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Tag: JTI

  • Japan Tobacco Acquires U.S. Pouch Brand CLEW

    Japan Tobacco Acquires U.S. Pouch Brand CLEW

    Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) acquired the U.S. nicotine pouch brand CLEW from Nevcore Innovations Inc. on Nov. 10. The transaction includes U.S. trademarks, intellectual property, product formulations, and a premarket tobacco product application. CLEW was added to JTI’s Liggett portfolio.

    CLEW offers moist, tobacco leaf-free nicotine pouches in multiple flavors and strengths and is distributed through selected retailers in 13 U.S. states. JTI Regional President of the Americas Idil Yasa said the acquisition will expand the company’s presence in the growing U.S. nicotine pouch category and complement its combustible tobacco portfolio. The purchase will be funded with existing cash and is not expected to have a material impact on JT’s 2026 financial results.

  • JT Shares Hit Daily Limit Again After Russia Takeover

    JT Shares Hit Daily Limit Again After Russia Takeover

    Shares of Japan Tobacco fell by the daily allowable limit for a second consecutive trading session Monday (Nov. 9) after Russia placed all of the company’s local entities under temporary administration, raising uncertainty about earnings from one of its most profitable overseas markets. The Tokyo Stock Exchange quadrupled the stock’s daily trading limit to 4,000 yen ($25.20), potentially allowing shares to fall as low as 1,269 yen ($8) Tuesday. The stock closed at 7,769 yen ($48.94) Thursday before Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the initial decree.

    Russia accounts for about 25% of Japan Tobacco’s adjusted operating profit and 10% of revenue. The company said its Russian business continues to operate but that it is assessing the potential impact of the measures on its financial results. Putin expanded the original order over the weekend to include additional Japan Tobacco International subsidiaries.

    The Japanese government, which owns about 37% of Japan Tobacco, received 156 billion yen ($982.8 million) in dividends for the fiscal year ended in March.

  • All JTI Russian Entities Under Temporary Administration

    All JTI Russian Entities Under Temporary Administration

    Japan Tobacco International (JTI) said three additional entities in Russia have been placed under temporary administration pursuant to Russian presidential decrees dated Nov. 5 and 6. The measures now cover all seven JTI entities in the country: Petro LLC, JTI Donskoy Tabak LLC, JTI Yelets LLC, Cres Neva LLC, JTI Russia LLC, JTI Innovative Products LLC, and one dormant entity. The company said its Russian business continues to operate.

    Russia accounts for approximately 10% of JT Group’s consolidated reported revenue and 25% of its adjusted operating profit, based on the company’s revised 2026 forecast. As of Sept. 30, assets related to the Russian business, including goodwill, totaled approximately ¥1.5 trillion ($9.5 billion), including ¥360 billion ($2.3 billion) in cash and deposits. Related liabilities totaled approximately ¥200 billion ($1.3 billion). “As the impact of the temporary administration on its Russian operations remains under review, the JT Group continues to assess the potential impact on its financial results,” the company said. It added that it is monitoring the situation, gathering information, and evaluating available options and potential implications.

  • Japan, JTI Respond to Russian Seizure

    Japan, JTI Respond to Russian Seizure

    After Russian President Vladimir Putin placed Japan Tobacco International (JTI) assets under temporary administration, the Japanese government formally protested to Moscow and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the measure. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan sent senior government officials to Moscow, where they joined the Japanese ambassador in protesting the takeover of four Japan Tobacco manufacturing subsidiaries. Kihara said the government wants to ensure that the legitimate interests of Japanese nationals and businesses are protected. Economy and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said Japan would continue communicating with Russia to protect Japanese companies’ assets, while Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said her ministry would coordinate with relevant government agencies and Japan Tobacco.

    Japan Tobacco issued the following statement:

    “The JT Group has continued its business operations in Russia in compliance with all applicable regulations and sanctions. However, we can confirm that, pursuant to a Russian presidential decree signed on November 5, among our entities in Russia, four manufacturing entities have been placed under temporary administration.

    “The JT Group is currently gathering further information regarding this matter, considering the options available to the Group, and assessing the potential impact on the Group.”

  • Putin Seizes Control of JTI’s Russian Operations

    Putin Seizes Control of JTI’s Russian Operations

    Russian President Vladimir Putin placed the Russian assets of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) under temporary administration, transferring control of its stakes in four local businesses to Russian company Industrial Assets. The Nov. 5 decree did not provide a reason for the move. JTI, part of Japan Tobacco Inc., is Russia’s largest tobacco manufacturer by sales volume. The company did not immediately comment.

    The move follows similar actions against foreign companies, including Nestlé, Metro AG, and Auchan, whose Russian assets were placed under temporary management in September. Moscow has increasingly used the measures against companies from countries it considers unfriendly because of sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine. The decision also comes amid deteriorating relations between Russia and Japan, including Russia’s recent detention of a Japanese journalist on espionage allegations, which Tokyo has denied.

  • Japan Tobacco Raises 2026 Earnings Forecast After Nine-Month Profit Growth

    Japan Tobacco Raises 2026 Earnings Forecast After Nine-Month Profit Growth

    Japan Tobacco Inc. reported revenue of ¥2.99 trillion ($18.8 billion) for the first nine months of 2026, up 13.6% year over year, while operating profit increased 24.2% to ¥947.7 billion ($596.6 million). Profit attributable to the company’s owners rose 20.9% to ¥618.9 billion ($3.9 billion). Adjusted operating profit at constant exchange rates increased 16.9% to ¥934.7 billion ($5.9 billion), driven by pricing contributions across several markets, including the Philippines, Russia, Türkiye, the UK, and the U.S. Tobacco business core revenue rose 14.5% to ¥2.75 trillion ($17.3 billion), while reduced-risk product volume increased 31.1% and heated tobacco product volume grew 39.6%.

    JT raised its full-year 2026 forecast, projecting revenue of ¥3.9 trillion ($24.6 billion) and operating profit of ¥1.04 trillion ($6.6 billion). Adjusted operating profit is forecast at ¥1.08 trillion ($6.8 billion), up 21.9% from 2025, while profit attributable to owners is expected to reach ¥662 billion ($4.2 billion). The company also raised its forecast for adjusted operating profit at constant exchange rates to ¥1.03 trillion ($6.5 billion), an increase of 16.1%.

  • JTI Philippines Names Alan Jackson General Manager

    JTI Philippines Names Alan Jackson General Manager

    JTI Philippines appointed Alan Jackson as general manager, where he will oversee the company’s portfolio that includes Winston, Camel, Mevius, LD, Mighty, Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches, and Ploom Aura heated tobacco products. Jackson joined JTI in 2007 and has held leadership positions across several regions, including general manager roles in Tanzania and Canada and vice president of marketing and sales for JTI’s South Asia region.

    JTI Philippines said Jackson will focus on business growth, product innovation, and efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade through cooperation with government and industry stakeholders. The company began operations in the Philippines in 2000 and operates a market office and global services center in Taguig City, a manufacturing facility in Malvar, Batangas, and nearly 40 branch offices nationwide. It employs about 5,500 people.

  • JT to Expand Nordic Spirit Retail Availability in Japan

    JT to Expand Nordic Spirit Retail Availability in Japan

    Japan Tobacco (JT) said it will launch Nordic Spirit Rich Melon Medium nicotine pouches at select tobacco retailers in Japan on Nov. 2. The company will also expand retail availability of three varieties previously sold through its CLUB JT online shop: Cool Mint X-Strong, Sweet Mint Medium, and Sweet Mint Strong.

    Rich Melon Medium features a melon flavor and medium stimulation. Nordic Spirit pouches are manufactured in Sweden and are designed for oral use without combustion.

  • Japan Tobacco to Announce Third-Quarter Results Oct. 29

    Japan Tobacco to Announce Third-Quarter Results Oct. 29

    Japan Tobacco Inc. will announce its fiscal 2026 third-quarter financial results on Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m. Japan time. The company will distribute results materials to the press by email and will not hold a press conference.

    JT will hold an investor briefing via Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m. Japan time on Oct. 29. Members of the press may attend but are asked not to speak during the question-and-answer session. Advance registration is required through the Zoom webinar registration page. An on-demand recording will be available through JT’s webcast page.

  • JT Group’s Habee App Wins 2026 Good Design Award

    JT Group’s Habee App Wins 2026 Good Design Award

    Japan Tobacco (JT) Group’s habit-building smartphone app Habee has received the 2026 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. The app is part of JT Group’s Momentia digital platform and is the second consecutive year a Momentia ID-compatible app has won the award, following the mental wellness app beSelf in 2025.

    Habee uses team-based challenges, daily progress tracking, photos, comments, and peer support to encourage users to develop habits and achieve goals. The award recognized its intuitive interface and design intended to help users maintain habits. JT Group said Momentia also includes digital services and online shopping, with a shared ID for eligible services. A registration campaign tied to the award is scheduled to run through Nov. 22.