Group 1 - Mark Draper, an employee-elected member of the Board of Directors, will resign from his position at Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S on 31 October 2025 [2] - Hanne Malling, the Trademark Manager, will replace Mark Draper on the Board of Directors starting 1 November 2025 for the remainder of the current term, which lasts until the annual general meeting in 2027 [2]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the advantages of a dividend-focused value investment strategy, highlighting capital preservation and steady income growth as key benefits [1] - The author discusses a diversified dividend stock portfolio that prioritizes high-quality value stocks, which are expected to provide meaningful growth and long-term safety [1] Group 2 - The author has disclosed a long position in the shares of specific companies, indicating a personal investment interest that may influence the analysis presented [2] - The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or tax advice, reflecting the author's personal opinions and experiences [3]

Stifel Financial is launching and leading the sale of a $675 million private credit financing package for Tobacco Rag Processors, which supplies tobacco products to manufacturers, according to a person familiar with the matter https://t.co/Fr8JknnKCN ...

Core 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]

Core Insights - Altria Group Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 results with a revenue miss but an earnings beat, showcasing resilience in its core tobacco business and progress in smoke-free products [1][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter were $1.45, a 3.6% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 [2] - Net revenues totaled $6,072 million, reflecting a 3% decline year over year, primarily due to decreased revenues in smokeable and oral tobacco products [3] - Revenues net of excise taxes decreased by 1.7% to $5,251 million, missing the consensus estimate of $5,321 million [3] Segment Performance - **Smokeable Products**: Net revenues fell 2.8% year over year to $5,387 million, driven by reduced shipment volume and increased promotional investments, partially offset by higher pricing [4] - Domestic cigarette shipment volumes dropped 8.2%, influenced by industry decline and retail share losses, although cigar shipment volumes increased by 2% [5] - Adjusted operating companies' income (OCI) in this segment rose 0.7% to $2,956 million, with adjusted OCI margins growing 1.3 percentage points to 64.4% [6] - **Oral Tobacco Products**: Net revenues decreased 4.6% to $689 million, attributed to reduced shipment volume and a change in shipment mix, despite increased pricing [7] - Domestic shipment volumes fell 9.6%, with adjusted OCI decreasing 0.9%, although adjusted OCI margins improved by 2.4 percentage points to 69.2% [8] Shareholder Returns and Guidance - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $3,472 million and long-term debt of $24,132 million [9] - Altria repurchased 1.9 million shares for $112 million in Q3 2025, raising its buyback plan to $2 billion and narrowing 2025 EPS growth guidance to 3.5-5% [10][11] - The adjusted EPS for 2025 is now expected to be in the range of $5.37 to $5.45, indicating a year-over-year growth of 3.5% to 5% [12] Strategic Outlook - The company is factoring in the impact of increased tariffs and minimal disruption from enforcement actions targeting the illicit e-vapor market into its 2025 guidance [13] - Altria continues to assess economic factors such as inflation, purchasing patterns, and regulatory developments while investing in smoke-free product research and development [14] - The expected adjusted effective tax rate for 2025 is 23-24%, with capital expenditures projected between $175-$225 million [15]

Financial Performance - For the third quarter, adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 3.6%, and for the first nine months, it grew by 5.9% [5][20] - Adjusted operating companies income (OCI) for the smokeable products segment grew by 0.7% to nearly $3 billion in the third quarter and by 2.5% to $8.4 billion for the first nine months [20] - Adjusted OCI margins expanded to 64.4% for both the third quarter and first nine months, representing margin growth of 1.3 percentage points and 2.7 percentage points, respectively [20] Business Segment Performance - Domestic cigarette volumes declined by 8.2% in the third quarter and 10.6% for the first nine months when adjusted for trade inventory movements and calendar differences [21][22] - Marlboro expanded its share of the premium segment by 0.3 to 59.6% in the third quarter, while the discount segment of the industry expanded by 2.4 share points year over year, with Basic capturing over half of that growth [22][23] - In the oral tobacco products segment, adjusted OCI declined by less than 1% in the third quarter, but adjusted OCI margin expanded by 2.4 percentage points to 69.2% for the first nine months [24][25] Market Data - The nicotine pouch category saw an estimated 14.5% increase in industry volume over the past six months, with ON's retail share of the total oral tobacco category at 8.7% for the third quarter [6][8] - The e-vapor category included approximately 21 million vapers at the end of the third quarter, up nearly 2 million from a year ago, with flavored disposable e-vapor products representing over 60% of the category [13][15] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company announced a collaboration with KT&G to explore opportunities in international innovative smoke-free products and non-nicotine products [5][18] - The FDA's pilot program to streamline PMTA reviews for oral nicotine pouches is seen as a positive development, with ON+ applications included in the program [16][17] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are under pressure but are seeing some consistency in gas prices and inflation, which may influence purchasing behavior [33] - The company raised the lower end of its 2025 guidance range, now expecting adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $5.37 to $5.45, representing a growth rate of 3.5% to 5% from a base of $5.19 in 2024 [26][27] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $6 billion to shareholders in the first nine months, including $5.2 billion in dividends and $712 million in share repurchases [27] - The board authorized the expansion of the share repurchase program from $1 billion to $2 billion, which now expires on December 31, 2026 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fourth quarter earnings growth and smokeable OCI - Management acknowledged the impact of share repurchase and MSA legal fund expiration on earnings growth, emphasizing the need to monitor consumer spending in a dynamic marketplace [30][31] Question: Drivers behind moderation in cigarette industry decline - Management indicated that consistency in consumer pressures, such as gas prices and inflation, may be contributing to the moderation observed [32][33] Question: Performance and initiatives for the nicotine pouch category - Management expressed satisfaction with ON's performance despite competitive pressures and highlighted the importance of retail takeaway volume as a measure of consumer demand [36][38] Question: KT&G partnership and operational efficiencies - Management outlined three prongs of the partnership: expanding ON and ON+ internationally, exploring non-nicotine opportunities, and improving operational efficiencies [39][41] Question: ON+ pricing strategy and controllable costs - Management confirmed ON+ is positioned as a premium product and discussed the importance of long-term cost management strategies in the smokeable category [46][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 3.6% in Q3 and by 5.9% for the first nine months [20] - Adjusted operating companies income (OCI) for smokeable products grew by 0.7% to nearly $3 billion in Q3 and by 2.5% to $8.4 billion for the first nine months [20] - Adjusted OCI margins expanded to 64.4% for both Q3 and the first nine months, representing margin growth of 1.3 percentage points and 2.7 percentage points respectively [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic cigarette volumes declined by 8.2% in Q3 and 10.6% for the first nine months when adjusted for trade inventory movements [21] - The oral tobacco products segment saw adjusted OCI decline by less than 1% in Q3, but adjusted OCI increased by 3.3% with margin expansion of 1.8 percentage points to 69% [24][25] - Helix's reported shipment volume for on! increased by nearly 1% in Q3 and approximately 15% for the first nine months [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nicotine pouch category grew to 55.7 share points, an increase of 11.1 share points year-over-year [7] - The e-vapor category included approximately 21 million vapers, up nearly 2 million versus a year ago [13] - The discount segment of the industry expanded by 2.4 share points year-over-year, with Basic capturing over half of that growth [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its smoke-free portfolio and exploring international opportunities through a collaboration with KT&G [5][18] - The launch of on! PLUS is seen as a premium product aimed at appealing to both adults who dip and competitive nicotine pouch consumers [10] - The company is committed to returning value to shareholders, as evidenced by a recent dividend increase and an expansion of the share repurchase program [5][27] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are under pressure but are seeing some consistency in gas prices and inflation [33] - The company is optimistic about the regulatory environment, particularly with recent FDA actions that may streamline product authorizations [16] - The company raised the lower end of its 2025 guidance range, expecting adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $5.37-$5.45, representing a growth rate of 3.5%-5% from a base of $5.19 in 2024 [26] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $6 billion to shareholders in the first nine months, including $5.2 billion in dividends and $712 million in share repurchases [27] - The balance sheet remains strong, with a debt to EBITDA ratio of 2x as of September 30 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fourth quarter earnings growth and smokeable OCI - Management acknowledged the impact of share repurchase and MSA legal fund expiration on earnings growth, while monitoring consumer spending in a dynamic marketplace [31] Question: Drivers behind the moderation in cigarette industry decline - Management indicated that consistency in consumer pressures and stepped-up enforcement in e-vapor are influencing market dynamics [34] Question: Performance and positioning of on! in a competitive environment - Management expressed satisfaction with on!'s performance despite competitive pressures, highlighting steady retail takeaway volume [37] Question: Opportunities from the KT&G partnership - Management outlined three prongs of the partnership: expanding modern oral initiatives, exploring non-nicotine opportunities, and improving operational efficiencies [40] Question: Pricing strategy for on! PLUS - Management confirmed that on! PLUS is positioned as a premium product, with introductory price promotions planned for its launch [48] Question: Impact of FDA pilot program on product launches - Management emphasized the importance of a functioning regulatory system and indicated that decisions will be made in the long-term best interest of the company [57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 3.6% in Q3 and by 5.9% for the first nine months [18] - Adjusted operating companies income (OCI) for smokeable products grew by 0.7% to nearly $3 billion in Q3 and by 2.5% to $8.4 billion for the first nine months [18] - Adjusted OCI margins expanded to 64.4% for both Q3 and the first nine months, representing margin growth of 1.3 percentage points and 2.7 percentage points respectively [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic cigarette volumes declined by 8.2% in Q3 and 10.6% for the first nine months when adjusted for trade inventory movements [18] - Marlboro expanded its share of the premium segment by 0.3 to 59.6% in Q3 [19] - The oral tobacco products segment saw adjusted OCI decline by less than 1% in Q3, but adjusted OCI margin expanded by 2.4 percentage points to 69.2% for the first nine months [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nicotine pouch category grew to 55.7 share points, an increase of 11.1 share points year over year [5] - The e-vapor category included approximately 21 million vapers, up nearly 2 million versus a year ago [11] - Retail share for oral tobacco products was 31.1% for Q3 and 32.9% for the first nine months [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its smoke-free portfolio and exploring international opportunities in innovative smoke-free products [4][15] - A collaboration with KT&G was announced to explore opportunities in international innovative smoke-free products and non-nicotine products [4][16] - The company aims to maintain profitability in the premium segment while also investing in the discount segment to capture price-sensitive consumers [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer spending remains under pressure due to macroeconomic factors, but they are optimistic about maintaining profitability [30] - The company raised the lower end of its 2025 guidance range, expecting adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $5.37 to $5.45 [24] - Management emphasized the importance of a functioning regulatory system and the need for accelerated product authorizations from the FDA [14][54] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $6 billion to shareholders, including $5.2 billion in dividends and $712 million in share repurchases [25] - The board authorized the expansion of the share repurchase program from $1 billion to $2 billion, which now expires on December 31, 2026 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fourth quarter earnings growth deceleration - Management acknowledged the impact of share repurchase and MSA legal fund expiration on earnings growth, while monitoring consumer spending [29][30] Question: Drivers behind the moderation in cigarette industry decline - Management indicated that consistency in gas prices and inflation may have contributed to the moderation in decline [31][32] Question: Performance and positioning of ON in the nicotine pouch category - Management expressed satisfaction with ON's performance despite competitive pressures and highlighted the importance of retail takeaway volume [33][34] Question: Opportunities from the KT&G partnership - Management discussed three pronged opportunities: expanding ON internationally, exploring non-nicotine products, and improving operational efficiencies [36][39] Question: Clarification on duty drawbacks and EPS growth - Management stated that duty drawbacks are an additional benefit but emphasized the need for a functioning regulatory system for long-term decisions [52][54] Question: Impact of FDA pilot program on ON+ launch - Management clarified that decisions will be based on long-term interests and the functioning of the regulatory system [53][54]

Core Viewpoint - Altria reported mixed Q3 financial results, beating earnings expectations but missing revenue targets [1] Financial Performance - The company exceeded earnings expectations, indicating strong profitability [1] - Revenue figures fell short of market expectations, suggesting potential challenges in sales growth [1]

Altria (MO) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.45 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.38 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +0.69%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this owner of Philip Morris USA, the nation's largest cigarette maker would post earnings of $1.37 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.44, delivering a surprise of +5 ...