Tobacco company Altria gave an update on its nicotine pouches and overall tobacco business during a Thursday call on its second-quarter and first-half 2026 financial results.
“We delivered strong first-half results, driving adjusted diluted EPS growth of 4.9% and returned nearly $3.9 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases combined,” said CEO Sal Mancuso. “This performance reflects steady, disciplined execution and confidence in our full-year plan, which allowed us to narrow our earnings guidance for the year.”
For the first-half, net revenues increased 1.6% to $11.5 billion, primarily driven by higher net revenues in the smokeable products segment, the company said. Revenues net of excise taxes increased 3.1% to $10.1 billion.
“In the second quarter, our operating companies continued to deliver against the priorities we outlined at the start of the year—advancing our smoke-free portfolio, strengthening our traditional tobacco businesses and delivering significant returns to shareholders,” said Mancuso.
In the nicotine pouch product segment, Mancuso said On Plus, made by the company’s subsidiary Helix Innovations LLC, expanded to 120,000 stores nationwide, engaged in trial-generating activities and prepared for additional line extensions to come later this year.
The company said Helix plans to expand its On Plus portfolio with additional flavors across three nicotine strengths (6 milligram, 9 milligram and 12 milligram), beginning with Blueberry Mint and Mango Pineapple, in the fourth quarter.
In smokeable products, Mancuso said PM USA advanced its data-driven, total portfolio approach to drive profitability as Marlboro Cowboy Cut generated strong interest among premium smokers and Basic continued to gain traction in discount.
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