The year 2024 is turning out to be strong for Philip Morris International PM. The tobacco giant surged about 44% from mid-April to early September, rebounding from a downturn earlier in the year.
Philip Morris International (PM) posted robust third-quarter 2024 results on Oct. 22, wherein the top and bottom lines increased year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The cigarette maker was experiencing a downtrend, declining approximately 6.7% from early September before rebounding with a surge of around 10% following the earnings announcement.
The tobacco company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.91, which jumped 14.4% from the year-ago quarter. Markedly, the bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.83 by 4.37%. Excluding currency movements, adjusted EPS for the quarter increased 18% year over year to $1.97.
Net revenues of $9.9 billion saw an increase of 11.6% on an organic basis from the same quarter last year, driven by robust pricing and rising demand for smoke-free products. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the top line was pegged at $9.57 billion, reflecting a positive surprise of 3.55%.
Operating income for the quarter reached $3.7 billion, marking an increase of 13.8% from the year-ago quarter on an organic basis.
Total cigarette and HTU shipment volumes increased by 2.6% to about 198.6 billion units in the quarter, driven by an 8.9% increase in HTU shipments across all regions. PMI’s Total Oral SFP shipment volume increased 24.7% from the year-ago quarter, boosted by a 43.6% increase in shipment volumes for PMI’s Nicotine Pouches.
The smoke-free business (SFB) of the world’s largest tobacco company accounted for about 38% of its total net revenues, highlighting Philip Morris’ goal of transforming into a smoke-free enterprise. Continuing with its robust momentum, SFB’s top line witnessed organic growth of 16.8% year over year, with a 20.2% organic increase in its gross profits.
According to Reuters, higher prices and robust demand for PMI’s smoke-free alternatives fueled the rise in the tobacco giant’s profit forecast and robust third quarter. Philip Morris has invested billions in developing cigarette substitutes as health-conscious consumers shift toward alternatives like its IQOS heated tobacco device and ZYN nicotine pouches, which have become a key focus for investors.
For 2024, PM expects adjusted EPS in the band of $6.45-$6.51, highlighting growth of 7.3-8.3% from the year-ago figures. The company had reported EPS of $6.01 in 2023. Excluding currency movements, adjusted EPS is envisioned in the band of $6.85-$6.91, suggesting 14-15% growth from the year-ago reported figure.
For 2024, PM expects net revenues to increase in the band of 9.5% on an organic basis, along with organic growth of 14-14.5% in its operating income. The tobacco giant forecasts an acceleration in its organic smoke-free net revenues and gross profit growth from 2023.
Here, we have highlighted some ETFs with significant exposure to Philip Morris.
iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF has 8.39% exposure in PM. The fund has gained 0.14% over the past month and 16.44% over the past year. IYK charges an annual fee of 0.40%.
First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund has an exposure of 5.98% in PM. The fund has gained 1.74% over the past month and 31.27% over the past year. FDL charges an annual fee 0.45%.
Invesco S&P Ultra Dividend Revenue ETF has an exposure of 5.57% in PM. The fund has gained 0.67% over the past month and 39.68% over the past year. RDIV has an expense ratio of 0.39%.
Amplify AI Powered Equity ETF has 5.79% weight in PM. The fund has gained 1.94% over the past month and 27.03% over the past year. AIEQ charges an annual fee of 0.75%.
Cambria Cannabis ETF has an exposure of 4.81% in PM. The fund has gained 4.64% over the past month and 8.73% over the past year. TOKE charges an annual fee of 0.42%.
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