ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-33708
PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia
13-3435103
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
677 Washington Blvd, Suite 1100
Stamford
Connecticut
06901
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
203-905-2410
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value
PM
New York Stock Exchange
2.875% Notes due 2024
PM24
New York Stock Exchange
2.875% Notes due 2024
PM24C
New York Stock Exchange
0.625% Notes due 2024
PM24B
New York Stock Exchange
3.250% Notes due 2024
PM24A
New York Stock Exchange
2.750% Notes due 2025
PM25
New York Stock Exchange
3.375% Notes due 2025
PM25A
New York Stock Exchange
2.750% Notes due 2026
PM26A
New York Stock Exchange
2.875% Notes due 2026
PM26
New York Stock Exchange
0.125% Notes due 2026
PM26B
New York Stock Exchange
3.125% Notes due 2027
PM27
New York Stock Exchange
3.125% Notes due 2028
PM28
New York Stock Exchange
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
2.875% Notes due 2029
PM29
New York Stock Exchange
3.375% Notes due 2029
PM29A
New York Stock Exchange
0.800% Notes due 2031
PM31
New York Stock Exchange
3.125% Notes due 2033
PM33
New York Stock Exchange
2.000% Notes due 2036
PM36
New York Stock Exchange
1.875% Notes due 2037
PM37A
New York Stock Exchange
6.375% Notes due 2038
PM38
New York Stock Exchange
1.450% Notes due 2039
PM39
New York Stock Exchange
4.375% Notes due 2041
PM41
New York Stock Exchange
4.500% Notes due 2042
PM42
New York Stock Exchange
3.875% Notes due 2042
PM42A
New York Stock Exchange
4.125% Notes due 2043
PM43
New York Stock Exchange
4.875% Notes due 2043
PM43A
New York Stock Exchange
4.250% Notes due 2044
PM44
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes☑No☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes☐No☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☑No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes☑No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer☑Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes☐No☑
As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $152 billion based on the closing sale price of the common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
Class
Outstanding at
January 31, 2024
Common Stock, no par value
1,552,456,597
shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Parts Into Which Incorporated
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for use in connection with its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 8, 2024, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 28, 2024.
In this report, “PMI,” “we,” “us” and “our” refers to Philip Morris International Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Trademarks and service marks in this report are the registered property of, or licensed by, the subsidiaries of Philip Morris International Inc. and are italicized.
PART I
Item 1.Business.
General Development of Business
General
Philip Morris International Inc. is a Virginia holding company incorporated in 1987. We are a leading international tobacco company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving our portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. Our current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, which include heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products. Since 2008, we have invested $12.5 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This investment includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. In November 2022, we acquired Swedish Match AB ("Swedish Match") – a leader in oral nicotine delivery – creating a global smoke-free combination led by the companies’ IQOS and ZYN brands. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") has authorized versions of our IQOS Platform 1 devices and consumables, and Swedish Match's General snus, as Modified Risk Tobacco Products ("MRTPs"). We describe the MRTP orders in more detail in the "Business Environment" section of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
In March 2008, we became a U.S. public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and subject to the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
In September 2021, we laid the foundation for our long-term growth ambitions beyond nicotine in wellness and healthcare, including the milestone acquisitions of Vectura Group plc and Fertin Pharma A/S, which provide essential capabilities for future product development. Now, through our Vectura Fertin Pharma business, with a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, we aim to expand into wellness and healthcare areas.
Through our acquisition of Swedish Match, we acquired a market leader in oral nicotine delivery with a significant presence in the United States market. The Swedish Match acquisition was a key milestone in PMI’s transformation to becoming a smoke-free company. Our consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2022, include the results of operations of Swedish Match from November 11, 2022 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2022. The operating results of Swedish Match are included in a separate segment.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, we also completed an agreement with Altria Group, Inc. to end our commercial relationship in the U.S. covering IQOS as of April 30, 2024. Thereafter, PMI will have the full rights to commercialize IQOS in the U.S.
For further details of our 2021 and 2022 acquisitions, see Item 8, Note 3. Acquisitions and Note 13. Segment Reporting, and for additional details concerning the agreement with Altria, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Operating Results by Business Segment - Business Environment.
Smoke-free products ("SFPs") is the term we primarily use to refer to all of our products that are not combustible tobacco products, such as heat-not-burn, e-vapor, and oral nicotine. In addition, SFPs include wellness and healthcare products, as well as consumer accessories such as lighters and matches.
Reduced-risk products ("RRPs") is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing to smoke. We have a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. Our RRPs are smoke-free products that contain and/or generate far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.
Our RRPs and commercial activities for these products are designed for, and directed toward, current adult smokers and users of nicotine-containing products. We put significant effort to restrict access of our products from non-smokers and youth. We believe regulation must include measures designed to prevent youth initiation; and we also support and engage with relevant authorities to seek sensible regulation of flavors, mandated health warnings and minimum age laws.
Our IQOS smoke-freeproduct brand portfolio includes heated tobacco and nicotine-containing vapor products. Our leading smoke-free platform ("Platform 1") uses a precisely controlled heating device into which a specially designed and proprietary tobacco unit is inserted and heated to generate an aerosol. Heated tobacco units ("HTU") is the term we use to refer to heated tobacco consumables,
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which include our BLENDS, DELIA, HEETS, HEETS Creations, HEETS Dimensions (defined collectively as "HEETS"), MarlboroHeatSticks, SENTIA, TEREA, TEREA CRAFTED, and TEREA Dimensions, as well as the KT&G-licensed brands, Fiit and Miix (outside of South Korea). HTU's also include zero tobacco heat-not-burn consumables (LEVIA). Platform 1was first introduced in Nagoya, Japan, in 2014. As of December 31, 2023, our smoke-free products were available for sale in 84 markets.
At the time of our acquisition of Swedish Match, it already had a leading nicotine pouch franchise in the U.S. under the ZYN brand name. The Swedish Match product portfolio is complementary to our existing smoke-free portfolio, permitting us to bring together a leading oral nicotine product with the leading heat-not-burn product. By joining forces with Swedish Match, we expect to accelerate the achievement of our joint smoke-free ambitions, switching more adults who would otherwise continue to smoke to better alternatives faster than either company could achieve separately.
Our cigarettes are sold in approximately 175 markets, and in many of these markets they hold the number one or number two market share position. We have a wide range of premium, mid-price and low-price brands. Our portfolio comprises both international and local brands and is led by Marlboro, the world’s best-selling international cigarette, which accounted for approximately 39% of our total 2023 cigarette shipment volume. Marlboro is complemented in the premium-price category by Parliament. Our other leading international cigarette brands are Chesterfield, L&M, and Philip Morris. These five international cigarette brands contributed approximately 79% of our cigarette shipment volume in 2023. We also own a number of important local cigarette brands, such as Dji Sam Soe and Sampoerna A in Indonesia, and Fortune and Jackpot in the Philippines.
Source of Funds — Dividends
We are a legal entity separate and distinct from our direct and indirect subsidiaries. Accordingly, our right, and thus the right of our creditors and stockholders, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of any subsidiary is subject to the prior rights of creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of our company itself as a creditor may be recognized. As a holding company, our principal sources of funds, including funds to make payment on our debt securities, are from the receipt of dividends and repayment of debt from our subsidiaries. Our principal wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries currently are not limited by long-term debt or other agreements in their ability to pay cash dividends or to make other distributions that are otherwise compliant with law.
Description of Business
To further support the growth of our smoke-free business, reinforce consumer centricity, and increase the speed of innovation and deployment, in January 2023, we rearranged our operations in four geographical segments, down from the previous six, as follows:
•Europe Region is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and covers all the European Union countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and also Ukraine, Moldova and Southeast Europe;
•South and Southeast Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East and Africa Region ("SSEA, CIS & MEA") is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It covers South and Southeast Asia, the African continent, the Middle East, Turkey, as well as Israel, Central Asia, Caucasus and Russia;
•East Asia, Australia, and PMI Duty Free Region ("EA, AU & PMI DF") is headquartered in Hong Kong, and includes the consolidation of our international duty free business with East Asia & Australia; and
•Americas Region is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and covers the United States, Canada and Latin America.
The operations of Swedish Match, which reflects our fourth quarter 2022 acquisition of the company, and our Wellness and Healthcare segment remained unchanged. The Wellness and Healthcare ("W&H") segment includes the operating results of our Wellness and Healthcare business, Vectura Fertin Pharma.
Following the combination and the progress in 2023 toward the integration of the Swedish Match business into the existing PMI regional segment structure, we will update our segment reporting by including Swedish Match results in the four existing geographical segments. As of the first quarter of 2024, we will report on this basis.
Our total shipment volume, including cigarettes and heated tobacco units, increased by 1.0% in 2023 to 738.2 billion units, with shipment volume of heated tobacco units reaching 125.3 billion units in 2023, up from 109.2 billion units in 2022. Shipment volume of our principal cigarette brand, Marlboro, decreased by 1.9% in 2023.
References in this Form 10-K to total international market, defined as worldwide cigarette and heated tobacco unit volume, excluding the United States, total industry (or total market) and market shares, are our estimates for tax-paid products based on the latest
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available data from a number of internal and external sources, and may, in defined instances, exclude China and/or our duty free business. Unless otherwise stated, references to total industry (or total market), our shipment volume and our market share performance reflect cigarettes and heated tobacco units.
Key data regarding total market and market share were as follows:
2023
2022
2021
Total Market, billion units (excluding China and the U.S.)
2,580
2,622
2,620
Total International Market Share (1)
28.3%
27.7%
27.2%
Cigarettes
23.7%
23.6%
23.7%
HTU
4.7%
4.1%
3.5%
PMI Cigarette over Cigarette Market Share (2)
25.2%
25.0%
24.8%
Marlboro Cigarette over Cigarette Market Share (3)
9.8%
9.8%
9.5%
(1) Defined as PMI's cigarette and heated tobacco unit in-market sales volume as a percentage of total industry cigarette and heated tobacco unit sales volume, excluding China and the U.S., including cigarillos in Japan
(2) Defined as PMI's cigarette in-market sales volume as a percentage of total industry cigarette sales volume, excluding China and the U.S., including cigarillos in Japan
(3) Defined as Marlboro's cigarette in-market sales volume as a percentage of total industry cigarette sales volume, excluding China and the U.S., including cigarillos in Japan
Note: Sum of share of market by product categories might not foot to total due to roundings
We have a market share of at least 15% in approximately 100 markets, including Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the Slovak Republic, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.
Distribution & Sales
Our main types of distribution and sales are tailored to the characteristics of each market and are often used simultaneously:
•Direct sales and distribution, where we sell directly to the retailers;
•Distribution through independent distributors that often distribute other fast-moving consumer goods and are responsible for distribution in a particular market;
•Exclusive zonified distribution, where the dedicated multicategory product distributors are assigned to exclusive territories within a market;
•Distribution through national or regional wholesalers that then supply the retail trade;
•Our own e-commerce infrastructure for product sales to trade partners and to consumers; and
•Our own brand retail infrastructure for our RRPs and accessories for sales to consumers.
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Competition
We are subject to highly competitive conditions in all aspects of our business. We compete primarily on the basis of product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, taste, R&D, innovation, packaging, customer service, marketing, advertising and retail price and, increasingly, adult smoker willingness to convert to our RRPs.
The competitive environment and our competitive position can be significantly influenced by weak economic conditions; erosion of consumer confidence; competitors' introduction of lower-price products or innovative products; novel products which given their taste characteristics may be more commercially successful; higher product taxes; higher absolute prices and larger gaps between retail price categories; and product regulation that diminishes the ability to differentiate tobacco products, restricts adult consumer access to truthful and non-misleading information about our RRPs, or disproportionately impacts the commercialization of our products in relation to our competitors.
Competitors in our industry include British American Tobacco plc, Japan Tobacco Inc., Imperial Brands plc, new market entrants, particularly with respect to innovative products, several regional and local tobacco companies and, in some instances, state-owned tobacco enterprises, principally in Algeria, Egypt, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Some competitors have different profit, volume and regulatory objectives, and some international competitors may be less susceptible than PMI to changes in currency exchange rates. Certain new market entrants in the non-combustible product category may alienate consumers from innovative products through inappropriate marketing campaigns, messaging and inferior product satisfaction, and without scientific substantiation based on appropriate R&D protocols and standards. The growing use of digital media could increase the speed and extent of the dissemination of inaccurate and misleading information about our RRPs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.
Procurement and Raw Materials
We purchase tobacco leaf of various types, grades and styles throughout the world, mostly through independent international tobacco suppliers. In 2023, we also contracted directly with farmers in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Pakistan and Poland. In 2023, direct sourcing from farmers represented approximately 18% of PMI’s global leaf requirements. The largest supplies of tobacco leaf are sourced from Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Indonesia (mostly for domestic use in kretek products), Malawi, Mozambique, the Philippines, Turkey and the United States. We believe that there is an adequate supply of tobacco leaf in the world markets to satisfy our current and anticipated production requirements.
Given the global reach of our value chain, properly managing land and water resources and utilizing a geographically diversified sourcing strategy for agricultural products are priorities as we seek to increase the resilience of our production systems and minimize operational risks. We conduct a global water risk assessment annually in tobacco-growing regions to identify potential hotspots for physical water risks that require adaptation measures. Our water stewardship strategy includes guidance for applying a landscape approach to water optimization projects, protecting natural resources and recharge areas, and improving the efficiency of irrigation systems to integrate better farm water management. These business practices are intended to mitigate the risk that climate change could influence weather patterns in ways that negatively impact the quality or cost of the agricultural products used to manufacture our products.
In addition to tobacco leaf, we purchase a wide variety of direct materials from a total of approximately 360 suppliers. In 2023, our top ten suppliers of direct materials combined represented approximately 60% of our total direct materials purchases. The four most significant direct materials that we purchase are printed paper board used in packaging, acetate tow used in filter making, fine paper used in the manufacturing of cigarettes and heated tobacco units, and susceptors used for the TEREA heated tobacco units. In addition, the adequate supply and procurement of cloves are of particular importance to our Indonesian business.
We discuss the details of our supply chain for our RRPs in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Item 7”) in Business Environment—Reduced-Risk Products.
Business Environment
Information called for by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the paragraphs in Item 7, Business Environment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Other Matters
Customers
As described in more detail in “Distribution & Sales” above, in many of our markets we sell our products to distributors. In 2023, sales to a distributor in the Europe Region and a distributor in the EA, AU & PMI DF Region each amounted to 10 percent or more of our consolidated net revenues. See Item 8, Note 13. Segment Reporting for more information. We believe that none of our business segments is dependent upon a single customer or a few customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations. In some of our markets, particularly in the Europe, SSEA, CIS & MEA, and EA, AU & PMI DF Regions, a loss of a distributor may result in a temporary market disruption.
Human Capital
Our Workforce. At December 31, 2023, including Swedish Match's employees, we employed approximately 82,700 people worldwide of more than 130 different nationalities, including full-time, temporary and part-time staff. Our businesses are subject to a number of laws and regulations relating to our relationship with our employees. Generally, these laws and regulations are specific to the location of each business. We engage with legally recognized employee representative bodies and we have collective bargaining agreements in several of the countries in which we operate. In addition, in accordance with European Union requirements, we have established a European Works Council composed of management and elected members of our workforce. We believe we maintain good relations with our employees and their representative organizations.
Our Internal Transformation. To be successful in our transformation to a smoke-free future, we must continue transforming our culture and ways of working, align our talent with our business needs, successfully integrate acquired businesses and innovate to become a truly consumer-centric business. To achieve our strategic goals, we need to attract, retain and motivate the best global talent, talent that is diverse and has the right degree of experience, competencies and skills. Therefore, we strive to ensure the development of our existing talent while recruiting those with expertise in areas that are relatively new to us such as digital and technical solutions. Our compensation and benefit programs are set at the levels that we believe are necessary to attract the best talent and remain competitive with other consumer product companies.
Oversight and Management. Our Board of Directors (the "Board") provides oversight of various matters pertaining to our workforce. The Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Board is responsible for executive compensation matters and oversight of the risks and programs related to talent management. Our Code of Conduct highlights our commitment to ethical business conduct and honesty, respect, and fairness.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. At PMI, we believe that a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture are strategic priorities that help fuel innovation and business success. We aspire to maintain a minimum of 40% female representation globally in management positions in most of our business functions and regions, and to have at least 35% of senior positions held by women globally by 2025. Given the size and continued growth of our business in Asia, it is also our aspiration to have at least 20% of senior roles held by Asian talent globally and at least 60% representation of local talent in our market management teams by 2025.
We were the first multinational company to receive a global EQUAL-SALARY certification from the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation in 2019. In 2022, we were re-certified as a global EQUAL-SALARY organization for the second time, verifying that PMI continues to pay female and male employees equally for equal work everywhere where we operate. This achievement is an important milestone toward the creation of a more diverse and inclusive workplace and the continuation of our reputation as a top employer. In 2023, we completed another year of market level reviews with success and maintained our global certification.
Creation of employee resource groups ("ERGs") was another important priority to drive further inclusion at PMI. Our ERGs are open to participation by all employees and we believe they help build an enhanced sense of belonging, visibility, and greater understanding of different experiences and dimensions of diversity in our company. Currently, we have established global ERGs for race, ethnicity and cultural diversity, LGBTQ+, gender, parents and caregivers, and disability dimensions concerning our employees. Each global ERG is sponsored by a member of the PMI senior leadership team to reinforce the fact that our strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion comes from the top. In 2023, we continued to focus on the growth of our global ERGs, and to expand them locally, to be able to meet the specific needs of different markets and regions.
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Government Regulation
As a company with global operations in a heavily regulated industry, we are subject to multiple laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We discuss our regulatory environment in Item 7, Business Environment.
The regulatory landscape related to sustainability matters is rapidly evolving. We closely monitor these developments and implement initiatives addressing PMI’s priorities in line with our sustainability strategy. In particular, we are subject to international, national and local environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we do business. We have specific programs across our business units designed to meet applicable environmental compliance requirements and reduce our carbon footprint, wastage, as well as water and energy consumption. We report externally about our climate change mitigation strategy, together with associated targets and results in reducing our carbon footprint, through CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project), the leading international non-governmental organization assessing the work of thousands of companies worldwide in the area of environmental impact, including climate change.
Our environmental and occupational health and safety management program includes policies, standard practices and procedures at all our manufacturing centers. Furthermore, we have engaged an external certification body to validate the effectiveness of this management program at our manufacturing centers around the world, in accordance with internationally recognized standards for safety and environmental management. Our subsidiaries expect to continue to make investments in order to drive improved performance and maintain compliance with environmental laws and regulations. We assess and report to our management the compliance status of all our legal entities on a regular basis. Based on current regulations, the management and controls we have in place and our review of climate change risks (both physical and regulatory), environmental expenditures have not had, and are not expected to have, a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, capital expenditures, financial position, earnings or competitive position.
Based on current regulations, compliance with government regulations, including environmental regulations, has not had, and is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, capital expenditures, financial position, earnings, or competitive position.
As discussed in more detail in Item 1A. Risk Factors, our financial results could be significantly affected by regulatory initiatives that could result in a significant decrease in demand for our brands or by climate-related regulations that increase our cost of operation. More specifically, any regulatory requirements that lead to a commoditization of tobacco products or impede adult consumers' ability to convert to our RRPs, as well as any significant increase in the cost of complying with new regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Further, tightened climate-related regulation may lead to additional carbon taxation or energy price increases impacting our cost of operation. These shifts in regulation and other market trends could, amongst others, impact current deforestation rates. Availability of deforestation-free materials could be impacted by increased demand for alternative energy sources and low-carbon fuels, such as biomass, which could result in increased sourcing costs.
We discuss additional information regarding regulatory matters relating to climate change in Item 7, Climate Change Laws and Regulations.
Information About Our Executive Officers
The disclosure regarding executive officers is hereby incorporated by reference to the discussion under the heading “Information about our Executive Officers as of February 8, 2024” in Part III, Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Item 10”).
Intellectual Property
Our trademarks are valuable assets, and their protection and reputation are essential to us. We own the trademark rights to all of our principal brands, including Marlboro, HEETS, IQOS, IQOS ILUMA,TEREA, and ZYN, or have the right to use them in all countries in which these brands are advertised or sold.
In addition, we have a large number of granted patents and pending patent applications worldwide. Our patent portfolio, as a whole, is material to our business. However, no one patent, or group of related patents, is material to us. We also have registered industrial designs, as well as unregistered proprietary trade secrets, technology, know-how, processes and other unregistered intellectual property rights.
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Effective January 1, 2008, PMI entered into an Intellectual Property Agreement with Philip Morris USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Altria Group, Inc. (“PM USA”). The Intellectual Property Agreement allocates ownership of jointly funded intellectual property as follows:
•PMI owns all rights to jointly funded intellectual property outside the United States, its territories and possessions; and
•PM USA owns all rights to jointly funded intellectual property in the United States, its territories and possessions.
The parties agreed to submit disputes under the Intellectual Property Agreement first to negotiation between senior executives and then to binding arbitration.
An agreement was reached with PM USA in 2022 relating to IQOS commercialization rights in the U.S. including, among other things, an agreement relating to intellectual property rights consistent with the commercialization rights for relevant IQOS products.
Seasonality
Our business segments are not significantly affected by seasonality, although in certain markets cigarette consumption may be lower during the winter months due to the cold weather and may rise during the summer months due to outdoor use, longer daylight, and tourism. However, we typically experience slower RRP adult user growth in the third quarter and an acceleration in the fourth quarter of each year due to seasonal influences.
Available Information
We are required to file with the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The SEC maintains an Internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, from which investors can electronically access our SEC filings.
We make available free of charge on, or through, our website at www.pmi.com our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Investors can access our filings with the SEC by visiting www.pmi.com.
The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this report or incorporated into any other filings we make with the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
We may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, in reports to stockholders and in press releases and investor webcasts. You can identify these forward-looking statements by use of words such as "strategy," "expects," "continues," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "will," "aspires," "estimates," "intends," "projects," "aims," "goals," "targets," "forecasts" and other words of similar meaning. You can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.
We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Our RRPs constitute a relatively new product category that is less predictable than our mature cigarette business. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements and whether to
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invest in or remain invested in our securities. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are identifying important factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by us; any such statement is qualified by reference to the following cautionary statements. We elaborate on these and other risks we face throughout this document, particularly in Item 7, Business Environment. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time, except in the normal course of our public disclosure obligations.
Overall Business Risks
We may be unsuccessful in our attempts to introduce, commercialize, and grow reduced-risk products in existing and new markets, and regulators may prohibit or significantly restrict the commercialization of these products or the communication of scientifically substantiated information and claims.
Our key strategic priorities are to: (i) continue developing and commercializing products that present less risk of harm to adult smokers who switch to reduced-risk products versus continued cigarette smoking; and (ii) encourage and educate current adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke cigarettes to switch to those products. For our efforts to be successful, we must:
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develop RRPs that adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke cigarettes find to be satisfying alternatives to smoking;
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for those adult smokers, our goal is to offer RRPs with a scientifically substantiated risk-reduction profile that approaches as closely as possible the risk-reduction profile associated with smoking cessation;
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substantiate the reduction of risk for the individual adult smoker and the reduction of harm to the population as a whole, based on scientific evidence of the highest standard that is made available for scrutiny and review by external independent scientists and relevant regulatory bodies; and
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advocate for the development of science-based regulatory frameworks for the development and commercialization of RRPs, including the communication of scientifically substantiated information to enable adult smokers to make better choices.
We might not succeed in our effort to introduce, commercialize, and grow our RRPs in existing and new markets. If we do not succeed, but others do, or if heat-not-burn products are inequitably regulated compared to other RRP categories without regard to the totality of the scientific evidence available for such products, we may be at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, actions of some market participants, such as the inappropriate marketing of e-vapor products to youth, as well as alleged health consequences associated with the use of certain e-vapor products, may unfavorably impact public opinion and/or mischaracterize the health consequences of all e-vapor products or other RRPs to consumers, regulators and policy makers without regard to the totality of scientific evidence available for specific products. This may impede our efforts to advocate for the development of science-based regulatory frameworks for the development and commercialization of RRPs. We cannot predict the extent to which regulators will permit the sale and/or marketing of RRPs. Regulatory restrictions could limit the success of our RRPs.
The World Health Organization (the "WHO") study group on tobacco product regulation published their eighth report on the scientific basis of tobacco product regulation in May 2021. The report is based on a review of scientific evidence related to novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products, such as electronic nicotine delivery systems ("ENDS"), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems and HTPs. The report concludes by making a number of policy recommendations on HTPs and ENDS that, if implemented, could restrict both the availability of these products and the access to accurate information about them. In August 2021, the FCTC Secretariat published two reports on novel and emerging tobacco products to the Ninth Session of the CoP of the FCTC, which are not materially different from the WHO study group report. Substantive decisions based on these reports were deferred to the Tenth Session of the CoP ("CoP 10"), which was scheduled for November 2023, but has been postponed to February 2024. In August 2023, the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Products Regulation ("TobReg") issued its ninth report, including recommendations on nicotine pouches, which were in line with previous policy recommendations on regulating flavors in tobacco and nicotine products. It is not possible to predict whether or to what extent these developments will be reflected in decisions adopted at CoP 10, following deliberations. In December 2023, the WHO issued a white paper on electronic cigarettes. While acknowledging that long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes are not fully understood, the WHO calls on countries to ban or strictly regulate these products in order to prevent youth uptake and counter nicotine addiction.
The WHO’s reports are not binding on the WHO Member States or on parties to the FCTC, and so it is not possible to predict the extent to which any proposals it adopts will be implemented. However, the WHO proposals could lead to restrictions on the availability of certain of our RRPs and access to accurate information about them in one or more of our markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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Additionally, any claims, regardless of merit, challenging our research and clinical data available to date, may impact the development of science-based regulatory frameworks for the commercialization of the RRP category and the commercialization of the RRP category in general.
Our RRPs and commercial activities for these products are designed for, and directed toward, current adult smokers and users of nicotine-containing products. We put significant effort to restrict access of our products from non-smokers and youth. Despite our efforts, technological, operational, regulatory and/or commercial developments might impact the implementation or effectiveness of youth access prevention mechanisms and surrounding infrastructure. If there is significant usage, whether actual or perceived, of our products or competitive products among youth or non-smokers, even in situations over which we have no control, our reputation and credibility may suffer, the regulatory approach to our products may become more restrictive, and our efforts to advocate for the development of science-based regulatory frameworks for the development and commercialization of RRPs may be significantly impacted.
Moreover, the FDA’s premarket tobacco product and modified risk tobacco product authorizations of two versions of our Platform 1 product are subject to strict marketing, reporting and other requirements. Although we have received these authorizations from the FDA, there is no guarantee that the product will remain authorized for sale in the U.S., or that new versions of the product (Platform 1 or other smoke-free platforms) will receive necessary authorizations, particularly if there is a significant uptake in youth or non-smoker initiation. The commercialization of our products in the United States is dependent on successfully managing compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, legal agreements, and related interpretations. Failure to successfully manage compliance and to resolve any disputes that may arise regarding the application of legal and administrative requirements to our products could negatively impact the timing, manner, or success of our commercialization plans in the United States.
Premarket tobacco applications for certain ZYN products, which are currently marketed in the U.S., were submitted in March 2020. The FDA has not completed its review of such applications but concluded that such ZYN products can continue to be marketed in the U.S., subject to the FDA’s enforcement discretion, because the applications were submitted prior to a September 9, 2020 deadline. We also submitted additional premarket tobacco applications for other ZYN products after the deadline, and we are unable to market these products until the FDA authorizes such applications. There is no guarantee that the ZYN products will receive the necessary authorizations from the FDA or that the FDA will allow us to continue to sell the ZYN products currently in the market, pending its review of the applications.
The financial and business performance of our reduced-risk products is less predictable than our cigarette business.
Our RRPs are novel products in a relatively new category, and the pace at which adult smokers adopt them may vary, depending on the competitive, regulatory, fiscal and cultural environment, and other factors in a specific market. There may be periods of accelerated growth and periods of slower growth for these products, the timing and drivers of which may be more difficult for us to predict versus our mature cigarette business. The impact of this lower predictability on our projected results for a specific period may be significant, due to geopolitical or macroeconomic events that negatively impact RRP availability or adoption, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We may be unsuccessful in our efforts to differentiate reduced-risk products and cigarettes with respect to taxation.
To date, we have been largely successful in demonstrating to regulators that our RRPs are not cigarettes due to the absence of combustion, and accordingly they are generally taxed either as a separate category or as other tobacco products, which typically yields more favorable tax rates than cigarettes. Nevertheless, we are unable to predict whether regulators will be issuing new regulations under which RRPs will be equally taxed in line with other tobacco products such as conventional cigarettes. If we cease to be successful in these efforts, RRP unit margins may be materially adversely affected, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, revenues, cash flows, and profitability.
Consumption of tax-paid cigarettes continues to decline in many of our markets.
This decline is due to multiple factors, including increased taxes and pricing, governmental actions, the diminishing social acceptance of smoking, health concerns, competition, continuing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and the continuing prevalence of illicit products. These factors and their potential consequences are discussed more fully below and in Item 7, Business Environment. A continuous decline in the consumption of cigarettes could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, cash flow and profitability, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our ability to fund our smoke-free transformation.
Cigarettes are subject to substantial taxes. Significant increases in cigarette-related taxes have been proposed or enacted and are likely to continue to be proposed or enacted in numerous jurisdictions. These tax increases may disproportionately affect our profitability and make us less competitive versus certain of our competitors.
Tax regimes, including excise taxes, sales taxes and import duties, can disproportionately affect the retail price of cigarettes versus other combustible tobacco products, or disproportionately affect the relative retail price of our cigarette brands versus cigarette brands manufactured by certain of our competitors. Because our portfolio is weighted toward the premium-price cigarette category, tax
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regimes based on sales price can place us at a competitive disadvantage in certain markets. Furthermore, our volume and profitability may be adversely affected in these markets.
In addition, increases in cigarette taxes are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on our sales of cigarettes, due to resulting lower consumption levels, a shift in sales from manufactured cigarettes to other combustible tobacco products and from the premium-price to the mid-price or low-price cigarette categories, where we may be under-represented, from local sales to cross-border purchases of lower price products, or to illicit products such as contraband, counterfeit and "illicit whites."
Each of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, results of operations, revenues, cash flow and profitability.
Our business faces significant governmental action aimed at increasing regulatory requirements with the goal of reducing or preventing the use of tobacco or nicotine-containing products.
Governmental actions, combined with the diminishing social acceptance of smoking and private actions to restrict smoking, have resulted in reduced industry volumes for our products in many of our markets, and we expect that such factors will continue to reduce consumption levels and will increase down-trading and the risk of counterfeiting, contraband, "illicit whites" and cross-border purchases. Significant regulatory developments will continue to take place over the next few years in most of our markets, driven principally by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (the "FCTC"). Since it came into force in 2005, the FCTC has led to increased efforts by tobacco control advocates and public health organizations to promote increasingly restrictive regulatory measures on the marketing and sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products to adult nicotine users. Regulatory initiatives that have been proposed, introduced or enacted by governmental authorities in various jurisdictions include:
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restrictions on or licensing of outlets permitted to sell tobacco or nicotine-containing products;
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the levying of substantial and increasing tax and duty charges;
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restrictions or bans on advertising, marketing and sponsorship;
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the display of larger health warnings, graphic health warnings and other labeling requirements;
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restrictions on packaging design, including the use of colors, and mandating plain packaging;
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restrictions on packaging and cigarette formats and dimensions;
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restrictions or bans on the display of product packaging at the point of sale and restrictions or bans on vending machines;
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generation sales bans, under which the sale of certain tobacco or nicotine-containing products to people born after a certain year would be prohibited;
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requirements regarding testing, disclosure and performance standards for tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and/or other smoke or product constituents;
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disclosure, restrictions, or bans of tobacco product ingredients, including bans on the flavors of certain tobacco and nicotine-containing products;
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increased restrictions on smoking and use of tobacco and nicotine-containing products in public and work places and, in some instances, in private places and outdoors;
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restrictions or prohibitions of novel tobacco or nicotine-containing products or related devices;
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elimination of duty free sales and duty free allowances for travelers;
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restrictions in terms of importing or exporting our products impacting our logistics activities and ability to ship our products;
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encouraging litigation against tobacco companies; and
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excluding tobacco companies from transparent public dialogue regarding public health and other policy matters.
Our financial results could be materially affected by regulatory initiatives resulting in a significant decrease in demand for our brands. More specifically, requirements that lead to a commoditization of tobacco products or impede adult consumers' ability to convert to our RRPs, as well as any significant increase in the cost of complying with new regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
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Changes in the earnings mix and changes in tax laws may result in significant variability in our effective tax rates. Our ability to receive payments from foreign subsidiaries or to repatriate royalties and dividends could be restricted by local country currency exchange controls and other regulations.
We are subject to income tax laws in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Changes in the U.S. tax system, including significant increases in the U.S. corporate income tax rate and the minimum tax rate on certain earnings of foreign subsidiaries could be enacted. Such changes could have a material adverse impact on our effective tax rate thereby reducing our net earnings. Further changes in the tax laws of foreign jurisdictions could arise as a result of the base erosion and profit shifting project undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which recommended changes to numerous long-standing tax principles. If implemented, such changes, as well as changes in taxing jurisdictions’ administrative interpretations, decisions, policies, or positions, could also have a material adverse impact on our effective tax rate thereby reducing our net earnings. In future periods, our ability to recover deferred tax assets could be subject to additional uncertainty as a result of such developments. Furthermore, changes in the earnings mix or applicable foreign tax laws may result in significant variability in our effective tax rates.
As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, certain taxing jurisdictions, including the U.S., have proposed punitive tax legislation applicable to companies doing business in Russia, which could also have a material adverse impact on our effective tax rate if enacted thereby reducing our net earnings.
Because we are a U.S. holding company, our most significant source of funds is distributions from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Certain countries in which we operate have adopted or could institute currency exchange controls and other regulations or policies that limit or prohibit our local subsidiaries' ability to convert local currency into U.S. dollars or to make payments outside the country. This could subject us to the risks of local currency devaluation and business disruption.
Disruptions in the credit markets or changes to our credit ratings may adversely affect our business.
We currently generate significant cash flows from ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets through our various short- and long- term financing activities. Our financial performance, credit ratings, interest rates, the stability of financial institutions with which we partner, geopolitical or national developments, the stability and liquidity of the credit markets and the state of the global economy could affect the availability and cost of financing.
Disruption in the credit markets, limitations on our ability to borrow, slower than anticipated debt deleveraging, or a downgrade of our current credit rating could increase our future borrowing costs which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, tighter or more volatile credit markets may lead to business disruptions for certain of our suppliers, contract manufacturers or trade customers which could, in turn, adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.
We could decide, or be required to, recall products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
We could decide, or laws or regulations could require us, to recall products due to the failure, or alleged failure, to meet quality standards or specifications, suspected or confirmed and deliberate or unintentional product contamination, manufacturing defects, or other product adulteration, misbranding or tampering. A product recall or a product liability or other claim (even if unsuccessful or without merit) could generate negative publicity about us and our products, and our Company’s reputation or that of our brands may be adversely affected. In addition, if another company recalls or experiences negative publicity related to a product in a category in which we compete, adult nicotine consumers might reduce their overall consumption of products in that product category. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
We may be required to write down assets due to impairment, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.
We continuously monitor the values of our long-lived assets, reporting units, intangible assets, as well as investments in equity securities, including our continuing investment in Rothmans, Benson & Hedges ("RBH"), to determine whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment exists. Additionally, we test goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets for impairment annually. The values of these assets may be affected by several factors, including general macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions; regulatory and legal developments; changes in product volume growth rates; changes in pricing strategies and costs bases; discount rates; success of planned new product expansions; competitive activity; and income and excise taxes. If an impairment is determined to exist, we will incur impairment losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates for additional information concerning impairment determination and calculation.
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Risks Related to the Impact of the War in Ukraine on our Business
Our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position may be adversely impacted by the continuation and consequences of the war in Ukraine.
In 2023, Russia accounted for around 9% of our total cigarette and heated tobacco unit shipment volume, and around 6% of our total net revenues. Ukraine accounted for around 2% of our total cigarette and heated tobacco unit shipment volume, and around 1% of our total net revenues. Historically, we also produced finished goods in Ukraine for export and manufactured products in Russia. In 2022, as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we suspended planned investments and scaled down our manufacturing operations in Russia.
The full implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for our operations in those countries are impossible to predict at this time. The likelihood of retaliatory action by the Russian government against companies, including PMI, as a result of actions and statements made in response to the Russian invasion or otherwise, including the possibility of legal action against us or our employees; the deprivation of rights in, or access to, our Russian assets; or nationalization of foreign businesses or assets (including cash reserves held in Russia and intangible assets such as trademarks), is impossible to predict. We are continuously assessing the evolving situation in Russia, including regulatory constraints in the market entailing very complex terms and conditions that must be met for any divestment transaction to be granted approval by the authorities, and restrictions resulting from international regulations. In the event of a divestment, our ability to fully realize the value of the business would likely be subject to material impairment. In Ukraine, there is no way to know when and to what extent we will be able to fully normalize our operations or to what extent our workforce, facilities, inventory, and other assets will remain intact. These developments have and will continue to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position, and may result in further impairment charges.
The conflict also continues to elevate the likelihood of supply chain disruptions, both in the region and globally, and may inhibit our ability to timely source materials and services needed to make and sell our products. For example, historically we sourced certain finished goods, production materials and components from both Russia and Ukraine, including printed materials and filters, and the invasion has, and may continue to, disrupt the availability of and impact our supply chain for these materials. These disruptions, to the extent we are unable to find alternative sources or otherwise address these supply constraints, may impact the availability and cost of our products in other markets, which would adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position, and may result in impairment charges. Furthermore, the imposition of various restrictions on transactions with parties from certain jurisdictions, the ban on exports of various products, and other economic and financial restrictions may adversely affect certain third parties with which we do business in Russia, such as customers, suppliers, intermediaries, service providers and banks.
The broader consequences of the invasion are also impossible to predict, but could include reputational consequences, further sanctions, financial or currency restrictions, punitive tax law changes, embargoes, regional instability, and geopolitical shifts as well as adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, security conditions, currency exchange rates, and financial markets. Given the nature of our business and global operations, such geo-political instability and uncertainty could increase the costs of our materials and operations; reduce demand for our products; have a negative impact on our supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, or distribution capabilities; increase our exposure to currency fluctuations; constrain our liquidity or our ability to access capital markets; create staffing or operations difficulties; or subject us to increased cyber-attacks. While we will continue to monitor this fluid situation and develop contingency plans as necessary to address any disruptions to our business operations as they develop, the extent of the conflict’s effect on our business and results of operations as well as the global economy, cannot be predicted.
The conflict may also heighten many other risks disclosed in this Form 10-K, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Such risks could affect, without limitation, the achievement of our strategic priorities, including achievement of our RRP growth targets; the availability of third-party manufacturing resources; the availability of attractive acquisition and strategic business opportunities and our ability to fully realize the benefits of these transactions; our ability to attract, motivate, and retain the best global talent; and our loss of revenue from counterfeiting and similar illicit activities.
Risks Related to Sourcing and Distribution of Products, Services and Materials
Use of third-parties may negatively impact the distribution, quality, and availability of our products and services, and we may be required to replace third-party contract distributors, manufacturers or service providers.
We increasingly rely on third-parties and their subcontractors/suppliers, sometimes concentrated in a specific geographic area, for product distribution and to manufacture some of our products and product parts (particularly, the electronic devices and accessories), as well as to provide services, including to support our finance, commercialization and information technology processes. While many of these arrangements improve efficiencies and decrease our operating costs, they also diminish our direct control. Such diminished control may lead to disruption in the distribution of our products and may have a material adverse effect on the quality and availability of products or services, our supply chain, and the speed and flexibility in our response to changing market conditions and adult consumer preferences, all of which may place us at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, we may be unable to renew these agreements on satisfactory terms for numerous reasons, including government regulations, and the distribution of our products may be
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disrupted in certain markets or our costs may increase significantly if we must replace such third parties with other partners or our own resources.
The effects of climate change, other environmental issues, and related legal or regulatory responses may have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
While we seek to mitigate our business risks associated with environmental issues, such as climate change, by establishing environmental goals and standards and seeking business partners, including within our supply chain, that are committed to operating in ways that protect the environment or mitigate environmental impacts, we recognize that there are inherent environmental-related risks, including climate change-related risks, wherever business is conducted. Among other potential impacts, climate change could influence the quality and volume of the agricultural products we rely on, including tobacco, due to several factors beyond our control, including more frequent variations in weather patterns, extreme weather events causing unexpected downtime and inventory losses, other adverse weather conditions, and governmental restrictions on trade, all of which may lead to disruption of operations at factories, warehouses and other premises.
Furthermore, nature-related risks, including those related to natural ecosystems degradation, decreased agricultural productivity in certain regions of the world, biodiversity loss, water resource depletion and deforestation, which are partially driven or exacerbated by climate change, may negatively impact the resilience of, or otherwise disrupt, our business operations or those of our suppliers and business partners.
There is an increased focus by foreign, federal, state and local regulatory and legislative bodies on environmental policies, including those relating to climate change. New environmental-related legal or regulatory requirements may lead to additional carbon taxation, raw or other materials taxation, energy price increases, new compliance costs, increased distribution and supply chain costs, and other expenses impacting our cost of operations. Moreover, given that the regulatory framework in this regard is highly dynamic, additional uncertainties may be driven by further upcoming regulatory changes on which we might have limited visibility or limited time to implement, which could have an impact on several elements of our business, including elevating the cost or complexity of our operations. Even if we make changes to align ourselves with legal or regulatory requirements, we may still be subject to significant penalties if such laws or regulations are interpreted and applied in a manner inconsistent with our practices.
Government mandated prices, production control programs, and shifts in crops driven by economic conditions may increase the cost or reduce the quality of the tobacco and other agricultural products used to manufacture our products.
As with other agricultural commodities, the price of tobacco leaf and cloves can be influenced by imbalances in supply and demand and the impacts of natural disasters and pandemics such as COVID-19. Tobacco production in certain countries is subject to a variety of controls, including government mandated prices and production control programs. Changes in the patterns of demand for agricultural products could cause farmers to produce less tobacco or cloves. Any significant change in tobacco leaf and clove prices, quality and quantity could affect our profitability and our business.
A prolonged disruption of our production facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A prolonged disruption at or shut-down of one or more of our production facilities, especially our ZYN production facility in Kentucky, which currently supplies substantially all of our capacity for ZYN sales in the U.S., due to natural- or man-made disasters or other events outside of our control, such as equipment malfunction or widespread outbreaks of acute illness, including COVID-19, or for any other reason, could limit our capacity to meet customer demands. Such an event could disrupt our operations; delay production, shipments and revenue; and result in significant expense to repair or replace our affected facilities. As a result, we could forgo revenue opportunities and potentially lose market share, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to our International Operations
Because we have operations in numerous countries, our results may be adversely impacted by economic, regulatory and political developments, natural disasters, pandemics or conflicts.
Some of the countries in which we operate face the threat of civil unrest and can be subject to regime changes. In others, nationalization, terrorism, conflict and the threats of war or acts of war may have a significant impact on the business environment. Factors beyond our control, such as, without limitation, natural disasters, extreme weather events, pandemics (including COVID-19), economic, political, regulatory, acts of war or threats of war, or other developments could disrupt or increase the expenses related to our supply chain, manufacturing capabilities, distribution capabilities, or the energy and other utility services required to operate our factories, warehouses, and other premises. Our business continuity plans and other safeguards might not always be effective to fully mitigate their impact. For example, the global pandemic outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in 2020 created significant societal and economic disruption and the closure of stores, factories and offices, restrictions on manufacturing, distribution and travel, and supply chain disruptions, among other impacts. Such developments – including the impact of geopolitical disruptions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East and the impact on energy prices and availability in the EU and elsewhere resulting from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia – could cause significant volume declines in our duty-free business and certain other key markets; disrupt or delay our distribution, manufacturing or supply chain; increase currency volatility; increase costs of our materials and operations and lead to loss of property or equipment that are critical to our business in certain markets and difficulty in staffing and managing our operations, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, volumes, revenue, cash flows, financial position, net earnings and profitability. We discuss additional risks associated with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and climate change, above.
In certain markets, we are dependent on governmental approvals of various actions such as price changes, and failure to obtain such approvals could impair growth of our profitability.
In addition, despite our high ethical standards and rigorous controls and compliance policies aimed at preventing and detecting unlawful conduct, given the breadth and scope of our international operations, we may not be able to detect all potential improper or unlawful conduct by our employees and partners. Such improper or unlawful conduct (actual or alleged) could lead to litigation and regulatory action, cause damage to our reputation and that of our brands, and result in substantial costs.
Our reported results could be adversely affected by unfavorable currency exchange rates and currency fluctuations could impair our competitiveness. Our results could also be adversely affected by capital controls or by foreign currency exchange constraints or devaluations.
We conduct our business primarily in local currency and, for purposes of financial reporting, the local currency results are translated into U.S. dollars based on average exchange rates prevailing during a reporting period. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly against the U.S. dollar, reducing our net revenues, operating income and EPS. Our primary local currency cost bases may be different from our primary currency revenue markets, and U.S. dollar fluctuations against various currencies may have disproportionate negative impact on cash flows and on net revenues as compared to our gross profit and operating income margins.
Capital controls and/or foreign currency exchange constraints may affect the ability of our subsidiaries in impacted jurisdictions to settle foreign currency denominated imports of goods and services and/or to pay dividends and royalties. These factors may also increase foreign currency devaluation risks, which may have a negative impact on our net assets and results of operations in these jurisdictions. All of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our leverage ratios, cash flows, net earnings, and profitability.
A sustained period of elevated inflation across the markets in which we operate could result in higher operating and financing costs and lead to reduced demand for our products.
Increasing inflationary pressures has and may continue to result in significant increases to our expenses, including direct materials, wages, energy, and transportation costs. While we take actions, wherever possible, to reduce the impact of the effects of inflation, in cases of sustained and elevated inflation across several of our major markets, it may be difficult to effectively control the increases to our costs. In recent periods, increased inflation has and may continue to lead to growing pressures on the cost of certain direct materials, wages, energy, transportation, and logistics as well as an increased cost of capital due to interest rate increases driven by the response to increased inflation. Inflationary pressures may also negatively impact consumer purchasing power, which could result in reduced demand for our products. We expect certain inflationary elements to ease, with a moderate increase in 2024. If we are unable to increase our prices sufficiently or take other actions to mitigate the effect of inflationary pressures, our profitability and financial position could be negatively impacted.
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Risks Related to Legal Challenges and Investigations
Litigation related to tobacco use and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke could substantially reduce our profitability and could severely impair our liquidity.
There is litigation related to tobacco products pending in certain jurisdictions in which we operate. Damages claimed in some tobacco-related litigation are significant and, in certain cases in Brazil, Canada, and Nigeria, range into the billions of U.S. dollars. We anticipate that new cases will continue to be filed. The FCTC encourages litigation against tobacco product manufacturers. It is possible that our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position could be materially adversely affected in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of certain pending litigation. We face various administrative and legal challenges related to certain RRP activities, including allegations concerning product classification, advertising restrictions, corporate communications, product coach activities, scientific substantiation, product liability, antitrust, and unfair competition. While we design our programs to comply with relevant regulations, we expect these or similar challenges to continue as we expand our efforts to commercialize RRPs and to communicate with the public. The outcomes of these matters may affect our RRP commercialization and public communication activities and performance in one or more markets. Also see Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of pending litigation.
From time to time, we are subject to governmental investigations on a range of matters.
Investigations include allegations of contraband shipments of cigarettes, allegations of unlawful pricing activities within certain markets, allegations of underpayment of income taxes, customs duties and/or excise taxes, allegations of false and misleading usage of descriptors, allegations of unlawful advertising, and allegations of unlawful labor practices. We cannot predict the outcome of those investigations or whether additional investigations may be commenced, and it is possible that our business could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome of pending or future investigations. See Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies—Other Litigation and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Operating Results by Business Segment—Business Environment—Governmental Investigations for a description of certain governmental investigations to which we are subject.
We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, and disputes relating to intellectual property rights could harm our business.
Our intellectual property rights are valuable assets, their protection is important to our business, and that protection may not be equally available in every country in which we operate or in which our products are sold. If the steps we take to protect our intellectual property rights globally, including through applying for, prosecuting, maintaining and enforcing, where relevant, a combination of trademark, design, copyright, patent, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights, are inadequate, or if others infringe or misappropriate our intellectual property rights, notwithstanding legal protection, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely impacted. Moreover, failing to manage our existing and/or future intellectual property may place us at a competitive disadvantage. Intellectual property rights of third parties may limit our ability to develop, manufacture and/or commercialize our products in one or more markets. Competitors or other third parties may claim that we infringe their intellectual property rights. Any such claims, regardless of merit, could divert management’s attention, be costly, disruptive, time-consuming and unpredictable and expose us to significant litigation costs and damages, and may impede our ability to develop, manufacture and/or commercialize new or existing RRPs and improve our products, and thus have a material adverse effect on our revenue and our profitability. In addition, if, as a result, we are unable to manufacture or sell our RRPs or improve their quality in one or more markets, our ability to convert adult smokers to our RRPs in such markets would be adversely affected. See Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies—Other Litigation to our consolidated financial statements for a description of certain intellectual property proceedings.
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Risks Related to our Competitive Environment
We face intense competition, and our failure to compete effectively could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.
We are subject to highly competitive conditions in all aspects of our business. We compete primarily on the basis of product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, taste, R&D, innovation, packaging, customer service, marketing, advertising and retail price and, increasingly, adult smoker willingness to convert to our RRPs. The competitive environment and our competitive position can be significantly influenced by weak economic conditions; erosion of consumer confidence; competitors' introduction of lower-price products or innovative products; novel products which given their taste characteristics may be more commercially successful; higher product taxes; higher absolute prices and larger gaps between retail price categories; and product regulation that diminishes the ability to differentiate tobacco products, restricts adult consumer access to truthful and non-misleading information about our RRPs, or disproportionately impacts the commercialization of our products in relation to our competitors.
Competitors in our industry include British American Tobacco plc, Japan Tobacco Inc., Imperial Brands plc, new market entrants, particularly with respect to innovative products, several regional and local tobacco companies and, in some instances, state-owned tobacco enterprises, principally in Algeria, Egypt, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Some competitors have different profit, volume and regulatory objectives, some international competitors may be less susceptible than PMI to changes in currency exchange rates, and some competitors may sell products in circumvention of applicable regulations that compete directly with our products. Certain new market entrants in the non-combustible product category may alienate consumers from innovative products through inappropriate marketing campaigns, messaging and inferior product satisfaction, and without scientific substantiation based on appropriate R&D protocols and standards. The growing use of digital media could increase the speed and extent of the dissemination of inaccurate and misleading information about our RRPs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations. See Item 1, Business—Competition for a description of the competitive environment in which we operate.
We may be unable to anticipate changes in adult consumer preferences.
Our business is subject to changes in adult consumer preferences, which may be influenced by local economic conditions, accessibility to our products and availability of accurate information related to our products.
To be successful, we must:
•
promote brand equity successfully;
•
anticipate and respond to new adult consumer trends;
•
ensure that our products meet our quality standards;
•
develop new products and markets and broaden brand portfolios;
•
improve productivity;
•
educate and encourage adult smokers to convert to our RRPs;
•
ensure effective adult consumer engagement, including communication about product characteristics and usage of RRPs;
•
mitigate the impact of developments that cause damage to our reputation and that of our brands;
•
provide excellent customer care;
•
ensure adequate production capacity to meet demand for our products; and
•
be able to protect or enhance margins through price increases.
In periods of economic uncertainty, adult consumers may tend to purchase low-price brands, and the volume of our premium-price and mid-price brands and our profitability could be materially adversely impacted as a result. Such down-trading trends may be reinforced by regulation that limits branding, communication and product differentiation. In addition to economic uncertainty (including recessions and inflation) unusual weather events and global or local epidemics, endemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19) has and may change the preferences of our adult consumers and lower demand for our products, particularly for our mid-price or premium-price brands.
Our ability to grow profitability may be limited by our inability to introduce new products, enter new markets, maintain sufficient production capacity, or improve our margins through higher pricing and improvements in our brand and geographic mix.
Our profit growth may be materially adversely impacted if we are unable to introduce new products or enter new markets successfully, to meet the demand for our products with increased production capacity, to raise prices, or to improve the proportion of our sales of higher margin products and in higher margin geographies.
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We may be unable to expand our brand portfolio through acquisitions or the development of strategic business relationships, and the intended benefits from our investments may not materialize.
One element of our growth strategy is to expand our brand portfolio and market positions through selective acquisitions and the development of strategic business relationships. Acquisition and strategic business development opportunities are limited and present risks of failing to achieve efficient and effective integration, strategic objectives and/or anticipated revenue improvements and cost savings. There is no assurance that we will be able to acquire attractive businesses or enter into strategic business relationships on favorable terms ahead of our competitors, or that such acquisitions or strategic business development relationships will be accretive to earnings or improve our competitive position. In addition, we may not have a controlling position in certain strategic investments or relationships, which could impact the extent to which the intended financial growth and other benefits from these investments or relationships may ultimately materialize.
Our ability to achieve our strategic goals may be impaired if we fail to attract, motivate and retain the best global talent and effectively align our organizational design with the goals of our transformation.
To be successful, we must continue transforming our culture and ways of working, align our talent and organizational design with our increasingly complex business needs, and innovate and transform to a consumer-centric business. We compete for talent, including in areas that are relatively new to us such as digital, information technology, and life sciences, with companies in the consumer products, technology, pharmaceutical and other sectors that enjoy greater societal acceptance. As a result, we may be unable to attract, motivate and retain the best global talent with the right degree of diversity, experience and skills to achieve our strategic goals.
Risks Related to Illicit Trade
We lose revenues as a result of counterfeiting, contraband, cross-border purchases, "illicit whites," non-tax-paid volume produced by local manufacturers, and counterfeiting of our smoke-free products' devices and consumables.
Large quantities of counterfeit cigarettes are sold in the international market. We believe that Marlboro is the most heavily counterfeited international cigarette brand, although we cannot quantify the revenues we lose as a result of this activity. In addition, our revenues are reduced by contraband, cross-border purchases, "illicit whites" and non-tax-paid volume produced by local manufacturers. Our revenues and consumer satisfaction with our smoke-free products' devices and consumables may be materially adversely affected by counterfeit products that do not meet our product quality standards and scientific validation procedures.
Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Data Governance
We are significantly dependent on our and third-party information technology networks and systems, and a cybersecurity incident or attack against those networks or systems may adversely impact our business and operations.
We and our business partners heavily rely on information technology networks and systems, including those connected to the Internet, to help manage business processes and operations, including the collection, storage, interpretation, and processing of confidential, sensitive, personal and other data; internal and external communications; marketing and e-commerce activities; the manufacture, sale, and distribution of our products; management of third-party business relationships; engagement with governmental authorities; innovation through research and development; and other activities necessary for business operations. Some of these information systems and networks are developed, supplied, or managed by third-party service providers that may make us vulnerable to “supply chain” style cyberattacks. The failure or disruption of our information technology networks and systems, or those managed by third-party service providers or owned by our business partners and used in furtherance of PMI’s business, due to cybersecurity attacks; unauthorized attempts to corrupt or extract data; security vulnerabilities; misconfigurations; human error; or failure or inability by us, third-parties, or our business partners to adhere to cybersecurity industry best practices, could place us at a competitive disadvantage, cause reputational damage, impact our operations, result in data breaches, significant business disruption, litigation, regulatory action including significant fines or penalties, financial impact, loss of revenue or assets including our intellectual property, personal, confidential, or sensitive data.
Cyberattacks, security incidents and vulnerabilities impacting PMI, newly acquired companies, our business partners, or our third-party providers, continue to dynamically evolve in sophistication and volume, making it difficult for us to predict probability, frequency, and impact severity of security incidents. Further, it may be inherently difficult to detect vulnerabilities during due diligence, for long periods of time, or soon enough to mitigate exploitation. There can be no assurance that such security incidents or vulnerabilities will not have a material adverse effect on us in the future. While PMI works to mitigate these risks by implementing a cybersecurity risk program and a third-party cybersecurity risk management program, there can be no assurance that these programs are comprehensive or accurately identify and sufficiently mitigate all cybersecurity risks.
We continue to make investments in administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to maintain information security protections in line with industry standards and best practices. We evaluate the adequacy of preventative actions to reduce security incidents on an ongoing basis.
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Our safeguards may not, however, be effective in mitigating the impact of service disruptions or other failures of these information technology networks and systems. Failure to timely respond and mitigate security incidents, could result in wide-ranging business interruptions. Such security incidents could place us at a competitive disadvantage; result in financial impacts, a loss of revenue, assets, including our intellectual property, personal or other sensitive data; result in litigation and regulatory action including significant fines or penalties; impact our operations; cause damage to our reputation and that of our brands; and result in significant remediation and other costs. See Item 1C. Cybersecurity for a description of our cybersecurity risk management and strategy and governance.
Our or our business partners’ failure or inability to adhere to privacy, data, artificial intelligence and information security laws could result in business disruption, loss of reputation and consumer trust, litigation, regulatory action including significant fines or penalties, financial impact, and loss of revenue, assets or personal, confidential, or sensitive data.
An actual or alleged failure to comply with complex and changing privacy, data, artificial intelligence and information security laws and regulations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation, various U.S. state and federal laws, and other similar privacy and information security laws across the jurisdictions in which PMI operates, such as the failure to protect personal data; implement appropriate technological and reasonable security measures; implement and maintain appropriate safeguards for personal data being transferred internationally; respect the privacy rights of data subjects; provide sufficient detailed notices of personal data processing; retrieve consent and provide opt-outs; meet stringent timeframe requirements for incident reporting to regulatory authorities; comply with artificial intelligence regulations; and others, could have a material adverse effect on us, subject us to substantial fines and/or legal challenges, and/or harm our business, reputation, financial condition, or operating results. Such laws and regulations across the jurisdictions in which PMI operates may vary, resulting in inconsistent or conflicting legal obligations.
Risks Related to Swedish Match and Vectura Fertin Pharma
We may be unable to fully realize the expected benefits from the acquisitions of Swedish Match or Vectura Fertin Pharma.
Since 2021, we have acquired Swedish Match, OtiTopic, Fertin Pharma and Vectura (collectively, the "Acquisitions"), and subsequently launched Vectura Fertin Pharma, our new Wellness and Healthcare business, consolidating OtiTopic, Fertin Pharma and Vectura. The anticipated benefits of the Acquisitions may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. Furthermore, the success of the Acquisitions also depends on the continued successful commercialization and growth of Swedish Match's products in highly competitive markets and on the success of the research and development efforts of Vectura Fertin Pharma, including the ability to obtain regulatory approval for new products, and the ability to commercialize or license these new products developed by them. Moreover, our combustible product portfolio may stand in the way of introducing and growing new Wellness and Healthcare product categories and may prevent our business from developing a long-term sustainable ecosystem of products in the wellness, therapeutic, and healthcare categories.
Swedish Match and Vectura Fertin Pharma may have liabilities that are not known to us.
The businesses that we have acquired may have liabilities that we were unable to identify, or were unable to discover, in the course of performing our due diligence investigations during the Acquisitions thereof. There is no assurance that the indemnification available to us under the respective acquisition agreements, will be sufficient in amount, scope or duration to fully offset the possible liabilities associated with the respective business or property that we assumed upon consummation of each Acquisition. Furthermore, the acquisition of Swedish Match was structured as a direct purchase of shares from Swedish Match shareholders and therefore did not include an acquisition agreement or indemnification rights. Any such liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting adjustments related to the Acquisitions could adversely affect our financial results.
We accounted for the completion of the Acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. Given the nature of the assets acquired in the Acquisitions, we may not be able to avoid future impairments of those assets, which may also have a material impact on our future results of operation and financial position.
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PMI, Swedish Match and Vectura Fertin Pharma may be subject to uncertainties that could adversely affect our respective businesses, and adversely affect the financial results of our combined businesses.
Our success following these Acquisitions depends in part upon our ability and the ability of each of Swedish Match and Vectura Fertin Pharma to maintain business relationships. The effect of the Acquisitions on customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies of each of Swedish Match, Fertin Pharma and Vectura, may have a material adverse effect on us and/or the businesses that we have acquired through the Acquisitions. Customers, suppliers and others who do business with Swedish Match or Vectura Fertin Pharma may delay or defer business decisions, decide to terminate, modify or renegotiate their relationships, or take other actions, which could negatively affect the revenues, earnings and cash flows of our company or the businesses that we have acquired. Regulatory changes may have an impact on the development and/or commercialization of products which originate from the Swedish Match or Vectura Fertin Pharma value chains, as well as our revenues, earnings and cash flow. If we are unable to maintain the business and operational relationships of Swedish Match, or of Vectura Fertin Pharma, our financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon combining with these companies could be adversely affected.
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
PMI relies heavily on the availability, reliability, and security of our information systems, networks, data, and intellectual property to, among other things, help manage our business processes and operations, collect and interpret data, and communicate internally and externally with employees, suppliers, consumers and customers, and business partners. We have a cross-functional cybersecurity risk program developed using standard industry practices, which monitors and manages cybersecurity threats to our business and information systems. We invest in administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including continuity planning, to enhance resilience on our core processes, to maintain information security protections of our data and to safeguard the privacy of consumers, customers, employees and business partners.
Risk Management and Strategy
Our cybersecurity risk program, managed by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) and the information security team, is conducted under our enterprise risk management framework and operates on a risk-based approach in assessing risks from cybersecurity threats, as follows:
•Cybersecurity Threat Scenarios. Our cybersecurity risk assessment process consists of identifying and compiling a catalogue of top cybersecurity threat scenarios relevant to PMI, which facilitates risk assessments with our IT and business stakeholders.
•Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment. Our risk exposure from relevant cybersecurity threat scenarios is mitigated by evaluating existing cybersecurity capabilities and corresponding maturity to identify and address areas for improvement.
•Cybersecurity Threat Assessment. To establish PMI’s current and target cybersecurity risk exposure, residual risk exposure from the most relevant cybersecurity threat scenarios across IT platforms and regions is evaluated and measured based upon the cybersecurity maturity assessments.
•Cybersecurity Risk Program. PMI has a cybersecurity risk program to enhance its ability to identify, prevent, mitigate, respond and recover from disruptive cybersecurity threats and incidents and to reduce cybersecurity risk exposure. Improvements in our cybersecurity defense capabilities are prioritized based upon the results of cybersecurity threat assessments and cybersecurity maturity assessments. Identified issues from these assessments form the improvement initiatives under our cybersecurity risk program. As discussed in more detail below under “Governance,” the program’s key improvement initiatives, their implementation status, and the overall progression in our cybersecurity capability maturity are regularly presented to the applicable governing body within PMI. In addition, our cybersecurity risk program operates in coordination with the following:
Cyber Defense. Our dedicated cyber defense team provides services to identify, help prevent, detect and respond against cybersecurity threats and intrusions and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to help protect PMI’s information, mitigate operational disruptions and maintain business continuity. The cyber defense team’s controls and procedures identify and enable escalation of cybersecurity incidents to the applicable governing body within PMI, as appropriate, to meet disclosure and reporting requirements for such incidents.
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Third-Party Cyber Risk Management.Some of our information systems and networks are developed, supplied, or managed by third-party service providers. Our third-party cyber risk management process analyzes and seeks to control risks associated with outsourcing products or services, such as “supply chain” style cyberattacks, and identifies preventative and detective controls to mitigate third-party vendor and service provider cybersecurity risks that could adversely impact our business and operations.
Education and Awareness.PMI regularly provides its workforce with mandatory cybersecurity awareness education and training addressing information security related tasks in line with our evolving information security policies, standards, procedures, and practice as well as supplemental role-based training and awareness programs.
We engage external assessors and other third parties to independently evaluate our cybersecurity risk management process, including the relevance to PMI of identified cybersecurity scenarios and the results of cybersecurity maturity assessments. The outcome of such evaluations, audits or reviews are reported to the Corporate Risk Governance Committee and to the Audit & Risk Committee, and our cybersecurity policies, standards and processes are adjusted, as necessary.
PMI follows a risk evaluation process for issues identified through internal audits, security assessments, third-party cybersecurity risk assessments, or self-assessment disclosures, and resulting information technology risks are recorded for risk remediation, transfer, avoidance, or acceptance as appropriate. Some of our information systems are managed by specialist third-party service providers, and we work with internal specialists to protect systems and data from unauthorized access and other cybersecurity threats.
Governance
The Audit and Risk Committee of our Board of Directors oversees our policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including a review, in coordination with our management, of PMI’s management of cybersecurity. Our CISO presents reports to the Audit and Risk Committee or to the full Board of Directors at least quarterly, which reports include cybersecurity risk status along with key performance indicators and key risk response strategies and plans.
The Corporate Risk Governance Committee receives quarterly reports on the Company’s overall cybersecurity risk exposure including the individual top cybersecurity threat scenario residual risk ratings and the plan and status of the cybersecurity risk program, to facilitate calibration with other enterprise risk domains and validation of the risk response plans. The Corporate Risk Governance Committee includes our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), General Counsel (“GC”), Senior Vice President Operations, and our Chief Digital & Information Officer (“CDIO”).
Cybersecurity incidents that have been determined to meet established SEC reporting consideration thresholds are promptly communicated to the Disclosure Committee, which is responsible for evaluating the potential materiality of such incidents and ensuring the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of related disclosures under applicable reporting obligations, and other relevant communications or presentations. The Disclosure Committee’s membership includes the following executives: the Corporate Secretary; the GC; the CFO; the Controller & Principal Accounting Officer; the Chief Risk Assurance Officer; and the Vice President, Investor Relations. In addition, the CISO serves as an advisor to the Disclosure Committee.
The CISO has served in various roles in information technology and information security for over 25 years, including in the telecommunications and management consultancy sectors and serving as the Chief Information Security Officer of two large public companies. The CDIO holds an engineering degree and has served in various senior positions in information technology for over 20 years, including serving as Senior Vice President, IT Sales, and Global Chief Information Officer at a public company. The CEO has served in various positions in finance and general management at PMI for over 30 years, including as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and holds a master’s degree in economics. The CFO has over 15 years of experience in finance and management, having held several executive positions in charge of finance, legal affairs information systems and industry administration at various companies. The GC has served at PMI for 18 years in several positions within the Legal & Compliance department, including as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of various regions, and holds two master’s degrees having studied law, management and finance.
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, PMI is not aware of any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect PMI, its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For additional information concerning PMI’s risks related to cybersecurity, see Item 1.A. Risk Factors.
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Item 2. Properties.
We own or lease various manufacturing, office and research and development facilities in locations around the world. We own properties in Switzerland where our operations center and state-of-the-art research and development facility are located.
At December 31, 2023, we operated and owned a total of 50 manufacturing facilities across our segments. Among them, 9 factories produced heated tobacco units and 7 factories produced oral nicotine products.
In 2023, certain of our facilities each manufactured over 30 billion units (cigarettes and heated tobacco units combined). Our largest manufacturing facilities, in terms of cigarette and heated tobacco unit volume, are located in Turkey (SSEA, CIS & MEA), Russia (SSEA, CIS & MEA), Indonesia (SSEA, CIS & MEA), Poland (Europe), Italy (Europe), Czech Republic (Europe), Lithuania (Europe) and the Philippines (SSEA, CIS & MEA). Our largest nicotine pouch manufacturing facility is located in the United States. As part of our global operating model, products manufactured in a particular manufacturing facility are not necessarily distributed in the operating segment where the facility is located.
We have integrated the production of our heated tobacco units into a number of our existing manufacturing facilities, and we are progressing with our plans to build manufacturing capacity for our other RRP and smoke-free platforms. We will continue to optimize our manufacturing infrastructure.
We believe the properties owned or leased by our subsidiaries are maintained in good condition and are believed to be suitable and adequate for our present needs.
Item 3.Legal Proceedings.
The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies.
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The principal stock exchange on which our common stock (no par value) is listed is the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol "PM"). At January 31, 2024, there were approximately 41,300 holders of record of our common stock.
Information regarding equity-based compensation plans required by Regulation S-K Item 201(d) is provided in Item 12 of this 10-K.
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Performance Graph
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on PMI's common stock with the cumulative total return for the same period of PMI's Peer Group and the S&P 500 Index. The graph assumes the investment of $100 as of December 31, 2018, in PMI common stock (at prices quoted on the New York Stock Exchange), and each of the indices as of the market close and reinvestment of dividends on a quarterly basis.
Date
PMI
PMI Peer Group (1)
S&P 500 Index
December 31, 2018
$100.00
$100.00
$100.00
December 31, 2019
$135.00
$123.90
$131.50
December 31, 2020
$140.20
$132.60
$155.70
December 31, 2021
$169.30
$153.40
$200.40
December 31, 2022
$190.30
$148.70
$164.10
December 31, 2023
$186.90
$146.40
$207.20
(1) The PMI Peer Group presented in this graph is the same as that used in the prior year. The PMI Peer Group was established based on a review of four characteristics: global presence; a focus on consumer products; and net revenues and a market capitalization of a similar size to those of PMI. The review also considered the primary international tobacco companies. As a result of this review, the following companies constitute the PMI Peer Group: Altria Group, Inc., Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, British American Tobacco p.l.c., The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive Co., Diageo plc, Heineken N.V., Imperial Brands PLC, Japan Tobacco Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, The Kraft-Heinz Company, McDonald's Corp., Mondelēz International, Inc., Nestlé S.A., PepsiCo, Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company, Roche Holding AG, and Unilever NV and PLC.
Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest $0.10.
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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities During the Quarter Ended December 31, 2023
Our share repurchase activity for each of the three months in the quarter ended December 31, 2023, was as follows:
Period
Total Number of Shares Repurchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023 (1)
$
—
10,481,359
$
6,016,847,275
November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023 (1)
$
—
10,481,359
$
6,016,847,275
December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 (1)
$
—
10,481,359
$
6,016,847,275
Pursuant to Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
—
$
—
October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023 (2)
3,536
$
92.75
November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023 (2)
6,873
$
89.12
December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 (2)
907
$
93.04
For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2023
11,316
$
90.57
(1)On June 11, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $7 billion, with target spending of $5 billion to $7 billion over a three-year period that commenced in July 2021. These share repurchases have been made pursuant to the $7 billion program. On May 11, 2022, we announced the suspension of our three-year share repurchase program following the recommended public offer to acquire the outstanding shares of Swedish Match from its shareholders. For further details on the offer, see the Acquisitions and Other Business Arrangements section of Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
(2)Shares repurchased represent shares tendered to us by employees who vested in restricted and performance share unit awards and used shares to pay all, or a portion of, the related taxes.
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Item 6. [Reserved].
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Item 8, and the discussion of risks and cautionary factors that may affect future results in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Description of Our Company
We are a leading international tobacco company, actively delivering a smoke-free future. We are evolving our portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. Our current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products. Since 2008, we have invested $12.5 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This investment includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. In November 2022, we acquired Swedish Match AB ("Swedish Match"), a leader in oral nicotine delivery, creating a global smoke-free combination led by the companies’ IQOS and ZYN brands. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") has authorized versions of our IQOS Platform 1 devices and consumables, and Swedish Match's General snus, as Modified Risk Tobacco Products ("MRTPs"). We describe the MRTP orders in more detail in the "Business Environment" section of this Item 7.
In January 2023, we began managing our business in four geographical segments, down from six previously, in addition to our continuing Swedish Match and Wellness and Healthcare segments: As of December 31, 2023, our operating segments were as follows:
•Europe Region;
•South and Southeast Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East and Africa Region ("SSEA, CIS & MEA");
•East Asia, Australia, and PMI Duty Free Region ("EA, AU & PMI DF");
•Americas Region;
•Swedish Match, which reflects our fourth quarter 2022 acquisition of the company; and
•Wellness and Healthcare ("W&H"), which includes the operating results of our Vectura Fertin Pharma business.
Following the combination and the progress in 2023 toward integrating the Swedish Match business into the existing PMI regional segment structure, we will update our segment reporting by including Swedish Match results in the four existing geographical segments. As of the first quarter of 2024, we will report on this basis.
Our cigarettes are sold in approximately 175 markets, and in many of these markets they hold the number one or number two market share position. We have a wide range of premium, mid-price and low-price brands. Ourportfolio comprises both international and local brands.
Smoke-free products (also referred to herein as "SFPs") is the term we primarily use to refer to all of our products that are not combustible tobacco products, such as heat-not-burn, e-vapor, and oral nicotine. In addition, SFPs include wellness and healthcare products, as well as consumer accessories such as lighters and matches.
In addition to the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, we are engaged in the development and commercialization of reduced-risk products ("RRPs"). RRPs is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. We have a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. Our RRPs are SFPs that contain and/or generate far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke. IQOS is the leading brand in our SFPs portfolio. As of December 31, 2023, our smoke-free products were available for sale in 84 markets.
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In 2021, we laid the foundation for our long-term growth ambitions beyond nicotine in wellness and healthcare, including the milestone acquisitions of Vectura Group plc ("Vectura") and Fertin Pharma A/S ("Fertin Pharma"), which provide essential capabilities for future product development. Now, through our Vectura Fertin Pharma business, with a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, we aim to expand into wellness and healthcare areas.
In 2022, we acquired Swedish Match AB, a market leader in oral nicotine delivery with a significant presence in the United States market. The Swedish Match acquisition is a key milestone in PMI’s transformation to becoming a smoke-free company. Swedish Match has a leading nicotine pouch franchise in the U.S. under the ZYN brand name. The Swedish Match product portfolio is complementary to our existing portfolio, permitting us to bring together a leading oral nicotine product with the leading heat-not-burn product. By joining forces with Swedish Match, we expect to accelerate the achievement of our joint smoke-free ambitions, switching more adults who would otherwise continue to smoke cigarettes to better alternatives faster than either company could achieve separately.
In 2022, we also completed an agreement with Altria Group, Inc. to end our commercial relationship in the U.S. covering IQOS as of April 30, 2024. Thereafter, PMI will hold the full rights to commercialize IQOS in the U.S. On July, 14, 2023, we made the final payment to Altria under the terms of the agreement.
For further details of our 2021 and 2022 acquisitions, as well as the agreement with Altria Group, Inc., see Item 8, Note 3. Acquisitions and the "Business Environment" section of this Item 7
We use the term net revenues to refer to our operating revenues from the sale of our products, including shipping and handling charges billed to customers, net of sales and promotion incentives, and excise taxes. Our net revenues and operating income are affected by various factors, including the volume of products we sell, the price of our products, changes in currency exchange rates and the mix of products we sell. Mix is a term used to refer to the proportionate value of premium-price brands to mid-price or low-price brands in any given market (product mix). Mix can also refer to the proportion of shipment volume in more profitable markets versus shipment volume in less profitable markets (geographic mix).
Our cost of sales consists principally of: tobacco leaf, non-tobacco raw materials, labor and manufacturing costs; shipping and handling costs; and the cost of devices produced by third-party electronics manufacturing service providers. Estimated costs associated with device warranty programs are generally provided for in cost of sales in the period the related revenues are recognized.
Our marketing, administration and research costs include the costs of marketing and selling our products, other costs generally not related to the manufacture of our products (including general corporate expenses), and costs incurred to develop new products. The most significant components of our marketing, administration and research costs are marketing and sales expenses and general and administrative expenses.
Philip Morris International Inc. is a legal entity separate and distinct from its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Accordingly, our right, and thus the right of our creditors and stockholders, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of any subsidiary is subject to the prior rights of creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of our company itself as a creditor may be recognized. As a holding company, our principal sources of funds, including funds to make payment on our debt securities, are from the receipt of dividends and repayment of debt from our subsidiaries. Our principal wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries currently are not limited by long-term debt or other agreements in their ability to pay cash dividends or to make other distributions that are otherwise compliant with law.
Executive Summary
The following executive summary provides the business update and significant highlights from the Discussion and Analysis that follows.
Global Patent Settlement
On February 1, 2024, we entered into a global settlement agreement with British American Tobacco p.l.c. ("BAT") that resolves all ongoing patent infringement litigation between the parties related to heated tobacco and vapor products. The settlement includes non-monetary provisions between PMI and BAT that resolve all ongoing global patent infringement litigation, encompassing all related injunctions and exclusion orders, and prevents patent infringement and certain other future claims against current heated tobacco and vapor products. Under the settlement PMI and BAT also agreed to request rescission of the Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Order issued by the International Trade Commission prohibiting the importation of certain heat-not-burn products by PMI and
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its affiliates into the U.S. The settlement also allows each party to innovate and introduce product iterations. For further details, see Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies.
War in Ukraine
In Ukraine, our main priority remains the safety and security of our employees and their families in the country. We continue commercial activities in select locations where safety allows, in order to provide product availability and service to adult consumers, and supply the market from production centers outside Ukraine, as well as through a contract manufacturing arrangement. Production at our factory in Kharkiv remains suspended. On June 20, 2023, we announced the investment of $30 million in a new production facility in the Lviv region, in Western Ukraine. Preparatory work for the facility began in July 2023 and production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024. As of December 31, 2023, our Ukrainian operations had approximately $0.4 billion in total assets, excluding intercompany balances.
In Russia, we are continuously assessing the evolving situation in the country. This includes regulatory constraints in the market entailing very complex terms and conditions that must be met for any divestment transaction to be granted approval by the authorities, and restrictions resulting from international regulations. In the event of a divestment, our ability to fully realize the value of the business would likely be subject to material impairment. As of December 31, 2023, our Russian operations had approximately $2.7 billion in total assets, excluding intercompany balances, of which approximately $0.8 billion consisted of cash and equivalents held mostly in local currency (Russian rubles).
Additionally, we hold a 23% equity interest in Megapolis Distribution BV, the holding company of CJSC TK Megapolis, PMI's distributor in Russia. For further details, see Item 8, Note 6. Related Parties – Equity Investments and Other.
These developments above have and will continue to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position, and may result in impairment charges.
For further details, see Item 8, Note 4. War in Ukraine to our consolidated financial statements, as well as Item 1A. Risk Factors and the "Trade Policy" section of this Item 7.
Consolidated Operating Results
•Net Revenues – Net revenues of $35.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $3.4 billion, or 10.7%, from the comparable 2022 amount. The change in our net revenues from the comparable 2022 amount was driven by the following (variances not to scale):
Net revenues increased by 10.7%, including the impact of the Swedish Match acquisition and currency. Net revenues, excluding currency and acquisitions, increased by 7.6%, mainly reflecting: a favorable pricing variance, primarily driven by higher combustible tobacco pricing, and favorable volume/mix, mainly driven by higher HTU volume, partially offset by lower cigarette volume. The increase was partly offset by lower fees for certain distribution rights billed to customers in certain markets and a charge to net revenues in 2023 of $80 million following the termination of a distribution arrangement in the Middle East, both shown in "Other." The termination of a distribution arrangement in the Middle East is further described in the following "Diluted Earnings Per Share" discussion.
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Net revenues by product category for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, are shown below:
27
•Diluted Earnings Per Share– The changes in our reported diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, from the comparable 2022 amounts, were as follows:
Diluted EPS
% Change
For the year ended December 31, 2022
$
5.81
2022 Charges related to the war in Ukraine
0.08
2022 Fair value adjustment for equity security investments
(0.02)
2022 Amortization of intangibles
0.09
2022 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
0.06
2022 Costs associated with Swedish Match AB offer
0.06
2022 Swedish Match AB acquisition accounting related item
0.06
2022 Income tax impact associated with Swedish Match AB financing
(0.13)
2022 Tax items
(0.03)
Subtotal of 2022 items
0.17
2023 Charges related to the war in Ukraine
(0.03)
2023 Asset impairment and exit costs
(0.06)
2023 South Korea indirect tax charge
(0.11)
2023 Termination of agreement with Foundation for a Smoke-Free World
(0.07)
2023 Fair value adjustment for equity security investments
0.02
2023 Amortization of intangibles
(0.25)
2023 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
(0.44)
2023 Termination of distribution arrangement in the Middle East
(0.04)
2023 Swedish Match AB acquisition accounting related item
(0.01)
2023 Income tax impact associated with Swedish Match AB financing
0.11
2023 Tax items
(0.11)
Subtotal of 2023 items
(0.99)
Currency
(0.63)
Interest
(0.21)
Change in tax rate
0.03
Operations
0.84
For the year ended December 31, 2023
$
5.02
(13.6)
%
Charges related to the war in Ukraine – During 2022, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $151 million (representing $128 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.08 per share), related to circumstances driven by the war, including machinery and inventory write-downs, additional allowances for receivables and the cost of PMI’s humanitarian efforts. During 2023, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $53 million (representing $43 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.03 per share), related to circumstances driven by the war, including the cost of PMI’s humanitarian efforts, severance payments, as well as an impairment of certain long-lived assets. For further details, see Item 8, Note 4. War in Ukraine.
Fair value adjustment for equity security investments – During 2022, we recorded a favorable fair value adjustment for our equity security investments in India and Sri Lanka ($0.02 per share increase in diluted EPS). During 2023, we recorded a favorable fair value adjustment for our equity security investments in India and Sri Lanka ($0.02 per share increase in diluted EPS). For further details, see Item 8, Note 6. Related Parties - Equity Investments and Other.
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Amortization of intangibles– During 2022, we recorded amortization of intangibles expense of $159 million (representing $129 million net of income tax or $0.09 per share decrease in diluted EPS). During 2023, we recorded amortization of intangibles expense of $497 million (representing $389 million net of income tax or $0.25 per share decrease in diluted EPS). The higher amortization expense in 2023 was primarily due to increased acquired intangible assets recorded as a result of our acquisitions in 2022. For further details, see Item 8, Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net.
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles – During 2022, we recorded an impairment charge related to definite-lived intangible assets of $112 million (representing $98 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.06 per share) reflecting the impact of general economic and market conditions resulting in a reduction in future estimated cash flows on certain products within the Wellness and Healthcare segment. This impairment charge was recorded within cost of sales in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2022.
During the second quarter of 2023, we completed our annual review of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets for potential impairment. Based on this review, it was determined that the estimated fair value of the Wellness and Healthcare reporting unit was lower than its carrying value. Consequently, we recorded a total non-cash impairment charge of $680 million (representing a $0.44 per share decrease in diluted EPS) consisting of a goodwill impairment charge of $665 million and a non-amortizable intangible asset pre-tax impairment charge of $15 million for an in-process research and development project related to one of our 2021 acquisitions. The impairment charge was recorded in impairment of goodwill ($665 million) and marketing, administration and research costs ($15 million) within the consolidated statements of earnings during the year ended December 31, 2023, and was included in the Wellness and Healthcare segment results.
For further details, see Item 8, Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net.
Costs associated with Swedish Match AB offer – During 2022, we incurred pre-tax costs associated with the Swedish Match offer of $116 million (representing $99 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.06 per share) primarily related to financing costs, derivative financial instruments and certain transaction related costs. These pre-tax costs of $116 million were recorded in marketing, administration and research costs ($115 million expense) and interest expense, net ($1 million expense) on our consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Swedish Match AB acquisition accounting related item – Following the Swedish Match acquisition, we recorded in 2022 pre-tax purchase accounting adjustments of $125 million related to the sale of acquired inventories stepped up to fair value (representing $94 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.06 per share). During 2023, we recorded pre-tax purchase accounting adjustments of $18 million related to the sale of acquired inventories stepped up to fair value (representing $13 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.01 per share). These pre-tax adjustments were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. For further details, see Item 8, Note 3. Acquisitions.
Asset impairment and exit costs – During 2023, we recorded pre-tax asset impairment and exit costs of $109 million, representing $96 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.06 per share, related to a project to fully outsource and restructure the manufacturing of e-vapor devices and consumables. For further details, see Item 8, Note 20. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs.
South Korea indirect tax charge – On July 13, 2023, our South Korean subsidiary, PM Korea, received an adverse ruling from the Supreme Court of South Korea related to cases alleging underpayment of excise taxes in connection with a 2015 excise tax increase and subsequent audit by the South Korean Board of Audit and Inspection. The Supreme Court ruling reversed previous decisions that were in PM Korea’s favor at the trial and appellate levels. As a result of the ruling, we concluded that an adverse outcome is probable. Consequently, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $204 million (representing $174 million net of income tax or $0.11 per share decrease in diluted EPS) in the second quarter results of 2023, reflecting the full amount previously paid by PM Korea. For further details, see Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies.
Termination of agreement with Foundation for a Smoke-Free World – On September 29, 2023, PMI and the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (the "Foundation") entered into the Final Grant Agreement and Termination of the Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement ("Agreement"). Under the terms of the Agreement, PMI paid $140 million in the third quarter of 2023 in return for the termination of the pledge agreement between the parties. As a result, in the third quarter of 2023, PMI recorded a pre-tax charge of $140 million (representing $111 million net of income tax or $0.07 per share decrease in diluted EPS) commensurate with the early termination of the pledge agreement. The pre-tax charge was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs in the consolidated statements of earnings during the year ended December 31, 2023. For further details, see "Other Developments" within the Business Environment section of this Item 7.
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Termination of distribution arrangement in the Middle East – Following the termination of a distribution arrangement in the Middle East, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $80 million in the first quarter of 2023 (representing $70 million net of income tax and a diluted EPS charge of $0.04 per share). The pre-tax charge was recorded as a reduction of net revenues in the consolidated statements of earnings and was included in the SSEA, CIS & MEA segment results.
Income taxes – The Income tax impact associated with Swedish Match AB financing that increased our 2022 diluted EPS by $0.13 per share and increased our 2023 diluted EPS by $0.11 per share in the table above was due to a deferred tax benefit for unrealized foreign currency losses on intercompany loans related to the Swedish Match acquisition financing reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings, while the underlying pre-tax foreign currency movements fully offset in the consolidated statements of earnings and were reflected as currency translation adjustments in the consolidated statements of stockholders' (deficit) equity.
The 2022 Tax items that increased our 2022 diluted EPS by $0.03 per share in the table above were due to a reduction in deferred tax liabilities related to pension plan assets of $40 million.
The 2023 tax items that decreased our 2023 diluted EPS by $0.11 per share in the table above were due to an increase in deferred tax liabilities related to the unremitted earnings of PMI's Russian subsidiaries due to the unilateral suspension of certain Russian double tax treaties by the Russian authorities on August 8, 2023, with respect to certain payments including dividends. The change in the tax rate that increased our diluted EPS by $0.03 per share in the table above was primarily due to changes in earnings mix by taxing jurisdiction.
Currency – The unfavorable impact of $0.63 per share during the reporting period primarily results from the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar, especially against the Argentine peso, Egyptian pound, Japanese yen, Russian ruble and Swiss franc, partly offset by the Euro. This unfavorable currency movement has impacted our profitability across our primary revenue markets and local currency cost bases.
Interest – The unfavorable impact of $0.21 per share from interest in the table above was due primarily to higher interest expense in connection with the Swedish Match acquisition, partially offset by higher net interest income driven by higher interest rates.
Operations – The increase in diluted EPS of $0.84 per share from our operations in the table above was due primarily to the following segments:
•Swedish Match: Reflecting the 2023 impact following the fourth quarter 2022 acquisition; and
•EA, AU & PMI DF: Favorable volume/mix, favorable pricing and lower supply chain costs;
partially offset by
•Americas: Unfavorable volume/mix and higher marketing, administration and research costs, partly offset by favorable pricing;
•SSEA, CIS & MEA: Higher marketing, administration and research costs, higher manufacturing costs, unfavorable volume/mix and the impact of lower fees for certain distribution rights billed to customers in certain markets, partly offset by favorable pricing;
•Wellness and Healthcare: Primarily reflecting commercial investments and higher administration costs; and
•Europe: Higher marketing, administration and research costs, higher manufacturing costs and unfavorable volume/mix, partly offset by favorable pricing.
For further details, see the Consolidated Operating Results and Operating Results by Business Segment sections of the following Discussion and Analysis.
Discussion and Analysis
Critical Accounting Estimates
Item 8, Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. In most instances, we must use a particular accounting policy or method because it is the only one that is permitted under U.S. GAAP.
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The preparation of financial statements requires that we use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, net revenues and expenses, as well as our disclosure of contingencies. If actual amounts differ from previous estimates, we include the revisions in our consolidated results of operations in the period during which we know the actual amounts. Historically, aggregate differences, if any, between our estimates and actual amounts in any year have not had a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
The selection and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates have been discussed with our Audit & Risk Committee. The following is a discussion of the more significant assumptions, estimates, accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Acquisitions - PMI accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. PMI allocates the purchase price of an acquired business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date with the excess recorded as Goodwill. The fair value of the applicable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is determined through established valuation techniques, such as the income, cost or market approach. PMI may utilize third-party valuation experts to assist in the fair value determination of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The determination of fair value requires management to make judgements and may involve the use of significant estimates, including assumptions with respect to estimated projected revenue growth, future cash flows, terminal growth rates, useful economic lives of intangible assets acquired, discount rates, royalty rates and other factors. Certain acquired intangibles are expected to have indefinite lives based on their history and PMI’s intent to continue to support and build the intangible.
Although PMI believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. Changes in assumptions related to future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired.
See Item 8, Note 3. Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements for details of the critical accounting estimates relevant to the business combinations in the periods presented in this Form 10-K.
Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue as performance obligations are satisfied. Our primary performance obligation is the distribution and sales of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, e-vapor and oral nicotine products. Our performance obligations are typically satisfied upon shipment or delivery to our customers. PMI estimates the cost of sales returns based on historical experience, and these estimates are immaterial. Estimated costs associated with warranty programs for IQOS devices are generally provided for in cost of sales in the period the related revenues are recognized, based on a number of factors, including historical experience, product failure rates and warranty policies. The transaction price is typically based on the amount billed to the customer and includes estimated variable consideration where applicable. Such variable consideration is typically not constrained and is estimated based on the most likely amount that PMI expects to be entitled to under the terms of the contracts with customers, historical experience of discount or rebate redemption, where relevant, and the terms of any underlying discount or rebate programs, which may change from time to time as the business and product categories evolve.
Goodwill and Non-Amortizable Intangible Assets Valuation - We test goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events occur that would warrant such review, using either a qualitative or quantitative assessment for each of our reporting units. Where a qualitative assessment is followed, we determine whether it is more likely than not that an impairment exists based on qualitative factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and competitive conditions, legal and regulatory environment, historical financial performance and significant changes within the reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, then a quantitative assessment is performed. The quantitative impairment analysis involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit or non-amortizable intangible asset to the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, goodwill or a non-amortizable intangible asset is considered impaired. To determine the fair value of a reporting unit, we use the market approach using earnings multiples of comparable global companies within the tobacco industry and a discounted cash flow model. To determine the fair value of non-amortizable intangible assets, we primarily use a discounted cash flow model applying the relief-from-royalty method. These discounted cash flow models include management assumptions relevant for forecasting operating cash flows, which are subject to changes in business conditions, such as volumes and prices, costs to produce, discount rates and estimated capital needs. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values are estimated, and we believe these assumptions are consistent with the assumptions a hypothetical marketplace participant would use.
During the second quarter of 2023, PMI completed its annual review of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets for potential impairment. We performed a quantitative impairment assessment for all of our reporting units and non-amortizable intangible assets with the exception of the three reporting units and non-amortizable intangible asset related to the Swedish Match segment for which we have performed a qualitative assessment. Based on this review, it was determined that the estimated fair value of the Wellness and
31
Healthcare reporting unit was lower than its carrying value. Consequently, PMI recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $665 million. Additionally, as a result of the impairment test of non-amortizable intangible assets, PMI recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $15 million. There was no impairment charge of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets for our other reporting units. For additional information, see Item 8, Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net.
At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of our goodwill was $16.8 billion, which is related to ten geographical reporting units, each of which consists of a group of markets with similar operating and economic characteristics, three reporting units related to the Swedish Match segment and the Wellness and Healthcare business. The estimated fair value of each of our fourteen reporting units and non-amortizable intangible assets exceeded the carrying value as of December 31, 2023.
Investment in non-marketable equity securities– We perform a sensitivity analysis to estimate the value of our continuing investment in RBH on an ongoing basis. The analysis includes estimating a range of fair values to determine whether any indicators of impairment exist. The estimated range of fair values of the underlying business and of the contingent liability is determined based on an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis. The information used in the estimate includes observable inputs, such as discount rates, terminal growth rates, previous court rulings, total tobacco market size in Canada, RBH’s share of the market and tobacco-litigation related expense, as well as unobservable inputs such as operating budgets and strategic plans, various inflation scenarios, estimated shipment volumes, and expected product pricing and projected margins.
For further details, see Item 8, Note 6. Related Parties – Equity investments and Other to our consolidated financial statements
Marketing Costs - We incur certain costs to support our products through programs that include advertising, marketing, consumer engagement and trade promotions. The costs of our advertising and marketing programs are expensed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Recognition of the cost related to our consumer engagement and trade promotion programs contain uncertainties due to the judgment required in estimating the potential performance and compliance for each program. For volume-based incentives provided to customers, management continually assesses and estimates, by customer, the likelihood of the customer's achieving the specified targets, and records the reduction of revenue as the sales are made. For other trade promotions, management relies on estimated utilization rates that have been developed from historical experience. Changes in the assumptions used in estimating the cost of any individual marketing program would not result in a material change in our financial position, results of operations or operating cash flows.
Employee Benefit Plans - As discussed in Item 8, Note 14. Benefit Plans to our consolidated financial statements, we provide a range of benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pensions, postretirement health care and postemployment benefits (primarily severance). We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by U.S. GAAP. These calculations include various actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates, assumed rates of return on plan assets, compensation increases, mortality, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. We review actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate to do so. As permitted by U.S. GAAP, any effect of the modifications is generally amortized over future periods. We believe that the assumptions utilized in calculating our obligations under these plans are reasonable based upon our historical experience and advice from our actuaries.
Weighted-average discount rate assumptions for pension and postretirement plan obligations at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023
2022
Pension plans
2.28%
3.03%
Postretirement plans
5.19%
5.89%
We anticipate that assumption changes will increase 2024 pre-tax pension and postretirement expense to approximately $154 million as compared with approximately $106 million in 2023, excluding amounts related to employee severance and early retirement programs. The anticipated increase is primarily due to higher amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses of $72 million, coupled with higher service cost of $39 million, partially offset by higher expected return on assets of $29 million, coupled with lower interest cost of $26 million and other movements of $8 million.
Weighted-average expected rate of return and discount rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amount of expense reported for the employee benefit plans. A fifty-basis-point decrease in our discount rate would increase our 2024 pension and postretirement expense by approximately $57 million, and a fifty-basis-point increase in our discount rate would decrease our 2024 pension and postretirement expense by approximately $48 million. Similarly, a fifty-basis-point decrease (increase) in the expected return on plan assets would increase (decrease) our 2024 pension expense by approximately $41 million.
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Income Taxes - Income tax provisions for jurisdictions outside the United States, as well as state and local income tax provisions, are determined on a separate company basis, and the related assets and liabilities are recorded in our consolidated balance sheets.
The extent of our operations involves dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state, and international tax audits. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for income taxes, we evaluate potential tax exposures and record tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax liabilities. If our estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would generally result. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be less than the recorded amounts, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary.
We are required to assess the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets against future sources of taxable income. If we determine, using all available evidence, that we do not reach the more likely than not threshold for recovery, a valuation allowance is recorded. Significant judgment is required in determining the need for and amount of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets including estimates of future taxable income in the applicable jurisdictions and the feasibility of on-going tax planning strategies, as applicable.
The effective tax rates used for interim reporting are based on our full-year geographic earnings mix projections. Changes in currency exchange rates, earnings mix by taxing jurisdiction or future regulatory developments may have an impact on the effective tax rates. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and in evaluating tax positions.
For further details, see Item 8, Note 12. Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements.
Hedging - As discussed below in “Market Risk,” we use derivative financial instruments principally to reduce exposures to market risks resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates by creating offsetting exposures. For derivative contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items attributable to the hedged risk, is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. For our other derivatives to which we have elected to apply hedge accounting, gains and losses on these derivatives are initially deferred in accumulated other comprehensive losses on the consolidated balance sheet and recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings into the same line item as the impact of the underlying transaction and in the periods when the related hedged transactions are also recognized in operating results. Gain (losses) related to derivatives contracts for which hedge accounting provisions have not been elected are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Contingencies - Asdiscussed in Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements, legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters are pending or threatened against us, and/or our subsidiaries, and/or our indemnitees in various jurisdictions. We and our subsidiaries record provisions in the consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The variability in pleadings in multiple jurisdictions, together with the actual experience of management in litigating claims, demonstrate that the monetary relief that may be specified in a lawsuit bears little relevance to the ultimate outcome. Much of the tobacco-related litigation is in its early stages, and litigation is subject to uncertainty. At the present time, except as stated otherwise in Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, after assessing the information available to it: (i) management has not concluded that it is probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related cases; (ii) management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss for any of the pending tobacco-related cases; and (iii) accordingly, no estimated loss has been accrued in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes in these cases, if any. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.
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Consolidated Operating Results
Our net revenues and operating income by segment were as follows:
(in millions)
2023
2022
2021
Net Revenues
Europe
$
13,598
$
12,869
$
13,155
SSEA, CIS & MEA
10,629
10,467
9,858
EA, AU & PMI DF
6,201
5,936
6,448
Americas
1,944
1,903
1,843
Swedish Match
2,496
316
—
Wellness and Healthcare
306
271
101
Net revenues
$
35,174
$
31,762
$
31,405
Operating Income (Loss)
Europe
$
6,012
$
5,802
$
6,409
SSEA, CIS & MEA
3,047
3,864
3,295
EA, AU & PMI DF
2,481
2,424
2,836
Americas
62
436
487
Swedish Match
824
(22)
—
Wellness and Healthcare
(870)
(258)
(52)
Operating income
$
11,556
$
12,246
$
12,975
Items affecting the comparability of results from operations were as follows:
•Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles –For the year ended December 31, 2023, PMI recorded $680 million of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets impairment charges that was included in the Wellness and Healthcare segment. For the year ended December 31, 2022, PMI recorded an impairment charge related to definite-lived intangible assets of $112 million. This charge was included in the Wellness and Healthcare segment. For further details, see Item 8, Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net.
•South Korea indirect tax charge –See Item 8, Note 18. Contingencies for details of the $204 million pre-tax charge included in the EA, AU & PMI DF segment results for the year ended December 31, 2023.
•Termination of distribution arrangement in the Middle East –In the first quarter of2023, PMI recorded a pre-tax charge of $80 million following the termination of a distribution arrangement in the Middle East. This pre-tax charge was recorded as a reduction of net revenues in the consolidated statements of earnings, and was included in the SSEA, CIS & MEA segment results for the year ended December 31, 2023.
•Charges related to the war in Ukraine - See Item 8, Note 4. War in Ukraine for details of the $53 million and $151 million pre-tax charges in the Europe segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
•Swedish Match AB acquisition accounting related item - See Item 8, Note 3. Acquisitions for details of the $18 million and $125 million pre-tax purchase accounting adjustments related to the sale of acquired inventories stepped up to fair value included in the Swedish Match segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
•Asset impairment and exit costs - See Item 8, Note 20. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs for details of the $109 million and $216 million pre-tax charges for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2021, respectively, as well as a breakdown of these costs by segment.
•Termination of agreement with Foundation for a Smoke-Free World – On September 29, 2023, PMI and the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (the "Foundation") entered into the Final Grant Agreement and Termination of the Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement ("Agreement"). Under the terms of the agreement, PMI paid $140 million in the third quarter of 2023 in return for the termination of the pledge agreement between the parties. As a result, in the third quarter of 2023, PMI recorded a pre-tax charge of $140 million commensurate with the early termination of the pledge agreement. The pre-tax charge was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2023 and was included in the operating results of the following segments: Europe ($62 million); SSEA, CIS & MEA ($44 million); EA, AU & PMI DF ($27 million); and Americas ($7 million).
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•Saudi Arabia customs assessments - In June 2021, PMI recorded a pre-tax charge of $246 million in relation to additional customs duties in Saudi Arabia assessed for the periods of 2014 through 2020 in line with existing and contemplated arrangements with our distributors.In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the charge was recorded as a reduction in net revenues of combustible tobacco products included in the SSEA, CIS & MEA segment for the year ended December 31, 2021.
•Asset acquisition cost - See Item 8, Note 3. Acquisitions for the details of the $51 million pre-tax charge associated with the asset acquisition of OtiTopic, Inc. included in the Wellness and Healthcare segment within the operating income table above for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Our net revenues by product category were as follows:
PMI Net Revenues by Product Category
(in millions)
2023
2022
2021
Combustible tobacco products
Europe
$
8,037
$
7,694
$
8,767
SSEA, CIS & MEA
9,321
9,173
8,734
EA, AU & PMI DF
2,676
2,831
2,861
Americas
1,869
1,804
1,706
Swedish Match
431
70
—
Total combustible tobacco products
22,334
21,572
22,067
Smoke-free products
Smoke-free products excluding Wellness and Healthcare:
Europe
5,561
5,175
4,388
SSEA, CIS & MEA
1,308
1,294
1,124
EA, AU & PMI DF
3,525
3,105
3,587
Americas
75
99
137
Swedish Match
2,065
246
—
Total smoke-free products excluding Wellness and Healthcare
12,534
9,919
9,237
Wellness and Healthcare
306
271
101
Total smoke-free products
12,840
10,190
9,338
Total PMI net revenues
$
35,174
$
31,762
$
31,405
Note: Sum of product categories or Regions might not foot to total PMI due to rounding.
Net revenues related to combustible tobacco products refer to the operating revenues generated from the sale of these products, including shipping and handling charges billed to customers, net of sales and promotion incentives, and excise taxes. These net revenue amounts consist of the sale of PMI's cigarettes and other tobacco products that are combusted. Other tobacco products primarily include roll-your-own and make-your-own cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars and cigarillos and do not include smoke-free products.
Net revenues related to smoke-free products refer to the operating revenues generated from the sale of these products, including shipping and handling charges billed to customers, net of sales and promotion incentives, and excise taxes, if applicable. These net revenue amounts consist of the sale of all of PMI's products that are not combustible tobacco products, such as heat-not-burn, e-vapor, and oral nicotine, also including wellness and healthcare products, as well as consumer accessories such as lighters and matches.
Net revenues related to wellness and healthcare products consist of operating revenues generated from the sale of products primarily associated with inhaled therapeutics, and oral and intra-oral delivery systems that are included in the operating results of PMI's Wellness and Healthcare business, Vectura Fertin Pharma.
PMI's heat-not-burn products include licensed KT&G heat-not-burn products.
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References to "Cost/Other" in the Consolidated Financial Summary table of total PMI and the six segments throughout this "Discussion and Analysis" reflects the currency-neutral variances of: cost of sales (excluding the volume/mix cost component); marketing, administration and research costs (including asset impairment and exit costs); and amortization and impairment of intangibles. “Cost/Other” also includes the currency-neutral net revenue variance, unrelated to volume/mix and price components, attributable to: fees for certain distribution rights billed to customers in certain markets in the SSEA, CIS & MEA Region, the revenue adjustment for the termination of a distribution arrangement in the Middle East, and the Saudi Arabia customs assessment net revenue adjustment.
Our consolidated shipment volume is shown in the table below:
Consolidated Shipment Volume
Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Units (million units)
2023
2022
2021
Cigarettes
612,949
621,908
624,875
Heated Tobacco Units
125,263
109,169
94,976
Total Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Units
738,212
731,077
719,851
Oral Product Shipment Volume (million cans) (1)
Nicotine Pouches
421.1
42.5
1.1
Snus
240.4
54.8
6.2
Moist Snuff
133.7
16.0
—
Other
4.2
—
—
Total Oral Products
799.3
113.2
7.3
(1) Excluding snuff, snuff leaf and U.S. chew
Note: Sum may not foot to total due to roundings
Following the deconsolidation of our Canadian subsidiary, we continue to report the volume and corresponding royalty revenues of brands sold by RBH for which other PMI subsidiaries are the trademark owners. These include HEETS, Next, Philip Morris and Rooftop. The volume and corresponding royalty revenues of these brands sold by RBH were not material to PMI for all periods presented.
Heated tobacco units ("HTU") is the term we use to refer to heated tobacco consumables, which include our BLENDS, DELIA, HEETS, HEETS Creations, HEETS Dimensions (defined collectively as "HEETS"), MarlboroHeatSticks, SENTIA, TEREA, TEREA CRAFTED, and TEREA Dimensions, as well as the KT&G-licensed brands, Fiit and Miix (outside of South Korea). HTU's also include zero tobacco heat-not-burn consumables (LEVIA).
Unless otherwise stated, market share for HTUs is defined as the in-market sales volume for HTUs as a percentage of the total estimated industry sales volume for cigarettes and HTUs.
References to total industry (or total market), our shipment volume and our market share performance reflect cigarettes and heated tobacco units, unless otherwise stated.
Total industry volume, PMI in-market sales volume and PMI market share for the following geographies include the cigarillo category in Japan: the total international market, EA, AU & PMI DF Region, and Japanese domestic market.
In-market sales ("IMS") is defined as sales to the retail channel, depending on the market and distribution model.
References to total international market, defined as worldwide cigarette and heated tobacco unit volume excluding the United States, total industry (or total market) and market shares throughout this "Discussion and Analysis" are our estimates for tax-paid products based on the latest available data from a number of internal and external sources and may, in defined instances, exclude China and/or our duty free business.
From time to time, PMI’s shipment volumes are subject to the impact of distributor inventory movements (or wholesaler inventory movements in certain markets where PMI does not sell to distributors), and estimated total industry/market volumes are subject to the
36
impact of inventory movements in various trade channels that include estimated trade inventory movements of PMI’s competitors arising from market-specific factors that significantly distort reported volume disclosures. Such factors may include changes to the manufacturing supply chain, shipment methods, consumer demand, timing of excise tax increases or other influences that may affect the timing of sales to customers. In such instances, in addition to reviewing PMI shipment volumes and certain estimated total industry/market volumes on a reported basis, management reviews these measures on an adjusted basis that excludes the impact of distributor and/or estimated trade inventory movements. Management also believes that disclosing PMI shipment volumes and estimated total industry/market volumes in such circumstances on a basis that excludes the impact of distributor and/or estimated trade inventory movements improves the comparability of performance and trends for these measures over different reporting periods.
2023 compared with 2022
The following discussion compares our consolidated operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023, with the year ended December 31, 2022.
Total Market
Estimated international industry volume (excluding China and the U.S.) for cigarettes and HTUs of 2.6 trillion, decreased by 1.6%, reflecting declines in the SSEA, CIS & MEA Region, the Europe Region and the Americas Region, partly offset by an increase in the EA, AU & PMI DF Region, as described in the Regional sections of this Item 7.
For the full year 2024, we currently expect an estimated total international industry volume decline for cigarettes and HTUs, excluding China and the U.S., of -2% to flat.
Shipment Volume
Our total cigarette and HTU shipment volume increased by 1.0%, reflecting an 14.7% increase in HTU shipments across all regions, partly offset by a 1.4% decline in cigarette shipments due to declines in the Europe, EA, AU & PMI DF, and Americas Regions, partly offset by the SSEA, CIS & MEA Region. Cigarette shipment volume for Marlboro decreased by 1.9% to 240.0 billion units, due primarily to the Philippines.
Our total oral product shipment volume increased by +100%, driven by the Swedish Match acquisition. For comparison purposes, assuming the inclusion of Swedish Match's 2022 shipment volume prior to our acquisition, total oral product shipment volume increased by 16.8%, primarily reflecting growth in nicotine pouches (particularly in the U.S.), partly offset by a decline for snus (mainly in Scandinavia). Swedish Match's total oral product shipment volume increased by 17.1% versus its corresponding shipments in 2022. Volume comparisons versus Swedish Match's 2022 results reflect data sourced from its disclosures, available at www.swedishmatch.com/investors.
For the full year 2024, we currently expect the total cigarette, HTU and oral smoke-free product shipment volume growth for PMI of flat to +1% driven by smoke-free products.
For the full year 2024, we also expect nicotine pouch shipment volume in the U.S. of approximately 520 million cans.
Adjusted in-market sales for HTUs increased by 14.8% (in line with full-year HTUs shipment volume growth of 14.7%), including growth in Europe of 17.6% and Japan of 14.5%. Excluding Russia and Ukraine, adjusted in market sales for HTUs increased by 17.1%.
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International Share of Market - Cigarette and HTUs (Excluding China and the United States)
Full-Year
2023
2022
Change (pp)
Total International Market Share (1)
28.3
%
27.7
%
0.6
Cigarettes
23.7
%
23.6
%
0.1
HTU
4.7
%
4.1
%
0.6
Cigarette over Cigarette Market Share (2)
25.2
%
25.0
%
0.2
(1) Defined as PMI's cigarette and heated tobacco unit in-market sales volume as a percentage of total industry cigarette and heated tobacco unit sales volume, excluding China and the U.S., including cigarillos in Japan
(2) Defined as PMI's cigarette in-market sales volume as a percentage of total industry cigarette sales volume, excluding China and the U.S., including cigarillos in Japan
Note: Sum of product categories might not foot to total due to roundings
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Key Market Data
Key market data regarding total market size, our shipments and market share were as follows:
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