Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) Reports 2007 Results and Announces Spin-off of Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI).NEW YORK New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of -- Regulatory News: Altria Group “Philip Morris” redirects here. For the racecar driver, see Philip Morris (autoracer). Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) (previously named Philip Morris Companies Inc. , Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : MO): ALTRIA REPORTS 2007 RESULTS * 2007 full-year diluted earnings per share diluted earnings per share An earnings measure calculated by dividing net income less preferred stock dividends for a period by the average number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding if all convertible securities were converted into shares of from continuing operations continuing operations Parts of a business that are expected to be maintained as an ongoing segment of an overall business operation. Income and losses from continuing operations are reported separately if any segments have been discontinued during the of $4.33 versus $4.43 in 2006, including the items detailed on Schedule 8 [TABLE OMITTED] * 2007 fourth-quarter diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.03 versus $1.14 for the same period in 2006, including the items detailed on Schedule 7 [TABLE OMITTED] PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL Philip Morris International, (PMI) based in Lausanne, Switzerland, held a 15.5% share of the international cigarette market in 2005. Its brands, led by Marlboro and L&M, are sold in over 160 countries around the world. SPIN-OFF The situation that arises when a parent corporation organizes a subsidiary corporation, to which it transfers a portion of its assets in exchange for all of the subsidiary's capital stock, which is subsequently transferred to the parent corporation's shareholders. EFFECTIVE MARCH 28, 2008 * Identifies new Board of Directors post-spin for both Altria and PMI See Private Mortgage Insurance. * Sets spin-off share distribution ratio of one-for-one * Announces dividend policies, initial dividend rates and share repurchase Share Repurchase A program by which a company buys back its own shares from the marketplace, reducing the number of outstanding shares. This is usually an indication that the company's management thinks the shares are undervalued. programs [TABLE OMITTED] * To commence tender offer shortly for all outstanding Altria notes * Forecasts 2008 earnings per share growth rates Growth Rates The compounded annualized rate of growth of a company's revenues, earnings, dividends, or other figures. Notes: Remember, historically high growth rates don't always mean a high rate of growth looking into the future. [TABLE OMITTED] Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) today issued its 2007 full-year and fourth-quarter results and announced the spin-off of Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI). In conjunction with the PMI spin-off, the company identified the new Altria and PMI Boards of Directors, announced dividend policies, initial dividend rates and share repurchase programs for each company, and provided separate forecasts for 2008 earnings per share from continuing operations for Altria and PMI. "Today's announcement underscores our long-term Long-term Three or more years. In the context of accounting, more than 1 year. long-term 1. Of or relating to a gain or loss in the value of a security that has been held over a specific length of time. Compare short-term. commitment to build shareholder value," said Louis C. Camilleri Louis C. Camilleri (b. 1955, Alexandria, Egypt) is the Chairman and CEO of Altria Group, the parent company of Philip Morris. Camilleri received a degree in economics and business administration from HEC Lausanne, the prestigious business school of the University of Lausanne , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altria. "The PMI spin-off and related actions position our international and domestic tobacco businesses for future success as stand-alone companies stand-alone company An independent operating firm. For example, a large diversified firm may consider spinning off a subsidiary because, as a stand-alone company, the subsidiary would command a higher price-earnings ratio than the parent. with unique and formidable strengths, including leading brands, strong cash flow, experienced leadership and solid growth prospects." "2007 was a watershed watershed, elevation or divide separating the catchment area, or drainage basin, of one river system or group of river systems from another system or group of systems. The term is also often used synonymously with drainage basin. year, with strong underlying earnings growth and a number of strategic actions that further strengthen our tobacco businesses for long-term growth," Mr. Camilleri said. "While we are by all means not immune to the current economic uncertainties, we enter 2008 with solid momentum and I am confident that both Altria and PMI are well positioned to not only weather these uncertainties, but to deliver strong results this year and beyond." Conference Call A conference call hosted by Mr. Camilleri with members of the investment community and news media will be webcast at 1:00 p.m. New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. Time on January 30, 2008. Access is available at www.altria.com. Spin-Off of Philip Morris International (PMI) The Board of Directors of Altria voted today to authorize To empower another with the legal right to perform an action. The Constitution authorizes Congress to regulate interstate commerce. authorize v. to officially empower someone to act. (See: authority) the spin-off of 100% of the shares of Philip Morris International (PMI) to Altria's shareholders. The distribution will be made on March 28, 2008, to Altria shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on March 19, 2008 (the "record date"). Altria will distribute one share of PMI for every share of Altria common stock outstanding as of the record date, based on the number of Altria shares outstanding at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on that date. After much consideration, Altria's Board of Directors and management determined that PMI's separation from Altria will enhance growth and shareholder value by providing the following benefits: * An improved focus on the different market dynamics, competitive frameworks, challenges and opportunities that Altria and PMI face; * A more optimal and efficient capital allocation The apportionment or designation of an item for a specific purpose or to a particular place. In the law of trusts, the allocation of cash dividends earned by a stock that makes up the principal of a trust for a beneficiary usually means that the dividends will be treated as to enhance shareholder value, coupled with greater financial flexibility, including an increase in the combined debt capacity of Altria and PMI; * Greater transparency (1) The quality of being able to see through a material. The terms transparency and translucency are often used synonymously; however, transparent would technically mean "seeing through clear glass," while translucent would mean "seeing through frosted glass." See alpha blending. leading to the elimination of the sum-of-the-parts discount under which Altria's common stock has typically traded; * A significant reduction in corporate overheads, including the closure of Altria's corporate headquarters in New York; * The creation of a potential acquisition currency in the form of more focused equity that neither of Altria's tobacco subsidiaries has had available prior to the spin-off; and * A tighter alignment of compensation and rewards with the performance of each entity. Altria has been advised that a "when issued" public market for Altria common stock will begin some time before the record date on the New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) World's largest marketplace for securities. The exchange began as an informal meeting of 24 men in 1792 on what is now Wall Street in New York City. (NYSE) and continue through the distribution date under the symbol "MO wi." "When issued" refers to buying Altria shares without the right to receive PMI shares. Altria common stock will remain outstanding and will continue to trade on the NYSE under the symbol "MO." Any holder of Altria common stock who sells shares of Altria in the "regular way" market on or before the distribution date will also be selling the right to receive shares of PMI common stock in the spin-off. Holders of Altria common stock are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific implications of selling Altria common stock on or before the distribution date. Currently, there is no public market for PMI's common stock. It is anticipated that PMI will be listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "PM." The company anticipates that trading in PMI common stock will commence on a "when issued" basis shortly before the record date under the symbol "PM wi." On the first trading day In Business, the trading day is the time span that a particular stock exchange is open. For example, the New York Stock Exchange is, as of 2006, open from 09:30AM to 4:00PM. Trading days never take place on weekends. following the distribution date, "when issued" trading will end and "regular way" trading will begin for PMI common stock. PMI cannot predict the trading price Trading price The price at which a security is currently selling. for its common stock following the distribution. Altria has received a private letter ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS An abbreviation for the Internal Revenue Service, a federal agency charged with the responsibility of administering and enforcing internal revenue laws. ) and an opinion of counsel that the distribution of PMI common stock to Altria shareholders qualifies as a tax-free distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to tax on the distribution in jurisdictions other than the U.S. In this regard, Altria has received advice from some foreign tax authorities and advisors, and anticipates that the distribution will be tax-free in Canada, Norway and Sweden, but subject to tax in Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Altria is awaiting final advice from the U.K. tax authorities. It is extremely important that shareholders consult their tax advisors A tax advisor is a financial expert especially trained in tax law. Some countries require tax advisors to verify the balance sheets of companies above a certain size. Individuals usually require tax advisors to minimize taxation, to avoid learning the details of tax law in regarding the particular consequences of the distribution in their situation, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws. Registered shareholders in the U.S. and Canada who would like more information should contact Computershare Trust Company by email at altria@computershare.com or by phone at 1-866-538-5172. Registered shareholders outside the U.S. and Canada should call 1-781-575-3572. If you hold Altria shares through a broker, bank or other nominee nominee n. 1) a person or entity who is requested or named to act for another, such as an agent or trustee. 2) a potential successor to another's rights under a contract. , please contact your financial institution directly or call D.F. King & Co. at 1-800-290-6431. Additional information including answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs FAQs Online A list on a website that answers basic–Frequently Asked Questions–that might be asked by a first-time visitor to the site ) will be available in a special section of the Altria website beginning at about 12:00 noon New York City Time today at www.altria.com/pmispinoff. Board of Directors Set forth below are the individuals who have agreed to serve on the respective Board of Directors of Altria and PMI following the spin-off. Altria's Board of Directors post-spin will include four continuing members from the current Altria Board of Directors. They are Elizabeth E. Bailey, Robert E.R. Huntley, Thomas W. Jones Thomas W. Jones (b.1949) is principal of TWJ Capital LLC. Previously he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup Inc.'s Global Investment Management from 1999 to 2004. and George Munoz. They will be joined by four new directors: Thomas F. Farrell II, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dominion Resources Dominion NYSE: D (formerly Dominion Resources) is a power and energy company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, USA, that supplies electricity, natural gas, or other energy services to homes in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and eastern North Carolina. , Inc., Gerald L. Baliles Gov. Gerald L. Baliles is the director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. Founded in 1975, the Miller Center is a leading public policy institution that serves as a national meeting place where engaged citizens, scholars, students, media , Director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs The Miller Center of Public Affairs is a non-partisan research institute affiliated with the University of Virginia. Founded in 1975, the Miller Center is a leading public policy institution that serves as a national meeting place where engaged citizens, scholars, students, at the University of Virginia and former Governor of Virginia The Governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. The position is currently held by Democrat Tim Kaine. Qualifications , Dinyar S. Devitre, who will step down as Chief Financial Officer of Altria following the spin-off, and Michael E. Szymanczyk, who will serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Altria. PMI's Board of Directors post-spin will include five members who will step down from the current Altria Board of Directors. They are Harold Brown Harold Brown may refer to:
Mr. Cabiallavetta is Chairman of Marsh & McLennan Companies and a member of MMC International's Advisory Board. Prior to joining MMC in 1999, Mr. , J. Dudley Fishburn John Dudley Fishburn, known as Dudley Fishburn, (born June 8, 1946) is a British journalist and politician. He studied at Eton and Harvard. He was a business journalist, serving as executive editor for The Economist for seven years. , Lucio A. Noto and Stephen M. Wolf M. Wolf can refer to:
John S. Reed For other persons of the same name, see John Reed. John Shepard Reed (born 1939) is the former Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Citicorp, Citibank, and post-merger, Citigroup. has elected to retire from the Altria Board of Directors. He is one of the longest-serving members of the Board of Directors and has provided outstanding leadership throughout his more than 30 years of distinguished service to the company and its shareholders. As a result of the PMI spin-off, the date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for Altria has been moved to May 28, 2008 in Richmond, Virginia Richmond IPA: [ɹɯʒmɐnɖ] is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. . Shareholders who have not already submitted proposals for consideration at the meeting have until March 28, 2008 to do so, by following the procedures described in the "2008 Annual Meeting" section on page 66 of Altria's March 23, 2007 proxy statement Proxy Statement A document containing the information that a company is required by the SEC to provide to shareholders so they can make informed decisions about matters that will be brought up at an annual stockholder meeting. . Dividends The Board of Directors of Altria today reaffirmed its intention to adjust Altria's dividend immediately following the distribution of PMI shares so that Altria shareholders who retain their PMI shares will receive, in the aggregate, the same annual cash dividend rate of $3.00 per share that existed before the spin-off. Altria is expected to pay a dividend at the initial rate of $0.29 per share per quarter, or $1.16 per common share on an annualized annualized Of or relating to a variable that has been mathematically converted to a yearly rate. Inflation and interest rates are generally annualized since it is on this basis that these two variables are ordinarily stated and compared. basis. Altria has established a dividend policy that anticipates a payout ratio Payout Ratio The percentage of earnings paid out in dividends. It is calculated by dividing dividends per share by earnings per share. Notes: The payout ratio indicates how well earnings support the dividend payments: the lower the ratio, the more secure the dividend. of approximately 75% post-spin. PMI is expected to pay a dividend at the initial rate of $0.46 per share per quarter, or $1.84 per common share on an annualized basis. PMI has established a dividend policy that anticipates a payout ratio of approximately 65% post-spin. Payment of future cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Boards of Directors of Altria and PMI. Share Repurchase Programs The Board of Directors today approved share repurchase programs as follows: For Altria, a new $7.5 billion two-year share repurchase program was authorized au·thor·ize tr.v. au·thor·ized, au·thor·iz·ing, au·thor·iz·es 1. To grant authority or power to. 2. To give permission for; sanction: and is expected to begin in April, after completion of the spin-off. For PMI, a $13.0 billion two-year share repurchase program was authorized and is expected to begin in early May, consistent with SEC regulations. Tender Offer for Altria Notes Altria will commence a tender offer and consent solicitation Consent Solicitation A solicitation by one party to the stakeholders of a particular security for the consent of a material change. Notes: Should the majority of stakeholders provide valid consent prior to the consent expiry date, the issuer may then follow through with shortly in connection with the spin-off to purchase for cash all of Altria's notes outstanding, including $2.6 billion of domestic notes denominated in U.S. dollars and EU1.0 billion in euro-denominated notes. While Altria believes that the proposed distribution is not prohibited pro·hib·it tr.v. pro·hib·it·ed, pro·hib·it·ing, pro·hib·its 1. To forbid by authority: Smoking is prohibited in most theaters. See Synonyms at forbid. 2. by the indentures, it believes it is desirable to eliminate any uncertainty by amending the indentures with the consent of note holders. In order to finance the tender offer, Altria has arranged a $4.0 billion, 364-day credit facility. Subsequent to the spin-off, Altria intends to access the public debt market to refinance Refinance 1. When a business or person revises their payment schedule for repaying debt. 2. Replacing an older loan with a new loan offering better terms. Notes: When a business refinances they typically extend the maturity date. debt incurred in connection with the tender offer. PMI Form 10 PMI has filed a Form 10, which includes a preliminary Information Statement, subject to completion, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). PMI plans to file an updated Form 10 with the SEC on or about February 8, 2008. The update will include PMI's audited financial statements for 2007, management's discussion and analysis Management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) A report from management to shareholders that accompanies the firm's financial statements in the annual report. It explains the period's financial results and enables management to discuss topics that may not be apparent in the financial of operations and a discussion of PMI's governance Governance makes decisions that define expectations, grant power, or verify performance. It consists either of a separate process or of a specific part of management or leadership processes. Sometimes people set up a government to administer these processes and systems. and compensation. In addition, the Form 10 will include pro-forma financial information, which gives effect to the following: * In establishing the initial capitalization capitalization n. 1) the act of counting anticipated earnings and expenses as capital assets (property, equipment, fixtures) for accounting purposes. 2) the amount of anticipated net earnings which hypothetically can be used for conversion into capital assets. of the two companies, PMI will pay to Altria $4.0 billion in dividends, $3.1 billion of which were paid at the end of 2007; * Altria and PMI will reimburse re·im·burse tr.v. re·im·bursed, re·im·burs·ing, re·im·burs·es 1. To repay (money spent); refund. 2. To pay back or compensate (another party) for money spent or losses incurred. each other for the fair value of stock awards held by their respective employees. Based on the number of stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2007 the net payment from Altria to PMI would be $427 million; * Altria will transfer to PMI federal tax contingencies Contingencies (ISSN 1048-9851) is the bimonthly magazine of the American Academy of Actuaries, providing a large and diverse readership with general interest and technical articles on a wide range of issues related to the actuarial profession. of $97 million; * Altria will transfer to PMI balances for pension and other benefits related to PMI's U.S.-based employees; and * PMI will incur To become subject to and liable for; to have liabilities imposed by act or operation of law. Expenses are incurred, for example, when the legal obligation to pay them arises. An individual incurs a liability when a money judgment is rendered against him or her by a court. the cost of certain headquarters functions that are currently performed by Altria. The cost of these functions was $92 million in 2007. PMI plans to file reported and pro-forma amounts as follows: [TABLE OMITTED] Following the effectiveness of the Form 10, the company will mail an Information Statement shortly after the record date to all holders of Altria common stock as of the record date. The Information Statement will include the procedures by which the distribution will be effected and other details of the transaction, together with comprehensive data on PMI. Investor Presentation In connection with the spin-off, the company announced that it will hold an investor presentation on March 11, 2008 in New York City. The presentation will be webcast beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. New York City Time and will be available at www.altria.com. Following opening remarks from Louis C. Camilleri, Altria and PMI will give presentations on their growth strategies, capital structure, cost savings and productivity initiatives, opportunities and outlook, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presenting for Altria will be Michael E. Szymanczyk and David Beran, who will become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, following the spin-off. Presenting for PMI will be Andre Calantzopoulos and Hermann Waldemer, who will become Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, following the spin-off. 2008 Full-Year Forecast for Altria and PMI Altria (excluding PMI) forecasts that 2008 adjusted full-year diluted earnings per share from continuing operations will grow to a range of $1.63 to $1.67, representing a growth rate of approximately 9% to 11% for the full-year 2008 from a base of $1.50 per share in 2007, which is shown in Table 1 below. This projection reflects a higher effective tax rate, the contribution of income from recently acquired John Middleton John Middleton may refer to:
PMI forecasts adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations at current exchange rates will increase to a range of $3.11 to $3.17 for the full-year 2008, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 12% to 14% from the pro-forma adjusted base of $2.78 per share in 2007, as shown in Table 1. [TABLE OMITTED] Note: While PMI will be required to file these pro-forma 2007 results with the SEC, Altria is prohibited under current SEC guidelines guidelines, n.pl a set of standards, criteria, or specifications to be used or followed in the performance of certain tasks. from imputing interest income on the transferred cash. These forecasts exclude the impact of any potential future acquisitions or divestitures, Altria's gain on the sale of its headquarters in New York City, charges related to the tender offer for Altria's notes and a number of other factors, including the items shown above in Table 1. The factors described in the Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements section of this release represent continuing risks to these projections. 2007 FULL-YEAR AND FOURTH-QUARTER RESULTS As described in "Note 15. Segment Reporting segment reporting A type of financial reporting in which the firm discloses information by identifiable industry segments. For example, Union Pacific Corporation reports revenues, income, assets, depreciation, and capital expenditures for each of four " of Altria's 2006 Annual Report, management reviews operating companies operating company A business that engages in transactions with outsiders. income, which is defined as operating income Operating Income The profit realized from a business' own operations. Notes: This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit. before corporate expenses and amortization of intangibles, to evaluate segment performance and allocate To reserve a resource such as memory or disk. See memory allocation. resources. Management believes it is appropriate to disclose this measure to help investors analyze business performance and trends. For a reconciliation of operating companies income to operating income, see the Condensed con·dense v. con·densed, con·dens·ing, con·dens·es v.tr. 1. To reduce the volume or compass of. 2. To make more concise; abridge or shorten. 3. Physics a. Statements of Earnings contained in this release. Altria's 2007 reported results and previous-year results reflect Kraft Foods Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) is the largest food and beverage company headquartered in North America and the second largest in the world after Nestlé SA. The Philip Morris Company (now known as Altria Group), a company that produces tobacco products, acquired Kraft for Inc. (Kraft) as a discontinued operation discontinued operation A segment of a business that has been abandoned or sold or for which plans for one or another of these actions have been approved. See also continuing operations. . As such, net revenues and operating companies income for Kraft are excluded from the company's results, while the net earnings impact is included as a single line item. All references in this news release are to continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. References to international tobacco market shares are PMI estimates based on a number of sources. 2007 Diluted di·lute tr.v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes 1. To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a liquid such as water. 2. To lessen the force, strength, purity, or brilliance of, especially by admixture. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A PostScript file format used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format. From Continuing Operations For the full year 2007, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were down 2.3% to $4.33, including items detailed on Schedule 8, versus $4.43 for the full year 2006. Adjusted for items detailed in Table 2 below, diluted earnings per share were up 8.1% to $4.38, versus $4.05 for 2006. Fourth-quarter 2007 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were down 9.6% to $1.03, including items detailed on the attached Schedule 7, versus $1.14 in the year-ago period. Adjusted for items detailed in Table 2, fourth-quarter 2007 diluted earnings per share were up 5.3% to $1.00 versus $0.95 in the year-earlier period, which included a $488 million gain from PMI's reorganization of its tobacco and beer equity holdings in the Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (dəmĭn`ĭkən), republic (2005 est. pop. 8,950,000), 18,700 sq mi (48,442 sq km), West Indies, on the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola. The capital and largest city is Santo Domingo. . [TABLE OMITTED] Acquisitions and Divestitures During the first quarter of 2007, PMI acquired an additional 50.2% stake in Lakson Tobacco Company Ltd. (Lakson) in Pakistan, and completed a mandatory tender offer for the remaining shares, which increased PMI's total ownership interest in Lakson from 40% to approximately 98%, for $383 million. During the fourth quarter of 2007, PMI completed the acquisition of an additional 30% stake in its Mexican tobacco business from its joint venture partner, Grupo Carso Grupo Carso is a conglomerate of companies owned by the Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim. It was formed in 1990 after the merge of Corporación Industrial Carso and Grupo Inbursa. The name Carso stands for Carlos Slim and Soumaya Domit de Slim †, wife of Slim. , S.A.B. de C.V. PMI previously held a 50% stake in its Mexican tobacco business and the transaction brought PMI's stake to 80%. Grupo Carso retains a 20% stake in the business. The transaction had a value of approximately $1.1 billion. On December 11, 2007 Altria announced that it had completed the acquisition of 100% of John Middleton, Inc. (Middleton), a leading manufacturer of machine-made large cigars, from privately held Bradford Holdings, Inc. for $2.9 billion in cash. The net cost of the acquisition, after deducting approximately $700 million in present value tax benefits arising from the terms of the transaction, is $2.2 billion. The acquisition was financed with existing cash and is expected to be modestly accretive to Altria's 2008 earnings and generate an attractive double-digit economic return. It had no material impact on Altria's 2007 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings. 2007 Full-Year Results Revenues net of excise taxes excise taxes, governmental levies on specific goods produced and consumed inside a country. They differ from tariffs, which usually apply only to foreign-made goods, and from sales taxes, which typically apply to all commodities other than those specifically exempted. increased 5.8% to $38.1 billion for the full-year 2007, driven by increases in both U.S. tobacco and international tobacco. Operating income increased 2.7% to $13.2 billion, reflecting the items described in the attached reconciliation on Schedule 6, including higher results from operations of $512 million and favorable fa·vor·a·ble adj. 1. Advantageous; helpful: favorable winds. 2. Encouraging; propitious: a favorable diagnosis. 3. currency of $471 million. Earnings from continuing operations decreased 1.8% to $9.2 billion, reflecting the items mentioned above and a higher tax rate in 2007, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense in 2007 due to lower debt outstanding. The company's effective tax rate was 31.5% for the full-year 2007 versus 27.2% for 2006. Full-year 2007 results included favorable tax adjustments of $251 million or $0.12 per share, primarily due to the reversal of tax reserves and other tax accruals Accruals Accounts on a balance sheet that represent liabilities and non-cash-based assets used in accrual-based accounting. These accounts include, among many others, accounts payable, accounts receivable, goodwill, future tax liability and future interest expense. no longer required and the reduction of the German corporate tax rate, versus favorable tax adjustments of $757 million or $0.35 per share for the full-year 2006. Net earnings, including discontinued operations Discontinued operations Divisions of a business that have been sold or written off and that no longer are maintained by the business. , decreased 18.6% to $9.8 billion, reflecting the Kraft spin-off and other items mentioned above. Diluted earnings per share, including discontinued operations as detailed on Schedule 4, decreased 19.1% to $4.62. 2007 Fourth-Quarter Results Revenues net of excise taxes increased 7.4% to $9.3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2007, largely driven by international tobacco. Operating income decreased 6.4% to $3.0 billion, reflecting the items described in the attached reconciliation on Schedule 3, primarily the impact of the 2006 Dominican Republic transaction, partially offset by higher results from operations of $143 million and favorable currency of $150 million. Earnings from continuing operations decreased 9.1% to $2.2 billion, reflecting the items mentioned above as well as a higher tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2007 versus the year-earlier period, partially offset by lower interest expense. Net earnings, including discontinued operations, decreased 26.1% to $2.2 billion, reflecting the impact of the Kraft spin-off and the factors mentioned above. Diluted earnings per share, including discontinued operations as detailed on Schedule 1, decreased 26.4% to $1.03. U.S. TOBACCO 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results Philip Morris USA Philip Morris USA is the United States tobacco division of Altria Group, Inc. General information On January 27, 2003, Philip Morris Companies Inc. changed its name to Altria Group, Inc. Even under this new name, Altria continues to own 100% of Philip Morris USA. Inc. (PM USA), Altria's U.S. tobacco business, achieved strong retail share results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2007, driven by Marlboro, which increased its retail market share 0.5 points to 41.0% for the full-year 2007 and 0.8 points to 41.2% in the fourth quarter. Full-year revenues net of excise taxes increased 1.2% to $15.0 billion for Altria's U.S. tobacco segment, which includes both PM USA and John Middleton, Inc. (Middleton). Fourth-quarter revenues net of excise taxes increased 0.5% to $3.7 billion. For the full-year 2007, U.S. tobacco operating companies income decreased 6.1% to $4.5 billion compared to 2006. The decrease was primarily driven by lower volume, increased resolution expenses, investments in support of PM USA's smokeless smoke·less adj. 1. Emitting or containing little or no smoke: smokeless factory stacks. 2. products, $371 million of pre-tax charges in 2007 related to asset impairment Impairment 1. A reduction in a company's stated capital. 2. The total capital that is less than the par value of the company's capital stock. Notes: 1. This is usually reduced because of poorly estimated losses or gains. 2. , exit and implementation costs for the previously announced closure of the Cabarrus cigarette manufacturing facility and a $26 million provision for the Scott case Jeffrey Scott Case (born May 17, 1962 in Waynoka, Oklahoma) is a former American football player in the NFL who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round of the 1984 NFL Draft. in Louisiana. Those factors were partially offset by lower wholesale promotional allowance rates and lower selling, general and administrative costs administrative costs, n.pl the overhead expenses incurred in the operation of a dental benefits program, excluding costs of dental services provided. . U.S. tobacco operating companies income would have increased by 1.9% for the full-year 2007 when adjusted for the items shown in the table below. In the fourth quarter of 2007, U.S. tobacco operating companies income decreased 3.2% to $1.1 billion compared to the year-earlier period. The decrease was driven by lower volume, investments in support of PM USA's smokeless products, increased resolution expenses, $31 million of pre-tax charges in 2007 primarily related to asset impairment, exit and implementation costs for closure of the Cabarrus facility and the provision for the Scott case. Those factors were partially offset by lower wholesale promotional allowance rates and lower selling, general and administrative costs. U.S. tobacco operating companies income would have increased 1.0% for the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the year-earlier period when adjusted for the items shown in the table below. [TABLE OMITTED] *Margins are calculated as adjusted operating companies income, divided by net revenues excluding excise taxes. PM USA's full-year 2007 cigarette shipment volume of 175.1 billion units was 4.6% lower than the previous year, but was estimated to be down approximately 3.6% when adjusted for changes in trade inventories and calendar differences. For the full year 2007, PM USA estimates a decline of about 4% in total cigarette industry volume. In the fourth quarter, PM USA's cigarette shipment volume of 41.7 billion units was 7.8% lower than the prior-year period, but was estimated to be down approximately 3.3% when adjusted for changes in trade inventories and calendar differences. Cigarette volume performance by brand for PM USA is summarized in the table below: [TABLE OMITTED] *U.S. unit volume includes units sold as well as promotional units, and excludes Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (pwār`tō rē`kō), island (2005 est. pop. 3,917,000), 3,508 sq mi (9,086 sq km), West Indies, c.1,000 mi (1,610 km) SE of Miami, Fla. and U.S. Territories. **Calculation based on millions of units. For the full-year 2007, retail share gains for Marlboro and Parliament of 0.5 points and 0.1 point, respectively, were partially offset by losses of 0.1 share point each for Virginia Slims Virginia Slims cigarette trademark marketed to “independent women.” “You’ve come a long way, baby,” as slogan. [Trademarks: Crowley Trade, 630] See : Feminism , Basic and the non-focus brands. In the fourth quarter of 2007, share gains for Marlboro of 0.8 points were partially offset by losses of 0.1 share point each for Virginia Slims and Basic, as shown in the table below: [TABLE OMITTED] *Retail share performance is based on data from the Information Resources (1) The data and information assets of an organization, department or unit. See data administration. (2) Another name for the Information Systems (IS) or Information Technology (IT) department. See IT. , Inc.(IRI Iri (ē`rē`), former city, North Jeolla (Cholla) prov., SW South Korea. An agricultural center and transportation hub, it was absorbed into Iksan. )/Capstone Total Retail Panel, which is a tracking service that uses a sample of stores to project market share performance in retail stores selling cigarettes. The panel was not designed to capture sales through other channels, including Internet and direct mail. PM USA is focused on developing new and innovative products that are based on a deep understanding of adult tobacco consumers. During 2007, PM USA launched Marlboro Smooth, Marlboro Virginia Blend and six other new cigarette line extensions. These new products contributed to PM USA's retail share growth for the year, and in the fourth quarter of 2007 generated more than one share point of business. Marlboro Smooth utilizes an innovative menthol menthol, white crystalline substance with a characteristic pungent odor. It is derived from the oil of the peppermint plant, Mentha piperita (see mint), or prepared synthetically from coal tar. application process to create a uniquely different smoking experience, and helped drive Marlboro's performance as the industry's fastest-growing menthol brand. Also contributing to Marlboro's growth was Marlboro Virginia Blend, a single-leaf, non-menthol blend that reinforces the Marlboro brand's flavor heritage. In addition, PM USA introduced L&M packings in select geographies, offering a unique, contemporary product in the discount category. As part of its adjacency growth strategy to develop new revenue and income sources for the future, PM USA initiated a test market of Marlboro Snus in the Dallas/Fort Worth area beginning in August 2007. Due to initial favorable reaction by adult consumers, wholesalers and retailers to the Marlboro Snus test market, PM USA announced plans to expand the test market to the Indianapolis area in early 2008. In addition, PM USA began test marketing Marlboro Moist Smokeless Tobacco smokeless tobacco, n chewing tobacco (leaves) or tobacco powder (snuff) that allows the nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or digestive tract. It is related to a high risk of oral cancer. in the Atlanta area in October 2007. Marlboro Moist Smokeless Tobacco is designed to provide a premium quality product at an attractive price for adult moist smokeless tobacco consumers. Based on the encouraging initial consumer and trade response, PM USA is expanding the Marlboro Moist Smokeless Tobacco test market to include additional counties in the greater Atlanta area in early 2008. As previously mentioned, Altria completed the acquisition of Middleton on December 11, 2007. Middleton's results had no material impact on Altria's fourth-quarter and full-year earnings. For the full-year 2007, Middleton's volume, revenues net of excise taxes and operating companies income were in line with estimates provided when the acquisition was announced on November 1, 2007. Middleton participates in the machine-made large cigar segment, which had estimated volume of 5.3 billion units in 2007. The segment is estimated to have grown volumes at a compound annual rate of approximately 4% over the 2003 to 2007 period. Retail market share for Middleton's leading brand Black & Mild increased 2.2 share points in 2007 to 25.2% of the machine-made large cigar segment. Retail share performance is based on data from the most recent IRI Syndicated Reviews Database (November 2007 year-to-date), which is a tracking service that uses a sample of stores to project market share performance across multiple product categories, including cigars. INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI), Altria's international tobacco business, achieved strong income results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2007. Reported revenues net of excise taxes for the full-year 2007 of $22.8 billion were up 9.6%. In the fourth quarter, revenues net of excise taxes grew 11.6% to $5.5 billion. Operating companies income increased 5.5% to $8.9 billion for the full-year 2007, due primarily to higher pricing, favorable currency of $471 million and productivity and cost savings, partially offset by the impact of the 2006 gain on the Dominican Republic transaction and higher marketing and R&D. Operating companies income grew 12.5% for the full-year 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the Dominican Republic transaction and other items shown in the table below. For the fourth quarter, operating companies income decreased 10.0% to $2.0 billion, due primarily to the impact of the Dominican Republic transaction in the fourth quarter of 2006 as well as unfavorable mix, partially offset by higher pricing and favorable currency of $150 million. Operating companies income grew 15.5% for the fourth quarter of 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the Dominican Republic transaction and other items shown in the table below. [TABLE OMITTED] *Margins are calculated as adjusted operating companies income, divided by net revenues excluding excise taxes. Cigarette shipment volume, as shown in the table below, increased 2.2% or 18.6 billion units, to 850.0 billion units for the full year 2007, due to the acquisition of Lakson in Pakistan. Excluding Lakson and the acquisition of local trademarks in Mexico effective November 1, 2007, cigarette shipments were down 0.7% or 5.6 billion units, due mainly to lower shipments in Germany and Poland and the unfavorable impact of timing and trade inventory movements, primarily in Japan and Mexico. Partially offsetting the decline were strong gains in Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Korea and Ukraine, as well as favorable timing in Italy. Absent acquisitions and the net impact of unfavorable timing and inventory movements, PMI shipments were essentially flat in 2007. In the fourth quarter, cigarette shipment volume increased 3.7% or 7.1 billion units to 198.4 billion units, due to acquisition volume from Lakson and local trademarks in Mexico, as well as gains in Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Korea and Russia and favorable timing in Italy, partially offset by lower volume in Poland and the United Kingdom and unfavorable timing, primarily in Japan and Mexico. Excluding the impact of acquisitions in Pakistan and Mexico, cigarette shipment volume was down 0.4% or 700 million units. Absent the above mentioned acquisitions and the net impact of unfavorable timing and inventory movements, PMI shipments rose 1.7% in the fourth quarter, reflecting improving trends and strengthened business fundamentals business fundamentals The general background within which an economy operates including earnings, sales, wage rates, taxes, and inflation. Improving business fundamentals are generally viewed as bullish for stocks, although stock prices at any given point . [TABLE OMITTED] *Calculation based on millions of units. PMI's full-year 2007 market share performance improved versus the year-ago period in many markets including: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Netherlands, The officially Kingdom of The Netherlands byname Holland Country, northwestern Europe. Area: 16,034 sq mi (41,528 sq km). Population (2005 est.): 16,300,000. Capital: Amsterdam. Seat of government: The Hague. Most of the people are Dutch. Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden and Ukraine. PMI's fourth-quarter 2007 market share performance improved versus the year-ago period in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Ukraine. For the full-year 2007, Marlboro cigarette shipment volume of 311.2 billion units was down 1.5%, due mainly to timing in Mexico and unfavorable distributor inventory movements in Japan, partially offset by gains in Argentina, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Korea and Russia. Absent timing and inventory distortions in Japan, Mexico and other markets, Marlboro shipments were down slightly at 0.2% in 2007. Marlboro market share was up in Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. In the fourth quarter, total Marlboro cigarette shipment volume of 72.4 billion units was down 1.4%, due primarily to the timing and inventory distortions mentioned above, partially offset by gains in Argentina, Indonesia and Russia. Absent timing and inventory distortions in Japan, Mexico and other markets, Marlboro cigarette shipments were up 1.0% in the fourth quarter of 2007 versus the year-earlier period. Shipment volume for PMI's other international brands grew by 1.5% or 4.8 billion units to 327 billion units for the full-year 2007, driven by gains in Parliament, Virginia Slims, the Philip Morris brand, Merit, Chesterfield Chesterfield, city (1991 pop. 73,352) and district, Derbyshire, central England. An important industrial center, Chesterfield produces mining equipment, railroad cars, metal products, glass, and pottery. , Bond Street and Muratti, partially offset by lower volume for L&M and Lark. During 2007, PMI continued to build strong brand equity through innovation. Notable new product introductions included Marlboro Filter Plus in Kazakhstan, Korea, Romania, Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine, and Marlboro kretek in Indonesia. Marlboro Intense, a new short cigarette developed to deliver more full-flavor taste, was recently launched nationally in Turkey. In the rapidly growing menthol segment, Marlboro Fresh Mint and Marlboro Crisp Mint were successfully launched in Hong Kong Hong Kong (hŏng kŏng), Mandarin Xianggang, special administrative region of China, formerly a British crown colony (2005 est. pop. 6,899,000), land area 422 sq mi (1,092 sq km), adjacent to Guangdong prov. , and Marlboro Ice Mint was introduced in Japan. Other innovations in 2007 included Parliament Platinum in Japan, Virginia Slims Uno in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Greece, Virginia Slims Noire in Japan and a new, smoother tasting L&M in Russia, Ukraine and Romania. Also, a new packaging design and communication platform for Chesterfield was recently implemented in Eastern Europe Eastern Europe The countries of eastern Europe, especially those that were allied with the USSR in the Warsaw Pact, which was established in 1955 and dissolved in 1991. . In the other tobacco products (OTP (1) (One Time Programmable) Refers to programming content or logic into chips such as EPROMs and EEPROMs, which cannot be reversed. See antifuse. (2) (One Time P ) segment in Germany, Next Tobacco Block and L&M Tobacco Block were introduced in the fine cut category. EUROPEAN UNION European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community (EU) 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results In the European Union (EU), operating companies income grew 18.7% to $4.2 billion in 2007, primarily driven by higher pricing and favorable currency of $417 million. Operating companies income grew 17.1% for the full-year 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. In the fourth quarter, operating companies income grew 17.4% to $917 million, driven by higher pricing and favorable currency of $123 million. Operating companies income grew 18.5% for the quarter when adjusted for the items shown in the table below. [TABLE OMITTED] *Margins are calculated as adjusted operating companies income, divided by net revenues excluding excise taxes. The total cigarette market in the EU declined 0.7% in 2007. PMI's cigarette shipment volume in the EU of 257.1 billion units was down 0.7% for the full-year 2007, as declines in Germany and Poland and unfavorable distributor inventory movements in France were partially offset by increased shipments in Hungary and the Baltics and the impact of favorable inventory movements in Italy. Cigarette market share in the EU at 39.3% was down 0.1 point for the full-year 2007 versus 2006, primarily due to the Czech Republic Czech Republic, Czech Česká Republika (2005 est. pop. 10,241,000), republic, 29,677 sq mi (78,864 sq km), central Europe. It is bordered by Slovakia on the east, Austria on the south, Germany on the west, and Poland on the north. . Absent distorted trade inventories in the Czech Republic, market share in the EU is estimated to have been 39.4% for the full-year 2007. PMI's cigarette shipment volume of 57.2 billion units declined 0.2% in the fourth quarter. The total market in the EU increased 0.2% or 390 million units versus the fourth quarter of 2006. PMI's market share in the EU at 39.2% was down 0.3 points. Adjusted for the impact of trade inventories in the Czech Republic, PMI share in the EU is estimated to have been 39.5% in the fourth quarter of 2007. In France, for the full-year 2007 the total market declined 1.5%, due to higher pricing. PMI's cigarette shipments were down 4.8% versus 2006. Market share for PMI of 42.4% was down 0.3 points, with Marlboro down 0.7 share points to 30.2%, reflecting the temporary impact of crossing the EU5.00 per pack threshold. In the mid-price segment, the Philip Morris brand gained 0.3 points to 6.2%. PMI achieved sequential improvement in market share every month since September. In Germany, the cigarette market declined 4.0% for the full-year 2007, due mainly to the tax-driven price increase in October 2006. PMI's in-market cigarette sales were down 5.0% and market share of 36.5% declined 0.4 points due to lower Marlboro share, partially offset by share gains for L&M. PMI's cigarette shipments were down 4.6% versus 2006. Market share in the fourth quarter was up 1.4 points to 37.6%. In Italy, the total market was down 1.1% for the full-year 2007, while PMI's in-market sales rose 0.4%. PMI's cigarette market share of 54.6% grew 0.8 points, driven by Chesterfield and Merit. Share for Marlboro in Italy of 22.8% was essentially unchanged. PMI's full-year 2007 cigarette shipments were up 2.9%, due mainly to favorable timing of shipments compared to 2006. In Poland, consumer price sensitivity within the low-price segment following significant tax-driven price increases led to a total cigarette market decline of 3.5% for the full-year 2007, as consumers switched to other tobacco products. PMI's market share was down 1.0 point to 39.0%, primarily reflecting share declines for its low-price and local 70mm brands. However, Marlboro market share rose 0.4 points to 8.5%. PMI's cigarette shipments in Poland declined 6.0% for the full-year 2007, but profits more than doubled due to improved pricing and product mix. In Spain, the total cigarette market was down 1.2% for the full-year 2007, while PMI's market share of 32.1% was down slightly. Marlboro share declined 0.6 points to 16.5%, partially offset by gains for Chesterfield, L&M and the Philip Morris brand. Cigarette shipments in Spain rose 0.7% in 2007 and operating companies income climbed close to 40%. EASTERN EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA Africa (ăf`rĭkə), second largest continent (1997 est. pop. 743,000,000), c.11,677,240 sq mi (30,244,050 sq km) including adjacent islands. Broad to the north (c.4,600 mi/7,400 km wide), Africa straddles the equator and stretches c. (EEMA EEMA - European Electronic Messaging Association ) 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results In Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (EEMA), PMI's operating companies income increased 17.5% to $2.4 billion for the full year 2007, due mainly to higher pricing, improved volume/mix and favorable currency of $90 million. Operating companies income grew 18.0% for the full year 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. In the fourth quarter, operating companies income for the segment increased 21.1% to $516 million, due mainly to higher pricing, lower costs and favorable currency of $25 million. Operating companies income grew 20.6% for the fourth quarter of 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. [TABLE OMITTED] *Margins are calculated as adjusted operating companies income, divided by net revenues excluding excise taxes. Full-year 2007 cigarette shipment volume of 291.3 billion units was up 0.9% as gains in Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt and Ukraine were partially offset by declines in Romania, Russia, Serbia and Turkey. In the fourth quarter of 2007, cigarette shipment volume of 65.1 billion units was up 1.9%, driven by solid gains in Eastern Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, partially offset by lower duty-free shipments. In Egypt, PMI's cigarette shipments rose 25.6% for the full-year 2007, while market share advanced 1.9 points to 12.0%, driven by Marlboro, L&M and Merit. In Russia, shipment volume declined 2.0% for the full-year 2007, as lower volume for L&M was partially offset by the continued growth of higher-margin brands, including Marlboro, Parliament, Chesterfield and Muratti. PMI market share of 26.6% was unchanged. Improved brand mix and better pricing resulted in income growth of 24%. In September 2007, PMI replaced the entire L&M brand family with a completely new, smoother tasting product line-up in response to changing adult consumer preferences. In Turkey, the total market was down slightly by 0.4% for the full-year 2007 versus 2006, while PMI's market share declined 2.1 points to 40.4%, due mainly to the decline of lower-margin brands in PMI's portfolio. Although PMI's shipments were down 1.6%, income grew in the double digits Double Digits was a pricing game on the American television game show, The Price Is Right. Played from April 20, 1973 through May 18, 1973's show, it was played for a car and used small prizes. , driven by strong pricing and growth in premium brand volume. In Ukraine, shipments grew 4.7% for the full-year 2007 and market share rose 0.8 points to 33.9%, driven by adult consumer uptrading to Marlboro, Parliament and Chesterfield. Profit growth was robust at more than 25%. ASIA Asia (ā`zhə), the world's largest continent, 17,139,000 sq mi (44,390,000 sq km), with about 3.3 billion people, nearly three fifths of the world's total population. 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results In Asia, operating companies income decreased 3.6% to $1.8 billion for the full-year 2007, primarily due to lower volume in Japan and unfavorable currency of $36 million, partially offset by favorable pricing. Operating companies income decreased 3.1% for the full-year 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. In the fourth quarter, operating companies income decreased 5.6% to $390 million, primarily due to lower volume in Japan, partially offset by favorable pricing. Operating companies income decreased 6.8% for the fourth quarter of 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. [TABLE OMITTED] *Margins are calculated as adjusted operating companies income, divided by net revenues excluding excise taxes. PMI's full-year 2007 cigarette shipments of 211.7 billion units rose 8.8%, reflecting the acquisition of Lakson in Pakistan and higher volume in Indonesia and Korea, partially offset by a decline in Japan. Excluding the Lakson volume, shipments were down 3.2% or 6.2 billion units, reflecting the negative impact of inventory movements and the lower in-market sales in Japan in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2007, PMI's cigarette shipment volume of 51.0 billion units rose 9.7%, due to acquisition volume in Pakistan and gains in Indonesia, Korea and Thailand, partially offset by Japan. Excluding acquisition volume in Pakistan, volume was down 5.1%. In Indonesia, the total cigarette market was up 3.9% for the full-year 2007. PMI market share was down slightly to 28.0%, reflecting the share decline of A Mild and Dji Sam Soe, due to a temporary stick-price disadvantage versus competitive brands, partially offset by the growth of Marlboro, which gained 0.4 points to 4.0%. PMI's cigarette shipments grew 2.8% while Marlboro shipments rose 14.7%, driven by focused marketing and improved distribution and the July 2007 Marlboro kretek launch. In Japan, the total cigarette market declined 4.8% or 13.0 billion units for the full-year 2007, due primarily to the impact of the 2006 mid-year excise A tax imposed on the performance of an act, the engaging in an occupation, or the enjoyment of a privilege. A tax on the manufacture, sale, or use of goods or on the carrying on of an occupation or activity, or a tax on the transfer of property. tax-driven price increase. PMI's in-market sales were down 6.2% and market share declined 0.4 points to 24.3%, due mainly to Lark. Marlboro's share at 9.9% was flat for the full-year 2007, but up 0.2 points in the fourth quarter of 2007 versus the year-earlier period. For the full-year 2007, cigarette shipment volume was down 12.6%, reflecting lower in-market sales and a reduction in distributor inventory durations at year-end 2007 versus 2006. In Korea, the total market was up 4.6% for the full-year 2007. PMI's shipments rose 20.3% and market share increased 1.3 points to 9.9%. The share increase was driven by Marlboro, Parliament and Virginia Slims and benefited from recent new line extensions, including Marlboro Filter Plus. Income was significantly higher in 2007. LATIN AMERICA Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results In Latin America, operating companies income decreased 48.4% to $520 million in 2007, due mainly to the impact of the 2006 Dominican Republic transaction, partially offset by higher pricing in 2007. Operating companies income increased 14.5% for the full-year 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. In the fourth quarter of 2007, operating companies income decreased 69.5% to $187 million, due mainly to the impact of the 2006 Dominican Republic transaction in the year-earlier period, partially offset by higher pricing. Operating companies income increased 55.8% for the fourth quarter of 2007 when adjusted for the impact of the items shown in the table below. [TABLE OMITTED] *Margins are calculated as adjusted operating companies income, divided by net revenues excluding excise taxes. Full-year 2007 cigarette shipment volume of 89.9 billion units was up 0.8%, as higher volume in Argentina more than offset declines in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Fourth quarter 2007 cigarette shipment volume of 25.1 billion units was up 6.4%, driven by gains in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and acquisition volume in Mexico. Excluding local brands acquired in Mexico, full-year 2007 volume was down 0.3%, while fourth-quarter 2007 volume was up 2.5%. In Argentina, the total cigarette market grew 3.0% for the full-year 2007. PMI's market share increased 2.6 points to a record 68.9%, driven by Marlboro and the Philip Morris brand. PMI shipments grew 7.1% and profits advanced more than 40%. In Mexico, the total market declined 6.3% for the full-year 2007, due to lower consumption following the price increases in January and October 2007, as well as an unfavorable comparison with the prior year, which included trade purchases in advance of the January 2007 tax-driven price increase. PMI's market share gain of 0.8 points to a record 64.3% was fueled by Benson & Hedges and Delicados. Marlboro's share at 47.7% was flat versus the prior year. FINANCIAL SERVICES The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please [ improve this article] or discuss the issue on the talk page. 2007 Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter Results Philip Morris Capital Corporation (PMCC PMCC Product Moment Correlation Coefficient PMCC Postmark Collectors Club PMCC Professional Military Comptroller Course PMCC Packet Mode Channel Connect PMCC Project Management Core Competency PMCC Pensky-Martens Closed Cup test ) reported operating companies income of $421 million for the full-year 2007 and $89 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, versus $176 million for the full-year 2006 and $38 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. Results for the full-year 2007 include cash recoveries of $214 million related to certain airline leases previously written down, versus a provision of $103 million in 2006. Results for the fourth quarter of 2007 reflect higher asset management gains versus the same period in 2006. Consistent with its strategic shift in 2003, PMCC is focused on managing its existing portfolio of finance assets in order to maximize gains and generate cash flow from asset sales and related activities. PMCC is no longer making new investments and expects that its operating companies income will fluctuate over time as investments mature or are sold. Altria Group, Inc. Profile As of December 31, 2007, Altria owned 100% of Philip Morris International Inc., Philip Morris USA Inc., John Middleton, Inc. and Philip Morris Capital Corporation, and approximately 28.6% of SABMiller plc. The brand portfolio of Altria's tobacco operating companies includes such well-known names as Marlboro, L&M, Parliament, Virginia Slims and Black & Mild. Altria recorded 2007 net revenues from continuing operations of $73.8 billion. Trademarks and service marks mentioned in this release are the registered property of, or licensed by, the subsidiaries of Altria Group, Inc. A complete copy of Altria's audited 2007 financial statements will be available through Altria's website after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about February 4, 2008. If you do not have Internet access See how to access the Internet. but would like to receive a copy of the 2007 audited financial statements for Altria, please call toll-free (800) 367-5415 in the U.S. and Canada to request a copy. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains projections of future results and other forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. The following important factors could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Altria Group, Inc.'s tobacco subsidiaries (Philip Morris USA Inc., John Middleton, Inc. and Philip Morris International Inc.) are subject to intense price competition; changes in consumer preferences and demand for their products; fluctuations in levels of customer inventories; the effects of foreign economies and local economic and market conditions; unfavorable currency movements and changes to income tax laws. Their results are dependent upon their continued ability to promote brand equity successfully; to anticipate and respond to new consumer trends; to develop new products and markets and to broaden brand portfolios in order to compete effectively with lower-priced products; and to improve productivity. Altria Group, Inc.'s tobacco subsidiaries continue to be subject to litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. , including risks associated with adverse jury and judicial determinations, and courts reaching conclusions at variance var·i·ance n. 1. a. The act of varying. b. The state or quality of being variant or variable; a variation. c. A difference between what is expected and what actually occurs. 2. with the company's understanding of applicable law and bonding requirements in the limited number of jurisdictions that do not limit the dollar amount of appeal bonds; legislation, including actual and potential excise tax Excise Tax 1. An indirect tax charged on the sale of a particular good. 2. A penalty tax applied to ineligible transactions in retirement accounts. This penalty is assessed by and paid to the IRS. Notes: 1. increases; discriminatory dis·crim·i·na·to·ry adj. 1. Marked by or showing prejudice; biased. 2. Making distinctions. dis·crim excise tax structures; increasing marketing and regulatory restrictions; the effects of price increases related to excise tax increases and concluded tobacco litigation settlements on consumption rates and consumer preferences within price segments; health concerns relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc the use of tobacco products and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke environmental tobacco smoke (ETS/passive smoke), n the gaseous by-product of burning tobacco products, including but not limited to commercially manufactured cigarettes and cigars; contains toxic elements harmful to the health of adults and children ; governmental regulation; privately imposed smoking restrictions; and governmental and grand jury investigations. Altria Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are subject to other risks detailed from time to time in its publicly filed documents, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. for the period ended December 31, 2006 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Form 10-Q See 10-Q. for the period ended September 30, 2007. Altria Group, Inc. cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that it may make. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] |
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