. Shareholders approve 14th consecutive dividend increase to CHF 2.20 (+5%) per share for 2010, representing a payout of approximately 55% of net income from continuing operations, marking continued increase in the dividend per share since the creation of Novartis in 1996
. Dr. Enrico Vanni elected as new member of the Novartis Board of Directors for a three year term
. Mrs. Ann Fudge. Mr. Pierre Landolt and Dr. Ulrich Lehner re-elected to the Novartis Board of Directors for three year terms
. Novartis reaffirms Group outlook

Basel, February 22, 2011 - Novartis shareholders today followed the Board of Directors' recommendations for all proposed resolutions at the Group's Annual General Meeting. Shareholders approved the fourteenth consecutive dividend increase of 5% to CHF 2.20 for 2010.

A total of 2,160 shareholders were present at the meeting held in Basel, representing 1,23 shares or 46.5% of the 2,64 billion issued shares of Novartis.

"2010 was shaped by repercussions from the global financial crisis and considerable currency turbulence. Despite these difficult conditions, Novartis was very successful. Our long-term strategy focused on innovation and an attractive business portfolio once more has produced excellent results. The ability to repeatedly launch new and better products, and thus establish robust market positions, is decisive for the sustainability of our success. We demonstrated both of these core competencies last year. New and recently launched products were a key growth driver in 2010 and hold more promise for the future. Joe Jimenez, our new CEO since February 2010, has successfully continued this strategy and launched new initiatives to improve productivity. His nomination has proven to be right," said Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman of Novartis. "While today's consultative shareholder vote has given support to the Novartis compensation system, it also shows today's societal concern over executive compensation. As in the past, Novartis will continue its efforts to proactively implement proven best corporate governance standards."

In 2010, shareholders approved the introduction of a consultative vote on the compensation system in the articles of incorporation. This was the first non-binding vote by shareholders on the compensation system. The next vote on the compensation system is scheduled in three years allowing shareholders to take a longer-term view when examining the sustainability of the compensation system, unless significant changes to the compensation system are introduced. Sustainable compensation systems are harmonized with multi-year business plans, and only attain their full effect when used unchanged for several years, so they are understood by all employees. Today's consultative vote shows the Novartis compensation system is supported by the majority of our shareholders. The Board of Directors regularly reviews the compensation plans and levels and will evaluate how we can further ensure that our compensation system drives sustainable performance and aligns the interests of associates with those of our shareholders. Novartis has been a leader in corporate governance practices and in 2010 was the first large, listed Swiss company to include a consultative vote on its compensation system in its articles of incorporation. In 2009, Novartis also established a Risk Committee to oversee enterprise risk management processes and systems, and is progressively including 'clawback provision' for incentive compensation in employee contracts.

Shareholders approved a dividend payment of CHF 2.20 per share for 2010 compared to CHF 2.10 in 2009, representing a payout ratio of approximately 55% of net income from continuing operations. Payment for the 2010 dividend will be made with effect from March 1, 2011.

The Group confirmed expectations for 2011 to be a year of continued progress in delivering its strategic priorities continuing to drive innovation, growth and productivity across its businesses implementing its strategy to meet the growing needs of patients and aging societies worldwide through its healthcare portfolio. Novartis further confirmed its guidance for the year and barring unforeseen events, expects to maintain momentum in 2011 and increase Group constant currency sales growth around the double-digit mark. With the continuing drive to generate productivity improvements across the Group, Novartis aims to improve constant currency core operating income margin while investing for the future. In addition, in 2011, the company expects the full effect of Alcon acquisition accounting to result in amortization of intangible assets of approximately USD 2.0 billion. Pharmaceuticals is expected to deliver sales growth in low- to mid-single-digits for 2011, driven by continued growth of the recently launched products and volume growth in emerging markets. Reported sales growth will be lower as a result of the combined effect of price reductions seen in 2010, the full impact of healthcare reform in the US and generic competition. In addition, for Sandoz, sales growth of around mid-single-digits is expected.

Shareholders elected Dr. Enrico Vanni to the Novartis Board of Directors for a three year term. Dr. Vanni, a Swiss citizen, has more than 30 years of healthcare management experience. He is a chemical engineer and graduated from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, Switzerland and holds a PhD (Doctorate in Science) from the University of Lausanne. His background also includes an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. Dr. Vanni managed the Geneva Office of McKinsey&Company from 1988 to 2004. His consulting activities mostly covered companies in the pharmaceutical, consumer and finance sectors. He was head of the European pharmaceutical practice for McKinsey&Company and served as member of the Partner review committee of the firm. He is an independent consultant and member of three company boards of directors, including Alcon, Inc.

Shareholders also re-elected Mrs. Ann Fudge, Mr. Pierre Landolt and Dr. Ulrich Lehner for a three year term each to the Novartis Board of Directors. Alexandre Jetzer-Chung and Hans-Joerg Rudloff will retire from the Board as they have reached the statutory age limit. The Board of Directors and management team of Novartis thank Mr. Jetzer-Chung and Mr. Rudloff for their many years of distinguished services on the Novartis Board of Directors.