The beleaguered chief executive of biotech giant Amgen Inc. confronted an often testy group of shareholders Wednesday, his first annual meeting with investors since the company’s fortunes took a hard turn last summer, the Los Angeles Times rerpots.

“Last year was awful. I deeply, deeply regret that,” Kevin Sharer said, appearing calm and confident during an hourlong presentation to an audience of several hundred at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

He also sought to reassure investors. Sharer said the company was off to a good start this year and suggested that many of Amgen’s woes should be viewed along with problems affecting all drug companies. “I’m not making any excuses . . . but things are pretty stormy out there right now.”

Some shareholders appeared unconvinced and the meeting turned contentious when investors were invited to make public comments.

One suggested the company begin paying shareholders a dividend to make up for the stock’s steep fall over the last year. Another said she was disgusted with Amgen’s recent performance and was considering selling her shares. “You say you are looking out for the best interest of shareholders. I don’t believe you are,” she told Sharer.

Read the full L.A. Times story

.(registration required)