ADS FAQs

What is an American Depositary Share (ADS)?

ADS stands for an American Depositary Share. ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbols RDS.A and RDS.B. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares, two A Shares in the case of RDS.A or two B Shares in the case of RDS.B. ADS ownership is evidenced by American Depositary Receipts or ADRs.

What is an American Depositary Receipt (ADR)?

An ADR is a negotiable U.S. certificate representing ownership of the ADSs in a non-U.S. corporation. ADSs are quoted and traded in U.S. dollars in the U.S. securities market. Also, the dividends are paid to investor in U.S. dollars. ADSs were specifically designed to facilitate the purchase, holding and sale of non-U.S. securities by U.S. investors, and to provide a corporate finance vehicle for non-U.S. companies. ADSs can be held in book-entry form or as a physical certificate.

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-U.S. company traded on a U.S. stock exchange. An ADS is the share issued under the ADR agreement which is actually traded. In many cases the terms ADR and ADS are used interchangeably.

Who is the depositary bank for Royal Dutch Shell ADSs?

The Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM). The depositary bank plays a key role in the process of issuance and cancellation of ADSs. It also maintains the ADS holder register and distributes the dividends in U.S. dollars. The Bank of New York Mellon is a DTC (Depositary Trust Company) participant as are brokers and dealers, other banks, trust companies and clearing houses.

For additional general information, please visit The Bank of New York Mellon's website at
DR Profile: Royal Dutch Shell - A Shares http://www.adrbnymellon.com/dr_profile.jsp?cusip=780259206
DR Profile: Royal Dutch Shell - B Shares http://www.adrbnymellon.com/dr_profile.jsp?cusip=780259107

Registered holders wishing to access their account with The Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM acts as both ADS depositary bank and registrar):

The Bank of New York Mellon
PO Box 358516
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516

Toll Free # for Domestic U.S. Calls:
1-888-737-2377

Number for International (outside the U.S.) Calls:
201-680-6825
Websites: http://www.bnymellon.com/shareowner

Can I buy Royal Dutch Shell ADSs through a broker just as you would buy other U.S. securities?

Yes.

How do I convert my ordinary shares into ADSs?

Converting ordinary shares into ADSs must be done through a broker or an investment advisor.

Can I purchase ADSs directly from Royal Dutch Shell?

No.

What is the difference between a registered holder and a beneficial ADS holder?

A registered holder is one whose name appears on the books of the depositary. The registered holder is considered the owner of the record. A beneficial holder is one whose holdings are registered in a name other than his or her own, such as the name of a broker, bank or nominee.

I did not receive a certificate with the purchase of my ADSs. How can I obtain a certificate?

For registered owners, ownership is registered by the depositary bank and is evidenced by an account statement, provided by the depositary. Registered owners may request a physical certificate issued by the Depositary Bank and receive dividends, and proxy materials directly from The Bank of New York Mellon. To have a physical certificate issued, complete, sign and return the tear-off portion of the account statement or contact The Bank of New York Mellon as indicated above.

Owners of Royal Dutch Shell ADSs that are registered in the "nominee name" or "street name" of a bank, broker or other institution that holds such securities for the accounts of others are considered beneficial owners. ADSs held in this form are book-entry securities, where the beneficial owner’s interest is recorded in an account held by the institution rather than by registration with the ADS depositary.

Major benefits of book-entry ownership are the elimination of problems associated with paper certificates such as storage, safety of securities or cost and inconvenience of replacement. Book-entry ADSs eliminate the requirement for physical movement of certificates at the time of sale or transfer of ownership. Investors purchasing ADSs through a broker who wish to become registered owners must specifically direct the broker to register the shares with the ADS depositary. If you choose to have a certificate issued, please contact The Bank of New York Mellon.

How can I find out how many ADSs I have?

For those holders who are not registered because their shares are held through a nominee account, please contact your nominee for information on your ADS holdings.

Do I always get an ADS certificate?

Your Royal Dutch Shell ADSs represent your ownership of shares in the company and can be held in certificate or book-entry form. The term "Direct Registration Receipts" means American Depositary Shares not evidenced by Receipts that are evidenced by book entry notations recorded on the Direct Registration System and by periodic statements from the Depositary.

If you hold your ADSs in certificate form, these should be kept in a safe-deposit box or secure place. Certificates are negotiable documents and should be signed only in the event of a sale or transfer of ownership. If you hold your ADSs through a nominee account these will be in book-entry form and therefore you will not have an ADS certificate.

What is “Direct Registration Receipts”?

The term "Direct Registration Receipts" means American Depositary Shares not evidenced by Receipts that are evidenced by book entry notations recorded on the Direct Registration System and by periodic statements from the Depositary.

What should I do if I lose an ADS certificate?

If your certificate is lost, stolen, or destroyed, notify The Bank of New York Mellon investor hotline +1-888-737-2377. Please ensure you have your Social Security Taxpayer Identification number ready when calling.

How do I change my address?

It is important that you call The Bank of New York Mellon when you move so that your account records can be updated and your dividend check is sent to the right address.

How are dividends paid?

Dividends are paid in U.S. dollars, just like dividends on U.S. shares.

How can I replace a lost dividend check?

You can request the replacement of a lost dividend check by calling The Bank of New York Mellon. Upon authorization from you, a stop payment order will be placed against the original check and a replacement check will be issued to you. Please have your Social Security Number ready when calling.

How can I find out Royal Dutch Shell ADS dividend information?

For the most current Royal Dutch Shell ADS dividend information you can call The Bank of New York Mellon. Please have your account number, exact address, and exact name(s) on the account ready when you call. You can also refer to The Bank of New York Mellon website and double click on the "Dividends and Distributions" section.

Can I have my dividends directly deposited into my bank account?

All or a portion of your cash dividend can be wired directly to your bank account. In order to take advantage of this option your bank or financial institution must be part of Automatic Clearing House (ACH). If you are interested in this option please call The Bank of New York Mellon.