Altria Group (NYSE: MO) reported Q4 EPS of $1.09, $0.01 better than the analyst estimate of $1.08. Revenue for the quarter came in at $5.09 billion versus the consensus estimate of $5.01 billion.

“Altria delivered outstanding results in 2021 across our businesses, including strong financial performance, progress toward our Vision and advancements in our ESG efforts,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We returned more than $8.1 billion in cash to shareholders in 2021 through dividends and share repurchases. This total represents the third-largest single-year cash return in Altria’s history and the largest annual return since 2002.”

“Our plans for the year ahead include a continuation of our strategy to balance earnings growth and shareholder returns with investments toward our Vision. We expect to deliver 2022 full-year adjusted diluted EPS in a range of $4.79 to $4.93, representing a growth rate of 4% to 7% from an adjusted diluted EPS base of $4.61 in 2021.”

GUIDANCE:

Altria Group sees FY2022 EPS of $4.79-$4.93, versus the consensus of $4.84.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Altria Group (MO) click here.