Philip Morris International Inc. is a tobacco company. It offers cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, e-vapor, and oral nicotine products under the IQOS, VEEV, and ZYN brands, as well as consumer accessories such as lighters and matches. It also offers wellness products. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
PM's smoke-free push gains regulatory wins and a China opening
▲
EU regulatory appeal PM urged the EU to treat tobacco as a legal business ahead of tax and product reviews. If regulators soften rules, PM's cigarette and smoke-free sales face less pressure, lifting the stock. Shares rose 2.7% on the news.
Shows PM actively shaping regulation that directly affects its sales and pricing power.
▲
China patent deal speculation PM's R&D chief met China's tobacco regulator, sparking talk of a patent or licensing deal. A deal could open China's huge market for IQOS and ZYN, a major new growth source. No deal is confirmed yet.
A potential new market is a big-picture growth driver not previously reported.
▲
Raised 2026 EPS outlook PM raised its 2026 EPS forecast to $7.28–$7.43, citing currency only, and said adjusted EPS should rise about 11–13%. Higher expected earnings make the stock more attractive, though the raise is not from operations.
Directly affects earnings expectations, a key driver of the stock price.
▲
Q2 revenue beat PM's Q2 revenue of $11.19 billion beat estimates by 5.5%, the largest beat among 13 consumer stocks tracked. Strong sales show demand is holding up, supporting the stock even as peers' shares fell.
Confirms underlying business strength, a core reason the stock is moving.
Q3 2026
▲2▼1
PM gains on FDA Zyn approval and strong Q2, but valuation and guidance risks temper
▲
FDA authorizes Zyn as modified-risk products The FDA authorized 20 Zyn variants as modified-risk products, a first for the category, plus 11 new ZYN ULTRA variants. This regulatory win could boost demand and support pricing.
This is a major new regulatory event that directly benefits PM's product portfolio.
▲
Strong Q2 results and new production plant Q2 revenue rose 10.4% to $11.19 billion, beating estimates, with adjusted EPS up 15.2%. PM also opened a $1.2 billion Colorado plant to expand ZYN production.
These are new operational and financial results that show strong performance and capacity expansion.
◆
EPS outlook raised but driven by currency, guidance initially cut PM raised its 2026 EPS outlook, but the raise came from currency benefits, not operations. Full-year guidance was initially cut, and Q3 EPS guidance missed estimates.
This highlights the mixed nature of the earnings outlook, with underlying operations not driving the raise.
▼
Valuation concerns after rally After a 22.3% rally, PM trades at 27.2x earnings, above fair value. EU lobbying and a potential China patent deal remain speculative and unconfirmed.
This points to potential downside risk from stretched valuation and unconfirmed speculative factors.
News & notes movingPM
United States
PM▲
Philip Morris International Raises Quarterly Dividend 8.8% to US$1.60 per Share
Philip Morris International Inc. raised its regular quarterly dividend by 8.8% to US$1.60 per share, an annualized US$6.40, while smoke-free products now generate 42% of net revenue. The combination of the higher payout and the growing smoke-free portfolio shows the company reshaping its business mix while maintaining substantial cash returns to shareholders. The dividend increase strengthens the income case but does not materially change the key near-term catalyst, which remains execution in smoke-free growth, or the biggest risk, tighter regulation and taxation on both combustible and reduced-risk products. The company's narrative projects $49.8 billion in revenue and $15.5 billion in earnings by 2029, with a fair value of $203.80, a 5% upside to its current price, while the most pessimistic analysts assume about US$48.9 billion in revenue and US$15.0 billion in earnings by 2029.
Beer tax cut, heated tobacco tax hike, and mandatory anti-customer-harassment measures from October
From October, tax reforms will cut taxes on beer while raising them on happoshu, third-category beer, and heated tobacco. Under the liquor tax revision, tax rates on beer-type beverages will be unified starting next month on the 1st, with beer seeing a tax cut of about 9 yen per 350 milliliters and third-category beer and similar products seeing a tax hike of about 7 yen. Kirin Brewery's Kirin Ichiban Shibori draft beer will change from around 237 yen to around 228 yen, while Suntory's third-category Kinmugi will go from 197 yen to 206 yen. The tobacco tax on heated products will be raised to the same level as cigarettes, with JT's Evo series rising from 580 yen to 620 yen and Philip Morris Japan's Ter ea rising from 620 yen to 640 yen. According to Teikoku Databank, 3,033 food and beverage items are scheduled to see price increases next month, and from the 1st Japan Post will raise basic Yu-Pack shipping rates by an average of 10 percent while Tokyo Expressway tolls will also rise by an average of 8.1 percent. From the 1st, the government will require companies to clarify their policies for protecting employees from customer harassment and to establish consultation systems.
2503.JP · Pricing · Positive Beer tax cut lowers Kirin Ichiban Shibori draft beer from about 237 yen to 228 yen, a favorable price/margin change for its beer.
2587.JP · Pricing · Negative Tax hike on third-category beer raises Suntory's Kinmugi from 197 yen to 206 yen, pressuring its product pricing.
2914.JP · Regulation · Negative Heated-tobacco tax raised to cigarette level, lifting JT's Evo series from 580 yen to 620 yen.
PM · Regulation · Negative Tobacco tax on heated products raised to cigarette level, lifting Philip Morris Japan's Ter ea price from 620 to 640 yen.
6178.JP · Pricing · Negative Japan Post raises basic Yu-Pack shipping rates by an average 10 percent from the 1st.
Altria's on! PLUS Reaches 120,000 Stores as Expansion Enters Flavor Phase
Altria Group's on! PLUS nicotine pouches have reached roughly 120,000 stores nationwide, covering about 90% of nicotine-product volume, the company said. The expansion is already lifting the brand, with on! retail share reaching 8.6% in the second quarter of 2026, up 0.8 share points sequentially and 0.3 share points year over year. Reported on! shipment volume was 49.9 million cans in the quarter, down 4.2% year over year on trade inventory movements, though first-half shipment volume rose 5.1%, and on! brand awareness climbed to 57% from 53% among adult nicotine consumers aged 21-54. The next phase centers on product variety: shipments of 12-milligram on! PLUS resumed in Florida, North Carolina and Texas in three flavors, with national expansion planned for the third quarter, and additional flavors across 6, 9 and 12-milligram strengths, beginning with Blueberry Mint and Mango Pineapple, are planned for the fourth quarter. Rivals are also expanding, as Philip Morris International's ZYN shipments rose 1.8% to 2.9 billion pouches in the second quarter, and Turning Point Brands' Modern Oral net sales surged 128% to $68.4 million, or 48% of total company net sales.
Trump Administration Plans to Speed FDA Approval of Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
The Trump administration is preparing a major regulatory shift to accelerate market authorization for smoke-free nicotine products, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce changes in coming days that ease the requirements of its 2021 premarket review framework, establishing a streamlined pathway for alternative nicotine delivery systems, particularly flavored vapes and nicotine pouches. The overhaul aims to simplify scientific study standards and shorten review times for non-combustible alternatives, which under existing rules face years of regulatory backlog. A streamlined process would provide a substantial operational tailwind for major tobacco operators including Altria Group, Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, and Altria's NJOY vape division recently joined other industry players in suing the FDA over regulatory delays. Administration officials view the proposed rules as a way to displace illicit, unregulated products dominating the domestic marketplace, but the shift faces pushback from public health advocates and bipartisan lawmakers who argue that expanding flavored product authorizations risks increasing youth adoption rates.
Philip Morris International Raises Quarterly Dividend 8.8% to $6.40 Annualized
Philip Morris International announced on 21 September 2026 that it is lifting its regular quarterly dividend by 8.8%, bringing the annualized payout to US$6.40. The revised payout applies to the upcoming dividend cycle and affects shareholders of record as of the next declared date. Management said the higher dividend reflects the board's view of the company's cash generation and financial position. The tobacco group, which carries a market value of about $292.2b, funds the payout from cigarette and related product sales, and the increase tightens the link between its smoke free ambitions and shareholder income. The company's investment case rests on using cash from a shrinking cigarette base to fund a pivot into higher margin smoke free products such as IQOS and ZYN while still rewarding shareholders, though analysts continue to flag its high debt levels as a constraint on flexibility.
PM · Capital · Positive Philip Morris International raises its quarterly dividend 8.8% to a $6.40 annualized payout, a shareholder-return/financial event.
Philip Morris Leads Q2 Beats as Beverage, Alcohol and Tobacco Stocks Slide
Philip Morris International reported second-quarter revenues of $11.19 billion, up 10.4% year on year and 5.5% above analysts' consensus estimates, the biggest estimate beat among the 13 beverages, alcohol, and tobacco stocks tracked. Vita Coco posted the group's best quarter, with revenues of $216.2 million, up 28.1% year on year and 3% ahead of expectations, and the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers, though its stock is down 22.7% since reporting and trades at $57.55. Celsius delivered the weakest performance against estimates, with revenues of $817.9 million, up 10.6% year on year but 6.2% short of expectations, missing significantly on EBITDA and EPS, and its stock is down 2.3% at $28.48. Zevia reported revenues of $45 million, up 1.1% year on year and 1.8% above expectations, while Boston Beer's revenues of $568.3 million fell 3.3% year on year and were in line with expectations. As a group, the 13 stocks beat consensus revenue estimates by 1% and guided next-quarter revenue 2.2% above, yet their shares are down an average of 7.1% since the latest results.
Altria Group's smokeable products business delivered 4.5% price realization in the second quarter of 2026, supported by strong net pricing for Marlboro that was partly offset by the mix impact from Basic's volume growth. Marlboro's retail price was about 7% higher year over year in the quarter, even as the segment's domestic cigarette shipment volume fell 3.2% and shipments adjusted for trade inventory movements declined an estimated 4.5%. Smokeable products revenues net of excise taxes rose 2%, adjusted OCI increased 2.4% to $3.018 billion, and adjusted OCI margin expanded 0.3 percentage points to 64.8%. Marlboro's overall retail share fell 1.5 percentage points to 39.5%, though its share of the premium segment held at 59.6%, while the cigarette industry's discount retail share rose 2.6 percentage points to 33.8% and Basic's retail share climbed to 2.9% from 0.6% a year earlier. Reported shipment volume for Altria's discount cigarette brands, including L&M and Basic, rose 67.3% year over year. For comparison, Philip Morris International reported nearly 10% pricing variance in its combustible business, helping international combustibles net revenues grow 6.4% organically, while Turning Point Brands expanded Zig-Zag adjusted gross margin to 57.3% from 49.1% a year earlier.
MO · Pricing · Positive Altria's smokeable segment posted 4.5% price realization with Marlboro retail prices up ~7% YoY, lifting adjusted OCI 2.4% and margin to 64.8%.
PM · Pricing · Positive Philip Morris International is cited for comparison, with nearly 10% pricing variance in combustibles driving 6.4% organic net revenue growth.
PMI U.S. Expands ZYN Portfolio with New Strengths and ZYN ULTRA
PMI U.S., the American arm of Philip Morris International, announced the expansion of its ZYN nicotine pouch portfolio to include new strengths and a new product line, ZYN ULTRA, offering legal-age adults more smoke-free choices. The flagship ZYN dry pouch lineup now includes 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths in addition to the existing 3 mg and 6 mg, while ZYN ULTRA, a moist pouch with higher moisture content, received FDA marketing authorization for 11 products in August 2026, including ten 9 mg and one 11 mg strengths. These additions build on ZYN's status as the first nicotine pouch authorized by the FDA in January 2025 and the first to receive modified risk tobacco product orders in June 2026, allowing PMI to communicate reduced health risks compared to cigarettes. In Q4, PMI U.S. will transition its 3 mg and 6 mg dry pouches to 20 pouches per can, a preferred package size. CEO Stacey Kennedy emphasized the company's commitment to providing alternatives for the 45 million legal-age American nicotine users, with ZYN manufactured in the U.S., including a new facility in Aurora, Colorado.
PM · Technology · Positive PMI U.S. expands ZYN portfolio with new strengths and FDA-authorized ZYN ULTRA product line, broadening its smoke-free product offering.
Philip Morris Raises FX Outlook as IQOS, ZYN Drive Growth
Philip Morris International has raised its full-year outlook to reflect a favorable foreign-exchange impact of about $0.24, while maintaining its focus on smoke-free products and targeting low-double-digit to low-teens medium-term EPS growth. CEO Jacek Olczak said the guidance revision is solely due to currency movements, with a favorable third-quarter effect of about $0.01. In Japan, the heated-tobacco market is stabilizing after tax-related price increases, and IQOS has maintained a high share of the premium segment. The company is preparing to launch IQOS ILUMA in the U.S. pending FDA authorization, and has expanded its ZYN nicotine pouch line with more than 20 new stock-keeping units, including higher nicotine strengths. Olczak still expects the U.S. nicotine-pouch category to grow above 20% over the longer term, and reiterated that dividend growth remains the top capital-return priority.
Philip Morris Raises 2026 EPS Forecast on Currency
Philip Morris International Inc. raised its 2026 full-year reported diluted EPS forecast to a range of $7.28 to $7.43, reflecting currency only, and updated its third-quarter adjusted diluted EPS forecast to $2.29 to $2.34. Excluding a total adjustment of $1.07 per share, the adjusted diluted EPS forecast of $8.35 to $8.50 represents a projected increase of 10.7% to 12.7% versus $7.54 in 2025. Excluding a favorable currency impact of $0.24 per share, this implies growth of 7.5% to 9.5%. The company's Group CEO, Jacek Olczak, is addressing investors at the 2026 Barclays Global Consumer Conference in Boston today.
Altria's on! PLUS Gains Traction in Expanding Nicotine Pouch Market
Altria Group's on! PLUS is gaining early traction within its oral nicotine portfolio as the U.S. nicotine pouch category expands, with nicotine pouches representing 59.9% of the oral tobacco category in the second quarter of 2026, up 8.1 share points year over year. on! retail share reached 8.6%, rising 0.8 share points sequentially, driven by on! PLUS, which has expanded to about 120,000 stores nationwide. on! shipments were 49.9 million cans in the second quarter, down 4.2% due to trade inventory movements, but first-half shipments increased 5.1%. The portfolio is set to broaden with a 12-milligram version planned for national expansion in the third quarter, and Blueberry Mint and Mango Pineapple extensions across 6, 9, and 12-milligram strengths scheduled for the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Philip Morris International's ZYN shipments rose 1.8% to 2.9 billion pouches in the second quarter, and Turning Point Brands' Modern Oral net sales surged 128% to $68.4 million, representing 48% of total company net sales.
Philip Morris China Meeting Sparks Patent Deal Speculation
Philip Morris International's Chief Global R&D Officer met with China's State Tobacco Monopoly Administration deputy director in Beijing last week, coinciding with China's advancement of mandatory standards for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches. BTIG analyst Owen Bennett suggests the meeting could signal a potential patent dispute or licensing deal, as China Tobacco's heated product iRod uses induction technology similar to Philip Morris's Iluma, potentially infringing on PMI patents. Bennett speculates Philip Morris might negotiate a quota for selling IQOS and Zyn in China or a licensing fee on international or domestic sales to avoid lawsuits. The development is seen as potentially significant for PM shareholders, given China's large market and the ongoing global push of China Tobacco.
Altria's Philip Morris USA Enters Contract Manufacturing Deal With PM Affiliates
Altria Group's Philip Morris USA unit has entered a new contract manufacturing arrangement with overseas affiliates of Philip Morris International to improve operational efficiency. The agreement is designed to enhance PM USA's manufacturing efficiency while generating economic benefits that can support future investment, with each company retaining responsibility for its own commercialization, distribution and regulatory activities. The initiative supports Altria's 2028 Enterprise Goals and could provide transferable capabilities for its international nicotine efforts. In the second quarter of 2026, Altria's smokeable-products adjusted operating companies income rose 2.4% to $3.02 billion, while domestic cigarette shipment volume declined 3.2%.
Altria and Philip Morris Sign Reciprocal Manufacturing Deal
Altria Group and Philip Morris International have entered into reciprocal contract manufacturing arrangements designed to improve manufacturing efficiency and expand operational flexibility. The first shipments are expected in 2027, and both companies said the agreements are not expected to have a material impact on their 2026 results. Altria is looking to increase cigarette imports and exports and capitalize on the U.S. double duty drawback system, which allows tobacco companies to recover certain federal excise taxes previously paid on products that are later exported. For Philip Morris, the agreement provides access to Altria's manufacturing capabilities while allowing it to maintain its existing international-focused cigarette strategy, and the company emphasized that the arrangement does not mean it plans to sell cigarettes in the U.S.
FDA Authorizes Philip Morris' ZYN ULTRA Nicotine Pouches
The FDA has authorized Swedish Match USA, a U.S. affiliate of Philip Morris International, to market 11 ZYN ULTRA moist oral nicotine pouch products following scientific review. The authorizations cover all 9mg ZYN ULTRA variants and one 11mg Smooth variant, while additional 11mg products remain under FDA review. ZYN ULTRA, which has higher moisture content than the flagship ZYN range and is free of tobacco leaf, extends the brand into higher-strength offerings. Philip Morris began commercializing ZYN ULTRA in June 2026 under recent FDA guidance, and the latest action builds on earlier FDA authorizations for ZYN's 3mg and 6mg variants. The decision adds to a series of FDA actions involving Philip Morris' smoke-free portfolio, including 20 ZYN nicotine pouch variants that received Modified Risk Tobacco Product authorizations and marketing authorizations for IQOS devices and General snus.
Philip Morris Q2 Results and FDA ZYN ULTRA Authorization
Philip Morris International reported strong second-quarter 2026 results with year-on-year growth in both revenue and net income, while its affiliate Swedish Match USA received FDA Marketing Granted Orders for 11 ZYN ULTRA moist oral nicotine pouch products, including all 9mg variants and one 11mg variant. The FDA's July 2026 decision to renew Modified Risk Tobacco Product orders for ZYN and certain IQOS devices further expands PMI's portfolio of FDA-sanctioned reduced-exposure offerings. The company's narrative projects $49.8 billion revenue and $15.5 billion earnings by 2029, requiring 5.4% yearly revenue growth and a $4.7 billion earnings increase from $10.8 billion. Some bearish analysts had assumed only about 4.8% annual revenue growth to roughly $48.9 billion by 2029, and their more pessimistic view on tougher regulation and slower smoke-free adoption may need updating after the latest ZYN ULTRA news.
Philip Morris International Fair Value Estimate Raised to $203.80
Simply Wall St has raised its fair value estimate for Philip Morris International from US$193.14 to US$203.80, citing optimism around IQOS and ZYN. The revision reflects a lower revenue growth assumption of 5.36% versus 6.12% previously, a higher net profit margin of 31.10% versus 30.92%, a higher future P/E multiple of 25.98x versus 24.80x, and a higher discount rate of 8.05% versus 7.98%. Several firms, including Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Stifel and BTIG, have lifted their price targets, while UBS maintains a Neutral rating with a target of US$182. Morgan Stanley trimmed its FY26 EPS view by about 1% due to forex and reduced nearer term estimates by US$0.05.
Philip Morris Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Organic Sales Rise 7.6%
Philip Morris reported second-quarter 2026 results that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both top and bottom lines. Adjusted earnings per share rose 15.2% year over year to $2.20, above the consensus of $2.04, while net revenues increased 10.4% on a reported basis to $11,192 million, beating the consensus of $10,556 million. Organic revenues grew 7.6%, driven by favorable pricing in international combustibles and strong international smoke-free volumes. The company lowered its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $8.26 to $8.41, down from the prior $8.36 to $8.51, and now expects reported EPS of $7.19 to $7.34. For the third quarter of 2026, Philip Morris projects adjusted EPS between $2.20 and $2.25.
Philip Morris Doubles ZYN Investment to $1.2 Billion with Colorado Plant Opening
Philip Morris International opened a $1.2 billion manufacturing campus in Aurora, Colorado, dedicated to producing ZYN nicotine pouches, doubling the project's original $600 million estimate. The 780,000-square-foot facility, built on 148 acres, combines production, packaging, warehousing, and distribution, and is expected to employ about 500 people once fully staffed. The opening follows a June 30 FDA authorization making ZYN the first nicotine pouch allowed to market itself as lower risk than cigarettes. Meanwhile, rival British American Tobacco reported a 65.9% increase in Modern Oral revenue in the first half of 2026, driven by Velo Plus and Grizzly Modern Oral, and plans a national US rollout of its higher-strength Velo Max in the second half of the year.
Philip Morris International Faces Brazil Lawsuit Pressure Amid Valuation Debate
Philip Morris International is under renewed scrutiny as Brazil's landmark public health lawsuit moves closer to a liability ruling, adding legal risk to the investment picture. The stock has pulled back 6.6% over the past week, even as it posted a 9.6% return over 90 days and an 18% total shareholder return over one year. A widely followed narrative pegs the company's fair value at $193.14, about 3.2% above its last close of $186.91, supported by strong double-digit volume and margin growth in smoke-free platforms like IQOS, ZYN, and VEEV. However, Philip Morris International's current price-to-earnings ratio of 26.9 times sits well above the global tobacco industry average of 12.1 times and peer average of 18.7 times, raising questions about whether the upside is already priced in. Investors are weighing the secular shift toward smoke-free alternatives against risks such as tougher regulation and any slowdown in adoption.
Discount retailers lift consumer staples in July as alcohol, tobacco lag
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund rose 2.6% in July, as gains in discount retailers offset declines in alcoholic beverage and tobacco stocks. Target and Dollar General each rose about 10%, while Coca-Cola gained 7%, Molson Coors added 6.7%, and Philip Morris advanced 5.7%. Constellation Brands fell 6.3% to become the sector's worst performer, followed by Altria down 5.6%, Keurig Dr Pepper down 4%, and Procter & Gamble and Walmart each down 2%. Analyst Justin Purohit said Target's rally was driven by company-specific execution, while Dollar General's strength reflected consumers trading down amid inflation pressures, and he flagged discount retailers including Dollar Tree, TJX Companies, Ross Stores, and Burlington Stores as best positioned if inflation remains sticky.
Philip Morris Doubles Zyn Investment to $1.2 Billion
Philip Morris International doubled its planned investment in a Colorado manufacturing campus to approximately $1.2 billion through 2028, expanding production capacity for Zyn nicotine pouches. The company originally announced a $600 million investment in 2024 to construct the Aurora facility, which officially opened on Monday and will serve domestic demand and export markets across Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately $550 million in annual economic activity and support 1,000 indirect jobs. The expansion follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's authorization of 20 Zyn nicotine-pouch products, allowing Philip Morris to market them as less harmful than cigarettes.
PM · Capital · Positive Philip Morris doubles Zyn investment to $1.2B, expanding production capacity and receiving FDA authorization for reduced-harm marketing.
Philip Morris Rises After Cutting 2026 Profit Forecast on Currency, Not Operations
Philip Morris International shares rose 3.33% to $194.30 after the company cut its 2026 adjusted earnings forecast for the third time this year, a reduction driven entirely by a smaller expected currency benefit rather than weaker underlying operations. The company lowered its reported adjusted diluted EPS guidance to between $8.26 and $8.41 from $8.31 to $8.46, while its currency-neutral forecast remained unchanged at $8.11 to $8.26. An unexpectedly strong cigarette business helped Philip Morris beat revenue and adjusted earnings estimates, with volumes increasing 1.1% to 156.9 billion units, substantially above the 151.17 billion consensus cited by Bernstein. The company also improved its full-year cigarette-volume outlook to a decline of 2% to 3%, compared with its previous forecast of around 3%. International smoke-free revenue grew 11.8% organically, supported by IQOS and VEEV, while U.S. ZYN shipments recovered sequentially, rising 1.8% to 2.9 billion pouches after a first-quarter decline of more than 23%.
FDA grants ZYN first modified risk status for a nicotine pouch in the US
The US Food and Drug Administration has authorized Philip Morris International's ZYN nicotine pouches as modified risk tobacco products, making ZYN the first and only smoke-free nicotine pouch to receive this regulatory status in the United States. The decision recognizes the company's harm reduction science and sets a new benchmark for smoke-free alternatives. The authorization explicitly links complete switching from cigarettes to ZYN with lower exposure to harmful chemicals and a lower expected risk of several smoking-related diseases. The ruling comes with strict conditions on communication and surveillance, so ZYN's contribution will depend on how Philip Morris International balances commercial rollout with these obligations. The move strengthens the company's push toward smoke-free products at a time when traditional cigarettes face ongoing regulatory and volume pressure, and gives it a differentiated regulatory asset in the US nicotine pouch category against competitors such as Altria, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco.
Wabtec, Philip Morris, CME rise on earnings beats while GE Vernova falls on miss
Several major companies saw significant stock moves after reporting second-quarter 2026 results. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shares jumped 10% after posting revenues of $3.18 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.08 billion. Philip Morris International shares rose 3.3% after earnings of $2.20 per share topped the consensus of $2.04. CME Group shares gained 5% after revenues of $1.71 billion exceeded the estimate of $1.68 billion. GE Vernova shares fell 8.7% after earnings of $2.47 per share missed the consensus of $3.17.
Philip Morris International Reports 8% Organic Revenue Growth in Q2
Philip Morris International reported an 8% organic increase in net revenue and an 11% rise in operating income for the second quarter of 2026. Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $2.20, up 14% on a currency-neutral basis, while quarterly net revenues exceeded $11 billion. IQOS adjusted in-market sales volume grew 5% despite headwinds in Japan and Poland, and ZYN shipments rose 2% to 2.9 billion pouches. The company plans to accelerate US investments in the second half to support ZYN brand equity and portfolio expansion, maintaining its full-year guidance.
Super Micro Computer surges 17% premarket on strong preliminary results
Super Micro Computer shares surged about 17% in premarket trading after the server maker reported preliminary fourth-quarter results with much stronger profitability than expected, offsetting revenue near the low end of guidance. The positive sentiment spilled over to server peers Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, both up more than 4%. Pegasystems tumbled more than 14% after second-quarter adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share missed the 43-cent FactSet consensus. Nuclear reactor suppliers Oklo and X-Energy rose after a Bloomberg report that they are joining a Trump administration effort to speed nuclear power plant development for AI data centers, with X-Energy up 4% and Oklo higher by more than 3.5%. Rocket Lab gained 4% after winning a $266 million U.S. Air Force contract for 12 suborbital vehicle launches expected by the end of 2028. Cal-Maine Foods dropped more than 4.5% after reporting a surprise fiscal fourth-quarter loss of 76 cents per share versus expectations for an 8-cent profit, citing historically low inflation-adjusted egg prices. GE Vernova declined more than 7% despite beating second-quarter revenue and raising full-year guidance, with CEO Scott Strazik highlighting a $176 billion backlog. AT&T rose 3% after adjusted earnings of 65 cents per share topped the 59-cent consensus, while Philip Morris International slipped 0.5% on a weaker-than-expected third-quarter earnings forecast of $2.20 to $2.25 per share, below the $2.42 estimate. CME Group added 1% after reporting second-quarter earnings and revenue above expectations and noting its best first half of a year ever.
Philip Morris beats Q2 estimates but weak Q3 guidance sends shares lower
Philip Morris International reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that beat analyst expectations, but shares edged lower after the company issued third-quarter earnings guidance that fell well below consensus. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.20, surpassing the $2.03 consensus, while revenue of $11.2 billion exceeded the $10.6 billion estimate, marking the first time quarterly net revenues topped $11 billion. For the third quarter, the company expects adjusted EPS between $2.20 and $2.25, with the midpoint of $2.225 significantly missing the analyst consensus of $2.43. The smoke-free business drove growth with revenue up 11.7%, and total shipment volume increased 2.5% led by a 7.5% rise in smoke-free products. Philip Morris maintained its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS forecast of $8.26 to $8.41, representing growth of 9.5% to 11.5% versus 2025.
Alphabet and Intel to Report Earnings, Gauging the AI Market's Direction
In the U.S. stock market for the week starting on the 20th, a wave of corporate earnings reports is likely to sway the market. On the 22nd, Google parent Alphabet and Tesla will report, followed by Intel on the 23rd. According to LSEG IBES data, S&P 500 companies are expected to post a sharp 25.7 percent increase in second-quarter profits. Particular attention is on Alphabet, one of the Magnificent Seven, and Kevin Mahn, chief investment officer at Hennion & Walsh Asset Management, notes that if the company shows a retreat in AI infrastructure investment, it could have ripple effects across the entire AI ecosystem. In addition, more than 80 S&P 500 companies are scheduled to report, including Philip Morris International and defense contractor RTX. Meanwhile, caution persists over rising energy prices and accelerating inflation due to the rekindling of the U.S.-Iran conflict.
GOOG · Capital · Neutral Alphabet is reporting earnings; the article focuses on potential AI investment retreat, but actual results are unknown.
INTC · Capital · Neutral Intel is reporting earnings; the article mentions it as part of the earnings wave, but no specific guidance or results are given.
TSLA · Capital · Neutral Tesla is reporting earnings on the 22nd; the article does not provide any specific information about its results or outlook.
PM · Capital · Neutral Philip Morris International is mentioned as one of many S&P 500 companies reporting, but no details are provided.
RTX · Capital · Neutral RTX is mentioned as one of many S&P 500 companies reporting, but no details are provided.
FDA Grants ZYN Modified Risk Status, Philip Morris International Shares Rise 6.3%
Philip Morris International shares rose 6.3% after the U.S. FDA authorized its ZYN nicotine pouches as modified risk tobacco products, making ZYN the first and only nicotine pouch brand with that status in the U.S. The FDA recognized that switching completely from cigarettes to ZYN reduces exposure to harmful chemicals linked to major smoking-related diseases. This decision gives Philip Morris a distinct regulatory and scientific edge in the fast-growing smoke-free segment. The authorization, alongside the April 2026 renewal of modified risk status for IQOS and HEETS, further validates the company's reduced-exposure platform in the U.S. market.
Philip Morris International's ZYN FDA authorization sparks debate on valuation
Philip Morris International is in focus after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized its ZYN nicotine pouches as modified risk tobacco products, a first for the category. The stock has rallied 22.3% over the past 90 days and 147.74% over five years, pushing it near the average analyst price target. A widely followed narrative pegs fair value at $193.14, implying about 10% upside from the last close of $192.98, driven by strong growth in smoke-free platforms like IQOS, ZYN, and VEEV. However, the company's price-to-earnings ratio of 27.2 times exceeds its estimated fair ratio of 25.4 times and the peer average of 22 times, suggesting much optimism is already priced in. Investors must weigh the risk that declining cigarette volumes or a slowdown in the smoke-free rollout could pressure revenue and margins.
Philip Morris Q2 Earnings Expected to Rise on Smoke-Free Momentum
Philip Morris International is expected to report higher revenue and earnings for the second quarter on July 22. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is $10.56 billion, up 4.1% from a year ago, while the consensus earnings estimate has risen a penny over the past 30 days to $2.04 a share, implying 6.8% growth. The company's smoke-free transformation, led by IQOS, VEEV, and ZYN outside the United States, is likely to have driven results, though IQOS growth in Japan may have moderated after excise-driven pricing actions. Sustained pricing power, premium brand strength, and cost management are expected to have supported margins, while elevated commercial spending and regulatory delays may have partly offset performance. The Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat, as Philip Morris carries a Zacks Rank of 4 and an Earnings ESP of +0.69%.
Philip Morris International to Host Webcast of 2026 Second-Quarter and First Six-Months Results
Philip Morris International will host a live audio webcast on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its 2026 second-quarter and first six-months financial results. The results will be issued at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET the same day. The webcast will be hosted by Emmanuel Babeau, Group Chief Financial Officer, and Massimo Andolina, incoming Group CFO, and will include a discussion of PMI's financial results and a Q&A session with the investment community in listen-only mode. The webcast recording and accompanying slides and script will be available for one year after the event.
Philip Morris Touted as Top Consumer Staple Pick, MGP Ingredients and ADM Flagged as Sells
StockStory highlights Philip Morris as a resilient consumer staple stock with exciting potential, citing its premium pricing power, 66.5% gross margin, and strong free cash flow. The firm recommends avoiding MGP Ingredients, which has seen annual revenue declines of 12.9% and a 17.4% annual drop in earnings per share over three years, and Archer-Daniels-Midland, whose sales have fallen 7.5% annually amid a commoditized gross margin of 6.3%. Philip Morris trades at 21.9 times forward earnings, while MGP Ingredients and ADM trade at 9 times and 15.1 times, respectively.
UBS Lifts Philip Morris International Price Target by $14
UBS raised its price target on Philip Morris International from $168 to $182 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The company's smoke-free products now account for roughly 41% of revenue with gross margins near 69.5%, and contributions from alternatives like IQOS and ZYN have doubled. Philip Morris has increased its annual dividend every year since going public in 2008, totaling a 219.6% rise.
British American Tobacco to cut 5,500 jobs in major restructuring
British American Tobacco has announced a global restructuring plan that will cut approximately 5,500 jobs and outsource around 3,500 roles by the end of the year. The move is part of a shift toward smokeless nicotine products amid declining demand for traditional cigarettes. The Fit2Win program targets significant annual cost savings by 2028, with management aiming to reinvest freed-up capital into vaping, heated tobacco, and modern oral products. The company affirmed its interim dividend of 245.04p per share, payable in quarterly instalments, signalling a balance between restructuring and shareholder returns. Execution risks and competitive pressure from Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco remain key areas for investors to monitor.
BATS.LSE · Capital · Positive BAT announces major restructuring (Fit2Win) targeting cost savings and reinvestment in growth areas, with affirmed dividend
2914.JP · Competition · Negative BAT's restructuring and reinvestment in smokeless products increases competitive pressure on Japan Tobacco
PM · Competition · Negative BAT's restructuring and reinvestment in smokeless products increases competitive pressure on PMI
FDA clears 20 Zyn nicotine pouch variants for reduced-risk marketing
The FDA issued Modified Risk Tobacco Product orders for 20 Zyn nicotine pouch variants, allowing Philip Morris International's U.S. unit to market them as carrying a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis than cigarettes. This is the first time any nicotine pouch has received such a designation. The authorization is effective immediately and permits the company to embed FDA-sanctioned health-advantage language directly into advertising and packaging. PMI U.S. CEO Stacey Kennedy said the ruling ensures adults have access to accurate, science-based information, including FDA-authorized evidence that switching from cigarettes to Zyn reduces the risk of smoking-related diseases. Zyn was first authorized for sale in the United States in January 2025, and Tuesday's orders go further by permitting affirmative reduced-risk claims.
Philip Morris International Preferred Over Altria for 2026 Investment
Philip Morris International is the better long-term investment compared to Altria in 2026, according to an analysis by The Motley Fool. Altria reported fiscal 2025 revenue of nearly $20.1 billion, a decline of roughly 1.5%, with net income of close to $6.9 billion and a net margin of approximately 34%. Philip Morris International posted revenue of approximately $40.6 billion, growth of nearly 7.3%, net income of roughly $11.3 billion, and a net margin of approximately 27.9%. Altria offers a higher dividend yield of 5.73% versus Philip Morris's 3.22%, but Philip Morris's international reach and focus on smoke-free products like Iqos and ZYN are seen as more resilient amid declining U.S. smoking rates. Both companies carry significant debt, with Altria's debt-to-equity ratio at roughly -7.3x and Philip Morris's at close to -4.9x, and face regulatory and litigation risks.
MO · Capital · Negative Altria's revenue declined 1.5% and it is seen as less resilient due to declining U.S. smoking rates, making it a worse investment compared to Philip Morris.
PM · Capital · Positive Philip Morris posted 7.3% revenue growth and is preferred for its international reach and smoke-free products like Iqos and ZYN.
Philip Morris International Named to WSJ Leadership Institute's Inaugural Best Companies for the Future Ranking
Philip Morris International has been named to the WSJ Leadership Institute's inaugural Best Companies for the Future ranking, placing 97th overall and third in the Food Beverage & Tobacco industry group behind Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. The ranking, compiled by Bendable Labs for the WSJ Leadership Institute, evaluates S&P 500 companies on AI readiness, innovation, talent readiness, financial fitness, resilience, and agility. PMI's inclusion reflects its transformation into a smoke-free consumer goods company, with smoke-free products accounting for 43% of first-quarter 2026 net revenues and over 43 million legal-age consumers using them as of December 2025. Group CEO Jacek Olczak said the recognition underscores the company's commitment to reinventing itself and delivering long-term value through innovation and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.
PM · Technology · Positive Named to WSJ Leadership Institute's Best Companies for the Future ranking, reflecting innovation and transformation to smoke-free products.
Philip Morris International reaffirms $1.47 quarterly dividend and urges EU to treat tobacco like any other legal business
Philip Morris International reaffirmed its quarterly dividend of US$1.47 per share payable July 20, 2026, and publicly advocated for the European Union to treat tobacco like any other legal business ahead of key regulatory reviews. The company also announced regional leadership changes effective August 1, 2026. These moves come as Philip Morris International continues its shift toward smoke-free products while managing regulatory and tax headwinds, particularly in the EU. The reaffirmed dividend underscores the company's commitment to returning cash to shareholders even as it invests in reduced-risk products.
USA
