Earlier today, cigarette manufacturer and marketer Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, benefiting from price increases in some markets. Earnings per share came in at 93 cents, 3 cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate. On a year-over-year basis, Philip Morris’ earnings per share was flat (excluding a tax benefit of 8 cents in 2008), while net revenues declined 4.6% to $16.6 billion, attributable to unfavorable currency translations and weak results in the European Union (EU), Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa (EEMA) markets. Revenue, Volumes & Margins On an organic basis (excluding currency and acquisitions), revenues increased 4.1% driven by favorable pricing. Cigarette volume was down almost 3% year-over-year to 219.3 billion units, mainly because of declines in EU, EEMA and Asia. The first two regions were adversely affected by the economic crisis (especially in Spain and Ukraine) and unfavorable comparisons ...

“Philip Morris International remains a buy, despite these difficult markets,” says Tom Slee in GordonPape’s Internet Wealth Builder. Here he reviews the global tobacco firm

track tom’s picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/stocks/category/552

“Spun off from the Altria Group earlier this year, Philip Morris International is off to a flying start.

“The company posted strong second-quarter earnings. After a special charge for its Rothmans acquisition, earnings came in at 81c a share, up from 69c a share the year before.

“The company had been reporting as a clearly defined division of Altria so it’s possible to make comparisons and plot progress.

“Gross revenues rose 17.6% to $15.6 billion with double-digit growth in all business segments, helped to some extent by currency benefits. Sales were particularly strong in Egypt, Russia, and Argentina.

“At the same time, the company is engaged in an extensive cost reduction program. It’s a positive picture and PM

...

“Philip Morris International remains a buy, despite these difficult markets,” says Tom Slee in GordonPape’s Internet Wealth Builder. Here he reviews the global tobacco firm

track tom’s picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/stocks/category/552

“Spun off from the Altria Group earlier this year, Philip Morris International is off to a flying start.

“The company posted strong second-quarter earnings. After a special charge for its Rothmans acquisition, earnings came in at 81c a share, up from 69c a share the year before.

“The company had been reporting as a clearly defined division of Altria so it’s possible to make comparisons and plot progress.

“Gross revenues rose 17.6% to $15.6 billion with double-digit growth in all business segments, helped to some extent by currency benefits. Sales were particularly strong in Egypt, Russia, and Argentina.

“At the same time, the company is engaged in an extensive cost reduction program. It’s a positive picture and PM

...

“Philip Morris International remains a buy, despite these difficult markets,” says Tom Slee in GordonPape’s Internet Wealth Builder. Here he reviews the global tobacco firm

track tom’s picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/stocks/category/552

“Spun off from the Altria Group earlier this year, Philip Morris International is off to a flying start.

“The company posted strong second-quarter earnings. After a special charge for its Rothmans acquisition, earnings came in at 81c a share, up from 69c a share the year before.

“The company had been reporting as a clearly defined division of Altria so it’s possible to make comparisons and plot progress.

“Gross revenues rose 17.6% to $15.6 billion with double-digit growth in all business segments, helped to some extent by currency benefits. Sales were particularly strong in Egypt, Russia, and Argentina.

“At the same time, the company is engaged in an extensive cost reduction program. It’s a positive picture and PM

...