1. What is BG Group’s dividend policy?
The Board’s dividend policy is to increase the dividend in line with the long-term underlying growth in US Dollar earnings. Interim dividends are usually one half of the total dividend paid in respect of the preceding financial year.
Dividends will be announced in US Dollars but will continue to be paid in Sterling. Holders of American Depositary Receipts will continue to be paid in US Dollars.
The Sterling amount payable per share will be fixed at the same time as the US Dollar dividend is announced. The rate of exchange used to determine the Sterling amount equivalent is the average of the three business days prior to the announcement of any dividend.
Dividends will be paid on the same day whether the shares are held directly or through the American Depositary Receipt facility.
2. I've lost a dividend cheque; can I have a new one?
Yes. If you confirm your details to Equiniti, they will send you a replacement. If the cheque was for less than £10 they will not charge you, but for larger payments an administration fee will be charged depending on the value of the cheque. The fees set out in full can be viewed on the Shareview website.
The contact details for Equiniti can be found on the FAQs home page.
3. Can I have dividends paid straight to my bank account?
Yes, this is possible with most bank or building society accounts in the UK and is sometimes referred to as a 'payment instruction' or 'dividend mandate'.
Mandating your dividends is easy and has a number of advantages for you:
Firstly, the dividend will go into your account on payment date - there is no chance of it being delayed in the post and you do not have to wait for a cheque to clear.
Secondly, the payment method is more secure than receiving a cheque through the post.
Thirdly, tax information about the dividend is sent direct to you at your registered address.
You can download a Request for Payment of Dividends Mandate form from the BG Group website and post it to Equiniti.
Alternatively, you can request a form from Equiniti.
The contact details for Equiniti can be found on the FAQs home page
4. Why have I not received a dividend?
If the shares were purchased after the shares were quoted “Ex-dividend” there is no entitlement to the dividend. If the shares were sold before the shares were quoted “Ex-dividend”, again, there is no entitlement to the dividend.
Another possible reason for not receiving a dividend is a recent change of address or change to bank account details. You can download both the Change of Address form and the Request for Payment of Dividends Mandate form from the BG Group website and post them to Equiniti.
Alternatively, you can request the forms from Equiniti.
The contact details for Equiniti can be found on the FAQs home page
5. When are dividends paid?
Dividends are normally paid to shareholders twice per year. The dates of the interim and final payments can be found on our Financial Calendar.
6. Do you have a dividend reinvestment programme?
No.
7. Where do I get a dividend tax voucher?
A dividend tax voucher is issued with the dividend cheque, or issued annually if you have opted for your dividend payment to be made directly to your bank account. If you have not received a dividend tax voucher please contact Equiniti.
The contact details for Equiniti can be found on the FAQs home page.