Can a company offer a rights issue at its face value?

Yes, a rights issue *can* technically be priced at its face value, but this is quite rare in practice. Most companies prefer to offer shares at a discount to the current market price. This encourages more shareholders to participate and helps ensure the issue is fully subscribed. Issuing shares at par (which means at face value) usually only happens under specific, special circumstances, for example, when: • The company wants to prevent a hostile takeover by allowing existing shareholders to quickly increase their stake. • The company's market price is already very close to its face value, which leaves little room to offer a discount. Any amount the company receives above the face value (if applicable) is recorded as "share premium" in the company's financial statements.

Rights Issue Eligibility and Process

A rights issue allows current shareholders to purchase more shares of a company at a discounted rate, helping them maintain or increase their stake.

Understanding the process and eligibility for a rights issue is crucial. It ensures shareholders can participate effectively, stay on top of important dates, and make informed choices about subscribing, renouncing, or trading their rights.

Rights Issue Process

The rights issue process involves a series of well-defined steps, each with its own timeline and regulatory requirements.

Key Stages in the Rights Issue Process

1. Board and Exchange Intimation

The process kicks off when the company’s Board of Directors approves the rights issue and informs the stock exchanges.
The company must also submit a Letter of Offer (LoF) to SEBI or the stock exchange, detailing the issue size, price, record date, and ratio.

1. Record Date Announcement

The record date determines which shareholders are eligible to receive Rights Entitlements (REs).
Only shareholders listed in the company’s records on this date are entitled to participate.
Example (T+1 Settlement): If the record date is August 10, investors need to buy shares on or before August 9 to have them credited to their demat account by August 10. Buying on the record date itself, August 10, would make them ineligible.

1. Credit of Rights Entitlements (REs)

Eligible shareholders receive REs in their demat accounts, usually a few days before the issue opens.
These REs are temporary securities, often listed under a different ISIN (e.g., ABC-RE), symbolizing the right to apply for new shares.

1. Trading of REs (if Renounceable)

In renounceable rights issues, shareholders who choose not to apply can sell their REs on the stock exchange during the trading window.
New investors can also buy REs from the market to apply for shares.

1. Application Window

Shareholders or RE holders can apply through ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount), net banking, or broker platforms.
Applications must be submitted during the issue period, which lasts a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of 30 days from the issue opening date.
Investors can apply for additional shares if they anticipate undersubscription.

1. Allotment and Credit of Shares

Once the issue closes, the company finalizes allotments based on valid applications.
Shares are credited to demat accounts, and any unused funds are returned.

1. Listing of New Shares

Once credited, the new shares are listed on stock exchanges.
The time from issue closure to listing generally takes about 7 to 15 working days.

Rights Issue Eligibility

Eligibility determines who can take part in a rights issue. It largely depends on shareholding as of the record date and adherence to regulatory norms.

2.1 Eligible Shareholders for Rights Issue Application

The following groups are usually eligible under SEBI and stock exchange guidelines:

Resident Individual Shareholders – Individuals holding equity shares as of the record date.
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) – Represented by their Karta.
Domestic Companies and LLPs – Indian entities that already own shares.
Institutional Investors – Includes mutual funds, insurance companies, and financial institutions.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) – Subject to SEBI and FEMA regulations.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – Eligible with RBI approval and compliance with foreign exchange rules.
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) – Entities like banks, pension funds, or SEBI-registered investors.
Any other legally eligible persons holding shares on the record date.

Investors should consult the company’s Letter of Offer for specific details on eligibility and the shareholder categories permitted to participate in each rights issue.

Key Considerations for Shareholders

Purchase shares before the ex-rights date, usually one business day before the record date under T+1 settlement. As a precaution, consider buying at least two trading days beforehand to ensure eligibility without settlement delays.
Keep an eye on official announcements on stock exchange websites or follow rights issue updates on relevant websites for the record date, issue price, and ratio.
Decide whether to apply, sell, or renounce REs before the issue closes.
Apply early to avoid last-minute rejections or payment issues.
Retain all documents, such as the Letter of Offer, acknowledgment slips, and payment proof, until allotment.

Key Takeaways

Timely tracking of key dates, especially the record date, RE credit, and application window, is essential for eligibility.
Investors must ensure shares are held before the ex-rights date.
Rights Entitlements (REs) allow for subscription or renunciation; managing them correctly prevents forfeiture.
A clear understanding of eligibility rules, the renunciation process, and the documentation checklist helps investors avoid procedural mistakes.
Staying informed allows investors to maximize value and seize the limited-time opportunities offered through rights issues.