Altria Group Inc. has seen its cigarette volume increased by 0.3% in the second quarter of the year, despite steady declines in smoking rates and new obstacles to the tobacco industry.
The company also saw its revenue increase, with sales totaling US$5.2 billion, excluding excise taxes. “Altria delivered excellent second-quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of nearly 9%, driven by our core tobacco businesses,” said Howard Willard, Altria’s chairman and c.e.o.
“We’ve maintained our focus on the adult tobacco consumer and believe that with our leading premium tobacco brands, US commercialization rights to IQOS, investment in JUUL and pending transaction for on!, we are best positioned among tobacco peers to lead through a dynamic time in the US. Our 2019 plans remain on track, and we reaffirm our guidance to deliver full-year 2019 adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of 4% to 7%.”