While the broad Australian economy continues to struggle, there are some promising areas of activity, particularly in the resource space.

In fact, exports of goods and services, of which resources are a dominant component, have sustained their long march upward since their medium-term bottom in late 2012. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported a trade surplus for December of AUD468 million, which trounced the consensus forecast of an AUD200 million deficit. The prior month’s figure was also revised higher, to a surplus of AUD83 million from a deficit of AUD118 million.

These were the first two months in which Australia has posted a surplus since late 2011. With the exception of the recent period during the resource boom, the country tends to run persistent trade deficits, so it’s noteworthy when its balance of payments are in surplus. But after the trade deficit more than doubled in July, to nearly AUD1.6 billion, it began narrowing each month thereafter until the country finally produced two consecutive months of surpluses.

Exports of goods and services rose to AUD28.5 billion in December, an all-time high. Imports also registered an all-time high of slightly more than AUD28 billion, though the trend here has been more jagged in recent months, as a lower exchange rate pared demand for foreign goods.

China’s insatiable demand for commodities continues to be a big part of the story. Resources exports rose 4.4 percent, to AUD14.6 billion, with metal ores and minerals up 2.4 percent. Australia’s exports of goods to East Asia were valued at AUD19.3 billion, up 24.6 percent from a year ago.

For full-year 2013, exports climbed more than 6 percent, to a record AUD319 billion, with resource exports up 8 percent for the year. Two-way trade between Australia and China rose 21 percent, to AUD141.8 billion, while exports to China jumped 29.5 percent, to AUD94.5 billion. And exports of iron ore, Australia’s largest export, increased by nearly 28 percent, to AUD69.6 billion from AUD54.4 billion in 2012.

To be sure, China’s economy is slowing, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2013 coming in at 7.7 percent, matching the prior year’s figure. That’s well below the double-digit growth China routinely posted during the last decade, but the country’s sheer size still makes it a veritable growth engine compared to its developed-world peers. For 2014, China’s economists forecast growth between 7 percent and 8 percent, while institutional economists project growth of 7.4 percent, according to a survey by Bloomberg.

The decline in the exchange rate is the other major part of the export story. The Australian dollar currently trades just above USD0.90. That’s up about 4.3 percent from the recent low of USD0.866 in late January, but down about 18.5 percent from the high in mid-2011.

The falling aussie will be crucial for the mining industry, as the many projects initiated during the resource boom are finally beginning production. A lower exchange rate will make Australia’s commodities more competitive in the global market, which will help absorb rising volumes.

Although the slowdown in mining investment could detract half a percentage point from economic growth in 2014 and a full point in 2015, according to economists with Westpac, that will be more than offset by resource exports, which are expected to contribute nine-tenths of a percentage point per year to GDP during this period.

Job Hunting

Less reassuring is the continued deterioration of Australia’s labor market, whose anemic showing of late is likely being abetted by the aforementioned decline in mining investment. The economy lost 3,700 jobs last month, falling well short of economists’ expectations that employment would expand by 15,000.

At the very least, this result was not anywhere near as bad as last month’s dismal employment number, which was revised slightly lower, to a loss of 23,000 jobs. Full-time employment dropped by 7,100 positions, while part-time employment rose by 3,400 positions.

Consequently, the unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point, to 6 percent, while the labor force participation rate fell by a tenth of a point, to 64.5 percent. The unemployment rate is now at its highest level in more than 10 years, while the participation rate is at its lowest level since 2006.

Over the past five years, the economy added an average of 11,200 jobs per month, while over the trailing year employment growth has averaged just 100 jobs per month (yes, you read that correctly). Over the past year, full-time jobs averaged a loss of 7,600 positions per month, while part-time jobs grew by an average of 7,800 per month.

So Australia is clearly suffering an incredibly poor job market, and that’s taking a toll on consumer sentiment. Westpac’s Index of Unemployment Expectations is now at its second-highest level since July 2009, which doesn’t augur well for the sort of consumer spending that typically triggers a virtuous cycle of hiring, investment and even more spending.

The one possible bright spot is that National Australia Bank’s surveys of business confidence and business conditions are both well above their average reading for the trailing five-year period, though the former has fallen since its September high. Still, it remains to be seen whether relatively upbeat business sentiment will translate into new jobs.

Dividend Watch List

Fiscal 2014 first-half reporting season is just getting under way Down Under, though relatively few companies had reported results as of pixel time for the February issue of AE.

Recent reporting cycles have resulted in a number of dividend reductions, omissions and discontinuations, concentrated in the Basic Materials group.

We’ve also seen a number of 2013 full-year and fiscal 2014 guidance announcements, with potential implications for final and interim dividends.

A couple companies on the Dividend Watch List have followed through with interim dividend declarations lower than those made for the prior corresponding period, while one company has earned its way off the List by raising its dividend for the second consecutive period.

GUD Holdings Ltd (ASX: GUD, OTC: GUDHF, ADR: GUDDY) reported fiscal 2014 first-half net profit after tax (NPAT) of AUD4.8 million, down from AUD18.2 million for the prior corresponding period, while underlying earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) declined 31 percent to AUD14.9 million.

Management forecast a 20 percent decline in full-year underlying EBIT.

GUD declared an interim dividend of AUD0.18 per share, down from AUD0.26 a year ago, when it also declared a special dividend of AUD0.10 per share.

The half-yearly result included AUD14.5 million in pre-tax restructuring costs for the Dexion and Sunbeam units, AUD13.9 million of which relates to the exit from the Dexion’s Elite Built business and the transfer of manufacturing from Australia to Asia in the warehouse racking business. The remainder represented costs associated with an organizational restructure at Sunbeam.

Total revenue declined 4 percent to AUD298 million from AUD312 million for the first half of fiscal 2013, with growth in the automotive and water segments offset by declines in consumer and industrial divisions.

GUD Holdings is a buy for aggressive investors under USD6.50.

Bradken Ltd (ASX: BKN, OTC: BRKNF) declared an interim dividend of AUD0.15, down from AUD0.20 a year ago, as fiscal 2014 first-half earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) slid 18 percent to AUD86.2 million.

Sales revenue for the period was down 17.2 percent to AUD563.6 million.

Management forecast full-year EBITDA of approximately AUD180 million.

Bradken paid a fiscal 2013 final dividend of AUD0.18 per share, down from the AUD0.215 final dividend it paid for fiscal 2012. Bradken remains a buy under USD5.25.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH, OTC: TABCF) declared an interim dividend of AUD0.08 per share, down from AUD0.11 a year ago.

Management reported a 2.3 percent increase in fiscal 2014 first-half NPAT to AUD74.6 million, as revenue rose 1 percent to AUD1.045 billion. Operating expenses ticked up by 0.9 percent to AUD220.6 million. Tabcorp remains a buy under USD3.35.

Boral Ltd (ASX: BLD, OTC: BOALF), meanwhile, is off the Watch List after it announced an interim dividend of AUD0.07 per share, up from AUD0.05 a year ago. This follows the declaration of a final dividend for fiscal 2013 that was up 71.4 percent year over year.

Boral’s fiscal 2014 first-half net loss narrowed by 4 percent to AUD26.3 million, as revenue for the period grew by 3.6 percent to AUD2.87 billion.

Management reported a net profit excluding one-time items of AUD90.4 million. Boral, benefitting from a rebound in the Australian construction market, is a buy under USD4.80.

Basically the entire Basic Materials section of the How They Rate coverage universe can now be considered on the List, in one sense because all those companies are exposed to volatile resource prices, in another, more concrete way because most announced lower dividends this period than they did for the last one, one of the criteria that will get you a place on the List.

The Watch List is rather lengthy, a reflection of longstanding dividend practice for Corporate Australia, which as a general rule is not bound by strict dividend rates but rather by payout ratio ranges when it comes to “capital management” policy.

We have, however, removed companies that have omitted dividends for more than two consecutive cycles; for these companies dividend policy can be considered “discontinued.”

Australian companies customarily maintain policies of paying out a specified percentage based on particular earnings metrics, whether that metric is statutory net profit after tax (NPAT), underlying NPAT or operating cash flow.

Practically speaking, dividend rates will often vary more than they do for Canadian or US companies, which are almost universally pledged to maintaining dividend rates, often at the cost of tapping balance sheets in the absence of sufficient cash flow to cover obligations to shareholders.

This latter is fine in the short term, and it can be manageable in the longer term as well. But Australian firms are traditionally more debt-averse than their North American counterparts.

It’s important to note, too, that the CE Dividend Watch List is based on the monthly distribution scheme established during the income trust era, which, to the benefit of investors everywhere, persists even after the forced conversion to traditional corporations for many of these stocks.

Australia’s twice-yearly rhythm varies as well from the quarterly dividend arrangement to which most US companies adhere.

With recent dividend reductions and/or changes to guidance or policies that suggest non-regular payment the following companies have declared their worthiness for inclusion on the Dividend Watch List.

Basic Materials

Aditya Birla Minerals Ltd (ASX: ABY, OTC: ABWAF) reported a 1 percent rise in fiscal 2013 revenue to AUD502.3 million, but management reported a net loss of AUD8.3 million and didn’t declare a final dividend.

Company policy is “to seek to maximise cash returns to Shareholders whilst having regard to ensuring a sound financial structure for the Company and providing for value accretive development and exploration activities and targeted growth opportunities.”

Because there’s no clarity on the payment interval this stock will probably be an emeritus member of the Dividend Watch List. Hold.

Arrium Ltd (ASX: ARI, OTC: ARRMF, ADR: OSTLY) declared a final dividend of AUD0.03, in line with the prior corresponding period, as it reported a fiscal 2013 statutory net loss of AUD695 million due to AUD961 million in impairment and restructuring charges.

Underlying net profit was in line with guidance at AUD168 million, and management offered upbeat fiscal 2014 guidance. Hold.

Ausdrill Ltd (ASX: ASL, OTC: AUSDF) management has provided initial fiscal 2014 guidance of revenue of AUD825 million to AUD925 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) of AUD35 million to AUD45 million.

Prior to the announcement the consensus among analysts was revenue of AUD1.06 billion and NPAT of AUD76.1 million. At the midpoint of management’s fiscal 2014 guidance revenue and normalized NPAT would be down 22 percent and 60 percent, respectively, versus fiscal 2013 levels.

Management noted that it expects first-half earnings to be lower than second-half earnings. Hold.

Grange Resources Ltd (ASX: GRR, OTC: GRRLF) reported that fourth-quarter 2013 pellet production was up 39 percent compared to the third quarter, while cash on hand increased by AUD21 million to AUD159.9 million as of Dec. 31, 2013.

That’s solid support for a final dividend that will likely match the AUD0.01 per share interim dividend.

A small magnetite producer, Grange is particularly vulnerable to commodity-price swings. Hold.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN, OTC: KSKGF) omitted its final dividend for fiscal 2013 after cutting its interim dividend by 50 percent to AUD0.05 per share.

Fiscal 2014 second-quarter gold production was up 7 percent to 54,539 ounces, while total cash costs declined 12 percent to USD918 per ounce and all-in sustaining cash costs were down 14 percent to USD1,055 per ounce.

But management is unlikely to declare an interim dividend for fiscal 2014 amid an uncertain backdrop for gold prices. Hold.

Medusa Mining Ltd (ASX: MML, OTC: MDSMF) reported that December quarter production declined to 11,587 ounces from 14,502 ounces for the September quarter due to the powercell failure at new SAG Mill, while heavy rains disrupted production in the Philippines in January.

Medusa omitted its final and its interim dividends for fiscal 2013, although fiscal 2013 revenue was up 28 percent to USD100.7 million and NPAT was up 2 percent to USD50.2 million while first-half revenue was up 28 percent and NPAT grew by 19 percent.

Management is clearly shepherding cash to its key Co-o gold mine development. Buy under USD2.

Oz Minerals Ltd (ASX: OZL, OTC: OZMLF, ADR: OZMLY) reported that production for the fourth quarter was ahead of estimates, as copper output of 18,000 tons and gold output of 37,000 ounces both beat consensus forecasts. Copper output for 2013 was 73,400 tons versus guidance of 70,000 to 75,000, while gold volume of 128,000 ounces was at the upper end of a 120,000 to 130,000 guidance range.

Oz declared an interim dividend for fiscal 2013 of AUD0.10, in line with the prior corresponding period. But that was small comfort in the light of an underlying loss of AUD36.1 million for the first half. Net loss after tax was AUD268 million, driven by writedowns of AUD231.9 million at Prominent Hill.

Oz Minerals’ cash pile has dwindled to about AUD550 million from nearly AUD1 billion, but management was relatively upbeat, noting that the worst of the metals slump is over. Buy under USD4.50.

Panoramic Resources Ltd (ASX: PAN, OTC: PANRF), which resumed its dividend with an interim declaration of AUD0.01 per share after not paying a final dividend for fiscal 2012, omitted its final dividend for fiscal 2013.

Fiscal 2014 second-quarter nickel production was 5,399 metric tons, as cash costs declined again to AUD5.28 per pound. Management reiterated full-year production guidance of 21,000 to 25,000 metric tons.

Management will likely declare an interim dividend of AUD0.01 per share on Feb. 27. Buy under USD0.35.

Sedgman Ltd (ASX: SDM, OTC: SGTDF) management has forecast a net loss for the first half of fiscal 2014 of AUD6 million to AUD8 million. That means a steep reduction in the interim dividend compared to fiscal 2013 is very likely, if a payout is declared at all.

Sedgman declared a final dividend for fiscal 2013 of AUD0.02 per share, down from AUD0.065 for the prior corresponding period. Hold.

Western Areas NL (ASX: WSA, OTC: WNARF) raised its fiscal 2014 guidance to mine production of 27,000 metric tons (mt) versus a prior range of 25,000 to 26,000 mt, with the nickel-in-concentrate estimate boosted to 25,000 mt versus 23,000 to 24,000. Cash costs are tracking to AUD2.70 per pound, down from AUD2.80 to AUD2.90.

Western omitted its final dividend for fiscal 2013 after cutting its interim dividend by 60 percent compared to fiscal 2012. Buy under USD3.60.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC, OTC: WHITF) reported that fiscal 2014 second-quarter saleable coal output was up 44 percent year over year to a company-record 2.86 million metric tons.

Management forecast that output from its mines will rise by 25 percent in fiscal 2014 to 10.7 million metric tons, though it also expects subdued coal prices and the strength of the Australian dollar to persist.

Whitehaven didn’t declare a final dividend for fiscal 2013 after omitting its interim dividend. Buy under USD2.

Consumer Goods

Ridley Corp (ASX: RIC, OTC: RIDYF) didn’t declare a final dividend after omitting its interim dividend for fiscal 2013. Management reported a net loss of AUD21.7 million for fiscal 2013. Hold.

Consumer Services

APN News & Media Holdings Ltd (ASX: APN, OTC: APNDF) didn’t declare an interim dividend for 2013 after omitting its final dividend for 2012, as it continues to focus on repairing its balance sheet.

Management reported a net profit of AUD12.8 million for the six months ended June 30, turning from a loss of AUD308.2 million a year ago. Revenue was up 5 percent to AUD426.6 million, helped by AUD31.9 million from asset sales.

The advertising market remains challenged, and debt remains a concern. Sell.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS, OTC: MCSHF, ADR: MHTLY) management reiterated recent guidance for fiscal 2014 full-year decline in underlying earnings per share (EPS) in the high single digits. A rising cost of doing business is cause for concern, and management also must address approximately AUD700 million of aggregate debt maturities in 2014 and 2015.

Metcash declared an interim dividend of AUD0.095 per share, equal to last year’s half-year dividend, as management reported a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of AUD98.9 million for the six months to Oct. 31, 2013, up from AUD82 million for the same time last year.

Underlying profit, which excludes one-off items such as Metcash’s exit from the Franklins business, was down 2 percent to AUD119 million.

Revenue for the period was up 5 percent to AUD6.65 billion. Pre-tax profit was down more than 6 percent to AUD193 million.

The company paid a full-year dividend of AUD0.28 for fiscal 2013, good for a payout ratio of 85.9 percent of underlying EPS. Even a 7 or 8 percent decline in underlying EPS, assuming a flat dividend rate, would put a lot of pressure on the payout ratio. Buy under USD4.

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR, OTC: MYGSF) reported total sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 of AUD691.1 million, up 0.44 percent over the prior corresponding period, as like-for-like sales ticked up by 0.41 percent. Management noted that trading conditions remain “patchy.”

Fiscal 2013 total sales were up 0.8 percent to AUD3.145 billion, as like-for-like sales rose 0.4 percent. Operating margin improved by 40 basis points to 41.7 percent, but management still reduced the final dividend to AUD0.08 per share from AUD0.09. Buy under USD2.50.

Seven West Media Ltd’s (ASX: SWM, OTC: WANHF) final dividend was flat at AUD0.06 per share.

Fiscal 2013 NPAT excluding items was flat too at AUD225 million on revenue of AUD1.867 billion, though management reported a statutory net loss of AUD70 million on magazine business impairments. Management noted strong TV advertising and forecast low single-digit growth for fiscal 2014. Buy under USD2.

Southern Cross Media Group Ltd (ASX: SXL, OTC: SOUTF) reduced its final dividend from AUD0.05 a year ago to AUD0.045, as it reported net profit after tax of AUD96 million, ahead of guidance of AUD90 million to AUD95 million.

With the final dividend the company’s full-year payout ratio came to 66 percent, in line with company policy. Buy under USD1.80.

Tatts Group Ltd (ASX: TTS, OTC: TTSLF) reported net profit after tax (NPAT) from continuing operations was up 23 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Management is positive on conditions for the second quarter, which will include the first full period of results from the recently acquired South Australian lottery license.

Tatts’ final dividend for fiscal 2013 was down to AUD0.075 from AUD0.12 a year ago. Buy under USD3.

Financials

QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX: QBE, OTC: QBEIF) cut its 2013 interim dividend by 50 percent, though it was in line with management policy to pay 50 percent of cash profit.

First-half NPAT slid 37.2 percent to USD477 million. Cash profit was down 30.1 percent to USD590 million due to lower investment yields. Hold.

Industrials

ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ, OTC: CPBLF) reported a 27.9 percent decline in fiscal 2014 first-half NPAT on a 8.5 percent revenue decline and declared an interim dividend of AUD0.19, down from AUD0.21 a year ago.

Continuing weakness in the global mineral exploration market–ALS’ largest end-market–has revealed itself in these numbers. Buy under USD9.

Boart Longyear (ASX: BLY, OTC: BOARF, ADR: BLGPY) omitted its 2013 interim dividend. Management reported a net loss for the first half of the year of USD329.4 million versus net income of USD97.7 million a year ago.

Management cut its 2013 EBITDA guidance to the low end of a USD116 million-to-USD159 million range from the low end of a previous range of USD199 million-to-USD271 million. Hold.

Emeco Holdings (ASX: EHL, OTC: None) will pay no dividends prior to June 30, 2014, as it focuses on debt reduction in the aftermath of amending covenants on its AUD450 million senior debt facility.

Emeco omitted its final dividend, as fiscal 2013 operating NPAT declined 50.5 percent to AUD35.2 million. Statutory NPAT was just AUD6 million on charges and impairments totaling AUD32.6 million. Management used positive cash flow of AUD60 million to pay down debt. Hold.

GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA, OTC: GWAXF, ADR: GWAXY) won’t pay an interim dividend after announcing a AUD17 million impairment charge to be taken against fiscal 2014 first-half results on its Gliderol garage door business.

The impairment expense means that GWA is unlikely to have sufficient retained earnings from which to pay an interim dividend, as the board believes it “unwise” to make a payout that’s not backed by profits.

Management expects to resume its dividend with the final payment for fiscal 2014. Buy under USD2.80.

UGL Ltd (ASX: UGL, OTC: UGLFF) declared a final dividend of AUD0.05 per share, down from AUD0.36 a year ago as the slowdown in mining activity, delays and execution issues with projects, particularly in power, and general economic malaise

Fiscal 2013 operating revenue declined by 12 percent to AUD4.2 billion, though underlying NPAT of AUD92.1 million was in line with guidance. Management also announced a plan to de-merge its property services business. Hold.

Oil & Gas

Caltex Australia Ltd’s (ASX: CTX, OTC: CTXAF) interim dividend was flat at AUD0.17, as

2013 first-half historic cost profit came in at AUD195 million, up from AUD167 million a year ago.

Replacement cost profit slipped to AUD171 million from AUD197 million. But both historic and replacement figures were at the upper end of guidance. Buy under USD16.50.

WorleyParsons Ltd (ASX: WOR, OTC: WYGPF, ADR: WYGPY) management in late November 2013 repudiated guidance provided at its October annual general meeting and advised the market that rather than “increase” versus the fiscal 2013 figure of AUD322 million fiscal 2014 underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) would come in at AUD260 million to AUD300 million.

Based on results since July 1, as WorleyParsons has “experienced a delay in upturn” in its market, management adjusted its forecast and now expects to report underlying NPAT of AUD260 million to AUD300 million for fiscal 2014, with first-half underlying NPAT of AUD90 million to AUD110 million.

WorleyParsons’ policy is to pay out 60 percent to 70 percent of NPAT in dividends to shareholders, with the balance retained to fund growth. The payout ratio for fiscal 2013 was 70.8 percent based on a full-year dividend of AUD0.925.

At the low end of management’s new guidance the fiscal 2014 dividend would be approximately AUD0.75, at the high end approximately AUD0.86. Buy under USD16.

Technology

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA, OTC: CODAF) cut its fiscal 2014 first-half profit guidance in half to AUD4 million to AUD5 million.

Sales of its key metal detector product to gold-seekers in African markets have fallen off a cliff, and its dividend is likely to follow suit. Hold.

Redflex Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDF, OTC: RFLXF) cut its final dividend by 40 percent after reducing its interim dividend by 33 percent. Fiscal 2013 revenue was down 6.1 percent to AUD137.4 million, as EBITDA slid 27.5 percent to AUD35.4 million.

NPAT of AUD8.6 million missed management guidance of AUD10 million. Sell.

SMS Management & Technology Ltd (ASX: SMX, OTC: SMSUF, ADR: SMSUY) management guided for a decline of 20 percent to 25 percent for fiscal 2014 first-half net income versus the second half of fiscal 2013 due to one-time charges for redundancies and acquisition costs as well as its withdrawal from a contract.

Management expressed confidence in a stronger second half on the contribution of recent acquisitions contribution and a better utilization rate.

SMS declared a final dividend of AUD0.12 per share, down 29.4 percent from AUD0.17 a year ago. That brought the fiscal 2013 full-year dividend to AUD0.255, 16.4 percent lower than the AUD0.305 paid for fiscal 2012. Buy under USD5.

Telecommunications

Telecom Corp of New Zealand (ASX: NZT, OTC: NZTCF) has guided to a fiscal 2014 full-year dividend of NZD0.16 per share, provided operating conditions remain stable. That’s in line with the fiscal 2013 dividend, which was down by 27.3 percent compared to fiscal 2012.

Fiscal 2013 revenue declined 8.5 percent to NZD4.189 billion. Adjusted EBITDA of NZD1.04 billion was in line with revised guidance, though NPAT ex-items was down 23.6 percent to NZD236 million. Hold.

The ADR List

We continue to track the How They Rate coverage universe and beyond for Australia-based companies that afford US investors the convenience of ADR investing, either on their initiative or via the effort of an interested financial institution.

Here again is our primer on Australian stocks, US OTC symbols and ADRs.

The great majority of the companies under How They Rate coverage have US symbols, many because they actively seek to raise capital here on their own accord. That means they comply, to varying degrees, with US Securities and Exchange Commission filing requirements for foreign companies and with US accounting principles. Others trade here because a sponsoring institution has effectively created a secondary market for the shares, without the underlying company’s active participation.

Shares traded on US OTC markets bearing a final “F” in their five-letter symbols are basically home-listed shares trading in a market created by and for US institutions. Individuals can buy and sell here, too. Prices basically reflect ASX prices and also reflect changes in the relationship between the US dollar and the Australian dollar. One “F” share represents one ASX-listed share. The dividend you receive in respect of an “F” share is the dividend paid in respect of the ASX-listed share, adjusted for currency effects.

An ADR is a certificate that represents stock of a foreign company. ADRs are listed on US stock exchanges or the OTC Bulletin Board or Pink Sheets. Those that trade OTC have five-letter symbols ending with the letter “Y.” All transactions, including dividend payments, are conducted in US dollars.

One ADR certificate may represent one or more shares of the foreign stock; it can also represent a fraction of a share. For example, one Telstra Corp Ltd (ASX: TLS, OTC: TTRAF, ADR: TLSYY) ADR, which trades under the symbol TLSYY, is worth five ordinary shares that trade on the Australian Securities Exchange under the symbol TLS. Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd’s (ASX: ANZ, OTC: ANEWF, ADR: ANZBY) ADR, ANZBY, is worth one Australia-listed ANZ share.

Because many ADRs don’t have a one-to-one ratio between the depositary receipts and the shares of stock, financial ratios are often not included in stock listings. Data in Australian Edge Portfolio tables and How They Rate is derived based on Australian Securities Exchange symbols so is as complete as you’ll find anywhere.

Foreign companies themselves often “sponsor” the creation of their own ADRs. These are called “sponsored ADRs.” There are three levels of sponsorship.

A Level I sponsored ADR is created by a company because it wants to extend the market for its securities to the US. It does not, however, want to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Level I ADRs trade on the OTC Bulletin Board or Pink Sheets trading systems, usually but not exclusively by institutional investors. Australia & New Zealand Banking Group’s is a Level I ADR.

Level II and Level III sponsored ADRs must be registered with the SEC, and financial statements must be reconciled to generally accepted accounting principles. A Level II ADR requires partial compliance with GAAP, while a Level III ADR requires complete compliance. A Level III sponsorship is require if the ADR is a primary offering and is used to raise capital for the company. Only Level II and Level III sponsored ADRs can be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the American Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. Telstra Corp sponsors a Level III ADR in the US, meaning it’s actively seeking to raise capital here.

An unsponsored ADR is created by a US investment bank or brokerage that buys ordinary shares on the underlying company’s home market then deposits them in a local custodian bank. This depositary bank then issues shares that represent an interest in the stocks and handles most of the transactions with American investors, serving both as transfer agent and registrar for the ADR.

The shares of the foreign stock held in the custodian bank are called “American Depositary Shares,” although this term is sometimes used as a synonym for “American Depositary Receipts.” Unsponsored ADRs can’t be listed on the major American stock exchanges because they aren’t registered with the SEC and lack other necessary qualifications.

The price of an ADR is determined by supply and demand but will generally track the price of the underlying ordinary share. When dividends are paid, the custodian bank receives it and withholds any foreign taxes, exchanges it for US dollars and then sends it to the depositary bank, which then sends it to the investors.

The US depositary bank handles most of the interaction with US investors, including rights offerings, stock splits and stock dividends. Sponsored ADR investors may receive communications, including financial statements, directly from the company.

Here is a list of companies in the How They Rate coverage universe that have an ADR listing in the US, along with the number of ordinary ASX-listed shares the ADR represents.

Basic Materials          

• Alumina Ltd (ASX: AWC, NYSE: AWC)–One ADR is worth four ordinary shares.
• Aquarius Platinum Ltd (ASX: AQP, OTC: AQPBF, ADR: AQPTY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Arrium Ltd (ASX: ARI, OTC: ARRMF, ADR: OSTLY)–One ADR is worth 20 ordinary shares.
• Atlas Iron Ore Ltd (ASX: AGO, OTC: ATLGF, ADR: AGODY)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.
• BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX: BHP, NYSE: BHP)–One NYSE-listed ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL, OTC: BLSFF, ADR: BLSFY)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.
• Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG, OTC: FSUMF, ADR: FSUMY)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.
• Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU, OTC: ILKAF, ADR: ILKAY)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.
• Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN, OTC: KSKGF, ADR: KSKGY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN, OTC: MALRF, ADR: MALRY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM, OTC: NCMGF, ADR: NCMGY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Oz Minerals Ltd (ASX: OZL, OTC: OZMLF, ADR: OZMLY)–One ADR is worth 0.5 ordinary shares.
• Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO, NYSE: RIO)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.

Consumer Goods

• Billabong International Ltd (ASX: BBG, OTC: BLLAF, ADR: BLLAY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL, OTC: CCLAF, ADR: CCLAY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Goodman Fielder Ltd (ASX: GFF, OTC: GDFLF, ADR: GDFLY)–One ADR is worth 10 ordinary shares.

Consumer Services

• Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN, OTC: CWLDF, ADR: CWLDY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS, OTC: MCSHF, ADR: MHTLY)–One ADR is worth six ordinary shares.
• TABCORP Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH, OTC: TABCF, ADR: TACBY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES, OTC: WFAFF, ADR: WFAFY)–One ADR is worth 0.5 ordinary share.

Financials

• Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ, OTC: ANEWF, ADR: ANZBY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (ASX: CBA, OTC: CBAUF, ADR: CMWAY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB, OTC: NAUBF, ADR: NABZY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX: QBE, OTC: QBEIF, ADR: QBIEY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Westfield Group Ltd (ASX: WDC, OTC: WEFIF, ADR: WFGPY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Westpac Banking Corp Ltd (ASX: WBC, NYSE: WBK)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.

Health Care

• Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN, OTC: ANSLF, ADR: ANSLY)–One ADR is worth four ordinary shares.
• Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH, OTC: CHEOF, ADR: CHEOY)–One ADR is worth 0.5 ordinary share.
• CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL, OTC: CMXHF, ADR: CMXHY)–One ADR is worth 0.5 ordinary share.
• Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL, OTC: SKHCF, ADR: SKHCY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.

Industrials

• Amcor Ltd (ASX: AMC, OTC: AMCRF, ADR: AMCRY)–One ADR is worth four ordinary shares.
• Boral Ltd (ASX: BLD, OTC: BOALF, ADR: BOALY)–One ADR is worth four ordinary shares.
• GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA, OTC: GWAXF, ADR: GWAXY)–One ADR is worth four ordinary shares.
• Toll Holdings Ltd (ASX: TOL, OTC: THKUF, ADR: THKUY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.

Oil & Gas

• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT, OTC: BEPTF, ADR: BCHEY)–One ADR is worth 20 ordinary shares.
• Boart Longyear Ltd (ASX: BLY, OTC: BOARF, ADR: BLGPY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Caltex Australia Ltd (ASX: CTX, OTC: CTXAF, ADR: CTXAY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.
• Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH, OTC: OISHF, ADR: OISHY)–One ADR is worth 10 ordinary shares.
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO, OTC: STOSF, ADR: SSLTY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL, OTC: WOPEF, ADR: WOPEY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• WorleyParsons Ltd (ASX: WOR, OTC: WYGPF, ADR: WYGPY)–One ADR represents one ordinary share.

Technology

• Redflex Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDF, OTC: RFLXF, ADR: RFLXY)–One ADR is worth eight ordinary shares.
• SMS Management & Technology Ltd (ASX: SMX, OTC: SMSUF, ADR: SMSUY)–One ADR is worth two ordinary shares.

Telecommunications  

• Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singapore: ST, ASX: SGT, OTC: SNGNF, ADR: SGAPY)–One ADR is worth 10 ordinary shares.
• Telecom Corp of New Zealand Ltd (ASX: TEL, NYSE: NZT)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.
• Telstra Corp Ltd (ASX: TLS, OTC: TTRAF, ADR: TLSYY)–One ADR is worth five ordinary shares.

Utilities

• AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGK, OTC: AGLNF, ADR: AGLNY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.
• Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG, OTC: OGFGF, ADR: OGFGY)–One ADR is worth one ordinary share.