10-KPeriod: FY2007

ALTRIA GROUP, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2007

Filed February 28, 2008For Securities:MO

Summary

Altria Group, Inc. (MO) in its 2008 10-K filing primarily details its business operations and the significant upcoming spin-off of its international tobacco segment, Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI). This spin-off, scheduled for March 28, 2008, will result in Altria shareholders receiving one share of PMI for each Altria share owned. Following the distribution, Altria's annualized dividend is expected to be $1.16 per share, and PMI's will be $1.84 per share, with both companies establishing dividend policies with target payout ratios. The company also highlights its recent acquisition of John Middleton, Inc., a major manufacturer of machine-made large cigars, for $2.9 billion. This acquisition is part of Altria's strategy to diversify its product offerings. The filing also reiterates the prior spin-off of Kraft Foods Inc. in 2007 and details the ongoing legal proceedings, particularly those related to tobacco litigation, which remain a significant factor for the company. Investors should note the strategic shift away from international operations with the PMI spin-off and the continued focus on the U.S. tobacco market and cigar segment.

Financial Highlights

28 data points
Beta

Revenue

$18.66B

39.6% Gross Margin

Net Income

$9.79B

52.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$4.62

Cash & Equivalents

$4.84B

Free Cash Flow

$9.93B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$18.66B
Cost of Revenue$7.83B
Gross Profit$7.38B
Operating Income$4.37B
Net Income$9.79B
EPS (Basic)$4.64
EPS (Diluted)$4.62

Key Highlights

  • 1Announcement of planned spin-off of Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) to Altria Group, Inc. stockholders, effective March 28, 2008.
  • 2Post-spin-off dividend structure: Altria expected to pay $1.16 annually, PMI expected to pay $1.84 annually.
  • 3Acquisition of John Middleton, Inc. (manufacturer of Black & Mild cigars) for $2.9 billion in cash in December 2007.
  • 4PM USA continues to be the largest cigarette company in the U.S., with Marlboro remaining the top-selling brand, though industry volume is expected to decline.
  • 5PMI's international cigarette shipments increased 2.2% in 2007, with Marlboro remaining the world's largest-selling brand.
  • 6Significant ongoing litigation related to tobacco products, though management believes the litigation environment has improved.
  • 7The company is undergoing a restructuring to optimize worldwide cigarette production, including the closure of a PM USA manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most significant strategic change announced is the planned spin-off of its international tobacco business, Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI), to Altria shareholders. This transaction is expected to be completed on March 28, 2008, and will result in two independent, publicly traded companies.

Following the spin-off, Altria Group, Inc. will adjust its dividend to an initial annualized rate of $1.16 per share, and Philip Morris International Inc. will pay an initial annualized dividend of $1.84 per share. This is intended to ensure that stockholders who retain shares in both companies receive the same aggregate dividend as before the spin-off.

In December 2007, Altria acquired John Middleton, Inc., a leading manufacturer of machine-made large cigars (including the 'Black & Mild' brand), for $2.9 billion in cash. This acquisition aligns with Altria's adjacency strategy to diversify its product portfolio.

Key risks include ongoing tobacco-related litigation, significant governmental actions and regulations aimed at reducing smoking, increased competition in the U.S. tobacco market, and potential foreign currency fluctuations for its international operations (prior to the spin-off). The company also mentions potential IRS challenges to certain financial services leases.