The par value reduction for the business year 2007 is CHF 25 (compared with CHF 25 the previous year). This is equivalent to a distribution of 43 percent of net income.

In principle, profits can be distributed in the form of either a dividend or a par value repayment. In the latter case, the par value of each share is reduced by a certain amount, which is then paid out to shareholders in lieu of a dividend. The share capital is then reduced by the relevant amount. Unlike dividends, par value repayments by Swiss companies to private shareholders (i.e. not brokers) resident in Switzerland are subject neither to income tax nor to withholding tax. Shareholders resident abroad do not have to pay withholding tax either, while the issue of income tax is handled differently according to the country of residence. 
The Georg Fischer Corporation’s shareholders approved a par value repayment of CHF 25 per share. The par value is reduced from CHF 50 to CHF 25 per share.

The Board of Directors and Executive Committee intend to propose that the distribution of profits for fiscal 2008 should again take the form of a par value repayment — assuming the tax advantages of this option remain unchanged. The actual decision will be made by the shareholders themselves, however, at their annual general meeting. The AGM for fiscal 2008 is to be held on 18 March 2009. Should a par value repayment again be approved, the payout will most likely be at the end of June 2009.

In a par value repayment or dividend payment, shareholders who hold the share on the day of the payout receive the payment.

At the Annual General Meeting for the 2007 business year it was again decided to make a par value repayment. Payment was made on 27 June 2008.

If the shares are held by a custodian bank, the sum due will be paid to this bank. Registered shareholders who keep their shares at home or in a bank vault will receive the sum due at the address for dividend payments they themselves have provided.