Altria Group, Inc. - MO STOCK NEWS

Poda Holdings announced the filing of a management information circular related to the proposed sale of its assets to Altria Client Services for US$100.5 million. The vote is scheduled for June 22, 2022, with a record date of May 18, 2022. A cash distribution of approximately CDN$0.40 per subordinate voting share is anticipated, representing a 167% premium over the share price prior to the announcement. The sale is recommended by a special committee and requires over 66⅔% approval from shareholders. The transaction is subject to necessary approvals and customary closing conditions.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) held its 2022 Annual Meeting, where CEO Billy Gifford presented the 2021 financial results and 2022 guidance. Altria expects 2022 adjusted diluted EPS between $4.79 and $4.93, reflecting a 4% to 7% growth from 2021's $4.61, weighted towards the year's second half. Key factors include inflation, COVID-19 impacts, and regulatory changes. Preliminary voting results showed the election of 12 Board nominees and approval of executive compensation. Details, including the effect of special items, will be filed in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Altria Group, symbol MO, will host its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This virtual meeting allows shareholders as of March 28, 2022, to vote electronically and ask questions. Non-shareholders can listen as guests but cannot vote or submit questions. Detailed instructions for participation are available at www.altria.com/webcasts. An archived copy of the webcast will also be accessible at altria.com.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) reported Q1 2022 results with net revenues of $5.892 billion, down 2.4% year-over-year, and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.12, reflecting a 4.7% increase. The company reaffirmed its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance between $4.79 and $4.93, with a growth rate of 4% to 7% from 2021. Altria repurchased 11.3 million shares for $576 million and declared $1.6 billion in dividends. Despite challenges from inflation and geopolitical issues, Altria's operations remain stable and focused on advancing smoke-free initiatives.

Altria Group will hold a live audio webcast on April 28, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its 2022 first-quarter business results. A press release with results will be issued at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time the same day. The webcast will feature CEO Billy Gifford and CFO Sal Mancuso, who will also address questions from the investment community. Registration is required for the event, with access details available at altria.com/webcasts. An archived version of the webcast will be posted on the same site.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.90 per share, payable on April 29, 2022, to shareholders of record by March 25, 2022. The ex-dividend date is set for March 24, 2022.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) presented at the virtual Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference, discussing its strategic investments aimed at leading the transition to a smoke-free future. CEO Billy Gifford emphasized the importance of this vision for tobacco consumers, shareholders, and society. Altria reaffirmed its 2022 full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) guidance at $4.79 to $4.93, showing 4% to 7% growth from 2021. The company underscores that its guidance considers various economic factors, including inflation and regulatory developments, while planning substantial investments in smoke-free product initiatives.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) announced that a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Administrative Law Judge dismissed claims regarding its minority investment in JUUL Labs, Inc. The ruling followed a three-week trial, concluding that the evidence did not support the allegations of antitrust violations. The FTC can review the decision, which may also be appealed in U.S. Courts. Altria is focused on leading the transition to smoke-free products.