Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) is dated April 29, 2009. The report announces the declaration of the first quarter 2009 interim dividend. The filing serves as a notification to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding this corporate action and incorporates by reference into specific registration statements.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing focuses exclusively on dividend distribution details rather than operational financial performance metrics such as revenue, profit, or cash flow.
- Dividend Amount: US$0.42 per A and B ordinary share.
- ADR Dividend: US$0.84 per ADR (representing two ordinary shares).
- Currency Options: A shares default to Euro (€0.3211); B shares default to Pounds Sterling (28.65p). Holders may elect the alternative currency.
- Payment Date: June 10, 2009.
- Record Date: May 8, 2009.
- Ex-Dividend Date: May 6, 2009.
Note: The filing text does not provide clear values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity.
Material Changes Versus Prior Period
The declared interim dividend of US$0.42 per share represents a 5% increase over the US dollar dividend paid for the same quarter in the prior year (2008).
Guidance, Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies
The filing contains a comprehensive cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements. Management explicitly states that actual results may differ materially from expectations due to various risks, including:
- Price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas.
- Changes in product demand and currency fluctuations.
- Drilling and production results, as well as reserve estimates.
- Environmental, physical, and political risks, including expropriation and sanctions.
- Legislative, fiscal, and regulatory developments.
Additionally, the filing notes that U.S. investors should refer to the Form 20-F for disclosures on proved reserves, as certain terms used in the announcement are prohibited in SEC filings.
Important Facts for Investor Verification
- Verify the ex-dividend date of May 6, 2009, to ensure eligibility for the payment.
- Confirm currency election deadlines (April 28, 2009) have passed for those wishing to receive dividends in non-default currencies.
- Review the 15% Netherlands withholding tax implications for A share holders and the UK tax credit availability for B share holders.
- Check the specific payment mechanisms for ADR holders via The Bank of New York Mellon versus direct shareholders via RBS or Equiniti.