7. DVR shares are a great deal for passive/retail investors who do not want to indulge in the managerial operations of a business in which they are investing. Via these shares, these investors can focus on the dividend generation aspect without needing to deal with the decision-making aspect of the company.
  8. As per the Companies Act, 2013 any business which has reported profits in at least three preceding years from the DVR issue date, can undertake such a move. During this profitable period, the company must have filed returns and annual accounts without any discrepancy.
  9. The issued DVR value must not exceed 25% of the company’s share capital.
     

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