Form 4: Altria Director Ellen R. Strahlman Reports Acquisition of Shares and Phantom Stock Units

Director Ellen R. Strahlman reports acquisition of Altria Group, Inc. shares and phantom stock units through deferred compensation and dividend reinvestment.

Summary

• On May 16, 2024, Ellen R. Strahlman, a director of Altria Group, Inc., acquired 3,800 shares of common stock.
• These shares were awarded as deferred stock under the 2015 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
• Strahlman also acquired 326 phantom stock units pursuant to the Deferred Fee Plan for Non-Employee Directors on the same date.
• The phantom stock units convert to the cash value of Altria's common stock on a 1-for-1 basis and will be distributed in cash either before or after termination of service as a director.
• Additionally, Strahlman's holdings include 16,532 deferred shares in the Stock Compensation Plan, which includes 278 shares acquired through dividend reinvestment since March 29, 2024.
• She also holds 11,172 share equivalents in the Deferred Fee Plan, including 237 share equivalents acquired through dividend reinvestment since March 29, 2024.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral. It's a routine disclosure of stock transactions by a director, indicating standard compensation practices.

Positives

• The acquisition of shares and phantom stock units by a director signals confidence in the company's future performance.
• Dividend reinvestment indicates a long-term investment strategy and belief in the company's ability to generate returns.

Future Outlook

The document does not contain specific forward-looking statements, but it implies continued participation in the Stock Compensation Plan and Deferred Fee Plan.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure of stock ownership changes by a company director, which is common in publicly traded companies. It reflects standard compensation practices for non-employee directors.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages often include a mix of cash, stock options, and deferred stock units.
• The Altria director's compensation structure appears consistent with industry norms for large, publicly traded companies.
• Companies like Philip Morris International (PM) and British American Tobacco (BTI) also utilize similar compensation strategies for their board members.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minor positive impact on shareholders as it reflects director's confidence in the company.
• The transaction has a minor positive impact on employees as it reflects director's confidence in the company.

Key Dates