Novartis shareholders approve all resolutions proposed by Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting
Shareholders approve 21st consecutive dividend increase to CHF 2.80 (+2%) per share for 2017; representing a 3.6% yield and approximately 67% payout of free cash flow - Â Dr. Joerg Reinhardt confirmed by shareholders as Chairman of the Novartis Board of Directors as well as all other members who stood for re-election - Â Shareholders approve all other proposals of the Board of Directors, including in an advisory vote the 2017 Compensation Report as well as the future Board and Executive Committee compensation in separate binding votes - Novartis shareholders today agreed to the Board of Directors' recommendations for all proposed resolutions at the Group's Annual General Meeting (AGM). A total of 1,731 shareholders were present at the meeting held in Basel, representing approximately 62.6% of the issued shares of Novartis. Shareholders approved the 21st consecutive dividend increase per share since the creation of Novartis in 1996, with an increase of 2% to CHF 2.80 for 2017. Payment for the 2017 dividend will be made on March 8, 2018. The dividend for 2017 is an approximately 67% payout of free cash flow, reinforcing the Company's commitment to a strong dividend yield. Annual re-election and election of Members of the Board - Shareholders re-elected Dr. Joerg Reinhardt as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and all members of the Board, for one year. Dr. Pierre Landolt did not stand for re-election having reached the age limit as specified in the Articles of Incorporation.
