American Depository Receipt - ADR

American Depository Receipt - ADR

A negotiable certificate issued by a U.S. bank representing a specified number of shares (or one share) in a foreign stock that is traded on a U.S. exchange. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars, with the underlying security held by a U.S. financial institution overseas, and help to reduce administration and duty costs on each transaction that would otherwise be levied.

Notes:

This is an excellent way to buy shares in a foreign company while realizing any dividends and capital gains in U.S. dollars. However, ADRs do not eliminate the currency and economic risks for the underlying shares in another country. For example, dividend payments in euros would be converted to U.S. dollars, net of conversion expenses and foreign taxes and in accordance with the deposit agreement. ADRs are listed on either the NYSE, AMEX or Nasdaq.

See also: American Depository Share (ADS), Depository Receipt, Foreign Currency Effects, Foreign Exchange, Global Depository Receipt (GDR), Guilder Share, International Depository Receipt (IDR), Unsponsored ADR