Philip Morris International Inc. - PM STOCK NEWS

Philip Morris International (PM) has completed its acquisition of Fertin Pharma for DKK 5.1 billion (approximately USD 820 million). This strategic move aims to enhance PM's portfolio of smoke-free products and expand into self-care wellness markets. Fertin Pharma, with its 850+ employees and expertise in oral delivery systems, is expected to significantly contribute to PM's 2025 objectives of generating over 50% of revenues from smoke-free products. The acquisition's impact on PM's full-year 2021 adjusted EPS is expected to be immaterial.

The Board of Directors of Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) has increased the quarterly dividend by 4.2% to an annualized rate of $5.00 per share. The new dividend of $1.25 per share, up from $1.20, will be payable on October 14, 2021, to shareholders of record as of September 29, 2021, with an ex-dividend date of September 28, 2021. This adjustment reflects PMI's commitment to returning value to shareholders while continuing its transformation towards smoke-free products.

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) has reaffirmed its 2021 full-year diluted EPS forecast, expecting a range between $5.76 and $5.86, amid an organic growth of 12% to 14%. The company anticipates being toward the upper end of this forecast range, bolstered by strong demand for its IQOS product line. However, it also faces challenges from a global semiconductor shortage impacting device supplies. The ongoing shift to smoke-free products continues, with approximately 14.7 million users switching to IQOS globally.

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) will conduct a live video webcast featuring Chief Financial Officer Emmanuel Babeau during the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference on September 8, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. ET. The event will be conducted virtually, and attendees can view it on www.pmi.com/2021barclays. Presentation slides will also be available. An archived version of the webcast will be accessible until October 7, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

PMI is focused on transitioning to a smoke-free future, making strides in smoke-free product innovation.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced a new business transformation-linked financing framework to support its smoke-free initiatives. The framework aims to align PMI's financing strategy with its sustainability goals, reinforcing its commitment to phasing out cigarettes. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) include increasing the smoke-free revenue percentage to over 50% by 2025 and expanding the number of markets for smoke-free products to 100. The framework has been validated by S&P Global Ratings, highlighting its ambitious and measurable targets for a smoke-free future.

Philip Morris International (PM) has launched IQOS ILUMA, a new tobacco-heating device that utilizes innovative induction-heating technology, marking a significant advancement in their smoke-free product portfolio. This launch follows PMI's commitment to replace cigarettes with better alternatives, with over 20 million global users of the IQOS system. IQOS ILUMA offers cleaner operation with no blades or cleaning required, and emits 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals. Available for pre-order in Japan from August 17, 2021, it represents PMI's ambition to expand its smoke-free product reach to 100 markets by 2025.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has published an offer document to acquire Vectura Group plc for 165 pence per share, representing a 60% premium over the last closing price. This acquisition aligns with PMI's strategy to transform into a smoke-free company and develop inhaled therapeutic products. PMI aims for $1 billion in annual revenues from Beyond Nicotine sources by 2025, having already invested $8.1 billion since 2008 in smoke-free innovations. The deal, valued around 15 times Vectura's 2020 EBITDA, is expected to close in the second half of 2021, pending shareholder acceptance and regulatory approvals.

Philip Morris International (PM) announced its acquisition of OtiTopic, a U.S. company specializing in respiratory drug development. This acquisition targets OtiTopic's late-stage inhalable acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment for acute myocardial infarction, aimed at the 83 million Americans at risk. With plans to leverage its aerosolization expertise, PMI hopes to fast-track the ASPRIHALE® product to market, pending FDA approval. PMI expects the acquisition's impact on its 2021 adjusted diluted EPS to be immaterial, as it strengthens its Beyond Nicotine strategy in therapeutic innovations.

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) reported strong second-quarter results for 2021, achieving a diluted EPS of $1.39, an 11.2% year-over-year increase. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 21.7% to $1.57. Cigarette and heated tobacco shipment volumes increased by 6.1%, driven by a 30.2% rise in heated tobacco units. The company anticipates a full-year adjusted diluted EPS between $5.76 and $5.86 following adjustments for Saudi customs assessments and organizational costs. A new $7 billion share repurchase program was announced, and smoke-free products now contribute 29% to adjusted net revenues.