NEW YORK, May 11, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Regulatory News:
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE / Euronext Paris: PM) held its
2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders today. Louis C. Camilleri, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the company's key achievements
in 2010 and reaffirmed the company's steadfast commitment to deliver
superior returns to its shareholders.
"2010 was a challenging year as we had to deal with unprecedentedly high
excise tax increases in six important markets, the impact on consumer
sentiment of stubbornly high and rising unemployment in several European
markets, and an increase in illicit trade. Even in this environment, our
financial results were robust. EPS growth was solid and a significant
reduction in working capital helped to drive a very strong increase in
our cash flow," said Mr. Camilleri.
"Our improved business outlook and more favorable exchange rates led us,
on April 21st, to increase our reported diluted EPS guidance
for 2011 by 20 cents to a range of $4.55 to $4.65. Compared to an
adjusted diluted EPS of $3.87 in 2010, this corresponds to an increase
of approximately 17.5% to 20% at prevailing exchange rates, and
approximately 12.5% to 15% excluding currency."
Adjusted diluted EPS is defined as reported diluted EPS adjusted for
asset impairment and exit costs and tax items.
More than 84% of the shares entitled to vote were represented at the
meeting in person or by proxy. The ten nominees for director named in
the proxy statement were elected; the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers SA as independent auditors was ratified; the
compensation of named executive officers as disclosed in the Company's
Proxy Statement was approved on an advisory basis; the frequency of once
every year of future advisory votes on executive compensation was
recommended on an advisory basis; and the two stockholder proposals
presented at the meeting were defeated. Final voting results will be
included in a Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC.
An archived copy of the audio webcast of PMI's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders is available until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 10, 2011 at www.pmi.com.
Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is the leading international
tobacco company, with seven of the world's top 15 brands, including Marlboro,
the number one cigarette brand worldwide. PMI's products are sold in
approximately 180 countries. In 2010, the company held an estimated
16.0% share of the total international cigarette market outside of the
U.S., or 27.6% excluding the People's Republic of China and the U.S. For
more information, see www.pmi.com.
SOURCE: Philip Morris International Inc.
Investor Relations:
New York: +1-917-663 2233
Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4666
or
Media:
Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4500