Hello and thank you for your question.
There is a world of information about Nestlé at its corporate site
Nestlé S.A
http://www.ir.nestle.com/
Here's what you would find in a Nestlé prospectus:
GENERAL
"How many shareholders are there in Nestlé and where are they located?
Nestlé has about 260,000 shareholders, most of whom are in Europe. No
single shareholder owns more than 3 percent of the total share
capital.
As at September 30, 2002, Swiss investors held the major part of the
stock (46%) followed by US citizens (15%) and British (10%), German
(7%) and French (7%) shareholders.
What is a Nestlé Treasury Share ?
A Nestlé Treasury Share is a share of Nestlé S.A. owned by Nestlé S.A.
or its subsidiaries.
According to Swiss company law, a corporation is entitled to acquire
its own shares only if its unrestricted capital surplus is at least
equal to the amount of funds necessary for the acquisition and the
aggregate par value of these shares does not exceed 10 percent of the
capital stock.
When was Nestlé first publicly traded?
Nestlé was first quoted in the Swiss Stock Exchange on March 17, 1873
as "Anglo Swiss Condensed Milk Co".
What is the address of Nestlé Group Headquarters?
Nestlé S.A.
Avenue Nestlé 55
1800 Vevey
Switzerland
What is Nestlé's fiscal year?
Nestlé's fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.
What is the debt rating of Nestlé Group?
Nestlé is rated AAA for long term debt by the 2 main rating agencies
(Standard & Poors and Moody's)."
http://www.ir.nestle.com/Data/Faq/index.asp
REGISTERED SHARES
"How do I buy and sell shares ?
The Nestlé S.A. shares are traded at the following Stock Exchanges
- Virt-x which is the exchange for Swiss blue chips since June 25,
2001
- London Stock Exchange
- Euronext Paris
- Frankfurt am Main
Purchase and sell orders should be given to your bank or stockbroker.
The shares are usually deposited with your bank or, if they are
traded at Virt-x, they may also be taken into custody by the Share
Transfer Office of Nestlé S.A. in Switzerland. This service is free of
charge.
Nestlé S.A. Share Transfer Office
Zugerstrasse 8
6330 Cham
Switzerland
Tel: +41.21.785 2020
E-mail: shareregister@nestle.com
The symbols of the Nestlé S.A. share at the different stock exchanges
are the following :
- Virt-x NESN ISIN CH 001 205 604 7
- London NSTR SEDOL 7123870
- Euronext Paris NES Code Euroclear :13911
- Frankfurt am Main Wertpapier-Kenn-Nummer : 887208
What are the main tickers for Nestlé shares?
For Virt-X shares:
- Reuters NESZn.VX
- Bloomberg NESN VX
For ADRs:
- Reuters NSRGY.PK
- Bloomberg: NSRGY
How can I find the share price?
It is published on this web site please click here. It is also
published in most Swiss and many international newspapers.
Historic share price data at year end for the last 10 years.
(At current basis i.e. after share splits)
Year end CHF/share
2002 293.00
2001 354.00
2000 378.00
1999 291.70
1998 299.00
1997 218.90
1996 143.70
1995 127.60
1994 124.70
1993 128.30
1992 114.75
Why have the shares been split in June 2001?
The split made was a 1:10 and it was made to increase the liquidity of
the shares and facilitate purchasing them.
What are the dates of the company's stock splits?
The last stock splits have been:
- June 11, 2001 split of 1:10 (1 old share = 10 new shares)
- September 1, 1992 split of 1:10 (1 old share = 10 new shares)
How many shares are outstanding?
The total number of shares outstanding is 403.52 million shares.
How can I check my shareholding?
If your shares are deposited with a bank, you will receive a statement
at the end of the year or you can check your holding at any time by
contacting your adviser at the bank or your stockbroker.
If your shares are deposited with the Share Transfer Office, you will
receive a statement each year that also includes the Swiss relevant
tax information. You may also contact the Share Transfer Office at any
time.
May I vote by proxy at the General Meeting?
If you do not wish to attend the General Meeting in person, you can
only be represented by
· Nestlé S.A.
· the independent representative (pursuant to article 689c of the
Swiss Code of Obligations)
· another shareholder registered with voting rights
· but not by a third party (family, friend, etc.) who is not a
shareholder registered with voting rights.
What is the ADR/registered share ratio?
4 ADRs represent 1 Swiss share."
http://www.ir.nestle.com/Data/Faq/index.asp?idleft=177&faq_ContentTitle=Registered%20shares
DIVIDENDS
What is Nestlé's dividend policy?
It is to pay a 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.
When is the Nestlé dividend paid?
Dividends are paid once a year, following the Annual General Meeting
(AGM). In the past, they have been paid 4 working days after the date
of the AGM. They were last paid on April 17, 2002. The next AGM will
be held on April 3, 2003.
What will be the amount of the next dividend?
The dividend proposed by the Board of Directors of Nestlé S.A. to the
General Meeting of shareholders will be made public with the
announcement of the 2002 results, which will take place on February
27, 2003. This amount is then subject to shareholder approval in the
Annual General Meeting of April 3, 2003.
Historic data on payment dates and dividend amount for the last 5
years.
(amounts are expressed on the current basis, i.e. after split of
shares in June 2001)
CHF/share
April 17, 2002 6.40
April 11, 2001 5.50
May 31, 2000 4.30
June 9, 1999 3.80
June 3, 1998 3.50
What is the ex-dividend date?
The ex-dividend date is 4 working days after the date of the Annual
General Meeting (AGM). Since the next AGM will be held on April 3,
2003 the ex-dividend date is April 9, 2003.
Why is there no alternative to a cash dividend ?
There was no alternative in 2002 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.
- The granting of new shares is subject to a withholding tax of 35 %
on the nominal value of the new shares, with a
possibility of total or partial reimbursement, depending on the
place of domicile of the shareholder.
So far, the Board of Directors has decided every year that the
dividends would be paid in cash."
http://www.ir.nestle.com/Data/Faq/index.asp?idleft=178&faq_ContentTitle=Dividends
IF YOU ARE IN AMERICA, YOU WOULD NEED TO INVEST VIA ADR'S
"What is an ADR?
ADR is the acronym for American Depositary Receipts. ADRs are receipts
representative of ownership in shares of foreign companies that trade
on US financial markets. An ADR represents a number of American
Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADS. Each ADS in turn
represents a fixed number or a fixed fraction of foreign registered
shares. The term ADR is used interchangeably with the term ADS.
What are the security details for Nestlé ADRs, and what is the ratio?
Nestlé ADRs trade in the US under the ticker NSRGY. 4 ADRs represent
1 Swiss share.
Where are Nestlé ADRs traded?
Nestlé ADRs are traded on the US over-the-counter market.
Why are Nestlé ADRs unlisted?
Nestlé is a company headquartered and incorporated in Switzerland and
therefore reports its financial information according to International
Accounting Standards as opposed to US GAAP. US GAAP financial
reporting is a prerequisite to listing in the United States.
Who is Nestlé's ADR depositary bank?
JPMorgan is the depositary for Nestlé ADRs. Nestlé ADRs are backed by
registered shares held under custody in Switzerland in JPMorgan's name
on behalf of Nestlé ADR holders.
How can I hold Nestlé ADRs?
There are 2 ways to hold ADRs. Either you hold ADRs through your
usual bank or broker, in which case you are a "beneficial holder".
Alternatively, you can hold your ADRs directly through JPMorgan as ADR
depositary, in which case you are a "registered holder". You are
therefore on the company's shareholder register that is maintained by
Nestlé's ADR depositary, JPMorgan. Registered holders of Nestlé ADRs
may hold their ADRs either physically in the form of a certificate or
in dematerialized form, evidenced by an account statement.
How can I buy and sell Nestlé ADRs?
You can buy and sell Nestlé ADRs through any broker licensed to buy
and sell US securities.
If you opt to be a registered holder you may contact JPMorgan,
Nestlé's ADR depositary bank, at 1-800-884-7698 or write to:
JPMorgan
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
P.O. Box 9073
Boston, MA 02205-9948
Registered holders of Nestlé's ADRs may conduct transactions online by
going to JPMorgan's web site and going to "Investor Services" and
selecting "Account Access". For Account
How can I find the ADR price?
To find a recent price quote for Nestlé's ADRs you can go to
JPMorgan's website. On the website's homepage you will need to input
Nestlé's ADR ticker, NSGRY, select Quickview and click on the 'Go'
button. Otherwise, you may also click on this link which will bring
you directly to the requested page.
Alternatively, financial publications that quote US share prices
will display Nestlé's ADR price as well. For the most up-to-date
information ask your broker or consult a service that offers quotes.
Does holding Nestlé ADRs eliminate my exposure to foreign exchange
fluctuations between the US$ and the Swiss Franc? Top
No, ADR share prices carry foreign currency risk depending on the
movement of the US dollar against the Swiss Franc. Most of the ADRs
trade in line with the underlying security. The spread is in general
very small, reflecting the cost of foreign exchange conversion and
other execution costs. If the currency of the underlying stock rises
against the dollar, the ADR price is expected to rise (and vice
versa).
How do I receive dividends from my ADRs or proceeds from other
corporate actions?
You receive dividends in US$ from ADRs if you are a holder of Nestlé
ADRs on the dividend's record date. The same holds true for proceeds
that result from a stock split of Nestlé ADRs. Proceeds will be
credited to the holder's account on the corporate action's effective
date.
Can I reinvest any dividends Nestlé may pay out?
Beneficial holders need to follow the provisions for dividend
reinvestment as established by their broker if applicable. Registered
holders may opt to enroll in Nestlé's Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
To do so please call JPMorgan, Nestlé's ADR depositary bank, at
1-800-884-7698 or write to:
JPMorgan
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
P.O. Box 9073
Boston, MA 02205-9948
How can I check my shareholdings?
Beneficial holders will need to contact their broker. Registered
holders may call Nestlé's ADR depositary bank, JPMorgan, at
1-800-884-7698 or log on to the "Account access" button on the
"Investor Services" page on JPMorgan's website.
If you do not have a user name and password to log onto JPMorgan's
website, please contact JPMorgan either by calling the toll free
1-800-884-7698 or by writing to:
JPMorgan
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
P.O. Box 9073
Boston, MA 02205-9948
Can I vote at the General Meeting?
As an ADR holder on the record date, you will have the sole right to
vote the equivalent number of underlying shares as represented by your
Nestlé ADR holdings. You will receive your proxy card and other
relevant documentation through your usual intermediary."
http://www.ir.nestle.com/Data/Faq/index.asp?idleft=179&faq_ContentTitle=ADRs
In addition, you can access the companys annual and periodic reports
via
Reports
http://www.ir.nestle.com/HTML/ManagementReport/index.asp
If you want to know more, you can sign up for email alerts
http://www.ir.nestle.com/Data/EmailsAlerts/index.asp
Search Terms Used:
nestle securities
Multex Investor Reports (Nestle) at
https://www.multexinvestor.co.uk/research/documentpdf.asp?docid=29449014&companyName=NESTLE+SA&mxid=100022297&country=CH&ticker=CH0002137682&docsid=10
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