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Category: Business & Finance

  • Haypp Launches Caffeine Pouches

    Haypp Launches Caffeine Pouches

    Haypp Group expanded its product lineup with the launch of caffeine pouches across its online retail platforms, adding a new category to its nicotine-free offerings. The company said the products — available across its websites in the U.K. and Scandinavian markets — are designed to provide consumers with a discreet, portable way to manage caffeine intake without drinks or preparation, with a range of strengths and flavors.

    Haypp said the move reflects growing demand for functional wellness and on-the-go products, particularly among professionals and fitness-focused consumers seeking convenient alternatives to coffee or energy drinks. The retailer expects the addition to strengthen its position in the expanding oral pouch segment and plans to promote the launch through a U.K. tour featuring a mobile sampling truck.

    On Jan. 1, Haypp exited the UK’s vape and heated tobacco markets to focus exclusively on oral pouches.

  • Illicit Cigarettes Threaten Malaysia’s Micro-Businesses

    Illicit Cigarettes Threaten Malaysia’s Micro-Businesses

    The Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (MAMBA) highlighted the growing impact of illicit cigarette sales on local small enterprises, following NielsenIQ’s Illicit Cigarettes Study 2025. The study found that illegal cigarettes now account for 54.4% of total cigarette consumption, creating steep competition for micro businesses such as sundry shops, coffee shops, and neighborhood kiosks.

    With legal cigarettes costing RM18.40 ($4.60) and illicit ones as low as RM3 ($0.75), MAMBA Secretary-General Alvin Low said the wide price gap encourages consumers to bypass legitimate retailers, undermining micro-enterprises that comply with licensing, taxation, and health regulations. He stressed that this distorted market threatens the broader micro-business ecosystem, which comprises 97.4% of Malaysian businesses, and called for a balanced approach combining enforcement with measures to stabilize the legal market.

  • Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030

    Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030

    Today (March 5), Reynolds American announced the launch of its “Growing Tomorrow” campaign, a commitment to invest more than $3.2 billion in its U.S. operations by 2030 in order to strengthen American manufacturing, support jobs, and expand its multicategory nicotine portfolio. The investment program, which began in 2024, is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across the company’s operations and supply network. President and CEO David Waterfield said the campaign reflects continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and workforce development as the company positions itself for long-term growth.

    The funding will support Reynolds American’s ongoing transition toward a predominantly smokeless portfolio, including modernization and expansion of manufacturing facilities, increased innovation and production capacity, and stronger domestic supply chains. The company said more than $200 million has already been invested in U.S. manufacturing over the past two years as part of the broader commitment.

    The company currently employs more than 4,300 people in the United States across manufacturing, science, engineering, and corporate roles. Chief People Officer Borgia Walker said the organization is focused on expanding career opportunities and workforce capabilities as it continues to grow. Reynolds American said its supply chain also supports agriculture and local economies nationwide. In 2025, the company was the largest purchaser of U.S. tobacco leaf, reinforcing the role of farmers, particularly in North Carolina, within its domestic supply network.

  • China Tobacco Lifts 2025 Profit, Increases Dividend

    China Tobacco Lifts 2025 Profit, Increases Dividend

    China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited reported strong full-year results for 2025, with revenue rising 11.5% year-on-year to HK$14.6 billion ($1.9 billion), lifting gross profit to HK$1.5 billion ($191 million) and net profit to HK$1.05 billion ($136.5 million), up 16%. Earnings per share increased to HK$1.42 ($0.18) from HK$1.23 ($0.16), supported by lower finance costs and higher other income, which drove a nearly 15% rise in profit before tax. Reflecting its solid financial performance and cash flow, the board recommended a final dividend of HK$0.33 ($0.043) per share, bringing the full-year payout to HK$0.52 ($0.068), a 13% increase that underscores the company’s commitment to creating shareholder value.

  • Nebraska Cigarette Tax Increase Fails to Advance

    Nebraska Cigarette Tax Increase Fails to Advance

    A proposal to raise Nebraska’s cigarette tax and increase levies on vaping products failed to advance in the state legislature after a cloture motion to end debate fell short. Danielle Conrad led a two-day filibuster against Legislative Bill 1124, arguing the measure would place a disproportionate burden on lower-income residents, while a group of fiscal conservatives also opposed the bill on anti-tax grounds. The proposal would have raised the state cigarette tax from 64 cents to $1.64 per pack, potentially generating up to $50 million annually to help address Nebraska’s budget deficit.

    Supporters, including Appropriations Committee Chair Rob Clements, had promoted the measure as a revenue tool to offset rising Medicaid costs amid a projected budget shortfall of more than $100 million. A compromise amendment to remove the cigarette tax increase while retaining a higher tax on vape products — expected to generate about $6 million — was briefly adopted but ultimately voided after the cloture vote failed.

  • PMI Declares $1.47 Quarterly Dividend

    PMI Declares $1.47 Quarterly Dividend

    The Board of Directors of Philip Morris International Inc. today (March 5) declared a regular quarterly dividend of $1.47 per common share, payable on April 13, to shareholders of record as of March 19. The ex-dividend date is March 19. For more details, visit www.pmi.com/dividend.

  • BAT Facing UK Lawsuit Over North Korea Sanctions

    BAT Facing UK Lawsuit Over North Korea Sanctions

    British American Tobacco is facing a London High Court lawsuit from over 100 current and former shareholders who allege the company failed to properly disclose to markets its breaches of U.S. sanctions related to business in North Korea, Reuters is reporting. The claims follow BAT’s 2023 settlement with U.S. authorities, in which a subsidiary admitted to conspiring to violate sanctions and commit bank fraud by selling tobacco products to North Korea between 2007 and 2017, resulting in a $635 million payment. The lawsuit, filed on February 27, accuses BAT of withholding information about its North Korea operations for over a decade, though the value of the claim and further details have not been disclosed.

  • Scandinavian Reports Financials, Proposes Dividend

    Scandinavian Reports Financials, Proposes Dividend

    Scandinavian Tobacco Group reported a 1.8% decline in full-year 2025 net sales to DKK 9.0 billion ($1.4 billion), with organic growth down 3.1%, or -1.8% excluding discontinued third-party nicotine pouch distribution in its online business. EBITDA margin before special items was 19.8%, in line with guidance, while free cash flow before acquisitions fell to DKK 595 million ($95.2 million) due to delayed receivables linked to a new ERP rollout in Europe. Adjusted EPS declined to DKK 10.8 from DKK 13.7 ($1.73 from $2.19) a year earlier. The board will propose an ordinary dividend of DKK 4.50 ($0.72) per share, representing a 42% payout ratio. In the fourth quarter, net sales fell 4.6% to DKK 2.3 billion ($368 million), with margin pressure driven by product mix shifts toward nicotine pouches and increased promotional spending in North America.

    For 2026, the group expects reported net sales growth at constant exchange rates of between -2% and 2%, EBIT margin before special items of 13.0%–14.5%, free cash flow before acquisitions of DKK 950 million to DKK 1.2 billion ($152 million to $192 million), and adjusted EPS of DKK 9–11. Management said 2026 will focus on earnings stabilization under its Focus2030 strategy, with continued investment in handmade cigars and nicotine pouches, while working capital is expected to normalize in the first half following the ERP-related delays.

    See the reports:

  • Black Buffalo Recognizes Retailers as Sales Grow

    Black Buffalo Recognizes Retailers as Sales Grow

    Black Buffalo says it continues to expand its footprint nationwide as demand grows for modern smokeless alternatives, with the brand highlighting strong retail performance across the U.S. With its annual Herd Preferred Awards, the company reported that its top-performing partners — including Sheetz, Wawa, Pilot Company, and Love’s Travel Stops —are driving increased can volume and higher cans per week (CPW), reflecting sustained momentum at the backbar. According to Black Buffalo, its adult consumer base, dubbed “The Herd,” is highly engaged, with shoppers traveling an average of nearly 13 miles to purchase the product, underscoring brand loyalty and pull-through at retail. The company said it remains focused on responsible growth and increasing retail accessibility as it scales distribution across key markets.

  • BAT Uganda Points to Illicits for 18% Revenue Drop

    BAT Uganda Points to Illicits for 18% Revenue Drop

    British American Tobacco Uganda Ltd. reported an 18% drop in gross revenue to Shs 67 billion ($18.1 million) for fiscal 2025, citing a surge in illicit cigarette sales, according to audited results. Net revenue fell 21% to Shs 36.3 billion ($9.8 million), while total comprehensive income declined 19% to Shs 9.8 billion ($2.6 million). The company attributed the decline to rising tax-evaded cigarette consumption, which research shows reached 45% of the market by December 2025, up from 34% the previous year — equivalent to an estimated Shs 53 billion ($14.3 million) loss in government revenue. Operating costs fell 21% to Shs 24 billion ($6.5 million), but net asset value dropped sharply to Shs 32.5 billion ($8.8 million) from Shs 49.3 billion ($13.3 million) in 2024.

    Despite the downturn, BAT Uganda’s tax contributions rose 4% to Shs 46.4 billion ($12.5 million), aided by capital gains from the sale of a non-strategic asset. The board proposed a final dividend of Shs 199 ($0.054) per share, down 5% from 2024, payable July 31 to shareholders on record as of July 24. Company secretary Paul Mbuga emphasized the need for a multi-agency government response, particularly at the South Sudan border, to combat illicit imports, noting that contraband cigarettes often bypass digital tax stamps and health warnings, undercutting prices and presenting public health risks.