8-KShareholder MattersRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

ALTRIA GROUP, INC. 8-K Report, Shareholder Vote Results (May 19, 2016)

Filed May 19, 2016For Securities:MO

Summary

This 8-K filing reports on Altria Group, Inc.'s (MO) Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 19, 2016. The meeting saw strong shareholder participation, with nearly 89% of outstanding shares represented. Key outcomes include the overwhelming re-election of all eleven director nominees and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2016. Additionally, shareholders provided advisory approval for the compensation of the company's named executive officers. Notably, two shareholder proposals were voted down: one regarding reporting on tobacco product constituents and their health consequences, and another concerning participation in mediation for alleged human rights violations. The company also reaffirmed its 2016 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance in a press release issued in conjunction with the meeting.

Key Highlights

  • 1All eleven director nominees were overwhelmingly re-elected by shareholders.
  • 2PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2016.
  • 3Shareholders provided advisory approval for the compensation of Altria's named executive officers.
  • 4A high turnout of 88.78% of outstanding shares represented at the Annual Meeting.
  • 5Two shareholder proposals, one on tobacco product constituents and health consequences and another on human rights violation mediation, were defeated.
  • 6Altria reaffirmed its 2016 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance.
  • 7No significant changes in company strategy or financial outlook were announced beyond guidance reaffirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main outcomes were the re-election of all director nominees, the ratification of the independent auditor, and advisory approval of executive compensation. Two shareholder proposals were defeated, and the company reaffirmed its 2016 earnings per share guidance.

No, both shareholder proposals voted on during the meeting were defeated by a significant margin.

Yes, in a press release issued in connection with the meeting, Altria reaffirmed its adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for the full year 2016.

Shareholder engagement was very high, with 88.78% of the company's outstanding shares represented at the meeting, either in person or by proxy.