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  • PMI Hosting Annual Meeting Webcast May 7

    PMI Hosting Annual Meeting Webcast May 7

    Philip Morris International Inc. announced it will host a live audio webcast of its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. EST. The meeting will be in a virtual format and can be accessed at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PM2025. Presentation slides, script, and an archived recording of the webcast will be available at the same link. The recording will be available for one year from the date of the meeting.

    During the meeting, André Calantzopoulos, Chairman of the Board, and Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer, will address shareholders and answer questions. Only shareholders of record with a valid 16-digit control number will be allowed to ask a question or make a comment.

    The audio webcast may also be accessed on mobile devices by downloading PMI’s free Investor Relations App at www.pmi.com/irapp.

  • SKE Bar is “Evolution of Classic Product”

    SKE Bar is “Evolution of Classic Product”

    SKE announced the launch of its SKE Bar, the first product unveiled under its refreshed brand identity. While its familiar aesthetic remains, the device is now equipped with a replaceable pod system and rechargeable functionality, which the company says aligns with growing eco-conscious preferences and enhances overall convenience.

    “Retaining the iconic look and beloved flavor profile of the original classic, SKE Bar now debuts in a pre-filled(pod system) and rechargeable format,” the company said in a press release. “This evolution offers a longer-lasting, more sustainable experience—without compromising the essence users have always loved.

    “Powered by the advanced SKE Chip, SKE Bar delivers a consistent 11W output, providing a stable and satisfying performance with every puff. Its 1.2Ω mesh coil ensures even heating, unlocking rich vapor and bold flavor from the very first draw to the last. The 500mAh battery supports all-day use and recharges easily—ensuring every drop of e-liquid is enjoyed to the fullest.”

    SKE Bar offers its 35 classic flavors.

  • Altria Down 5.7% in First Quarter

    Altria Down 5.7% in First Quarter

    Today (April 29), Altria Group, Inc. reported its 2025 first-quarter business results and reaffirmed its guidance for 2025 full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS).

    “Our highly profitable traditional tobacco businesses performed well in a challenging environment in the first quarter,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s Chief Executive Officer. “The smokeable products segment delivered solid adjusted operating companies income growth behind the strength of Marlboro. In the oral tobacco products segment, on! maintained momentum in a competitive marketplace as Helix invested strategically behind the brand. And shareholders continued to benefit from strong cash returns through dividends and share repurchases, while we invested in pursuit of our Vision.”

    “We continue to expect to deliver a full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS growth rate of 2% to 5% versus 2024. This growth rate represents full-year adjusted diluted EPS in a range of $5.30 to $5.45 from a base of $5.19 in 2024. Our guidance excludes amortization expense associated with definite-lived intangible assets, which was previously included in our adjusted results.”

    Highlights from the report included:

    • Q1 revenue decreased 5.7% to $5.3 billion
    • NJOY U.S. retail share increased 2.4 points to 6.6%
    • Shipments of NJOY ACE were discontinued March 24, per ITC orders
    • Paid $1.7 billion in first-quarter dividends
    • Smokeable domestic shipments decreased 13.7%
    • Net revenues for oral tobacco products increased by 0.5%

    See the full report here.

  • Turning Point Announces Q1 Review

    Turning Point Announces Q1 Review

    Turning Point Brands, Inc. announced that on May 7, it will hold a conference call to review 1st quarter 2025 results at 9:30 a.m. EST. Interested analysts and professional investors can register and participate through one of its call-in numbers:

    (800) 715-9871 (U.S., toll-free)
    (646) 307-1963 (International)
    Event ID: 6640134

    Participants should call at least 10 minutes before the start and follow the audio prompts after typing in the Event ID. The call will also be broadcast live as a listen-only webcast from the investor relations section of the company’s website. The replay of the webcast will be available on the site two hours following the call.

  • JTI Completes Promotion for Ultra Value Products

    JTI Completes Promotion for Ultra Value Products

    Japan Tobacco International announced the winner of its Mayfair Gold competition that ran from September 2024 to February 2025, promoting the launch of the Mayfair Gold Rolling Tobacco (RYO) and continuing the momentum of Mayfair Gold Ready Made Cigarettes. Imran Ghaffar, of Wilsons Supermarket in, Kirkcaldy, Scotland, won a new Mini Cooper.

    The competition was open to all retailers, with participants earning entries by scanning the barcodes of Mayfair Gold RMC or RYO outers using the JTI360 scanner. Each scanned code acted as an entry ticket. Each week, five tickets were drawn, with retailers winning prizes such as £100 gift cards, iPads, and headphones. The competition gained 142,000 entries, and at the end, the grand-prize winner was drawn.

    “The Mayfair Gold JTI360 competition was a fantastic opportunity for us to continue supporting hard-working retailers across the UK,” said Lisa Anderson, Marketing Director at JTI UK. “We recognize the vital role they play in communities up and down the country, and we’re proud to offer initiatives like this that reward their hard work and dedication. We congratulate Imran and hope he enjoys his new car!”

    Mayfair Gold represents JTI’s most affordable cheapest offering in both the RMC and RYO sectors. JTI said the Ultra Value sector remains the fastest growing in share terms at 17.6% of the combined tobacco market.

    “Over 70% of shoppers who purchase tobacco in convenience stores say price is the main reason for their visit, and the majority of tobacco customers said price is important when purchasing the product in store, therefore, retailers should ensure they remain competitive by selling at [recommended retail price],” Anderson said. “Retailers can take advantage of the Margin Calculator on JTI360, JTI’s retailer hub, to establish their profit per pack [of JTI brands], making it easier to set competitive prices without sacrificing profitability.”

  • PMI Halts U.S. Cigar Sale

    PMI Halts U.S. Cigar Sale

    Bloomberg reported that yesterday Philip Morris International Inc. called off the sale of its $1 billion US cigar business, citing the “current environment” in the latest deal to go awry amid market turmoil.

    PMI said following a thorough review and after taking into account the current environment, it will not shed the cigar unit it acquired as part of its $16 billion purchase of rival Swedish Match. It has previously said it wanted to dispose of US cigars as it continues to pin its future on a shift toward smoke-free alternatives to traditional tobacco products.

    The company said strong sales of Zyn nicotine pouches — also acquired from Swedish Match — were driving performance as it boosted adjusted earnings per share guidance this year to as much as $7.49, compared with a previous targeted high of $7.17.

    The smoke-free business includes Zyn and IQOS heated tobacco sticks and accounted for 42% of the first-quarter total net revenue. Philip Morris wants to generate more than two-thirds of its sales from alternative products by 2030.

  • PMI Surpasses Estimates for Fourth Straight Quarter

    PMI Surpasses Estimates for Fourth Straight Quarter

    Today (April 23), Philip Morris International announced first-quarter earnings of $1.69 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.61 per share. This is a 12.7% increase, and compares to earnings of $1.50 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items, and mark the fourth straight quarter the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates.

    PMI posted revenue of $9.3 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.97%.

    “We achieved exceptionally strong performance in the first quarter, with continued volume growth supporting an excellent top-line performance and very strong margin expansion,” said Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer. “Our smoke-free business goes from strength to strength, delivering organic growth of over 20% in net revenues and over 33% in gross profit.

    “We remain confident in our ability to deliver superior results, despite an uncertain and volatile global economic environment, and now forecast double-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth in dollar terms for the full year.”

    PMI’s smoke-free business saw a 14.4% increase in shipment volumes, and now accounts for 42% of its total net revenues and 44% of its total gross profit.

  • KT&G Opens Kazakhstan Plant

    KT&G Opens Kazakhstan Plant

    KT&G hosted the completion ceremony of its new Kazakhstan factory yesterday, which will be the production hub for its Eurasian market. The ceremony took place at the 52,000㎡ factory grounds in Almaty. The factory will be an export outpost and core production base that meets the demands of recently growing Europe, CIS, and the Eurasian markets, and is expected to produce 4.5 billion cigarettes a year.

    The construction of the new factory in Kazakhstan is part of KT&G’s CAPEX investment program announced at the “Future Vision Declaration Ceremony” held in January of 2023. KT&G plans to increase the proportion of global revenue to 50% by 2027 through the expansion of direct global operations and other measures, heightening core business competitiveness.

    “With the completion of the new Kazakhstan factory, KT&G has laid the foundation of a Global Manufacturing Network that will tow our global competitiveness,” KT&G CEO Kyung-man Bang said. “KT&G will accept challenges in the future and expand our global direct business to increase profitability as well as corporate value, and share the gains with our stakeholders.”

    After the ceremony, KT&G signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the “Green Globe Project” that aims to assist in local reforestation efforts. Through the project, the company plans to assist recovery from the June 2023 Abai wildfire.

  • POSaBIT Hosting FY24 Webcast

    POSaBIT Hosting FY24 Webcast

    POSaBIT Systems Corporation, a financial-tech company that works exclusively in the cannabis industry, will host a conference call and live webcast April 24 at 4:30 PM ET to discuss the results of its fourth quarter and full year 2024. The company is soliciting investor questions until noon that day, with the top aggregated questions being answered on the call by the CEO.

    Toll Free: 888-506-0062
    International: 973-528-0011
    Participant Access Code: 977825
    Webcast URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2708/52361Conference Call Replay Information:
    Toll Free: 877-481-4010
    International: 919-882-2331
    Replay Passcode: 52361
    Webcast Replay URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2708/52361

  • Marlon Wayans Launches Cigar Brand

    Marlon Wayans Launches Cigar Brand

    Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans announced the launch of his new Liga Tridente Cigar brand. The Honduran-made cigar is still new to the market, available in around 18 stores in the United States, but Wayans, who is one of the owners, says he is hoping to double its retail reach for next year.

    The brand comes in three blends. The Liga Tridente Habano is the largest, with three sizes, made with Nicaraguan wrappers and binders, and a blend of fillers from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The Yasuke Maduro, made with Costa Rican wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and a mix of Costa Rican and Honduran filler, comes in two sizes. And the Liga Tridente Maduro, is a 6-by-50 Toro made with a mix of Nicaraguan and Columbian tobaccos, and is the highest priced cigar in the line at $40 per.

    Wayans has been in more than 20 movies and is known for films such as Scary Movie and its sequel, along with television shows such as “In Living Color” and “The Wayans Bros.”

    “I used to smoke back in the day in the ’90s,” he said at the launch party. “This time, I am doing it as both a joy and investment.”