S&P Dow Jones Indices and MSCI announced that as a result of a review of the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) structure, a number of changes to the existing structure will be implemented after the close of business on Friday 21 September 2018. The new GICS structure will consist of 11 Sectors, 24 Industry Groups, 69 Industries and 158 Sub-Industries.

Refer to Appendix 1 of this Notice for the updated GICS Code table and GICS Code Description.

Below is the summary of the changes:

1.     Communication Services Sector

The Telecommunication Services  Sector will be broadened and renamed Communication Services Sector and will contain two Industry Groups:

·       Telecommunication Services Industry Group

Will continue to include providers of telecommunication services and related services. In addition, internet service providers offering internet access to end users will be classified in this Industry Group.

·       Media & Entertainment Industry Group

The Media Industry Group will move out of Consumer Discretionary and into the Communication Services Sector, and will be renamed Media & Entertainment. It will remain an Industry Group and contain three (3) Industries:

o    Media Industry

This Industry will contain four existing Sub-Industries: Advertising, Broadcasting, Cable & Satellite and Publishing.

o    Entertainment Industry

This Industry will contain two Sub-Industries:

§  Movies and Entertainment Sub-Industry

Includes online entertainment streaming companies in addition to companies currently classified in the Movies & Entertainment Sub-Industry.

§  Interactive Home Entertainment Sub-Industry

Will be comprised of companies from the current Home Entertainment Software Sub-Industry in the Information Technology Sector, as well as producers of mobile gaming applications.

o    Interactive Media & Services Industry and Sub-Industry

Includes companies engaging in content and information creation or distribution through proprietary platforms, where revenues are derived primarily through pay-per-click advertisements. Includes search engines, social media and networking platforms, online classifieds and online review companies.

Excludes companies operating online market places classified in Internet & Direct Marketing Retail.

2.     Internet and Direct Marketing Retail Sub-Industry under the Consumer Discretionary Sector

This Sub-Industry will be updated to include companies providing online market places for consumer products and services. This Sub-Industry will also include e-commerce companies regardless of whether they hold inventory.

3.     Information Technology Sector

·       The existing Internet Software & Services Industry and Sub-Industry will   be discontinued. 

·       A new Sub-Industry called Internet Services & Infrastructure will be        created under the IT Services Industry. This Sub-Industry will include companies providing services and infrastructure for the internet industry including data centers, cloud networking, storage infrastructure and web    hosting services.

·       In addition, cloud-based software companies currently classified as Internet Software & Services will be reclassified under Application Software Sub-Industry.

Impact on ASX Market Information products

The changes will apply to ReferencePoint Master List and other ASX products in which the GICS Code is published, including Daily Diary, Weekly Summary and Daily Schedule.

At close of business on Friday 21 September 2018, the changes in in bold font in below table will apply.

Therefore on Friday 21 September 2018, the following will occur:

       i.         GICS code value of 50200000 representing Media & Entertainment Industry Group will be disseminated in the ReferencePoint Master List E01 and E02 files.

      ii.         GICS code value of 25400000 representing Media Industry Group will cease to be disseminated in the ReferencePoint Master List E01 file.  

Customers are reminded of the following:

·       ASX Market Information products only provide up to the 2^nd tier of the GICS code with the exception of Metals & Mining Industry and REITS Industry GICS Codes which are provided up to the 3^rd tier.

·       If additional GICS Code depth are required, they should contact S&P Index Services on email at clientservices@standardand poos.com or phone +612 9255 9870.

ASX Issuers Impacted by the Change

Additional list, if any, of ASX listed companies affected by the change will be made available by 01 August 2018.

Upcoming Events

What do I need to do by when?

Impacted ASX Market Information products customers are requested to make the necessary changes as detailed on pages 2 to 4 of this notice.

Need more information?

Issued by

Edwina Glinoga, Product Manager - Information Services
+612 9227 0761

edwina.glinoga@asx.com.au

Contact information

Customer Technical Support
1800 663 053
+612 9227 0372
CTS@asx.com.au

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