As a sanofi-aventis shareholder, you own a share in our capital, providing us with the resources we need in order to grow. By investing in our future, you are giving us a vote of confidence.
Confidence is the cornerstone of the special relationship between us and our shareholders. We are committed to retaining and building your confidence by involving you in our development and giving you a share of our profits.
Sanofi-aventis, attentive to its individual shareholders
Our relationship with our shareholders
Information
We are committed to providing our shareholders with regular, transparent and accessible information about our progress and about any events that may influence our share price. In particular, we publish financial notices and press releases that are printed in leading newspapers. We also give our shareholders access to a wide range of publications and services that are specifically aimed at shareholders and provide information about sanofi-aventis, our business, and our financial results. We also organize regular meetings in Paris and the French regions, giving our shareholders an opportunity for face-to-face dialogue with members of our management team.
Voting
However many shares they own, shareholders are entitled to vote at general meetings. This gives them an opportunity to vote on issues such as approval of the annual financial statements, changes to the bylaws, the appointment of directors, and the amount of dividend.
Dividends
Our shareholders receive a portion of our profits in the form of dividends. Our Board of Directors proposes an amount to be distributed as dividend out of the previous financial year’s profits, and submits this proposal for approval by the shareholders at the general meeting. Dividends, together with any capital gains realized on the disposal of shares, are the two types of shareholder income and as such are liable to tax.
How to hold sanofi-aventis shares
The basics of our relationship with shareholders are the same for all our shareholders. However, the way in which you hold your shares affects some shareholder services, and also influences what happens when shares are transferred by inheritance or gift.
The forms of ownership are bearer shares, and administered/fully registered shares:
