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10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

Philip Morris International Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2008

Filed May 8, 2008For Securities:PM

Summary

Philip Morris International (PM) reported strong revenue and earnings growth for the first quarter of 2008, driven by significant price increases and favorable currency movements, particularly against the Euro and other major currencies. The company successfully separated from Altria Group, Inc. on March 28, 2008, becoming an independent, publicly traded entity. This separation involved complex financial adjustments, including the reclassification of stock awards and transfers of employee benefit liabilities, resulting in a net payment from Altria to PMI. Despite a slight decline in cigarette shipment volume in some regions, particularly the European Union, PMI's overall volume saw a modest increase driven by acquisitions in Pakistan and Mexico. The company's strategic focus on premium brands and market share gains in key regions, coupled with cost-saving initiatives like the Manufacturing Optimization Program, contributed positively to operating income. PMI also reiterated its 2008 diluted EPS forecast, indicating confidence in continued growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Philip Morris International (PM) successfully completed its spin-off from Altria Group, Inc. on March 28, 2008, becoming an independent public company.
  • 2Net revenues increased by 17.6% to $15.6 billion, driven by a 14.1% increase in net revenues excluding excise taxes, primarily due to favorable currency ($482 million) and net price increases ($292 million).
  • 3Operating income grew significantly by 32.1% to $2.8 billion, benefiting from net price increases, favorable currency movements, and reduced asset impairment and exit costs.
  • 4Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.89, a 29.0% increase compared to $0.69 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 5Total cigarette volume increased by 2.2% to 217.9 billion units, aided by acquisitions in Pakistan and Mexico, although volume declined in the European Union.
  • 6The company recorded $23 million in pre-tax asset impairment and exit costs in Q1 2008, a decrease from $62 million in Q1 2007, reflecting ongoing streamlining efforts.
  • 7PMI announced a new $13.0 billion, two-year share repurchase program commencing May 1, 2008, and intends to pay an initial annualized dividend of $1.84 per share.

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