Altria(US:MO) Benzingaยท2025-10-30 17:43Core Insights - Altria Group, Inc. experienced a decline in share price due to a decrease in smokeable and oral tobacco sales, impacting year-over-year revenue growth [1][2] Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.45, reflecting a 3.6% increase year over year, aligning with analyst expectations [2] - Quarterly sales totaled $6.072 billion, down 3% year over year, but exceeded the analyst consensus of $5.309 billion [2] - Net revenues from smokeable and oral tobacco products decreased, with revenues net of excise taxes falling 1.7% to $5.3 billion [2][3] Segment Performance - Oral tobacco product revenues declined by 4.6% due to lower shipment volumes [3] - Smokeable product revenues decreased by 2.8%, attributed to softer volumes and increased promotional investments [3] Operational Highlights - Gross profit increased by 0.1% year over year to $3.812 billion, while operating income rose by 2.5% to $3.230 billion [4] - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents amounting to $3.472 billion [4] Shareholder Returns - The board expanded the share repurchase program to $2 billion, effective through December 31, 2026, contingent on market conditions [5] - The company aims for mid-single digits dividend per share growth annually through 2028 [5] Future Outlook - Altria raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $5.37 to $5.45, slightly above the previous estimate [6] - The company anticipates moderated EPS growth in the fourth quarter due to the completion of the accelerated share repurchase program and the expiration of the Master Settlement Agreement legal fund [6] Market Reaction - Altria Group shares fell by 6.74% to $57.79 at the time of publication [7]