$PM

Philip Morris International (PM) raised its quarterly dividend by 8.8% to $1.60, increasing the annualized rate to $6.40 and yielding 3.1%. The company has consistently raised dividends since 2008, with recent increases funded by strong cash flow. PM's adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 is $8.26 to $8.41, and dividends consume about 76-77% of this range. Revenue grew 10.4% in Q2, driven by smoke-free products.

Australia's illicit tobacco market is estimated at 50-60% of consumption, costing $7.7-11.8 billion in lost tax revenue. Philip Morris and other tobacco companies are lobbying for excise tax cuts, raising concerns about industry influence on public health policies. Experts warn that reducing taxes could make tobacco more affordable, potentially increasing smoking rates.

McDonald's (MCD), Philip Morris (PM), and T-Mobile (TMUS) raised their dividends. MCD became a Dividend King with a 4% increase to $1.93 per share, a 3.3% yield. PM increased its dividend by 9% to $1.60 per share, yielding 3.2%. TMUS raised its dividend by 15% to $1.17 per share, yielding 2.8%. Each company cited strong cash flow and operational resilience.

Four companies—Philip Morris (PM), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), Southern Company (SO), and Prudential Financial (PRU)—raised dividends in 2020 and continue to cover payouts with earnings. PM's yield is 3.16%, BMY's 4.35%, SO's 3.46%, and PRU's 4.96%. Each operates in distinct sectors: tobacco, utilities, pharma, and insurance. PM's smoke-free products grew, BMY's newer drugs outperformed, SO benefits from data center demand, and PRU's asset management and retirement business expanded.

Vita Coco raised full-year guidance but its stock fell 22.1% post-earnings. Celsius reported $817.9M revenue, missing estimates, and its stock dropped 2%. Philip Morris reported $11.19B revenue, beating estimates, and its stock rose 7.1%. Boston Beer's revenue fell 3.3%, missing EPS estimates, and its stock declined 2.3%.

Indonesia may impose stricter rules on flavorings and additives in tobacco and nicotine products, focusing on cooling agents. The proposals aim to enhance existing health legislation, sparking debate between regulators and the industry. According to the government, current regulations are being reviewed. PM (NYSE) is involved in the discussion.

The US FDA authorized 20 ZYN nicotine pouches by Swedish Match USA (PMI US) to carry a modified-risk claim, stating their use instead of cigarettes lowers the risk of several smoking-related diseases. This is the first such authorization for nicotine pouches. The decision follows a scientific review and is valid for five years with mandatory market monitoring. PMI US CEO Stacey Kennedy welcomed the decision, highlighting access to science-based information for adult nicotine consumers.

Philip Morris (PM) trades at 27x earnings, reflecting investor bets on smoke-free products like Zyn and IQOS, which now make up 40% of revenue. Bulls cite high margins and regulatory tailwinds, while bears warn of potential regulation and competition risks. PM's transformation hinges on sustained growth in these products, with a 3.4% dividend yield.

State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) sold $230.5M in stocks on Wednesday, including $24.7M in Walmart (WMT), $21.5M in Costco (COST), and $18.0M in Procter & Gamble (PG). The fund holds 33 stocks with $13.45B in assets, focusing on large-cap consumer defensive stocks. XLP's top holdings include WMT, COST, PG, Coca-Cola (KO), and Philip Morris International (PM).

British American Tobacco (BTI) and Philip Morris (PM) are compared for retirement investors. PM has a higher dividend growth rate, better cash coverage, and stronger smoke-free product sales. BTI offers a higher yield but faces currency risks and slower growth. PM shares are up 21.91% YTD, while BTI is down 0.71%. PM's dividend yield is 3.03% with a payout of $6.40 annually. BTI's yield is higher but subject to exchange rate fluctuations.