The stated CDR ratio is ten CDRs for one underlying foreign share. The underlying-share equivalent is calculated as:
1,500 CDRs ÷ 10 = 150 underlying-share equivalents
Option C is correct.
A Canadian depositary receipt allows Canadian investors to obtain economic exposure to shares of a foreign company through a Canadian-listed security. The CDR ratio determines how many receipts correspond to one underlying share and may be adjusted over time to keep the CDR’s trading price within a practical range.
Owning 150 underlying-share equivalents does not necessarily mean the investor is directly registered as the owner of 150 foreign shares. The CDR structure and depositary arrangements determine the investor’s legal and economic rights. The CDR price may also reflect currency-hedging features, fees, the underlying share price and changes in the applicable ratio.
Option A incorrectly divides by 100. Option B does not follow the stated ratio, while option D multiplies rather than divides.
Before recommending CDRs, the RR should understand the ratio, currency treatment, fees, liquidity, voting arrangements and differences from directly holding the foreign security. The Retail Securities syllabus specifically includes CDR rights, the CDR ratio, costs and the risks and potential returns of depositary receipts.
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