ADR Programme (Bank of Ireland)
Bank of Ireland (BoI) is listed on the Dublin, London and New York Stock Exchanges. In Dublin and London, ordinary shares are traded. In New York, trades take place as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). An ADR is a negotiable US certificate representing ownership of shares. This security represents the entitlement to underlying ordinary shares and dividends (paid in US dollars). ADRs are quoted and traded in US dollars and settle through the US settlements system.
The current ratio for Bank of Ireland is 1:4 (ADR: Ordinary Share). What is an American Depositary Receipt (ADR)?An ADR is a non negotiable certificate representing ownership of shares in a non US corporation. ADRs are quoted and traded in US dollars in the US securities market. Dividends are also paid to investors in US dollars. ADRs were specifically designed to facilitate the purchase, holding and sale of non US securities by US investors and provide a corporate finance vehicle for non US companies.
What are the benefits of ADRs to US investors?US investors generally prefer to purchase ADRs rather than ordinary shares in the issuer's home market because ADRs trade, clear and settle according to US market conventions. One of ADRs main advantages is the facilitation of diversification into foreign securities. ADRs also allow easy comparison to securities of similar companies as well as access to price and trading information if listed. ADR holders also appreciate dollar dividend payments and receive corporate notifications. What is the ratio for Bank of Ireland ADR shares?The ratio is 1:4: 1 ADR represents 4 ordinary shares. Who is the depositary for ADRs?The Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM). The depositary bank issues and cancels ADRs. It also maintains the ADR holder register and distributes the dividends in US dollars. For additional general information please visit the Bank of New York Mellon website at http://www.adrbnymellon.com/ and search for the Bank of Ireland profile page. How can I buy Bank of Ireland ADRs?If you are interested in buying Bank of Ireland ADRs, please contact your broker or other investment advisor professional. How are ADR dividends paid and taxed?Dividends are paid in US Dollars and are generally taxable. Depending on individual circumstances and bilateral tax treaties in place, foreign taxes withheld might be applied as a credit against US taxes or tax reclaim opportunities may be offered. Please check with your financial / tax advisor. When are dividends paid on Bank of Ireland ADR ordinary shares?Dividend dates for ADR ordinary shares will be consistent with those of Bank of Ireland ordinary shares and can be found on the Dividend History page. All ADR ordinary share dividends are payable in US dollars.
What is the difference between an ADR and an ADS?An ADR is a negotiable certificate issued by a depositary bank representing a specific number of shares of a non US company traded on a US stock exchange. An ADS is the share issued under the ADR Agreement which is actually traded. What is the difference between the registered holder and the beneficial ADR holder?A registered holder is one whose name appears on the books of the depositary. The registered holder is considered the owner of record. Registered owners hold physical ADR certificates issued by the Depositary Bank and receive dividends, and proxy materials directly from The Bank of New York Mellon A beneficial holder is one whose holdings are held in a name other that their own, such as in the name of a broker, bank or nominee. Major benefits of this ownership are the elimination of problems associated with paper certificates - such as storage safety of securities or cost and inconvenience of replacement. Investors purchasing ADRs through a broker who wish to become registered owners must specifically direct the broker to register these shares with the ADR depositary. If you choose to have a certificate issued please contact The Bank of New York Mellon. How can I check my Bank of Ireland ADR shareholding?If you are a registered ADR holder, please visit www.stockbny.com and click on "Individual Account Access". For those holders who are not registered because their shares are held through a "street name" (nominee account), please contact your broker for information on your ADR holdings. To check your ordinary stock holding, please go to Check Your Shareholding. How can I find Bank of Ireland ADR ordinary share prices?Up-to-date share price information for Bank of Ireland ADR ordinary shares can be accessed via the Bank of Ireland Investor Relations website. How can I convert ordinary shares in Bank of Ireland into Bank of Ireland ADRs?If you wish to convert Dublin or London Stock Exchange-listed ordinary shares into ADR ordinary shares you should instruct your broker to contact the ADR Broker Desk at The Bank of New York Mellon. Depositary Contact Details can be found below. What types of companies issue ADRs?ADR issuers can be small, mid or large capitalisation corporations. Any non US company seeking to engage the US market to diversify its investor base, raise capital in the US or offer US type employee plans may issue ADRs. Where can I find more information in the US about Bank of Ireland?Bank of Ireland files annual, semi-annual, and special reports alongside other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Please see the SEC website http://www.sec.gov for more details. A hard copy of Form 20-F is also available free of charge by request through theBank of Ireland Investor Relations website. Where can I get information and updates on Bank of Ireland?For further information on Bank of Ireland please visit our home page. For additional information on ADRs please visit the Bank of New York Mellon website at http://www.adrbnymellon.com/ and search for the Bank of Ireland profile page. To receive releases from Investor Relations please register for our mailing list. http://www.bankofireland.com/about-boi-group/investor-relations/agc-egc-dividends-and-adrs/adr-programme/ |