Altria (MO) Eyes Second-Half Profit Lift From U.S. Tobacco Tax Rebate

Group 1 - Altria Group, Inc. expects profit improvement in the second half of the year due to a U.S. tax rebate related to higher cigarette imports and exports [2] - The company's full-year 2026 profit outlook is above analyst expectations, supported by a tax provision allowing tobacco companies to reclaim federal excise taxes on exported products [3] - Altria has historically struggled to benefit from this tax provision but is now working with international partners to expand cigarette exports through contract manufacturing [4] Group 2 - Altria's finance chief indicated the importance of utilizing the tax provision to avoid competitive disadvantages as traditional tobacco volumes decline [5] - The company anticipates adjusted earnings of $5.56 to $5.72 per share for 2026, with the midpoint exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $5.58 [6] - Altria operates a portfolio of tobacco products primarily for U.S. consumers aged 21 and older, focusing on smokeable and oral tobacco offerings [6]