Equity shares with differential voting rights (DVRs) are the kind of shares issued by a company that offers shareholders varying levels of the voting power. This means that some shareholders have more voting power than others and this can significantly impact the control and decision-making capabilities of the company.
Example of DVR Share Issuance 305/ share to raise funds. The main objective of the issuance was to raise enough funds to acquire Jaguar Land Rover. The said DVR extended 1/10th voting rights of the company's ordinary shares and offered 5% more dividends to the investors.
| 2 min read. The shares with Differential Voting Rights (DVRs) in a company means those shares that give the holder of the shares the differential rights related to voting, i.e. either more voting rights or less voting rights compared to the ordinary shareholders of the company.
Disadvantages Of DVR Shares are as follows: Lower voting rights, reducing influence in company decisions. Potentially less liquid, making them harder to sell. May be viewed as less attractive to certain investors who value voting power.
DVR shares offer higher dividends or additional fiscal advantages in exchange for reduced or no voting privileges. As an alternative financial instrument, they enable organisations to raise capital to finance their ongoing or new endeavours without watering down control.
The company/startup should pass an Ordinary Resolution for the issuance of DVRs in the General Meeting of the shareholders. The voting power of DVRs equity shares should not exceed 74% of the total voting powers. There should be no default in filing the annual returns by the startups for the past three financial years.
Example scenario A Tata Motor DVR has 10% voting rights compared to an ordinary Tata Motor share. (1 voting right per share.) (1 voting right for every 10 shares held.)
Ing to the Companies Act, 2013, companies limited by shares can issue DVRs, but it will be as a part of the company's share capital. Ideally shares with differential voting rights are considered to be a robust means of raising capital without giving up control over the company.
Shares issued with differential rights shall not exceed 74% of the total voting power, including voting power in respect of equity shares with differential rights issued at any point of time.