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To provide the quickest response possible, we have prepared answers to the most common queries we receive from ADS holders. If you cannot find the information you need below then please continue to the e-mail form. Comprehensive information can also be found in ADS Holder FAQs.
ADS Overview
An American Depositary Share (ADS) is a share, evidenced by an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), that represents a specified number of underlying shares held in custody in the issuer's home market. The terms ADR and ADS are often used interchangeably. Vodafone ADSs, each representing 10 Ordinary Shares, are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VOD. Vodafone has a sponsored level 1 ADR programme, which is administered on the Company's behalf by The Bank of New York:
The Bank of New York
Investor Relations Department
P. O. Box 11258
Church St. Station
New York
NY
10286-1258
USA
Telephone toll free: +1 (800) 233 5601
http://www.stockbny.com
Administration of your ADS holdings
ADS holders should address any queries or instructions regarding their holdings to The Bank of New York at the above address or telephone number. ADS holders can also, subject to person and identity check, view their account balances and transaction history, sell shares and request certificates from their Global BuyDIRECT Plan at http://www.globalbuydirect.com
ADS holders are not members of the Company, but may instruct the Bank of New York on the exercise of voting rights relative to the number of Ordinary Shares represented by their ADRs.
Dividend payments
Dividends are paid twice yearly, usually in February and August (see Dividend History).
Holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs are generally eligible for all dividends or other entitlements attaching to the underlying shares of Vodafone Group Plc and receive all cash dividends in US dollars.
The US and the UK previously agreed a Double Taxation Convention which entered into force in 1980 (the "Old Treaty") and recently agreed a replacement Double Taxation Convention which entered into force on 31 March 2003 (the "New Treaty"). The New Treaty is generally effective in respect of taxes withheld at source for amounts paid or credited on or after 1 May 2003. Other provisions of the New Treaty, however, took effect for UK purposes for individuals on 6 April 2003 (1 April 2003 for UK companies) and, will take effect for US purposes, on 1 January 2004. The rules of the Old Treaty will remain applicable until these effective dates. However, a taxpayer may elect to have the Old Treaty apply in its entirety for a period of twelve months after the applicable effective dates of the New Treaty.
Under the Old Treaty, a US holder (other than corporations who together with associated corporations hold more than 10% of the voting shares of Vodafone Group Plc) is in principle entitled to receive a tax credit from the UK Inland Revenue. However, as the required withholding tax equals the UK tax credit, no credit is repayable.
Under the New Treaty, a US holder will not be entitled to a tax credit from the UK Inland Revenue. However, a dividend received by a US holder will generally not be subject to any withholding tax by the UK.
Dividends and any related UK tax credit available are generally ordinary income to the holder for Federal income tax purposes. ADS holders unsure of their tax position should consult their independent tax adviser.
Dividend Re-Investment Plan (DRIP) for ADS Holders
For ADS holders, The Bank of New York maintains a Global BuyDIRECT Plan for the Company, which is a direct purchase and sale plan for Depositary Receipts, with a dividend re-investment facility. Once enrolled in the Plan you can invest cash dividends when paid and make option cash investments simply and conveniently. Optional cash investments can be made at any time. With Global BuyDIRECT you have the advantage of having your cash fully invested because all ADSs, both full and fractional, are credited to your account and earn additional dividends when paid.
For additional information please contact:
The Bank of New York Shareholder Relations Department
Global BuyDIRECT
P.O. Box 1958
Newark
New Jersey
07101-1958
USA
Calling from inside the US: +1 (800) 233 5601 (toll-free)
Calling from outside the US: +1 (610) 312 5315 (not toll-free)
http://www.globalbuydirect.com
Company address
The registered office of the company is:
Vodafone House
The Connection
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2FN
England
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 33251