01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed June 3, 2025. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Altria Group, Inc. (MO) has filed a Current Report on Form 8-K detailing a temporary suspension of trading under its employee benefit plans, specifically the Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans for Salaried and Hourly Employees.
This 'blackout period' is necessitated by a transition of trustee services from State Street Bank and Trust Company to Fidelity Management Trust Company, effective July 11, 2025. The transition will restrict participants' ability to make investment changes, loans, withdrawals, or distributions from their plan accounts. Investors should note this primarily affects internal plan administration and does not represent a fundamental change in the company's financial health or business operations.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Temporary trading suspension ('blackout period') impacting Altria's employee profit-sharing plans (DPS Plans).
- The blackout period is due to a transition of trustee services from State Street to Fidelity Management Trust Company.
- The trustee transition is scheduled to be effective starting July 11, 2025.
- Participants in the DPS Plans will be unable to direct or diversify investments, obtain loans, or make withdrawals/distributions during the blackout.
- The blackout period is expected to commence at 4:00 p.m. ET on July 10, 2025, and conclude during the week of July 13, 2025.
- Company directors and executive officers are prohibited from buying or selling Altria common stock acquired through their service/employment during the blackout period, as per Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Regulation BTR.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the trading suspension for Altria's employee benefit plans?
The trading suspension, or 'blackout period', is a result of Altria transitioning trustee services for its Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans (DPS Plans) from State Street Bank and Trust Company to Fidelity Management Trust Company. This transition requires temporary restrictions on plan participant transactions.
Who is affected by this blackout period?
The blackout period directly affects participants and beneficiaries of Altria's Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans for Salaried Employees and Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans for Hourly Employees. Additionally, Altria's directors and executive officers are prohibited from trading company stock acquired through their roles during this period.
When will the blackout period start and end?
The blackout period is expected to begin at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 10, 2025, and is scheduled to end during the week of July 13, 2025.
Does this blackout period impact my ability to trade Altria (MO) stock on the open market?
No, this blackout period specifically applies to transactions within Altria's internal employee benefit plans and for company insiders trading stock acquired through their employment. It does not affect the ability of the general public or other investors to buy or sell Altria Group, Inc. (MO) common stock on the stock exchange.
04—Continue