Is it really fair to compare the world-traveling Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) to its proud-to-be-an-American counterpart Altria (NYSE: MO)?
Even though the key products are the same, the markets are different, and this time around, Philip Morris more than outshined its former parent.
In its first-quarter results, Altria managed to meet analysts' expectations, but that's about it. All of Altria's cigarette product groups, including Marlboro, lost market share, signaling potential issues for the company's premium flagship product.
But Altria's fair-haired counterpart, Philip Morris, served up some smoldering numbers for its first quarter, with the company increasing 2011 EPS guidance by $0.20. Yes, half of the increase can be attributed to favorable exchange rates, but Philip Morris also projects overall business will be stronger than previously forecast.
Demonstrating continued pricing power, Philip Morris' revenue was up by 4.5% (or 2.7% excluding acquisitions and currency effects). Operating income jumped by 10.8%, and EPS increased by 17.8%, to $1.06, versus the forecasted EPS of $1.04.
Philip Morris also was a cash-making machine, boosting free cash flow by 22.6% to $2.2 billion for the quarter, and buying-back $1.36 billion of shares.
In spite of the shaky European economic environment, volume losses are starting to stabilize. In its fourth quarter, Philip Morris's organic cigarette volume declined by 5.1% compared with a 3.3% decline for the first quarter. Shipment volume continues to be on fire throughout Asia with a quarterly increase of 14%.
Philip Morris' market share was down by 0.4 points in the EU, but the company delivered stable or growing share in many countries, including Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico. And the company is trying to stay a step ahead of leading competitor British American Tobacco (AMEX: BTI), announcing plans to buy Jordan's International Tobacco & Cigarettes Company product trademarks and production equipment.
These global acquisitions continue to be important for Philip Morris as questions remain about the long-term strength of the Marlboro brand. Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI) reported today that its Camel and Pall Mall brands increased share for the quarter. Yes, this market share growth is for the United States, but could the switch to cheaper cigarettes here mean that folks across the world will be ready to make a switch to Philip Morris' cheaper counterparts?
Regardless, through its premium Marlboro brand or acquired global products, Philip Morris is setting itself for global dominance. Good news for patient investors, or as Austin Powers would say: "It's groovy, baby!"
