What was the primary driver of the significant increase in net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2006?

The primary driver of the increase in net earnings to $9.1 billion from $8.1 billion was a substantial non-cash tax benefit of approximately $1.0 billion. This benefit resulted from the IRS concluding its examination of Altria Group's consolidated tax returns for the years 1996 through 1999 and issuing a final Revenue Agent's Report.

How did the different business segments perform?

The tobacco segments (domestic and international) showed revenue growth. International tobacco benefited from acquisitions and price increases, while domestic tobacco saw improved results due to lower promotional allowance rates. Kraft Foods (food segment) reported higher revenues driven by volume and pricing, and also recorded a significant gain from the redemption of its investment in United Biscuits. Financial services income improved due to higher gains on asset management activity.

What significant corporate restructuring or strategic changes were announced?

Altria Group's Board of Directors announced its intention to finalize a decision regarding the distribution of all Kraft shares owned by Altria to Altria's shareholders by January 31, 2007. This indicates a potential spin-off of Kraft Foods. Additionally, Kraft is continuing with its restructuring program, which is expected to result in significant pre-tax charges and cost savings.

What is the company's outlook for the full year 2006?

Altria Group, Inc. revised its projection for full-year 2006 diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) from continuing operations upwards. The new forecast is in the range of $5.48 to $5.53, an increase from the previously disclosed range of $5.40 to $5.50, reflecting positive impacts from divestitures and acquisition-related gains.

MO 10-Q Quarterly Report Q3 FY2006 — Revenue, Net Income, EPS

Summary

Altria Group, Inc. reported solid financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, with net earnings of $9.1 billion, an increase from $8.1 billion in the prior year. This growth was primarily driven by a significant non-cash tax benefit of approximately $1.0 billion resulting from the favorable conclusion of an IRS examination for the years 1996-1999. Excluding this tax benefit, earnings from continuing operations still showed a healthy increase, bolstered by improved performance across its tobacco and food segments. The company's tobacco segments, both domestic and international, demonstrated revenue growth, with international tobacco benefiting from strategic acquisitions. Kraft Foods, the food segment, experienced a gain on the redemption of its investment in United Biscuits, contributing positively to overall results. Despite increased restructuring and asset impairment costs, particularly within Kraft, the company managed to grow its operating income. Altria also announced plans to spin off Kraft shares to its shareholders, with a decision expected in early 2007.

Key Highlights

1Net earnings for the first nine months of 2006 increased to $9.1 billion from $8.1 billion in the same period of 2005, primarily due to a $1.0 billion non-cash tax benefit.
2Operating income grew to $13.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, up from $13.0 billion in the prior year, driven by positive contributions from tobacco and food segments.
3International tobacco net revenues increased by 5.2% (or 2.5% excluding excise taxes) due to acquisitions and price increases, despite unfavorable currency movements.
4Kraft Foods reported a significant pre-tax gain of $251 million from the redemption of its investment in United Biscuits.
5The company announced plans to spin off all Kraft shares to its shareholders, with a decision expected by January 31, 2007.
6Altria Group, Inc. revised its full-year 2006 diluted EPS from continuing operations forecast upwards to a range of $5.48 to $5.53.
7Total debt decreased to $19.6 billion at September 30, 2006, from $23.9 billion at December 31, 2005, improving the debt-to-equity ratio.

ALTRIA GROUP, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2006

Summary

Key Highlights

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