Stock Split Frequently Asked Questions

April 19, 2004 - National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) announced that its Board of Directors has approved a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend to shareholders of record on April 29, 2004. The stock dividend will be issued to shareholders on May 13, 2004.

Following are some answers to frequently asked questions about the stock split:

1. What is a 2-for-1 stock split?
2. Why a 2-for-1 stock split?
3. What is the record date?
4. What is the payable (distribution) date?
5. Where will the split shares be sent?
6. What is the Ex-split date?
7. What happens if I sell my shares before the record date?
8. What happens if I sell my shares on or between the record date and the payable date?
9. When was National's last stock split?

1.  What is a 2-for-1 stock split?

• For every one share that you own, you will own two shares after the split becomes effective.

2.  Why a 2-for-1 stock split?

• A 2-for-1 stock split in our view would allow us to make the stock more affordable to the individual investor while keeping the resulting price per share and number of shares outstanding comparable to other industry leading companies.

3.  What is the record date?

• April 29, 2004 
• If you own shares on the record date, you will be entitled to receive a stock certificate representing the split shares.

4.  What is the payable (distribution) date?

• May 13, 2004 
• This is the date when holders of record or brokers are mailed notification of the shares subject to split. If you have shares held in a brokerage account, no action is required on your part. Our stock transfer agent, Computershare, will mail written notices to registered common shareholders indicating their split-adjusted share amounts. To verify your address, you can contact Computershare at 877-498-8865.

5.  Where will the split shares be sent?

• If you hold a physical stock certificate in your name, Computershare will mail your certificate to the address they have on file. To verify your address, you can contact Equiserve directly at 877-498-8865. 
• If your stock is currently held in a brokerage account, the additional shares will be sent directly to your broker and then to your brokerage account. Please contact your broker for further details.

6.  What is the Ex-split date?

• May 14, 2004 
• This is the date when National's common shares will trade on the NYSE at the new split-adjusted price.

7.  What happens if I sell my shares before the record date?

• If you sell your shares before the record date, you will not receive split shares. Your trade will be settled on a pre-split basis.

8.  What happens if I sell my shares on or between the record date and the payable date?
     
       Shares Held in Certificate Form:

• You should confirm that Computershare has your current address on file in order to verify the address that the new certificates will be mailed to. 
• Please contact your broker for further details.

      Shares Held By Your Broker:

• Your broker will directly receive the shares resulting from the split and will settle the trade with the pre-split shares in your account and the additional post-split shares the broker will receive from the transfer agent.

9.  When was National's last stock split?

• National's common stock splits for: