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Cigarette manufacturer and marketer Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) reported first-quarter 2011 earnings per share, excluding special items, of $1.06 a share.

The result was 1.9% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04.

However, compared to the prior-year period, Philip Morris’ earnings per share were up 17.8%, attributable to price increases and strong volume growth in Asia.

Revenue, Volumes & Margins

During the quarter, Philip Morris’ net revenues grew 4.5% year-over-year to $6.8 billion. The growth over the third quarter of 2009 was mainly driven by favorable pricing across all business segments/acquisitions, partly offset by unfavorable currency translations and volume mix.

Excluding the impact of currency and acquisitions, organic revenues increased 4.3%.

Cigarette shipment volume in the quarter grew by 1.6% year-over-year to 207.9 billion units, primarily driven by an impressive 14.0% growth in Asia as Philip Morris recorded strong gains in Indonesia and Philippines. However, volume in EEMA, European Union and Latin America and Canada (Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa) decreased 0.8%, 7.3% and 5.5% respectively.

In the European Union, cigarette shipment volume dropped from the third quarter of 2009, predominantly due to lower total markets, while Latin America & Canada shipments were down mainly on the back of unfavorable impact of excessive tax increases in Mexico. Excluding acquisitions, Philip Morris’ organic cigarette shipment volume witnessed a decline of 3.3%.

During the quarter, shipments of Marlboro declined 2.9% as a result of the lackluster EU market (mainly in Germany, Greece, and Italy). Shipments of L&M were down 8.2% in the quarter due to unfavorable impact of excessive tax increase in Mexico. Chesterfield and Lark brands recorded decline rates of 0.4% and 5.9%, respectively, while Parliament and Bond Street witnessed increases of 9.0% and 2.3%.

Philip Morris’ quarterly gross profit expanded 9.0% year-over-year to $4.5 billion, while gross margin increased 75 basis points (bps) to 27.2%. Operating income increased 10.8% to $3.1 billion, while operating margin increased 79 basis points to 15.6%.

Financial Analysis

As of December 31, 2010, Philip Morris had cash and cash equivalents of $1.3 billion and long-term debt (including current portion) of $11.9 billion.

Dividends & Share Buyback & Acquisition

During the reported quarter, the company repurchased 22.2 million shares for $1.36 billion. During the quarter, the company also signed an agreement to acquire the cigarette manufacturing assets and trademarks of International Tobacco & Cigarettes Company Ltd. in Jordan.

Guidance

Concurrent with the earnings release, the company raised its outlook for fiscal 2011. Phillip Morris now expects earnings to be in the range of $4.55 to $4.65 for fiscal 2011. The current Zacks Estimate of $4.48 is below the company’s guidance range.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency, earnings are expected to increase by approximately 11% to 13.5%.

The company’s major competitors Altria Group Inc. (MO) and Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) reported In line earnings. Phillip Morris currently has a Zacks #2 Rank which implies short term ‘Buy’ rating on the stock. However, on a long term basis we remain ‘Neutral’ on the stock.

 
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