British American Tobacco - Dividends and payments

Payment of dividends — mandatory direct credit

British American Tobacco has simplified the way it pays dividends to shareholders by only paying cash dividends directly into a shareholder’s nominated bank account. This is known as mandatory direct credit. British American Tobacco no longer issues dividend cheques.

Shareholders recorded on the UK main register as receiving dividend payments by cheque have been advised by Computershare of this change. Those shareholders will need to take the required action by selecting the appropriate option as set out in the Computershare notification.

Shareholders on the UK main register who already have their dividends paid: (1) by direct credit into their UK bank or building society account; or (2) through the Euroclear service using the CREST messaging system; or (3) through Computershare’s Global Payment Service (GPS), are not affected by this change.

Similarly, shareholders who participate in the British American Tobacco Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) are not required to take any action unless they choose to withdraw from the DRIP.

For the South Africa branch register, Computershare South Africa will notify affected shareholders of the equivalent applicable arrangements for the payment of dividends, as appropriate.

For additional information about dividend payments by direct credit, please read the responses to the Frequently Asked Questions.

Dividend Payments by Direct Credit – Frequently Asked Questions (33 kb) 

You may also contact Computershare on +44 (0) 370 889 3159 or 0800 408 0094 (UK only) if you would like some further information or assistance.

Warning to shareholders – beware of share fraud

The practice of share fraud (also known as 'boiler room' scams) unfortunately continues with many companies' shareholders receiving unsolicited phone calls or mail from people offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for an upfront payment. Please see below the Financial Conduct Authority’s share fraud warning leaflet.

Financial Conduct Authority - Be ScamSmart (66 kb) 

Glossary of terms

Explanation of terms used in our Investors section: