We all see trading on the stock exchanges, but certain investments happen privately and without being listed in the stock market. We are talking about startups and companies like OYO, Flipkart, Dream11, or your favorite IPL team. All these are private companies unlisted on the National or Bombay Stock Exchange.
The stocks of unlisted companies are called unlisted stocks or unlisted equity shares. These stocks do not trade publicly but are bought and sold in the over-the-counter market. Unlisted companies do not obey SEBI regulations and are privately regulated by promoters and founders.
While unlisted companies are risky, one thing makes them an asset worth investing in. It is the potential factor. Unlisted equity shares have proven to grow 100-150% year-on-year. Recently, these unlisted companies have surpassed the listed companies at quadruple rates. Even listed companies and conglomerates like Jim and TATA have also started investing in unlisted companies.
Since brokerage platforms and private players trade unlisted equity shares, it is important to consult the right company to help reduce the risks.
Now, the question arises- How to choose the right trading platform for investing in unlisted equity shares?
Well. Selecting a trading platform holds significant importance, and it is tricky to search for the optimal brokerage service that suits your needs.
Things you should understand before selecting a brokerage platform
- Trustworthiness
Look for brokers that have made substantial progress by gaining the trust of investors & experts and have been reviewed positively by them. Selecting the right broker needs some due diligence as it can help you build a long-term solid investing foundation and provide better and fair service.
- Track record
Just like we study the company’s track record before investing, we must also conduct in-depth research about the track record of a brokerage platform. Some have been in the trading biz for decades, and then some have recently registered. But a company that is old in the business might have overpriced commission rates. To avoid making inaccurate judgments, it is best to see how they are conducting trade for other investors and whether they provide the guarantee of a secure and trustable trading service.
- Order flow
Order flow is when your broker transfers the trade to a third party at an increased value. This might not look like a problem initially because retail investors are priced low due to order flow implementation, but it can have negative effects. It’s best to ensure that the broker deals with the third party and understands the dynamics.
Also read –
How to buy Unlisted Shares in India?
Difference Between Listed & Unlisted Companies?
Analysis of Unlisted Equity Shares:
To ensure your investment is legitimate, ensure the company is registered with the Register of Companies. Check the company’s history and fundamentals and how long it has been in business. Companies often release some documentation for investors to review, as well as sometimes a prospectus that helps you gain a deeper understanding of the company’s operations.
Additionally, you must look at the company’s annual report. The annual report provides the most valuable information about the company, such as the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, etc. To read the annual reports, visit wwipl.com and click on the company name. Once you navigate to the company profile page, you will have all the necessary information about the company in one place.
Short-term and long-term capital gain on unlisted equity shares:
When investing in unlisted shares, it is important to know the tax implications that come with it. Unlisted shares are taxed based on the period of holding of the shares.
A holding period of two years or less is categorized as a short-term capital gain, and the tax levied is per the slab rate provided by Income Tax Act. A holding period longer than two years is called a long-term capital gain and is taxed at 20% with the benefit of indexation.
When a company reaches the IPO stage and becomes a listed company, the taxation changes, too; now, the investors lose the indexation benefit and have the same tax implications as listed companies.
Conclusion:
Searching for the right unlisted company might take days or even months, and even after rigorous search and guidance, the investment might seem risky. Investing in unlisted shares means it is a risky business. They are privately led- by the founders and angel investors. But what makes them valuable asset is the potential factor they hold. So, if you plan to include unlisted equity shares in your portfolio, you are on the right track. Start your investment journey here with WWIPL. For a transparent and reliable investment experience.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
- What is unlisted equity shares?
Unlisted equity shares are shares of the company not listed on any stock exchange. These companies are not regulated by any governing body and conduct operations privately with minimum public disclosures.
- Are Indian startups unlisted or listed companies?
SEBI has recently made special provisions to promote startups and new entrepreneurs. A startup can either be a listed or an unlisted company or an unlisted startup that has recently reached the IPO stage.
- Are unlisted shares illegal to buy online?
Buying shares of unlisted companies is not unethical. But these companies do not have publicly disclosed policies or controlled regulations. Hence, it can be risky and misleading sometimes.
- How can I invest in Chennai Super King?
The shares of unlisted companies are bought online through a brokerage firm. All you need to do is set up a demat account and provide the essential investment details.
- What is the difference between unlisted and listed companies?
A company publicly listed on the National Stock Exchange(NSE) or any other stock exchange is a listed company. On the other hand, unlisted companies are privately held companies not involved in public trading.