Summary
Altria Group, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, with net earnings attributable to Altria Group, Inc. of $5.07 billion, a 11.8% increase from the prior year, driven by lower losses on debt extinguishment and reduced interest expenses. The company's primary revenue driver remains its smokeable products segment, which includes the flagship Marlboro brand, though shipment volumes for cigarettes saw a slight decline. The smokeless products segment, led by Copenhagen and Skoal, demonstrated growth in both shipment volume and retail share. The innovative tobacco products segment, notably the MarkTen e-vapor products, saw expanded national distribution. The company continued its commitment to shareholder returns through significant dividend payments and share repurchases, with over $939 million spent on repurchases during the year.
Financial Highlights
52 data points| Revenue | $24.52B |
| Cost of Revenue | $7.79B |
| Gross Profit | $10.16B |
| R&D Expenses | $167.00M |
| Operating Income | $7.62B |
| Interest Expense | $857.00M |
| Net Income | $5.07B |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.56 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.98B |
Key Highlights
- 1Net earnings attributable to Altria Group, Inc. increased by 11.8% to $5.07 billion in 2014.
- 2Diluted EPS grew by 13.3% to $2.56, aided by share repurchases and operational improvements.
- 3The smokeable products segment, while facing a slight volume decline in cigarettes, maintained market share and benefited from higher pricing.
- 4The smokeless products segment showed growth, with increased shipment volumes and combined retail share for its premium brands, Copenhagen and Skoal.
- 5Altria expanded its presence in the innovative tobacco products category with the national rollout of MarkTen e-vapor products and the acquisition of Green Smoke.
- 6The company returned significant capital to shareholders, with $3.96 billion in dividends paid and $939 million in shares repurchased during 2014.
- 7Altria holds a substantial 27% equity interest in SABMiller, contributing $1.006 billion to its earnings in 2014.