Latest news with #SwedishMatch
See - Sada Elbalad
03-08-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sweden Leads Europe in Smoke-Free Innovation
Israa Farhan During a recent visit to Sweden, Sada El Balad met with several experts and industry professionals specializing in the development of smoke-free products and better alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The delegation toured multiple production sites and scientific facilities committed to research and innovation in less harmful nicotine alternatives and smoke-free alternatives to traditional cigarettes. One of the main stops was at the labs of Swedish Match—now a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI)—which produces snus and nicotine pouches such as ZYN. Experts explained the rigorous quality assurance processes used to test these products, including their exposure to varying levels of heat, humidity, and pressure to simulate different global climates. This ensures the consistency and reliability of the product's nicotine delivery while maintaining its quality across international markets. Among those interviewed was Samuel Lundell, Chairman of the National Association of Snus Users in Sweden. He explained that snus and nicotine pouches offer adult smokers a less harmful alternative to smoking. These products still deliver nicotine but in a different form and with reduced risk. He pointed out that the design of nicotine pouches has evolved over time, with smaller, more discreet sizes that appeal especially to women, many of whom previously preferred the aesthetics of traditional smoking. The latest flavors and pouch designs aim to support female smokers in their journey to switch to less harmful alternatives, offering both ease of use and better health outcomes. Lundell added that the main mission of the association is to protect the rights of snus and nicotine pouch users. 'The association is fully independent,' he said, 'funded exclusively by its members. We do not accept financial support from tobacco companies or government institutions to preserve our freedom of speech and defend consumer rights effectively.' In another discussion, Dr. Anders Milton, former CEO and President of the Swedish Medical Association, emphasized that the number of smoking-related cancers is declining in Sweden among consumers of alternative smoking products, particularly nicotine pouches and snus. Several studies have found that the incidence of cancers in the human organs involved in alternative smoking (mouth, esophagus, lungs, and stomach) in Sweden is lower than in all other European countries, especially since there has been concern about the direct absorption of nicotine from these products through the mouth, passing through the throat and reaching the stomach. Milton continued, "We have not found any negative impact in the form of increased cancer rates among smokers of less harmful alternative products. Although smoking rates are generally low, the incidence of cancer remains lower than in all European countries, and lower than the average rates in the European Union." The visit concluded with a meeting with Patrik Hildingsson, Director Oral Category Communications at Philip Morris International. Hildingsson revealed that PMI has invested nearly $14 billion in scientific research since 2008 to develop and validate smoke-free, less harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco products. He noted that several of PMI's smoke-free products have received regulatory authorizations from health authorities in various countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He added that Swedish Match was acquired by Philip Morris International about two years ago, and is distinguished by its alternative products of snus and nicotine pouches. It operates three facilities in Sweden dedicated to the production and development of nicotine pouches and snus, including three manufacturing sites and three flagship stores serving a diverse customer base. These stores also support product customization and flavor innovation to better suit consumer preferences. 'Sweden has one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe,' Hildingsson concluded, 'and a large percentage of nicotine users have transitioned to smoke-free alternatives. This has had a tangible impact on public health, as Sweden now reports the lowest incidence of smoking-related diseases across the continent. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
See - Sada Elbalad
03-08-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sweden Records the Lowest Lung Cancer Rates in Europe with Just 5% Smoking Prevalence
Amna Abdelazem Women in Sweden Still Prefer Traditional Cigarettes .. and a National Association Advocates for Snus Consumers Sweden's Traditional Nicotine Habit Evolves into the World's Leading Smoke-Free Alternative: Snus 'Sada El Balad' participated in a three-day press tour in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to explore the country's advanced approach to smoke-free alternatives and its pioneering role in the transformation of nicotine consumption. The visit included a tour of Swedish Match's laboratories and historical museum, where the company's long heritage was showcased. Established over 150 years ago as a matchstick manufacturer, Swedish Match has since evolved to become a global leader in smoke-free products like snus and nicotine pouches. The museum also displayed vintage matchbox artwork from around the world, including designs created especially for Egypt. During the visit, Sada El Balad reviewed research on smoking rates in Sweden, which remain among the lowest in Europe, with only 5% of the population currently smoking. Most of these users have switched to less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches, making Sweden a model for smoke-free societies. One of the unique aspects of the Swedish model is the existence of a non-profit consumer association dedicated to supporting snus users and ensuring product transparency. The association plays an active role in overseeing the production conditions of snus and supporting research efforts, despite snus being legally approved in other countries such as the United States. According to researchers interviewed during the tour, Sweden has the lowest incidence in Europe of cancers typically linked to smoking, including lung, oral, esophageal, and stomach cancers. Experts attribute these figures to the country's low smoking rate, and more importantly, the wide adoption of smoke-free, less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. These products have been authorized by several international regulatory bodies, most notably the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to data reviewed by "Sada Elbalad", the percentage of women smoking traditional smoking products (cigarettes) is higher than the percentage of men smoking them in Sweden. Sweden has a long history of dealing with alternative smoke-free products designed in various forms, the history of which was examined during a visit to the Swedish Match Museum in the capital. It was a prevalent type used by Swedes several centuries ago, and work was done to develop it as a less dangerous alternative to cigarettes in the recent period. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Globe and Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
MO or PM: Which Tobacco Giant Offers Better Value in 2025?
For investors looking at the tobacco sector in 2025, the choice often comes down to two giants — Altria Group, Inc. MO and Philip Morris International Inc. PM. Though both companies share a common origin, their business strategies have diverged. Altria remains a U.S.-focused powerhouse, relying on its strong cigarette portfolio while gradually expanding into next-generation products. In contrast, Philip Morris is leading the global charge toward reduced-risk products (RRPs), with successful innovations like IQOS and ZYN. While Philip Morris is widely viewed as the growth leader, Altria offers compelling value through its high dividend yield, attractive valuation and growing traction in RRPs — making it a strong contender for income-focused investors and bargain hunters. The Case for Philip Morris Philip Morris is at the forefront of the tobacco industry's shift toward a smoke-free future. Its flagship heat-not-burn product, IQOS, has become a cornerstone of this transformation, gaining strong traction in key international markets. IQOS offers adult smokers an alternative to traditional cigarettes, aligning with global trends toward harm reduction. Its success has not only driven volume growth but also helped Philip Morris solidify its position as a leader in the global RRP segment. The company further expanded its smoke-free portfolio with the acquisition of Swedish Match in 2022, bringing the popular ZYN nicotine pouches under its umbrella. This move gave Philip Morris a strong presence in the fast-growing oral nicotine market and created a more complete RRP ecosystem that spans both inhalable and non-inhalable products. In the first quarter of 2025, smoke-free products contributed 42% of total revenues and 44% of gross profit, highlighting their growing contribution to the business. IQOS and ZYN continued to gain market share, driving 15% year-over-year revenue growth in the smoke-free segment. At the same time, Philip Morris has managed to sustain growth in its traditional tobacco segment, reporting 3.8% organic revenue growth in combustibles in the first quarter. This balance between legacy product strength and forward-looking innovation underscores the company's ability to execute a dual-track strategy. Furthermore, its diversified global footprint allows PM to tap into new markets. However, this global strategy is not without risks. The company is exposed to currency volatility, which weighed on first-quarter results, including a 7-cent hit to adjusted earnings per share (EPS) from foreign exchange losses. Additionally, governments around the world are imposing stricter regulations on nicotine products, including marketing restrictions on pouches and further scrutiny of heated tobacco devices. Philip Morris' strong lead in RRPs sets high expectations, but any regulatory hurdles or changes in consumer trends could slow its growth trajectory. One-Year Price Performance The Case for Altria Altria continues to prove its resilience in the face of declining cigarette volumes, thanks largely to its strong pricing power. In the first quarter of 2025, the company's ability to raise prices helped offset shipment declines across both the Smokeable and Oral Tobacco segments. Historically, Altria has relied on pricing as a tool to maintain profitability, and that strategy remains effective even as consumption trends shift. As cigarette demand tends to be inelastic, the company can continue to drive margins despite lower volumes. With projected adjusted earnings per share ranging between $5.30 and $5.45 for 2025, indicating up to 5% year-over-year growth, Altria provides consistent earnings visibility alongside a dividend yield exceeding 6.5%, making it particularly attractive to value and income-focused investors. Altria is also making steady progress in its smoke-free future strategy, which is critical as consumer preferences evolve. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Helix Innovations, is expanding the reach of on!, a tobacco-derived nicotine pouch product that is quickly gaining traction in the U.S. market. In the first quarter of 2025, shipments of on! grew 18% year over year to over 39 million cans. The product's share of the oral tobacco category rose to 8.8%, and it captured 17.9% of the nicotine pouch market, despite higher retail pricing. This performance reflects the strength of the brand and growing consumer acceptance. Following its 2023 acquisition of NJOY, Altria has entered the e-vapor category with a clear commitment to product quality and regulatory compliance. While a recent regulatory ruling led to the market exit of NJOY ACE, management views this challenge as an opportunity to rethink its vapor portfolio and relaunch with a stronger, more innovative lineup tailored for adult consumers. By focusing on a fully regulated market and leveraging NJOY's R&D capabilities, Altria aims to carve out a durable position in a category. To accelerate its strategic goals and improve efficiency, Altria has introduced a company-wide transformation initiative called Optimize & Accelerate. Savings from this will be reinvested to support its long-term vision and 2028 enterprise goals. Meanwhile, the company continues to closely monitor macroeconomic pressures, evolving consumer behavior, illicit vapor enforcement, and shifting regulations. Despite these challenges, Altria remains a fundamentally sound investment with strong cash flow, pricing power, a growing presence in RRPs, and a commitment to delivering shareholder returns, making it a stock worth considering in 2025. How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for PM & MO? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Philip Morris' 2025 EPS has remained unchanged over the last 30 days at $7.47. In comparison, the consensus EPS estimate for Altria has moved up by 2 cents to $5.37 during the same period. Altria's upward EPS revision signals improving sentiment, while Philip Morris' steady estimate suggests stable but fully priced expectations. Valuation & Price Performance of PM & MO When it comes to valuation, Philip Morris trades at a forward 12-month P/E of 22.76x, reflecting investors' willingness to pay a premium for its global footprint and smoke-free momentum. Altria, on the other hand, trades at a significantly lower multiple of 10.79x, making it more attractive from a value perspective, especially for income-focused investors seeking high-yield, stable earnings in a mature market. Stock performance over the past year further highlights the divergence between the two companies. Philip Morris has delivered an impressive 76.1% gain, far outpacing Altria's 27.1% and the broader S&P 500's 10.8% return. This strong rally suggests heightened investor confidence in PM, though it may also limit near-term upside. Investor Takeaway: Altria vs. Philip Morris in 2025 Both Altria and Philip Morris offer unique strengths for investors in 2025. Philip Morris stands out for its global leadership in RRPs, innovation in heated tobacco and strong stock performance. However, much of its transformation success appears priced in, and ongoing regulatory and currency risks could pose challenges. Altria, while being more U.S.-focused and facing cigarette volume pressures, presents a compelling value story. With a lower valuation, improving traction in smoke-free products like on! and room for vapor category re-entry, Altria offers more upside potential for value and income-oriented investors seeking growth. MO currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while PM carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Altria Group, Inc. (MO): Free Stock Analysis Report Philip Morris International Inc. (PM): Free Stock Analysis Report
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Philip Morris stock gets a bump from smoke-free Zyn
Philip Morris (PM) shares continue to trade near record highs. The stock has gotten a big boost thanks to its product Zyn, a smoke-free nicotine pouch. Yahoo Finance Senior Reporter Brooke DiPalma takes a closer look at the stock in the video above. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Asking for a Trend here. Well, Philip Morris' stock getting a good buzz from its smoke-free nicotine product Zyn. That stock hitting a record close on Friday. For more, we'll bring in Yahoo Finance senior reporter, Brooke DiPalma. Brooke? Good afternoon, Josh. Certainly record highs stock price for Philip Morris International. On Friday, it hit more than $184 per share. What's really driving that is that Zyn product. Really, its smoke-free portfolio. One analyst telling me that this is part of a multi-year growth story with lots of potential around that smoke-free business. Ever since it acquired Swedish Match a few years ago, that was the owner behind Zyn. And what we've seen here is this demand just keep growing. From Q1 of last year to Q1 of this year, we saw shipments to the US of Zyn cans move from 100 million to more than 200 million. They're passing that 200 million mark. And even since April of 2024, what we actually have seen is this shortage of Zyn here in the US that they say will recover by the third quarter. Now, one thing we also really like here is that it is a high margin business. Each can is only about six grams. So, it doesn't cost a lot to make, doesn't cost a lot to ship here. And also, this category of smoke-free products is really contributing to Philip Morris uh, International's revenue here. We know that as of Q1, which was in April, that business growing about 15% as far as revenue goes, 3.9 billion part of that overall picture of last quarter's revenue of 9.3 billion. Lots to watch there. I told you how, uh, on my commute home to New Jersey every night on that train, Brooke DiPalma, I see those Zyn fans. They're out there. You have been talking also to convenience store CEOs who've been talking about this product and how it's been impacting their business. Yeah, let's be real clear here. I got this story idea after I talked to Casey's General Stores CEO last week. He said specifically the business is growing a lot and some of that is what our merchants have done to give it more, uh, exposure and to reset it. They said, we've helped accelerate that. What he said was that in the last two years, they've seen this nicotine pouch smoke-free business grow 200%. In the last year alone, up 54%. I found that pretty surprising. So, I decided to dive into it. That's incredible. Great reporting. Thank you, Brooke. Appreciate it. Thanks. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore accuses Zyn nicotine pouch owners of targeting children with deceptive marketing
Baltimore is accusing the owners of Zyn nicotine pouches of targeting children with deceptive marketing practices, violating the city's Consumer Protection Ordinance. The lawsuit names the owners of the brand – Philip Morris International, Inc. (PMI), Swedish Match North America LLC and Swedish Match USA, Inc. According to the lawsuit, the companies have targeted children and teens through the marketing of Zyn flavors, exploitative social media promotions and false advertising. "Zyn's manufacturers have put profits ahead of the health and safety of Baltimoreans, in particular our children, through manipulative marketing practices, and my office won't stand for it," Mayor Brandon Scott said, calling the nicotine pouches highly addictive. The city further accused the companies of falsely representing Zyn as tobacco-free and failing to warn customers about the increase in nicotine absorption compared to cigarettes. In the lawsuit, the city alleges that the company's reward program entices and retains young customers by offering discounts, free products and access to exclusive events. What are Zyn nicotine pouches? According to the lawsuit, Zyn pouches are meant to be placed between a person's lip and gums to deliver nicotine to the bloodstream. The pouches are made of stabilizers, fillers, pH adjusters, flavoring, sweetener and nicotine salt. Twenty flavors of the nicotine pouches were approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January. It was the first time that regulators authorized the sale of nicotine pouches, according to CBS News. The pouches were available for years before the FDA approved their use as an alternative to cigarettes. According to Zyn's warning label, the product is not intended for minors, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or people with heart disease risk factors or high blood pressure. The lawsuit compares nicotine to cocaine and heroin for its addictive nature, and quotes Senator Chuck Schumer in calling the Zyn product a "pouch packed with problems." Zyn nicotine pouches gain popularity among young people In January, CBS News reported that Zyn pouches were becoming more popular among the younger generation. "We are hooking a whole new generation of young people onto nicotine," Dr. Nidhi Kumar said. "The marketing strategies, the packaging looks like candy, flavors like cinnamon and mint and even names like 'smooth' or 'chill.' I mean, who are these products appealing to? Young people." Another doctor told CBS News Miami that Zyn pouches seem to be more popular among boys. Dr. Marcos Mestre also warned parents to watch for signs of nicotine pouch use, which can include symptoms like sweating, nausea, palpitations and even mental health issues. "These can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression," he said. "Any addictive behavior has the potential to lead to other problems." While some have argued that the pouches could help smokers cut back, others have raised health concerns. Some experts highlighted risks of cardiovascular and oral health impacts, saying the toxic chemicals could damage gums or lead to infection or cancer. "If you're using these products, just Google nicotine pouches and dental disease — you'll spit it out right away," Dr. Kumar said. If you or a loved one is experiencing a problem with substance use, help is available via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
