Novartis' shareholders approve new share repurchase program and dividend increase
Driven by record results in 2003, annual dividend reaches CHF 1.00 per share(+5%), increasing for the 7th year in a row
New share buyback program for up to 3 billion CHF approved
Continued dynamic business growth and new record income level expected for 2004
Basel, 24 February 2004 - At the Annual General Meeting held in Basel today, 2,714 shareholders, representing 933,365,449 votes or 33.32% of the 2,801,470,000 shares issued, approved all proposals of the Board of Directors, including a 5% rise in the dividend to CHF 1.00 per share. The increase marked the seventh year, since the merger, that the dividend has climbed. The company's consistent strategic focus drove record results in 2003, with performance outpacing the market, and all business units gaining market share.
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