Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) was submitted on October 30, 2008. The report announces the Board's declaration of an interim dividend for the third quarter of 2008.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing focuses exclusively on dividend distribution details and does not provide comprehensive financial statements such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity metrics.
- Q3 2008 Interim Dividend (Ordinary Shares): US$0.40 per A and B ordinary share.
- Q3 2008 Interim Dividend (ADRs): US$0.80 per ADR.
- Year-Over-Year Change: An 11% increase compared to the US dollar dividend for the same quarter in the prior year.
- Payment Date: December 10, 2008.
- Record Date: November 7, 2008.
- Ex-Dividend Date: November 5, 2008.
Material Changes
The primary material change disclosed is the 11% increase in the interim dividend per share compared to the third quarter of 2007. The filing does not provide data on operational or financial performance changes versus the prior period.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing contains no management commentary, forward-looking guidance, or specific risk factors regarding future operations. It details the mechanics of dividend payment, including currency options (Euro, Pounds Sterling, US Dollars) and tax implications.
- Taxation: A shares are subject to a 15% Netherlands dividend withholding tax. B shares may be eligible for a UK tax credit (10/90ths of the cash dividend), resulting in a total value of US$0.44 per share including the credit.
- Dividend Reinvestment: Shareholders may elect to reinvest dividends via plans administered by ABN AMRO Bank NV, Equiniti, or The Bank of New York Mellon for ADRs.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the 11% dividend increase against the specific Q3 2007 dividend amount.
- Confirm the currency election deadline of October 29, 2008, for shareholders wishing to receive dividends in a non-default currency.
- Review the specific withholding tax rates applicable to the investor's jurisdiction for A and B shares.
- Check the ex-dividend date of November 5, 2008, to determine eligibility for the upcoming payment.