Reference Share Price
The Reference Share price is used for calculating a Participating Shareholder’s entitlement under the Scrip Dividend Programme, as defined below.
Q1 2012 Reference share price (US$) 32.785
The Reference Share Price is the US dollar equivalent of the average of the closing price for the Company’s A Shares listed on Euronext Amsterdam for the five dealing days commencing on (and including) the date on which the Shares are first quoted ex-dividend in respect of the relevant dividend. The Reference Share Price is calculated by reference to the Euronext Amsterdam closing price in euro. The US dollar equivalent of the closing price on each of the dealing days referred to above is calculated using a market currency exchange rate prevailing at the time.
Reference ADS Price
ADS stands for “American Depositary Share”. ADR stands for “American Depositary Receipt”. An ADR is a certificate that evidences ADSs (though the terms ADR and ADS are often used interchangeably).ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbols RDS.A and RDS.B. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares, two ordinary A Shares in the case of RDS.A or two ordinary B Shares in the case of RDS.B.
Q1 2012 Reference ADS price (US$) 65.570
The Reference ADS Price equals the Reference Share Price of the two A Shares underlying each new A ADS. A recent court ruling has established that Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT) is not due on the issue of shares to a US depositary.Therefore, the Reference ADS price no longer includes an adjustment for the deduction of SDRT (or the Dutch withholding tax associated with the payment of SDRT). Given these changes, there is no longer a need to have an Alternative Reference ADS Price.The Reference ADS Price will instead apply to all A ADSs and B ADSs. Royal Dutch Shell plc is currently exploring together with the Depository how ADS holders might reclaim SDRT amounts deducted on previous issues under the Scrip Dividend Programme.
Scrip dividend programme
RDS provides shareholders with a choice to receive dividends in cash or in shares via a Scrip Dividend Programme. Under the Programme shareholders can increase their shareholding in RDS by choosing to receive new shares instead of cash dividends if declared by RDS.Only new A Shares will be issued under the Programme, including to shareholders who currently hold B Shares. Joining the Programme may offer a tax advantage in some countries compared with receiving cash dividends. In particular, dividends paid out as shares will not be subject to Dutch dividend withholding tax (currently 15 per cent) and will not generally be taxed on receipt by a UK shareholder or a Dutch corporate shareholder. Shareholders who elect to join the Programme will increase the number of shares held in RDS without having to buy existing shares in the market, thereby avoiding associated dealing costs. Shareholders who do not join the Programme will continue to receive in cash any dividends declared by RDS. Shareholders who held only B shares and joined the Scrip Dividend Programme are reminded they will need to make a Scrip Dividend Election in respect of their new A shares if they wish to join the Programme in respect of such new shares. However, this is only necessary if the shareholder has not previously made a Scrip Dividend Election in respect of any new A shares issued.
