Windturbines in California, Boron Operations

Shareholder FAQs

On this page, find the answers to frequently asked questions about:

  • Rio Tinto plc shares
  • Rio Tinto Limited shares
  • Rio Tinto American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)

Read about dividends, share prices, and buying and selling shares – as well as how to access information about your shareholding, how to update your details, and where to go to learn more.

  • Rio Tinto plc
  • Rio Tinto Limited
  • Rio Tinto ADRs
  • Where can I find the current share price?

    It is shown in most UK newspapers usually under “Mining”. If there are 2 Rio Tinto companies shown, one of these will be Rio Tinto Limited, the Australian company. The letters A$ may also appear after the name. Share prices are often quoted alongside a unique code known as a stock exchange ticker. The London Stock Exchange ticker for Rio Tinto plc is RIO.L and the Australian Securities Exchange ticker for Rio Tinto Limited is RIO.AX.

    In addition, information on the recent movements in the share price is available from the Rio Tinto website.

     

  • Where can I find information about historical share prices?

    Information about historical Rio Tinto share prices is available on the Share price and tools page.

  • What are dividends?

    The dividend is the amount that directors of a company propose to pay out of the profits to its shareholders. Dividends can be thought of as the income that shareholders receive from their investment. Dividends are quoted on a per share basis.

  • When are dividends paid?

    We pay dividends twice a year, as an “interim dividend” and a “final dividend”. When the financial results for the half year and full year are announced, the level of dividend to be paid to shareholders is also announced. The dividend is usually paid in April and September and is paid to everyone who holds shares on the “record date”. Upcoming record dates, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • How can I have my dividends paid directly into my bank account?

    Rio Tinto plc is a Mandatory Direct Credit company. This means Rio Tinto plc pays cash dividends by direct credit only. To receive payments directly to your UK bank or building society account, please go to Investor Centre where you can update your payment instruction, amend your address and check share balances and dividend payments. For Shareholders who do not have a UK Bank Account, dividends can be received in your local currency by registering for the International Funds Transfer Service. Investor Centre is available 24 hours a day and is free to all Rio Tinto shareholders.

  • What is the "ex-dividend" date?

    The ex-dividend date is a specific date, occurring after the dividend has been declared after which buyers are no longer entitled to receive the last declared dividend. This is known as going “ex-dividend” and before this date the shares are said to be “cum-dividend”. If you buy shares before the ex-dividend date, you are entitled to the recently announced dividend. If you purchase shares on or after that date, the previous owner of the shares (and not you) is entitled to the dividend. The ex-dividend date for the latest dividend, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • What is the dividend "record date"?

    This is the date the registrars view the register to prepare the dividend payment. A shareholding must be recorded on the register on this date to receive the dividend. The record date normally falls about 3 weeks before the dividend is paid. The record date for the latest dividend, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • In what currency are Rio Tinto dividends paid?

    The dividend is determined in US$ (our main reporting currency) and shareholders may choose to receive their dividend in US dollars, pounds sterling, Australian dollars, or New Zealand dollars. Currency conversions will be based on the pound sterling, Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar exchange rates 7 business days before the dividend payment date.

  • Can I elect to receive my dividends in currencies other than my local currency?

    Shareholders on Rio Tinto plc's share register will receive their dividends in pounds sterling unless they make an election to receive them in an alternate currency.

    Shareholders may make an election to receive US dollars, Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars by making a currency election via the Investor Centre. Alternatively shareholders may obtain a currency election form from our registrars, Computershare Investor Services PLC, at the Investor Centre or by calling 0800 435 021 (UK shareholders) or +44 (0) 370 703 6364 (overseas shareholders). You will also need to register your bank account details via Investor Centre to receive payment.

    Computershare Investor Services PLC offers payment services in other currencies which are subject to a fee. Please contact Computershare via the Investor Centre or by calling 0800 435 021 (UK shareholders) or +44 (0) 370 703 6364 (overseas shareholders).

  • Does Rio Tinto have a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?

    A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is available to give shareholders the opportunity to elect for their cash dividend to be used to purchase Rio Tinto ordinary shares in the market. A commission charge of 0.5 per cent of the value of the shares purchased will be charged. Purchases will also be liable to stamp duty at a rate of 0.5 per cent of the value of the shares purchased. As the shares will be purchased in the market, there will be no increase in the Company's issued share capital.

    The plan is administered by Computershare Investor Services PLC which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

  • Do I have to pay tax on my dividends?

    We recommend you obtain independent financial advice.

  • How do I obtain a paper copy of shareholder documents?

    Paper copies of all shareholder documents can be obtained free of charge by contacting the registrar.

  • How can I have a change of address noted on the share register?

    Go to the Investor Centre and register your email address. Investor Centre is Rio Tinto's secure shareholder self-service website. It's available 24 hours a day and is free to all Rio Tinto shareholders. By going online, you can amend your address, check share balances, check payment and tax information and also update payment instructions.

  • How can I have a change of name noted on the share register?

    First, download a change of name form. Once completed, this form should be sent to Computershare Investor Services PLC at the address given on the form, together with your share certificate and a copy of the relevant document (eg marriage certificate)

  • How can I transfer shares to another member of my family, or any other person?

    Please download a Standard Transfer form and send it to Computershare. Stamp duty may be payable on the transfer. You should refer to the guidance notes on the transfer form for more information.

  • How can I replace my lost or missing certificate?
    You should write to Computershare telling them you have mislaid your certificate. They will send you a letter of indemnity to sign and return to them. The indemnity provides you with cover for any loss arising from a dispute over ownership of the missing shares. An administration fee is usually charged for this service.

    If the value of the shareholding represented by the lost or misplaced share certificate is more than £100, the indemnity must be countersigned by a bank or insurance company, which may also charge a fee. Alternatively Computershare offers a countersignature service where the value of the shareholding is between £100 and £50,000 upon the payment of an insurance premium. A sliding scale of charges applies, depending on the value of the lost certificate to reflect the greater risk to the insurer.

    If the value of the shareholding is greater than £50,000, the broker Portsoken Ltd, 4th Floor, Davis House, Robert Street, Croydon, CR0 1QQ (T: 020 8667 2107) may provide a countersignature service for a fee. They can deal with shareholders domiciled outside the UK subject to normal identity and sanction checks.

    Please check to ensure that the certificate has been lost before informing Computershare in order to avoid incurring any fees (as outlined above).

    To request an indemnity please contact Computershare advising them of your full name, address, the company in which you hold shares, the certificate number and amount of any share certificate(s) still in your possession.

  • I am receiving multiple copies of shareholder circulars. How can I stop this?

    This is probably because Computershare is holding 2 (or more) accounts for you on the share register. If you would like to merge shareholdings registered in your name into a single holding, please provide Computershare with a written request, signed by all the registered holders or legally appointed representatives.

    You may have a preference as to which holding you would like the shares to be merged. If so, please inform Computershare by confirming the relevant Shareholder Reference Number (SRN). There is no need to send Computershare your share certificates, as these will remain valid.

  • Can I receive shareholder documents electronically?

    Yes. To register to receive the Company's shareholder publications electronically by email you need to register your email address with Computershare. For every shareholder who registers, a donation will be made to Woodland Trust's. All funds donated go towards their many tree planting programmes.

    Shareholders who choose to receive electronic copies can change their election at any time by contacting Computershare.

  • Can I consolidate my share certificates?

    Yes, if your certificated holding in Rio Tinto plc is represented by several share certificates you may wish to have these replaced by one consolidated share certificate. There is no charge for this service. You should send your certificates with a letter of instruction to Computershare.

  • What happens if a shareholder dies?

    Please advise Computershare in writing as soon as possible and they will explain what has to be done.

  • I have Rio Tinto plc shares. Can I exchange them for Rio Tinto Limited shares?

    Whilst unified under a dual listed companies structure, Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc remain separate legal entities. As Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc have separate share registers, there is no facility to transfer shares between the companies. If a shareholder in Rio Tinto plc wanted their shares to be part of the Rio Tinto Limited register, they would have to sell their Rio Tinto plc shares and purchase Rio Tinto Limited shares.

  • Can I view details of my Rio Tinto shareholding online?

    You can view details of all your holdings for companies registered with Computershare online through the Investor Centre, as soon as you register with Computershare.

    Once you have registered you will be able to view all your holdings and update your details online.

  • Are my share certificates issued by the RTZ Corporation PLC still valid?

    Yes. Share certificates in the name of The RTZ Corporation PLC remain valid and now apply to shares in Rio Tinto plc. When the Company changed its name in June 1997 it did not issue replacement certificates. If you would like your existing share certificates in the name of The RTZ Corporation PLC to be replaced, please contact Computershare.

  • Are my share certificates issued by Alcan Inc still valid?

    Former Alcan Inc. shareholders can communicate directly with the transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc.

  • Are bearer shares still valid?

    All outstanding share warrants to bearer were converted into registered ordinary shares under the terms of a Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the UK High Court on 30 April 2001. Under the terms of the Scheme of Arrangement, registered shares representing the outstanding share warrants as at 31 May 2013 were sold on 14 June 2013.Upon submission of any outstanding share warrants, the holders are no longer entitled to receive Ordinary Shares but are entitled to receive a pro rata share of the net sale proceeds, accrued dividends and other monies subject to the terms of a Trust Deed dated 4 June 2001 entered into in connection with the Scheme of Arrangement.

    Holders of outstanding share warrants to bearer should complete an application form and send it to Company Secretariat in order to obtain their entitlement to a pro rata share of the net sale proceeds, accrued dividends and other monies.

  • Have preference shares been cancelled?

    “A” and “B” preference shares were cancelled and repaid on 30 June 1999 and share certificates are no longer valid. If you are still holding share warrants to bearer for “B” preference shares please contact the Company Secretarial department at Rio Tinto for further information.

  • How can I contact the share registry?

    Rio Tinto Limited has appointed Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited as its registrar and you can contact Computershare at:

    Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited

    GPO Box 2975
    Melbourne, Victoria 3001
    Australia

    T (within Australia): 1800 813 292
    T (outside Australia): +61 (0) 3 9415 4030
    F: +61 (0) 3 9473 2500
    W: investorcentre.com/contact

  • How can I buy or sell shares?

    Rio Tinto Limited shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Shares listed on ASX can only be bought or sold through a stockbroker. The ASX’s website contains information about how to select a stockbroker.

  • Where can I find the current share price?

    The Rio Tinto Limited share price is reported in most Australian newspapers.

    It is also shown in most UK newspapers usually under “Mining”. If there are 2 Rio Tinto companies shown one of these will be Rio Tinto Limited, the Australian company. The letters A$ may also appear after the name. Share prices are often quoted alongside a unique code known as a stock exchange ticker. The Australian Securities Exchange ticker for Rio Tinto Limited is RIO.AX and the London Stock Exchange ticker for Rio Tinto plc is RIO.L.

    In addition, information on the recent movements in the share price is available from the Rio Tinto website.

  • Where can I find information about historical share prices?

    Information about historical Rio Tinto share prices is available on the Share price and tools page.

  • What are dividends?

    The dividend is the amount that directors of a company propose to pay out of the profits to its shareholders. Dividends can be thought of as the income that shareholders receive from their investment. Dividends are quoted on a per share basis.

  • When are dividends paid

    We pay dividends twice a year, as an “interim” dividend and a “final dividend”. When the financial results for the half year and full year are announced, the level of dividend to be paid to shareholders is also announced.

    The dividend is usually paid in April and September and is paid to everyone who holds shares on the “record date”. Upcoming record dates, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • What is the "ex-dividend" date?

    The ex-dividend date is a specific date, occurring after the dividend has been declared from which buyers on the ASX are no longer entitled to receive the last declared dividend. This is known as going “ex-dividend” and before this date the shares are said to be “cum-dividend”. If you buy shares on the ASX before the ex-dividend date, you are entitled to the recently announced dividend. If you purchase shares on or after that date, the previous owner of the shares (and not you) is entitled to the dividend. The ex-dividend date for the latest dividend, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • What is the dividend "record date"?

    This is the date the registrars view the register to prepare the dividend payment. A shareholding must be recorded on the register on this date to receive the dividend. The record date normally falls about 3 weeks before the dividend is paid. The record date for the latest dividend, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • What are the currencies in which dividends are paid

    The dividend is determined and declared in US dollars, which is our reporting currency. Shareholders can elect to receive their dividend in Australian dollars, pounds sterling, New Zealand dollars or US dollars. For dividends received in currencies other than US dollars, the amounts will be converted from US dollars 7 business days prior to the payment date. If shareholders wish to receive their dividend in a currency other than AUD, GBP, NZD or USD, they may elect to do so via Computershare’s Global Wire payment facility.

  • How can I have my dividends paid directly into my bank account?

    You can nominate either an Australian, US, New Zealand or United Kingdom financial institution account for receipt of payments by direct credit. If you do this your payments will be credited to your nominated account in Australian dollars, US dollars, New Zealand dollars or pounds sterling as applicable.

    Payments in Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars and pounds sterling will be converted from US dollars at the exchange rate applicable 7 business days before the dividend payment date. You can provide your bank account details via our secure online facility at investorcentre.com/rio or by contacting Computershare directly.

  • How does the currency conversion work for dividends payments?

    The dividend is determined and declared in US dollars. Applicable currency conversion rates are struck 7 business days prior to the payment date and these rates are announced to the market. Shareholders may elect to receive their dividend in US dollars, Australian dollars, pounds sterling or New Zealand dollars. To comply with Australian franking credit rules, irrespective of the elected payment currency, all dividend payments will converted to Australian dollars using the USD/AUD conversion rate for the purpose of calculating the relevant franking credits in AUD, before being converted into the payment currency using the disclosed rates.

  • Can I elect to receive my dividends in currencies other than Australian dollars?

    You can nominate either an Australian, United Kingdom, New Zealand or US financial institution account for receipt of payments by direct credit. If you do this your payments will be credited to your nominated account in Australian dollars, pounds sterling, New Zealand dollars or US dollars as applicable. Payments in Australian dollars, pounds sterling and New Zealand dollars will be converted from the announced US dollar dividend amount at the applicable exchange rate 7 business days before the dividend payment date.

  • Does Rio Tinto have a Dividend Reinvestment Plan

    A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is available to give shareholders the opportunity to elect for their cash dividend to be used to purchase Rio Tinto ordinary shares in the market, free of commission. As the shares will be purchased in the market, there will be no increase in the Company's issued share capital.

    You can access the DRP plan rules at for further information and if you wish to participate, you can elect to do so at investorcentre.com/rio. Alternatively, please contact Computershare for further details.

  • Do I have to pay tax on my dividends

    Your tax obligations will vary depending on your financial circumstances. We recommend you obtain independent financial advice.

  • How do I obtain a paper copy of shareholder documents?

    Paper copies of all shareholder documents can be obtained by contacting Computershare.

  • Can I update my shareholder details on the internet

    You are able to update your address, payment instructions, DRP elections, tax file numbers and email details via investorcentre.com/rio.

  • How can I have a change of address noted on the share register?

    If you are an individual Issuer Sponsored shareholder you can change your address details online at investorcentre.com/rio or contacting Computershare. If you wish to change your address details by phone, you will need to provide your SRN and confirm your full name and old address. Computershare will confirm these details with you and provide a confirmation number. If your shares are maintained by a broker (Broker Sponsored) please send the change of address request and supporting documentation to your broker for processing.

  • How can I transfer shares to another member of my family or any other person

    Please contact Computershare for a “Standard Transfer” form, or you can download a form at Computershare website. When you have completed the transfer form, send it to Computershare. A security validation fee is payable to Computershare, the share registrar, for processing this transfer. You should contact Computershare for details of the fee.

  • What happens if a shareholder dies?

    Please contact Computershare for a “Standard Transfer” form, or you can download a form at Computershare website. When you have completed the transfer form, send it to Computershare. A security validation fee is payable to Computershare, the share registrar, for processing this transfer. You should contact Computershare for details of the fee.

  • I have Rio Tinto Limited shares. Can I exchange them for Rio Tinto plc shares?

    Whilst unified under a dual listed companies structure, Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc remain separate legal entities. As Rio Tinto Limited and Rio Tinto plc have separate share registers, there is no facility to transfer shares between the companies.

  • What is CHESS?

    Since 1998, when paper share certificates were phased out, ownership of shares listed on the ASX has been recorded electronically. Shareholders can choose to have their holdings registered in one of 2 ways on the Rio Tinto share register – on an Issuer Sponsored Subregister or on the CHESS (Broker Sponsored) Subregister. “CHESS” means the Clearing House Electronic Subregister System. The 2 types of subregister provide alternative forms of registration for shareholders and the shares they own.

  • What is a Holder Identification Number (HIN)?

    The Holder Identification Number (HIN) identifies your registration on the CHESS Subregister. This form of registration, also known as Broker Sponsored, allows brokers to manage their sponsored client's shareholdings. A HIN is made up of the letter X followed by 10 numbers, ie X0001234567. The one HIN can register a client's shareholding in multiple companies. Find out more from Computershare.

  • What is a Shareholder Registration Number (SRN)?

    Your Shareholder Registration Number (SRN) is a unique number allocated to identify your registered holding on a company's Issuer Sponsored Subregister. It is made up of the letter I followed by 10 numbers, ie I0001234567.

    The SRN is important information to be used in confirming or amending shareholder details retained by Computershare. If you hold shares in more than one company and choose to be Issuer Sponsored, you will have a different SRN for each shareholding.

  • Can I view details of my Rio Tinto shareholding online?

    You can view details of your Rio Tinto shareholding online at investorcentre.com/rio.

    You will need to enter your SRN or HIN and your registered postcode or country (if outside Australia). This service provides read-only access to your Rio Tinto shareholding information.

    You can view details of all your holdings for companies registered with Computershare online, if you register with Computershare.

    Once you have registered you will be able to view all your holdings and update your details online.

  • Can I receive shareholder documents electronically?

    Rio Tinto shareholders are able to receive Annual reports, Notices of meetings and other company mail-outs online via email. If you wish to receive these communications via email, you can elect to do so at investorcentre.com/rio.

    Shareholders who choose to receive electronic copies can change their election at any time by contacting Computershare.

  • I am receiving multiple copies of shareholder communications. How can I stop this?

    If you receive more than one copy of company information, it is because Computershare is holding 2 or more accounts for you on the share register. If you would like to have the accounts combined into one, you should contact Computershare for a form to request consolidation of your holdings. You can download a “Request to consolidate holdings” form from Computershare's website. There is no charge for doing this.

    If you wish to consolidate separate Issuer Sponsored and CHESS holdings, you should contact your broker and they will explain what has to be done.

  • What are American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)?

    American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are negotiable US securities that represent a company's publicly traded equity or debt. ADRs are created when a broker purchases a non-US company's shares on the home stock market and delivers those to the depositary bank's local custodian bank, which then instructs the depositary bank to issue ADRs.

    An ADR is a physical certificate evidencing ownership of one or more American Depositary Shares (ADSs). ADSs represent a company's ordinary shares and carry the rights attaching to them. The relationship between the number of ADRs and the number of a company's ordinary shares is typically referred to as the ADR ratio. The ADR certificate sets out the responsibilities of the depositary bank with respect to actions such as payment of dividends, voting at shareholder meetings, and handling of rights offerings.

    ADRs may also be purchased in the US secondary trading market. ADRs may trade freely, just like any other security, either on an exchange or in the over-the-counter market.

  • What type of ADR facility does Rio Tinto plc provide?

    Rio Tinto plc has an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program under which each ADS represents one Rio Tinto plc share held by the depositary

  •  How many Rio Tinto plc shares represent an American Depositary Share (ADS)?
    Rio Tinto plc has an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program under which each ADS represents one Rio Tinto plc share held by the depositary.
  • What is the ADR ratio?

    The ADR ratio is one ADR for one Rio Tinto plc share. Prior to 30 April 2010, the ADR ratio was one ADR for 4 Rio Tinto plc shares.

  • Who is the ADR depositary and how do I contact them?

    Contact:

    ADR Administrator JPMorgan Chase & Co PO Box 64504 St Paul, MN 55164-0504 US

    T: +1 (651) 453 2128

    US residents only toll free general: (800) 990 1135

    US residents only toll free Global invest direct: (800) 428 4237

    E: jpmorgan.adr@wellsfargo.com

  • How are the dividends paid on ADRs calculated?

    Holders of American Depositary Shares are paid dividends, at the declared rate, in US dollars.

  • When are dividends paid?

    Rio Tinto pays dividends twice a year, as an “interim” dividend and a “final dividend”. When the financial results for the half year and full year are announced, the level of dividend to be paid to shareholders is also announced. The dividend is usually paid in April and September and is paid to everyone who holds shares on the “record date”. Upcoming record dates, once published, can be found in the financial calendar. The dividend payable is determined in US dollars by the directors and translated into sterling or Australian dollars at the exchange rate prevailing one day before the results are announced.

  • What is the dividend record date?

    This is the date the registrars view the register to prepare the dividend payment. A shareholding must be registered on this date to receive the dividend. The record date normally falls about 3 weeks before the dividend is paid. The record date for the latest dividend, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • What is the ex-dividend date?

    The ex-dividend date is a specific date, occurring after the dividend has been declared after which buyers are no longer entitled to receive the last declared dividend. This is known as going “ex-dividend” and before this date the shares are said to be “cum-dividend”. If you buy shares before the ex-dividend date, you are entitled to the recently announced dividend. If you purchase shares on or after that date, the previous owner of the shares (and not you) is entitled to the dividend. The ex-dividend date for the latest dividend, once published, can be found in the financial calendar.

  • How do I obtain a paper copy of shareholder documents?

    Paper copies of all shareholder documents can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Company.

  • What are the benefits of ADRs for an investor?

    Increasingly, investors aim to diversify their portfolios internationally. ADRs offer a number of advantages to particular investors including:

    Quotation and payment of dividends in US dollars

    Diversification without many of the difficulties investors have in purchasing and holding securities outside of their local market

    Elimination of global custodian safekeeping charges

    Familiar trade, clearance and settlement procedures

    Ability to acquire the underlying securities directly upon cancellation

  • How do Rio Tinto ADRs trade?

    Rio Tinto plc ADRs are issued by the depositary bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, when the underlying shares are deposited in a local custodian bank, usually by a broker who has purchased the shares in the open market. Once issued, Rio Tinto plc ADRs may be traded in the US on the New York Stock Exchange.

    When the ADR holder sells, the ADR can either be sold to another US investor or it can be cancelled and the underlying shares can be sold to a non-US investor. In the latter case, the ADR is surrendered and the shares held with the local custodian bank would be released back into the home market and sold to the purchaser's broker.

    A Rio Tinto ADR holder is able to request delivery of the underlying Rio Tinto shares at any time.

     

  • How can I buy Rio Tinto ADRs?

    For Rio Tinto plc ADRs, JPMorgan Chase Bank NA (JPMC) operates a Global Invest Direct program, which allows first time and existing investors to purchase ADRs at reduced costs. All such investments are made through JPMC as transfer agent.

  • Who will vote the ADRs held at Rio Tinto's annual general meetings?

    Holders of Rio Tinto plc ADRs are entitled to instruct the depositary bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, as to how to vote in relation to their shareholding at the respective annual general meetings. The voting rights are in relation to the number of Rio Tinto ordinary shares represented by the respective ADRs.

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Dual listed companies structure

The Rio Tinto Group consists of Rio Tinto plc, which is registered in England and Wales, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is registered in Australia