FAQS

A number of commonly-asked questions are answered below. A range of issues is covered including individual shareholdings and Company information such as Orica's current debt rating and gearing policy.

If your question isn’t answered below, please direct any queries relating to your shareholding to the share registry:

Link Market Services
GPO Box 1736P
Melbourne Victoria 3001
Telephone: 61 3 9615 9742
Facsimile: 61 3 9615 9900
Toll Free: 1300 301 253
Email: registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au
Website: www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica

The Link Market Services website, www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica can be used to access a wide variety of holding information, make some changes online or download forms.

You can:
- Check your current and previous holding balances
- Choose your preferred annual report options
- Update your address details
- Update your bank details
- Confirm whether you have lodged your Tax File Number (TFN) or Australian Business Number (ABN) exemption
- Register your TFN/ABN
- Check transaction and dividend history
- Enter your e-mail address
- Check the share prices and graphs
- Download a variety of instruction forms
- Subscribe to e-mail announcements.

You can access this information via a security login using your Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN) as well as your surname (or company name) and postcode (must be the postcode recorded on your holding record).

Questions relating to the company's activities should be directed to:
Orica Investor Relations
Ph: +61 3 9665 7844
Email: companyinfo@orica.com

General Queries:
- Where can I find my shareholder account number?
- What are Holder Identification Numbers (HINs) and Securityholder Reference Numbers (SRNs)?
- Am I a CHESS Sponsored Holder or an Issuer Sponsored Holder?
- My share certificate has been lost/stolen. How do I obtain a replacement?
- On what stock exchanges is Orica traded and what is the stock symbol?
- How many shares does Orica have outstanding?
- What are Orica Preference Shares (ASX code ORIPA)?
- How many classes of equity does Orica have?

Change of Details:
- I have recently moved house. Who should I tell?
- What do I do if I change my name?
- I am receiving two sets of communication whenever Orica sends anything to me.  How can I make sure that in future only one copy is sent?

Share Trading / Transfer of Shares:
- Many companies offer a low cost share dealing service so that shareholders can buy or sell shares at preferential rates of stockbroking commission. Does Orica offer this?
- I would like to transfer shares to someone I know. How do I arrange this?
- Do I have to pay stamp duty on my share transfer?

Dividends:
- Where can I find dividend history details?
- I did not receive a dividend cheque for the last dividend. What should I do?
- Having dividends paid directly into my bank account sounds like a good idea. What do I need to do to arrange this?
- I would like to reinvest my cash dividends in more shares (Dividend Reinvestment Plan or DRP). Where can I get details of how to do this?
- I have lost my dividend statement. What should I do?
- I have found an out-of-date dividend cheque. What should I do?

Shares Held by / for Other People:
- My partner/relative has died. What should I do about their shareholding?
- I want to hold shares for my children. How do I do this?

Annual Report and Other Shareholder Communication:
- How can I obtain a copy of Orica's Annual Report?
- I do not want to receive copies of the Annual Report. What should I do?
- I would like to receive future communications electronically. How can I arrange this?
- I would like to be kept advised of company announcements. How do I register for e-mail updates?

Internet / E-mail:
- What can I do via the Internet?
- I would like to receive future communications electronically. How can I arrange this?
- I would like to be kept advised of company announcements. How do I register for e-mail updates?

Company Financial Information:
- Where can I find historical financial information on Orica?
- What is Orica's current debt rating?
- What is Gearing and what is Orica's Gearing policy?
- How many shares does Orica have outstanding?
- What accounting convention does Orica adhere to?
- What are Orica's financial reporting dates?
- Does Orica have an American Depository Receipt (ADR) program?

Company General Information:
- Does Orica have a Safety, Health and Environment Policy?


General Queries:
Q. Where can I find my shareholder account number?
A. This is included on any personalised documents that we send to you. It is called a Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) starting with 'I' or Holder Identification Number (HIN) starting with 'X'.

Q. What are Holder Identification Numbers (HINs) and Securityholder Reference Numbers (SRNs)?
A. Holder Identification Numbers (HINs) identify CHESS Sponsored holdings (also referred to as Broker Sponsored holdings). Some HINs start with the letter 'X' while others have no alphabetic prefix eg. X00054321, 00054321. Securityholder Reference Numbers (SRNs) identify Issuer Sponsored holdings and begin with the letter 'I' eg. I00054321.

Your HIN or SRN appears on your original holding statement as well as subsequent statements and payment (dividend or distribution) advices.

NB. Your SRNs and/or HINs identify you as the owner of your shares and should be stored securely.

Q. Am I a CHESS Sponsored Holder or an Issuer Sponsored Holder?
A. If you have entered a sponsoring agreement with a broker (or another CHESS sponsor) then you are a CHESS Sponsored Holder, also referred to as a Broker Sponsored Holder. If not, then you are an Issuer Sponsored Holder.

CHESS Sponsored holdings are identified by a Holder Identification Number (HIN) while Issuer Sponsored holdings can be identified by a Securityholder Reference Number (SRN).

Q. My share certificate has been lost/stolen. How do I obtain a replacement?
A. Contact Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services, immediately (see contact details at the top of this page). They will assist you with an urgent replacement of your Securityholder Reference Number (SRN).

Q. On what stock exchanges is Orica traded and what is the stock symbol?
A. The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). The stock code is ORI.

Q. How many shares does Orica have outstanding?
A. Approximately 275 million.

Q. What are Orica Preference Shares (ASX code ORIPA)?
A. Orica Preference Shares were originally issued in 1938. The two million Preference Shares are non-convertible, have no voting rights and pay an annual dividend of 5% per annum. The dividend is paid in two instalments of 2.5 cents per share, normally every January and July.

Q. How many classes of equity does Orica have?
A. Orica has two classes of equity: Ordinary shares representing 99.9% of the market capitalisation which have a stock exchange code of ORI. Preference shares representing approximately 0.1% of the market capitalisation which have a stock exchange code of ORIPA. The preference shares were issued in 1938. The rights of the preference share holders are described in Orica’s constitution, which is available by clicking here.

Change of Details:
Q. I have recently moved house. Who should I tell?
A. How you update your address details depends on your individual circumstances. CHESS Sponsored Holders must change their address details via their broker. Most individual Issuer Sponsored Holders can change their address details either online at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica or using the Change of Address Form that may be obtained at the Link Market Services we bsite or by conta cting the Registrars (see contact det ails at the top of this page). Joint shareholders and corporations must complete and return th e Change of Address Form to the Registrars.

Q. What do I do if I change my name?
A. How you change your nam e o n your holding will depend upon your individual circumstances.  If you are CHESS Sponsored, you must change your name via your broker. If you are Issuer Sponsored, your can change your name by completing a Name Correction Request and Indemnity Form that may be obtained either at the Link Market Services website www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica or by contacting the Registrars (see contact details at the top of this page). Please note that requests by facsimile, email or phone cannot be accepted.

You will also need to enclose evidence of the change, for example a copy of a marriage certificate or certified copy of a change of name deed (please do not send the original), together with your share certificates and any un-cashed dividend cheques. New documents can then be issued in the correct name.

Q. I am receiving two sets of communication whenever Orica sends anything to me. How can I make sure that in future only one copy is sent?
A. If you have acquired shares on more than one occasion your holding may have been recorded on the share register with slightly different details. As a result two or more accounts may have been set up for you. Sometimes we need to maintain more than one account, for example, if you hold shares in your own name and also in joint names with your partner. However, sometimes multiple accounts can be amalgamated.

Please notify Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services (see contact details at the top of this page), of any accounts you believe should be amalgamated. They will do so if it is possible.

Share Trading / Transfer of Shares:
Q. Many companies offer a low cost share dealing service so that shareholders can buy or sell shares at preferential rates of stockbroking commission. Does Orica offer this?
A. The Orica Share Registry, Link Market Services (see contact details at the top of this page), provides a Share Sale Facility for small holdings.  Please contact them directly to obtain further details.

Q. I would like to transfer shares to someone I know. How do I arrange this?
A. The way in which you transfer your shares will depend upon your individual circumstances.

If you are CHESS Sponsored, you will need to contact your sponsoring broker who will arrange the transfer on your behalf.

If you are Issuer Sponsored and wish to transfer your Orica shares to another person you will need to complete an Off-market Transfer Form and lodge it with Link Market Services.

You will need your SRN or HIN to sell your shares. Transfers must be validly completed and signed and must meet the issuer's conditions of transfer.

Q. Do I have to pay stamp duty on my share transfer?
A. Orica Limited is registered in the State of Victoria, therefore no stamp duty is paid on transactions.

Dividends:
Q. Where can I find dividend history details?
A. A table detailing dividend payments, franking percentages and dividend reinvestment plan issue prices can be found by clicking here.

Q. I did not receive a dividend cheque for the last dividend. What should I do?
A. If you have not received a dividend that you believe should have been paid, please contact the Orica Share Registrars, Link Market Services (see contact details at the top of this page).

We normally pay dividends on our ordinary shares in July and December each year. The quickest and safest way to receive your dividend i s to have it paid directly into your bank account. A dividend statement will be sent to your registered address confirming payment into your account. However, unless you select to have dividends paid into your bank account you will receive a cheque by post.

Alternatively you may elect to have your dividend reinvested into new shares. Details of how to do this can be found in the DRP booklet.

Q. Having dividends paid directly into my bank account sounds like a good idea. What do I need to do to arrange this?
A. You need to supply Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services, with details of the account into which you would like all future dividends to be paid. Individual shareholders can update their details either online at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica or using the Payment Instructions Form that may be obtained at the Link Market Services website or by contacting the Registrars (see contact details at the top of this page). Joint shareholders and corporations must complete and return the form to the Registrars.

Q. I would like to reinvest my cash dividends in more shares. Where can I get details of how to do this?
A. Please view the DRP Booklet  for an explanation of our Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

Q. I have lost my dividend statement. What should I do?
A. If you require a replacement dividend statement you need to inform Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services, by phone (see contact details at the top of this page). Alternatively, visit the Link Market Services website, www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica, for instructions on how to obtain a replacement dividend statement. A fee will be payable for this service.

Q. I have found an out-of-date dividend cheque. What should I do?
A. If you return the cheque to Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services, and it is found to be outstanding they will issue a duplicate cheque. A fee may be payable for this service.

To prevent this problem arising again, you could arrange for dividends to be paid directly into your bank account. You can do this by supplying Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services, with details of the account into which you would like all future dividends to be paid. Individual shareholders can update their details either online or using the Payment Instructions Form that may be obtained at the Link Market Services website or by contacting the Registrars (see contact details at the top of this page). Joint shareholders and corporations must complete and return the form to the Registrars.

Shares Held by/for Other People:
Q. My partner/relative has died. What should I do about their shareholding?
A. Contact the Orica Share Registrars, Link Market Services, and they will guide you through what you need to do. You will be asked to provide the Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN).

Q. I want to hold shares for my children. How do I do this?
A. Although you can buy shares in your children's names, there can be legal complications if you sell them. You could hold the shares in your own name, with a marker (known as a designation) that will indicate to you that the shares are your children's. These shares can then be transferred into the child’s own name, using the standard transfer of shares procedure described above, when he or she is 18 years old. If you require further assistance or an explanation of the tax implications, you should contact your financial adviser.

Annual Report and Other Shareholder Communication:
Q. How can I obtain a copy of Orica's Annual Report?
A. The Annual Report and Half-Year Report are mailed to all shareholders. If you have not received either of these or would like a further copy, please contact us at companyinfo@orica.com. 

Alternatively, visit the Orica website at www.orica.com to view copies of Orica's current reports and those from the past five years.

Q. I do not want to receive copies of the Annual Report. What should I do?
A. You need to notify Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services. Individual shareholders can update their details either online at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica or using a form that may be obtained at the Link Market Services website or by contacting the Registrars (see contact details at the top of this page). Joint shareholders and corporations must complete and return the form to the Registrars.

Copies of Orica's current reports and those from the past five years can be viewed by visiting the Investor section of the Orica website at www.orica.com.

Q. I would like to receive future communications electronically. How can I arrange this?
A. To receive shareholder information electronically you will need to register online with Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica.

Q. I would like to be kept advised of company announcements. How do I register for e-mail updates?
A. You need to register online with Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica.

Internet / E-mail:
Q. What can I do via the Internet?
A. Visit Link Market Services website, www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica, and access a wide variety of holding information, make some changes online or download forms.

You can:
-Check your current and previous holding balances
-Choose your preferred annual report options
-Update your address details
-Update your bank details
-Confirm whether you have lodged your Tax File Number (TFN) or Australian Business Number (ABN) exemption
-Register your TFN/ABN
-Check transaction and dividend history
-Enter your e-mail address
-Check the share prices and graphs
-Download a variety of instruction forms
-Subscribe to e-mail announcements.

You can access this information via a security login using your Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN) as well as your surname (or company name) and postcode (must be the postcode recorded on your holding record).

Q. I would like to receive future communications electronically. How can I arrange this?
A. To receive shareholder information electronically you will need to register online with Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica.

Q. I would like to be kept advised of company announcements. How do I register for e-mail updates?
A. You need to register online with Orica's Share Registrars, Link Market Services at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/orica.

Company Financial Information:
Q. Where can I find historical financial information on Orica?
A. Historical information can be found in the Annual Report and in the Financials Page of this website.

Q. What is Orica's current debt rating?
A. Orica is rated by Standard and Poors. The current long term rating is BBB+, the short term rating is A2.

Q. What is Gearing and what is Orica's Gearing policy?
A. Gearing is the ratio of net debt to net debt plus equity.

The calculation is:
Long + short-term loans - cash & equivalents
Long + short-term loans - cash & equivalents + Shareholders' equity + minority interests

Orica has a preferred Gearing range of between 30 - 40% with an Interest Cover (EBIT/Net Interest) of above 5 times. Orica may exceed the preferred range from time to time to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

Q. How many shares does Orica have outstanding?
A. Approximately 275 million.

Q. What accounting convention does Orica adhere to?
A. Orica’s accounts are prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views, the Corporations Law and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

Q. What are Orica's financial reporting dates?
A. Orica's reporting calendar is available here.

Q. Does Orica have an American Depository Receipt (ADR) program?
A. At this time Orica does not have an ADR program.

Company General Information:
Q. Does Orica have a Safety, Health and Environment Policy?
A. Yes, Orica has an SH&E policy which is available here. Orica also publishes an annual SH&E report which is available to download as a pdf file.