Philip Morris (PM) Nears Smoke-Free Milestone with 39.3% Revenue from Innovative Products
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) has released its earnings for the fourth quarter of 2023, revealing significant insights into its performance and strategic directions.
The fourth quarter saw Philip Morris International continue its robust performance, with notable growth in smoke-free products, now representing a significant portion of its net revenues. Smoke-free products accounted for 39.3% of total net revenues, a testament to PMI’s strategic pivot towards reduced-risk products and its commitment to a smoke-free future. This shift is further highlighted by the adjusted in-market sales volume for heated tobacco units (HTUs), which saw an estimated increase of 13.9%, marking a pivotal shift in consumer preferences towards smoke-free alternatives.
PM Misses EPS Expectations in Q4, Revenue in Line
When comparing the actual performance to the expectations set for the quarter, PMI showcased a strong alignment with its forecasts. The company reported net revenues of $9.0 billion, closely aligning with the expected revenue of $9.01 billion. The earnings per share (EPS) of $1.41 slightly missed the anticipated $1.45, reflecting the dynamic challenges in the global market yet underscoring PMI’s resilience and strategic execution in navigating these complexities.
Guidance for the Future
Looking ahead, PMI has provided an optimistic outlook for 2024, forecasting a reported diluted EPS in the range of $5.90 to $6.02, compared to $5.02 in 2023. This forecast represents a projected increase of 7.0% to 9.0% versus the adjusted diluted EPS of $6.01 in 2023, excluding a total 2024 adjustment of $0.42 per share and an adverse currency impact of $0.11. This guidance reflects PMI’s confidence in its strategic initiatives, particularly its emphasis on accelerating the growth of smoke-free net revenues and operational efficiencies.
Disclaimer: The author does not hold or have a position in any securities discussed in the article.