What is Nestlé's dividend policy?
It is to pay an annual cash dividend that is appropriate, in due consideration of the performance and financial condition of the Group, its requirements for investment and its future prospects. Dividends payments are considered in conjunction with our share buy-back programs, and both are an integral part of our commitment to manage our capital structure actively for the benefit of the Company and its shareholders.
When is the Nestlé dividend paid?
Dividends are paid once a year, following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). They are paid 4 working days after the date of the AGM. Last dividend payment was on April 29, 2009.
What is the ex-dividend date?
The ex-dividend date is the same as the dividend payment date. The last one was April 29, 2009.
What will be the amount of the next dividend?
The dividend proposed by the Board of Directors is made public with the announcement of the Full Year results. This amount is then subject to shareholder approval in the Annual General Meeting which takes place each year around April. The amount of the last dividend is CHF 1.40 per share.
Historic data on payment dates and dividend amount since 1995.
(amounts are expressed on the current basis,
i.e. after splits of shares)
| Payment date |
CHF/share |
| April 29, 2009 |
1.400 |
| April 16, 2008 |
1.220 |
| April 19, 2007 |
1.040 |
| April 12, 2006 |
0.900 |
| April 20, 2005 |
0.800 |
| April 28, 2004 |
0.720 |
| April 9, 2003 |
0.700 |
| April 17, 2002 |
0.640 |
| April 11, 2001 |
0.550 |
| May 31, 2000 |
0.430 |
| June 9, 1999 |
0.380 |
| June 3, 1998 |
0.350 |
| June 11, 1997 |
0.300 |
| June 5, 1996 |
0.265 |
| June 6, 1995 |
0.265 |
Why is there no alternative to a cash dividend ?
There was no alternative in 2008 because the Board's proposal of a cash dividend, with no alternatives, was passed by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. The Board reviews the various alternatives to a cash dividend each year. These are:
a) the granting of advantages in kind (free products, discounts, etc.), in principle, assets with a value that can easily be expressed in money, or
b) the possibility to purchase shares at a preferential price (under their stock value) during a procedure of Capital Stock Increase, or
c) the granting of new shares of the Company for a corresponding amount.
- The granting of new shares of the Company as dividend payment would imply an increase of capital. An increase of capital is only proposed to the General Meeting by the Board of Directors when the Company needs share capital. The Group has sufficient own share capital in order to insure its internal growth.
- The issuance of new shares is subject to a 1% stamp duty tax on the nominal value of the issued shares, which implies a supplemental fiscal charge for the Company.
So far, the Board of Directors has decided every year that the dividends would be paid in cash.