Corporate America’s Annual Meeting Tradition Turning Virtual

Corporate America’s tradition of annual shareholder gatherings is increasingly turning into a virtual event.

Almost 250 public companies met with their investors online in the first half of 2019, up from 215 over the same period in 2018, according to the latest data from meeting host Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

It’s part of a years-long shift away from in-person events that are often sparsely attended by shareholders, especially at smaller firms. General Motors Co., Intel Corp., and other companies that have made the switch say meeting online and by phone allows more investors to participate. It also saves ...