STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 11, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Autoliv Inc. (NYSE:ALV)(SSE:ALIV), the worldwide leader in automotive safety, has decided to increase its quarterly dividend to shareholders by 33% to 20 cents per share from 15 cents. The dividend will be payable on Thursday June 3, 2004, to the Autoliv stockholders of record on the close of business, Thursday May 6, 2004.
In 14 months Autoliv has raised its dividend three times by a total of 82%. In December 2002, the dividend for the first quarter 2003 was increased by 18% from 11 cents per quarter to 13 cents, and in August 2003 the dividend for the fourth quarter was raised by 15% to 15 cents. In addition to the $51 million Autoliv paid last year in dividends, the Company returned another $43 million to shareholders by buying back Autoliv shares. The current authorizations from Autoliv's Board of Directors, make it possible to repurchase up to 12 million additional shares.
Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures Autoliv has 80 facilities with over 37,000 employees in 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has technical centers in nine countries around the world, including 20 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2003 amounted to US $5.3 billion. The Company's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ALV) and its Swedish Depository Receipts on the OM Stockholm Stock Exchange (SSE:ALIV).
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