Share ownership - general
How can I find out more about being a shareholder?
What is a registrar?
What is a share certificate?
Becoming an Experian shareholder
What am I entitled to as a registered shareholder in Experian?
Can I receive Company information and vote in respect of my shares electronically?
Dividends
What is a dividend?
When are Experian dividends paid?
What does "ex-dividend" mean?
What does "record date" mean?
I have not received my dividend cheque, who do I contact?
I have mislaid my dividend cheque, who do I contact?
Can I have my dividends paid directly into my bank?
Does Experian offer a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?
The Company will report in US dollars. How will this affect my investment/dividend?
Please see
dividend and tax information for more information on Experian's dividends and the UK tax treatment of Experian's shareholders.
Share registration issues
Who do I contact about share registration?
I have just changed my address, who do I inform?
I have recently changed my name, who do I inform?
What should I do with my share certificate?
What do I do if I have lost my share certificate?
I have more than one certificate, can they be combined?
What is my account number?
I have two different account numbers, why?
Your shareholding
How can I buy and sell shares in the Company?
Is this a good time to buy/sell shares in the Company?
How do I check my shareholding details online?
How can I check today's share price?
Unsolicited investment advice
I have received an unsolicited communication with investment advice, what should I do?
Company information
How do I contact Experian?
Financial information and calendar
When is the next set of results being announced?
How do I get hold of a copy of the Company's published financial information?
When is the AGM?
GUS share history
What is the effect of the demerger of Experian and Home Retail Group plc on GUS shareholders?
I bought shares in GUS plc several years ago, but cannot remember what price I paid. I now need this information to complete my tax return. Where can I find out the original share price?
What is the effect of the Burberry demerger and the GUS plc share consolidation on 13 December 2005 on GUS plc shareholders at that date?
What do I do with my old GUS share certificate(s)?
Share ownership - general
How can I find out more about being a shareholder?
ifsProShare is an independent organisation that promotes wider share ownership and financial education. It is a non-profit making organisation, funded by corporate sponsorship and charitable donations.
ifsProShare aims to make investing more accessible to everyone, by providing straightforward information about shares, investments and personal finance.
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What is a registrar?
A registrar is responsible for maintaining a company's register of shareholders. The register of shareholders records the names and addresses of all ordinary shareholders and the number of shares that each shareholder owns. The register is maintained on behalf of the Company by Equiniti (Jersey) Limited ('the
registrar'). The registrar updates the register when a shareholder's personal circumstances or shareholding change, and also sends out dividend cheques and share certificates.
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What is a share certificate?
A share certificate is evidence of share ownership. It should be kept in a safe place, as it will be needed if you want to sell all or some of your shares in the future.
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Becoming an Experian shareholder
What am I entitled to as a registered shareholder in Experian?
When you either buy Experian shares or have them transferred into your name, you become a part owner of the Company. The benefits of owning Experian shares include:
- a right to receive dividends. These will normally be paid twice a year. See our financial calendar for dates.
- the right to attend, vote and speak at meetings of shareholders, including the Annual General Meeting. Each year you will be invited to attend and vote at the Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM"). See our financial calendar for the date of the next meeting.
- the receipt of financial information. The Company's financial year-end is 31 March. Each year a copy of the Annual Report and Financial Statements will be provided to all shareholders prior to the AGM in accordance with statutory requirements. The Company's interim report (half-year results) will also be provided to shareholders. All of the Company's publicly announced financial information will be routinely added to our website. See our financial calendar for results announcement dates.
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Can I receive Company information and vote in respect of my shares electronically?
Yes. Shareholders can arrange to receive the Company's annual and interim reports electronically and to submit voting instructions online at shareholder meetings by registering for our
Shareview service, which gives you access to a comprehensive range of shareholder information, including dividend payment details.
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Dividends
What is a dividend?
A dividend is a payment made to shareholders out of a company's distributable profits.
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When are Experian dividends paid?
The dividend payment timetable is outlined in our
financial calendar. If the financial calendar contains no dividend payment information, details of the next Experian dividend payment have not yet been announced.
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What does "ex-dividend" mean?
This means "without dividend". Before we announce a dividend, we will consult with the London Stock Exchange and set the ex-dividend date. If you become a registered shareholder before the ex-dividend date, you are entitled to the most recently-announced dividend; if you buy after that date, the dividend goes to the previous owner of the shares.
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What does "record date" mean?
The dividend is based on the number of shares held by each shareholder and is paid to the shareholders on the share register at a specific date known as the record date. This is currently two days after the ex-dividend date. If you receive a dividend and are not sure if you are entitled to it, contact the agent who sold your shares for you for further advice.
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I have not received my dividend cheque, who do I contact?
If you have not received your dividend payment within 21 days, please contact the
registrar.
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I have mislaid my dividend cheque, who do I contact?
If you lose a dividend cheque you should contact the
registrar immediately, confirming which payment has been lost. They will then arrange for the cheque to be stopped and will issue you with a duplicate one free of charge. Dividend cheques are currently valid for one year from the date of payment.
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Can I have my dividends paid directly into my bank?
Yes, you can ask to have your dividends paid directly into a UK bank or building society account through the BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services) system, which avoids the risk of cheques being lost in the post or mislaid. The dividend will be credited to your account on the payment date and you will not have to wait for a cheque to clear on your account. The registrar will send a tax voucher to your registered address so you know when and how much has been paid into your account.
If you would like your dividends to be paid in this way, please contact the registrar who will provide you with an appropriate dividend mandate form. This form is supplied with your dividend if you receive a cheque.
Following the demerger, existing dividend mandates for GUS will automatically be applied to shares in Experian unless you notify the registrar.
An existing mandate can also be amended online once you have registered with Shareview. Please take care when completing the sort code and account number as we cannot accept liability if you give incorrect information and your dividend is paid into the wrong account.
If you are a private shareholder living outside the UK, you can have your dividends of up to £5,000 value paid directly into your local bank in the local currency using TAPS (Transcontinental Automated Payments Service). A small fixed fee is charged for this service. The dividend payment, less the fixed fee, is normally received within five working days of the dividend payment date. You should contact the
registrar for further information.
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Does Experian offer a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?
The Company offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) that replaced the service previously offered by GUS plc. View further information about the Experian DRIP. This information should be read in conjunction with a letter containing important changes to the Experian DRIP, resulting from new legislation and the sale of Lloyds TSB Registrars. View the new Equiniti terms and conditions referred to in the letter, which take effect on 1 March 2008.
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The Company will report in US dollars. How will this affect my investment/dividend?
The Company will also announce its dividends in US dollars. However, shareholders will be paid dividends in pounds sterling, unless they have elected otherwise. The amount of dividend received in pounds sterling will be calculated on a basis set out at the time the dividend is announced. Holders of Experian ADRs will receive any dividend payments through the Depositary or their Agent Institution in US dollars.
If you wish to receive your dividends in US dollars you can elect to do so. If you wish to make this election please contact the registrar.
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Share registration issues
Who do I contact about share registration?
For all enquiries concerning shares and/or dividends, please contact the
registrar. Shareholders who have registered with
Shareview can of course do this electronically. The Experian Registrar's Helpline number is 44 (0) 121 415 7586 (or 0845 601 0810 for calls from within the UK).
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I have just changed my address, who do I inform?
When you change address, you should inform the
registrar as soon as possible to ensure that the register is updated and you receive all shareholder communications and dividends. Shareholders who have registered with
Shareview can do this electronically. Alternatively you can send a letter to the
registrar, which should include the following:
- your name in full, as shown on your share certificate
- your previous address
- your new address
- your shareholder account number
Your letter must be signed. For security reasons, the
registrar cannot accept address changes over the telephone. Address changes can be made online once you have registered for
Shareview.
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I have recently changed my name, who do I inform?
You should inform the
registrar as soon as possible. Please write to the
registrar giving full details of the following:
- your old name
- your new name
- a copy of any legal documentation, such as marriage certificate or deed poll
Where your name has changed as a result of separation or divorce, and you wish to revert to your maiden name, a copy of any supporting documentation must be sent to the
registrar. Your letter must be signed. For security reasons, the
registrar cannot accept name changes over the telephone.
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What should I do with my share certificate?
Share certificates are evidence of your ownership and should be kept in a safe place. You will need them if you want to sell all or some of your shares in the future. We recommend that you keep a separate record of the certificate numbers and the number of shares each certificate covers in case of loss or damage. Share certificates are posted to shareholders at their own risk.
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What do I do if I have lost my share certificate?
The registrar keeps a record of your name, address and the number of shares you own and can arrange to issue a replacement certificate if necessary. If you have lost a certificate, please report this to the
registrar as soon as possible so a "stop" can be put on that certificate. Before a replacement certificate can be issued, you will be sent an indemnity form to complete. This safeguards the Company should a dispute arise over ownership at a later stage.
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I have more than one certificate, can they be combined?
If you have more than one share certificate for the Company, you can ask for your certificates to be consolidated into one. Please send them to the
registrar, together with a covering letter. There is no charge to private shareholders for this service. You should retain the counterfoils as they may be required for tax purposes. Shareholders returning certificates are advised to use "sign on receipt" postal services.
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What is my account number?
When you first buy shares in the Company, you are given a unique eight-digit account number. This is shown on share certificates and should be quoted in all correspondence. We recommend that you keep a separate record of your account number.
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I have two different account numbers, why?
If you have bought shares in the Company at different times and the name and address you or your broker have supplied to the
registrar differs in any way at all from previously provided details, another account may be created. If this happens, you may receive more than one copy of Experian shareholder documents. If you want the accounts combined you should contact the
registrar.
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Your shareholding
How can I buy and sell shares in the Company?
If you want to buy more shares or sell your existing shares, you must do this through a stockbroker. Alternatively, existing or potential UK resident investors can buy or sell Experian shares using Internet and telephone share dealing services from Equiniti's Share Dealing Service by logging on to
www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or calling 0870 850 0852 between 8.00am and 4.30pm on weekdays.
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Is this a good time to buy/sell shares in the Company?
Under the Financial Services and Markets Act and the Financial Services (Jersey) Law 1998, we are not authorised to provide advice to investors on share dealing. For such advice, please contact your stockbroker or financial adviser.
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How do I check my shareholding details online?
You need to have registered with
Shareview to check your details online.
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How can I check today's share price?
The latest Experian share price is available on the
share price information section of this website as well as through other information services.
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Unsolicited investment advice
I have received an unsolicited communication with investment advice, what should I do?
Many companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters which imply a connection to the company concerned. These are typically from overseas based 'brokers' who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments.
They can be very persistent and extremely persuasive and a 2006 survey by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) reported that the average amount lost by investors was around £20,000. It is not just the novice investor who is being duped in this way; many of the victims had been successfully investing for several years. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free reports into the company.
If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:
- Make sure you obtain the correct name of the person and organisation and make a record of any other information they give you, e.g. telephone number, address.
- Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved. You can check at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
- The FSA maintains on its website a list of unauthorised overseas firms who are targeting, or have targeted, UK investors. Any approach from such organisations should be reported to the FSA so that this list can be kept up to date and any other appropriate action can be considered. If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FSA can, preferably, be contacted by completing an online form at http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml or, if you do not have access to the Internet, on 0845 606 1234 (from the UK).
- Inform our Registrars on 0845 601 0810 (Overseas + 44 121 415 7586). They are not able to investigate such incidents themselves but will record the details and pass them on to Experian and liaise with the FSA.
Details of any share dealing facilities that Experian endorses will be included in company mailings or on our website.
More detailed information on this or similar activity can be found on the FSA website at http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/.
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Company information
How do I contact Experian?
Please write to our
registrar or our
corporate headquarters.
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Financial information and calendar
When is the next set of results being announced?
For the dates of future results announcements, see our
financial calendar.
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How do I get hold of a copy of the Company's published financial information?
The Company's published financial information is available on this website. If you require hard copy versions, please contact our
corporate headquarters.
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When is the AGM?
For the date of the next Experian AGM, see our
financial calendar.
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GUS share history
What is the effect of the demerger of Experian and Home Retail Group plc on GUS shareholders?
Following the demerger, GUS shareholders at 4.30 pm on Friday 6 October 2006 were entitled to receive one share in Experian and one share in Home Retail Group plc for every share they held in GUS at that time.
UK tax
The previous base cost of any GUS plc shares held at 4.30pm on 6 October 2006 is apportioned for UK Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes in the following ratio: 58.235% to Experian plc shares and 41.765% to Home Retail Group plc shares (based on the closing prices of the respective shares on their first day of trading after their admission to the Official List of the LSE on 11 October 2006). For GUS shares acquired prior to the demerger of Burberry on 13 December 2005 which are affected by both the Burberry demerger and the subsequent separation of Experian and Home Retail Group, the original CGT base cost is apportioned 50.604% to Experian plc shares, 36.293% to Home Retail Group plc shares and 13.103% to Burberry Group plc shares.
US tax
For US federal income tax purposes, in order to determine their respective US tax bases in the Experian plc shares and Home Retail Group shares received pursuant to the demerger, US shareholders must allocate their basis in the GUS plc shares previously held by them between their Experian plc shares and Home Retail Group shares in proportion to their respective fair market values. For purposes of determining the allocation of basis between the shares in Experian plc and Home Retail Group for UK tax purposes, the market value of each company was determined based on trading prices as at 11 October 2006. Although not necessarily determinative for US tax purposes, we believe it would be reasonable in this case for US shareholders to use such UK tax valuations of the shares in allocating basis between their Experian plc shares and Home Retail Group shares. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with those valuations, or won't propose an alternative valuation.
US IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any US tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the US Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
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I bought shares in GUS plc several years ago, but cannot remember what price I paid. I now need this information to complete my tax return. Where can I find out the original share price?
The contract note that was provided by the broker when purchasing the shares will have this information. In the absence of this, the London Stock Exchange can provide the information for a small charge. For details, please phone 01232 321094.
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What is the effect of the Burberry demerger and the GUS plc share consolidation on 13 December 2005 on GUS plc shareholders at that date?
(i) The Burberry demerger
As indicated in the EGM Circular dated 18 November 2005, shareholders received 305 Burberry Group plc shares for every 1,000 GUS plc shares held at the record time on 13 December 2005.
(ii) The GUS plc share consolidation
Immediately after the demerger of Burberry on 13 December 2005, the share capital of GUS plc was consolidated and the nominal value of each consolidated GUS plc share was increased from 25 pence to 29 3/43 pence. As a consequence, GUS plc shareholders received 860 new consolidated GUS plc shares of nominal value 29 3/43 pence each for every 1,000 old GUS plc Ordinary shares of nominal value 25 pence each held at the Record Time of 7am on 13 December 2005. This process also involved the issue of new 29 3/43 pence Ordinary share certificates to replace existing 25 pence Ordinary share certificates, which have now become valueless.
(iii) UK Capital Gains Tax
Following the demerger of Burberry and the GUS plc share consolidation, the previous base cost of any old GUS plc shares held at 7am on 13 December 2005 is apportioned for UK capital gains tax purposes in the following ratio: new GUS plc shares 86.897%; Burberry shares 13.103%. This is based on the dividend ratio of 0.305 Burberry shares for each old GUS plc share held and the respective market values on 13 December 2005, determined according to normal UK CGT rules, of 980.5 pence for new GUS plc shares and 416.875 pence for Burberry shares.
1982 value of GUS plc shares for UK capital gains tax purposes:
a) Disposals before the Burberry demerger and the GUS plc share consolidation on 13 December 2005:
For UK capital gains tax purposes, the 31 March 1982 values (as adjusted for the enfranchisement and bonus issues in 1993) are: Ordinary Shares held at 31 March 1982 - 72.57 pence. 'A' Ordinary Shares held at that date (and redesignated as Ordinary shares in 1993) - 129 pence.
b) Disposals after the Burberry demerger and the GUS plc share consolidation on 13 December 2005:
Following the demerger of Burberry Group plc from GUS plc on 13 December 2005 and the GUS plc share consolidation at that date (which increased the nominal value of each new GUS plc share), the 31 March 1982 values are apportioned for UK capital gains tax purposes as follows:
| |
Apportioned between |
| |
New GUS shares |
Burberry shares |
| Ordinary Shares held at 31 March 1982 |
73.40p |
9.44p |
'A' Ordinary Shares held at 31 March 1982
(redesignated as Ordinary shares in 1993) |
130.48p |
16.79p |
c) Disposals after the separation of Experian and Home Retail Group on 10 October 2006:
Following the separation of Experian and Home Retail Group on 10 October 2006, the 31 March 1982 values are apportioned for UK capital gains tax purposes as follows:
|
Value following
Burberry Demerger
(see b above) |
Apportioned between |
|
Experian Group
Ltd shares |
Home Retail
Group plc shares |
| Ordinary Shares held on 31 March 1982 |
73.40p |
42.74p |
30.66p |
''A'' Ordinary Shares held at 31 March 1982
(Redesignated as Ordinary Shares in 1993) |
130.48p |
75.99p |
54.49p |
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What do I do with my old GUS share certificate(s)?
Your old GUS share certificates will cease to be valid after 6 October 2006 and should be destroyed upon receipt of your new Experian and Home Retail Group share certificates.
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