Dividends

Methods of payment

Shareholders can elect to receive their dividends directly into their bank account by electronic funds transfer. Shareholders should complete the required dividend mandate form and submit it to the Company’s Registrars. The mandate form appears on the back of the dividend voucher, alternatively the dividend bank-payment mandate form can be downloaded from the following link or else may be updated through the following website: www.investorcentre.com/ie

Tax vouchers will be sent to the shareholder’s registered address under this arrangement. Shareholders should note that in cases where a properly completed instruction has not been received by the record date for a dividend,  a cheque will be issued to the registered address of the shareholder, elections made are evergreen (will carry forward on future dividends) unless the shareholder informs the Company’s Registrars of any changes.

Currency of payment

Dividends are generally paid in euro. However, for certificated shareholders with registered addresses in the United Kingdom, dividends are paid in sterling, unless otherwise requested. If you are a UK-registered shareholder and wish to have your dividend paid in euro or a shareholder based elsewhere who wishes to elect for a sterling payment, please complete a currency election form which can be found here or else may be updated through the following website: www.investorcentre.com/ie. Shareholders should note that in cases where a properly completed instruction has not been received by the record date for a dividend, the default currency applicable will be assigned to the shareholder’s account, elections made are evergreen (will carry forward on future dividends) unless the shareholder informs the Company’s Registrars of any changes.

Dividend Withholding Tax

Irish Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) will be deducted from dividends paid by the Company, unless a shareholder is entitled to an exemption and has submitted a properly completed exemption form to the Company’s Registrars.

DWT applies to dividends whether paid by way of cash or by way of shares under the scrip dividend scheme and is deducted at a current rate of 25%.

Shareholders who are not resident in Ireland and certain Irish companies, trusts, pension schemes, investment undertakings and charities may be entitled to claim exemption from DWT. Individuals who are resident in Ireland for tax purposes are not entitled to an exemption. Further information and copies of exemption forms click here. Shareholders should note that DWT will be deducted from dividends in cases where a properly completed form has not been received by the record date for a dividend. The Company and the Registrars cannot give tax advice. If you are in any doubt about your position, you should consult a financial or tax adviser.

Holders of shares in uncertificated form (either in Euroclear Bank or as CREST CDIs)

Persons who hold interests in shares through the Euroclear Bank system or as CDIs through the CREST system should consult with their stockbroker or other intermediary for further information on the processes and timelines for submitting DWT exemptions and currency elections through the respective systems and in relation to timings for receipt of their dividend following payment by the Company to Euroclear Bank, as the registered shareholder. Please be aware that this may be a later date than the dividend payment date articulated by the Company due to differing processes and timelines.