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Category: Business & Finance

  • KT&G Outlines Growth and Innovation Plans

    KT&G Outlines Growth and Innovation Plans

    KT&G CEO Bang Kyung-man said the company will maintain a stable growth trajectory despite headwinds from protectionist trade policies and high exchange rates. Speaking at the annual shareholders’ meeting in Daejeon, Bang emphasized strengthening profitability and efficiency on the foundation of existing growth.

    KT&G plans to enhance the profit structure of its overseas cigarette business through country-specific pricing strategies and full-scale operation of its “local complete production system.” The company also aims to boost competitiveness in the NGP (next-generation products) segment, including cigarette-type e-cigarettes, by accelerating R&D-driven innovation and leveraging global partnerships.

    Bang highlighted a commitment to shareholder returns, including dividend expansion and share buybacks, and reaffirmed KT&G’s role as a leading company in South Korea’s valuation industry. At the meeting, shareholders approved the 39th financial statements, amendments to the articles of incorporation, changes to director compensation, appointments of outside directors and audit committee members, and the treasury share disposal plan.

  • 22nd Century Debt-Free in Announcing 2025 Results

    22nd Century Debt-Free in Announcing 2025 Results

    22nd Century Group, Inc. reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, highlighting strategic growth and a strengthened financial position. The company emphasized expansion of its VLN and Partner VLN product lines, increased retail distribution, and progress toward profitability. CEO Larry Firestone noted that 2025 saw a shift to higher-margin branded products, partnerships with major retailers, and the development of a tobacco harm-reduction category. The company ended 2025 debt-free with $7.1 million in cash and eliminated over $8 million in legacy debt, also receiving a $9.5 million insurance settlement from its 2022 Grass Valley facility fire.

    Financially, fourth-quarter net revenues were $3.5 million, down from $4 million in Q3, while net loss improved to $2.8 million versus $3.8 million previously. Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $2.4 million. For the full year, net revenues were $17.6 million, down 28% from 2024, with a net loss of $13.1 million. Product-wise, cigarette sales increased slightly to $2.6 million in Q4, VLN product sales continued to grow with 8,800 cartons shipped, and Pinnacle VLN expanded to nearly 1,500 stores in a top-5 convenience chain.

    Looking ahead, 22nd Century plans to expand retail availability, increase consumer awareness, scale VLN distribution globally, and maintain active engagement with FDA regulators and public health stakeholders.

  • EG America and RJR’s Reconfigured Planogram Paying Off

    EG America and RJR’s Reconfigured Planogram Paying Off

    EG America’s said its backbar optimization strategy is driving significant results, with modern oral nicotine products achieving double-digit volume growth in 2025 and outpacing industry trends in the segment. Operating more than 1,500 locations, the retailer partnered with R.J. Reynolds to expand its VELO Plus synthetic nicotine pouch line, using analytics and supplier collaboration to optimize space and assortment. By reallocating underperforming areas and adding new facings without disrupting category balance, EG America created a planogram designed for growth, supporting top-selling segments while maintaining overall visibility.

  • JT Takes $710M Dividend, Little Impact on Consolidated Results

    JT Takes $710M Dividend, Little Impact on Consolidated Results

    Japan Tobacco Inc. announced that its consolidated subsidiary, JT International Holding B.V., will distribute a dividend of approximately JPY 110.1 billion ($710 million) to Japan Tobacco, with receipt planned for March 26. The dividend will be recorded as non-operating income in JT’s non-consolidated financial statements for FY2026, but it is not expected to materially affect the company’s consolidated financial results for the year.

  • JTI Posts 12% Revenue Increase in Posting 2025 Financials

    JTI Posts 12% Revenue Increase in Posting 2025 Financials

    Japan Tobacco published its financial statements and independent auditor’s report for the 2025 fiscal year yesterday (March 24). The company reported strong year-on-year growth in 2025, with revenue rising to ¥3.5 trillion ($21.9 billion) from ¥3.06 trillion ($19.3 billion) in 2024 and gross profit increasing to ¥2 trillion ($12.3 billion). Operating profit more than doubled to ¥867 billion ($5.5 billion), driven by higher income and significantly lower selling and administrative expenses, while profit before tax climbed to ¥739.8 billion ($4.7 billion). Net profit for the period surged to ¥513.2 billion ($3.2 billion), up from ¥182.6 billion ($1.2 billion) the previous year, with earnings per share nearly tripling. Comprehensive income also rose sharply to ¥686.4 billion ($4.3 billion), reflecting stronger foreign exchange gains and overall improved performance.

    According to Investing.com, JT’s outlook for 2026 remains optimistic, with an expected core revenue increase of 3.6% and an 8.9% rise in adjusted operating profit at constant currency. The company plans to invest ¥800 billion ($5 billion) in reduced-risk products (RRP) from 2026 to 2028, focusing on consumer acquisition and retention. JT is also exploring mergers and acquisitions opportunities to further strengthen its position in both combustibles and RRP markets.

  • KT&G’s Overseas Sales Up 29%

    KT&G’s Overseas Sales Up 29%

    KT&G announced today (March 24) that its super-slim cigarette brand Esse saw its overseas cigarette revenue jump 29.4% year-on-year to 1.9 trillion won ($1.3 billion) last year, becoming the “first Korean cigarette brand to surpass 1 trillion won in overseas sales.” KT&G also said it was the first time its global cigarette sales exceeded its domestic revenue.

    According to the company, Esse, now sold in more than 90 countries, has built its growth on differentiated slim designs and localized market strategies. The brand has recorded cumulative global sales of over 1 trillion cigarettes and currently accounts for “roughly one-third of the global super-slim segment, ranking as the leading brand in that category.”

  • Good Times Opens Premium Cigar Division

    Good Times Opens Premium Cigar Division

    Good Times Tobacco launched a new premium, handmade cigar division as it looks to expand beyond its core machine-made business, according to Halfwheel. The move includes plans for proprietary cigar brands, expanded distribution to existing retail partners, an e-commerce platform, and a walk-in humidor at its Tampa headquarters.

    The company has already introduced its first handmade products under the GT One and Done line, with additional offerings planned across multiple price points and formats. Company executives said the strategy will target different retail segments while leveraging Good Times’ existing scale, which, according to the company, sold roughly one billion machine-made cigars last year.

  • Scandinavian Announces AGM for April 15

    Scandinavian Announces AGM for April 15

    Scandinavian Tobacco Group announced that it has scheduled its annual general meeting for April 15 in Copenhagen, where shareholders will vote on key items, including approval of the 2025 annual report, a proposed dividend of DKK 4.50 ($0.72) per share, board remuneration, and director elections. The board has nominated several members for re-election and proposed Lars Dahlgren as a new director, while also recommending the reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor. Shareholders will be able to attend in person or follow the meeting via webcast, though remote participants will not be able to vote or ask questions.

  • OOKA Marketing Efforts Target Miami Music Week

    OOKA Marketing Efforts Target Miami Music Week

    Shisha brand OOKA is using Miami Music Week as a marketing platform, hosting branded activations at pool parties in The Sagamore South Beach and Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel from March 25–29. The company is targeting hospitality and nightlife channels by offering VIP guests access to its charcoal-free hookah devices, positioning the product in high-traffic, premium social settings to drive visibility and trial among adult consumers.

    The activation focuses on integrating shisha use into venue experiences, highlighting ease of operation and suitability for bars, hotels, and clubs as operators seek alternatives to traditional hookah setups. The effort reflects a broader push by OOKa’s parent company, Advanced Inhalation Rituals, to expand distribution through experiential marketing and partnerships with hospitality venues, particularly in international nightlife hubs.

  • Altria Expands On! PLUS Retail Availability

    Altria Expands On! PLUS Retail Availability

    Altria Group announced the national retail expansion of its on! PLUS nicotine pouches, produced by its subsidiary Helix Innovations, marking a further step in its shift toward smoke-free products. The rollout follows initial availability in select states and e-commerce channels, with wholesale shipments beginning March 16, and nationwide retail distribution starting March 23. The product range includes mint, tobacco, and wintergreen variants in 6 mg and 9 mg strengths, and incorporates proprietary Nicoslik technology alongside a built-in disposal feature.

    The company said on! PLUS is the first product cleared under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pilot program aimed at accelerating premarket review of nicotine pouch applications. The authorization allows Altria to market the six SKUs nationally, positioning the brand to compete in the growing oral nicotine segment as demand increases for non-combustible alternatives under evolving regulatory oversight.