Novartis shareholders approve all resolutions proposed by the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting
Shareholders approve 22nd consecutive dividend increase to CHF 2.85 (+2%) per share for 2018; representing a 3.1% yield and approximately 57% payout of free cash flow - Overwhelming majority of shareholders approve proposed 100% spin-off of the Alcon eye care division - 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; Mr. Patrice Bula elected to the Board of Directors - Shareholders approve all other proposals of the Board of Directors, including in an advisory vote the 2018 Compensation Report as well as the future Board and Executive Committee compensation in separate binding votes Basel, February 28, 2019 - 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 1,991 shareholders were present at the meeting held in Basel, representing approximately 65.6% of the issued shares of Novartis. Shareholders approved the 22nd consecutive dividend increase per share since the creation of Novartis in 1996, with an increase of 2% to CHF 2.85 for 2018. Payment for the 2018 dividend will be made as of March 6, 2019. The dividend for 2018 is an approximately 57% payout of free cash flow, reinforcing the Company's ongoing commitment to a strong dividend yield. Proposed spin-off of the Alcon eye care division - Novartis shareholders approved the proposed 100% spin-off of the Alcon eye care division, as previously endorsed by the Novartis Board of Directors.
