ADS Buying and selling FAQs
Answers to common questions on buying, selling and transferring BP ADSs
By law, neither BP nor JPMorgan Chase NA, the depositary for BP’s ADSs, is able to offer financial advice. Neither are they able to confirm the price at which you dealt or offer valuations of your holding. BP does not recommend or endorse any particular share dealing service. ADS holders who are unsure of what action to take in should consult an independent financial advisor.
Who I should contact to ask questions about managing my account?
You should contact US BP Shareholder Services. US BP Shareholder Services is operated by JPMorgan Chase NA.
US BP Shareholder Services
P.O Box 64504
St. Paul, MN 55164-0504
Toll-free in the US and Canada: 1-877-638-5672
For outside the US and Canada: 1-651-306-4383
For the hearing impaired: 1-651-453-2133
US BP Shareholder Services
P.O Box 64504
St. Paul, MN 55164-0504
Toll-free in the US and Canada: 1-877-638-5672
For outside the US and Canada: 1-651-306-4383
For the hearing impaired: 1-651-453-2133
Buying and selling ADSs
How can I purchase ADSs?
ADSs cannot be purchased directly from the company. Investors normally use a stockbroker or a bank to buy or sell ADSs on the open market. The commissions charged for buying and selling ADSs vary between the different organizations.
You can either hold your ADSs in a brokerage account or you can request that your broker send your ADSs to the depositary to be deposited into your BP ADS account. ADSs will be held in book-entry form unless you request certificates for your ADSs.
You can either hold your ADSs in a brokerage account or you can request that your broker send your ADSs to the depositary to be deposited into your BP ADS account. ADSs will be held in book-entry form unless you request certificates for your ADSs.
How can I sell ADSs?
You may arrange to sell any portion of the ADSs in your account through the depositary in writing, by telephone or on-line. You can mail your request to sell ADSs using one of the transaction forms mailed to you with each account statement. For transactions where the current market value of the ADSs to be sold is $25,000 or less, you may sell ADSs by telephone by calling US BP Shareholder Services at 1-877-638-5672 or via the link below. The depositary will deduct a per transaction fee of $15.00 and a trading fee of $0.12 per ADS sold from the sale proceeds and will forward a check for the remaining balance to you upon completion of the sale. You may also request to have your ADSs sent to your brokerage account and your broker can arrange for the sale.
Can I reinvest my dividends?
We do not offer direct reinvestment of dividends. If you already own BP ADSs you can choose to receive your dividends in the form of new ADSs instead of cash by joining the BP Scrip Dividend Program.
Further information about the Scrip Dividend Program can be obtained using the link below.
Further information about the Scrip Dividend Program can be obtained using the link below.
Does BP offer a direct investment plan?
BP has previously offered a company sponsored Direct Access Plan (DAP) for investors in the US and Canada. We benchmarked BP shareholder service offerings against other large publicly traded companies in the US and concluded that offering a company plan is not competitive. Most companies our size use bank sponsored plans, not company plans.
Taking all of this into consideration, BP has decided to terminate the DAP effective April 30, 2010. An alternative direct investment plan is not being offered at this time. Further information is contained in the Notice of DAP Termination letter sent to all current DAP participants which can be downloaded here.
Taking all of this into consideration, BP has decided to terminate the DAP effective April 30, 2010. An alternative direct investment plan is not being offered at this time. Further information is contained in the Notice of DAP Termination letter sent to all current DAP participants which can be downloaded here.
Transferring ADSs
How do I transfer or gift my certificated ADSs?
Transactions involving ADS certificates require the sending of your certificate to US BP Shareholder Services for processing. You should contact US BP Shareholder Services directly to obtain transfer instructions and requirements.
How do I transfer my book-entry ADSs?
Instructions on how to transfer book-entry ADSs may be obtained by contacting US BP Shareholder Services directly. They will provide specific transfer instructions and identify any special documentation you might need.
Tax
How would a transaction in ADSs be taxed?
A Capital Gains Tax may arise when you dispose of an asset that is worth more than it was when you acquired it. Tax is not due on the price received for the asset, but only on any increase in its value while you have owned it. Neither BP nor JPMorgan Chase can give advice on tax matters. You should consult your financial or tax advisor to find out about your specific situation.
How do I give a gift of book-entry ADSs?
You may give a gift of book-entry ADSs without broker or service fees. You should contact US BP Shareholder Services directly for specific instructions.
Related links
Contact details in the US for inquiries
Download useful shareholder documents and historical information
