Altria shows impressive results and new initiatives for a smoke-free future

Altria achieved remarkable results in the third quarter, with both the smokeable products segment and the oral tobacco products segment showing solid growth rates in operating results. The Marlboro brand once again demonstrated its resilience and market leadership in the premium segment. Meanwhile, oral tobacco products experienced stable profit growth, particularly driven by Altria's MST brands. Additionally, Altria continues to take steps to reward its shareholders through increasing dividends and stock buybacks. A highlight of Altria's recent strategy is the significant progress in reducing tobacco consumption among minors. The latest report from the FDA and CDC shows encouraging results, indicating that the targets set for reducing youth tobacco use have already been achieved or exceeded. Despite this success, the illegal market for e-cigarettes remains a challenge, as a large portion of young consumers use illegal disposable products. In the e-vaping product sector, NJOY, a brand of Altria, emerges as a promising alternative for both smokers and vapers. NJOY's efforts to increase market visibility and customer loyalty have been successful, as evidenced by rising repeat purchases and a growing market share. Nevertheless, the market continues to be dominated by illegal products, and Altria is actively advocating for stronger regulation and control. Furthermore, Altria plans a comprehensive optimization initiative to modernize its internal processes, aiming to operate more efficiently and swiftly. The goal is to achieve significant cost savings through the use of artificial intelligence and external partners, which will be reinvested into further corporate growth. With this strategy, Altria is confident in successfully transitioning to a smoke-free future.