Philip Morris

New European chief Marco Hannappel stresses Philip Morris’s goal to generate two-thirds of revenue from smoke-free products by 2030 and cites Italy and Sweden as role models. Currently, 42 percent of global revenue comes from smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco products, vapes and nicotine pouches. Planned EU proposals on harmonized minimum taxes and a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive could significantly undermine this strategy through higher taxation and stricter sales rules. Philip Morris also highlights the economic importance of its EU production and supplier relationships. » More on faz.net

Philip Morris raised its Q3 earnings forecast to EPS of $2.29–2.34, above the consensus estimate of $2.25, which pushed the stock up about 2.1% intraday. The company also lifted its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $8.35–8.50 and expects a positive currency effect of around $0.24 per share. Analysts then raised price targets to a range of $205–225, citing the defensive business model and the expansion of smoke-free products as supporting factors. » More on de.investing.com

Philip Morris International has entered into a contract manufacturing agreement for conventional cigarettes with Philip Morris USA, an Altria company. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in early 2027, subject to operational readiness and regulatory requirements. The company does not expect a material impact on 2026 financial results and emphasizes that it does not sell—and does not plan to sell—conventional cigarettes in the U.S. Both companies will remain operationally independent and aim to better utilize their manufacturing capacity and expertise. » More on de.investing.com

The FDA has granted marketing authorization to Swedish Match USA, a subsidiary of Philip Morris, for 11 ZYN ULTRA nicotine pouches. Ten products with 9 mg (various flavors) and one 11 mg variant were approved; additional 11 mg variants are still under review. Philip Morris expects this to strengthen ZYN's position in the US, is expanding domestic production, and is responding to competitive pressure from brands like Velo Plus. » More on de.investing.com

Philip Morris opened a 780,000 sq. ft. Aurora, Colorado campus to produce ZYN nicotine pouches, expanding U.S. manufacturing and converting an initial $600M plan into a $1.2B investment. The launch follows FDA authorization allowing 20 ZYN products to be marketed as modified risk, supporting PMI's smoke-free growth while the company cites stronger-than-expected demand. Competitive pressure is rising as British American Tobacco prepares a national rollout of higher-strength Velo Max and reports rapid Modern Oral growth, which could lengthen Aurora's payback period. The market already prices faster growth for PM versus BAT, reflected in PM's higher forward P/E. » More on finance.yahoo.com