UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIESEXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

 

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 1-8940

 


 

Altria Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Virginia 13-3260245

(State or other jurisdiction of


incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer


Identification No.)

120 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (917) 663-4000

 

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report

 


 

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 is required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yesx    No¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).).    Yesx    No¨

 

At OctoberApril 29, 2004,2005, there were 2,052,579,4592,070,953,079 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.33 1/ 1/3 per share.

 



ALTRIA GROUP, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page No.

PART I -

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 20032004  3 – 4
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004 and 2003

  5
6
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Year Ended December 31,
2003 2004 and the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

  76
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004 and 2003

  87 – 98
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  109 – 36

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  37 – 6663

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures  6764

PART II -

  OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings  6865

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  6865

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders66

Item 5.

Other Information66

Item 6.

  Exhibits  6967

Signature

  7068

 

-2-


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  

September 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


    March 31,
2005


  December 31,
2004


ASSETS

            

Consumer products

            

Cash and cash equivalents

  $6,669  $3,777  $4,208  $5,744

Receivables (less allowances of $135 in 2004 and 2003)

   5,492   5,256

Receivables (less allowances of $114 in 2005 and $139 in 2004)

   6,080   5,754

Inventories:

            

Leaf tobacco

   3,423   3,591   3,486   3,643

Other raw materials

   2,163   2,009   2,230   2,170

Finished product

   4,061   3,940   4,408   4,228
  

  

  

  

   9,647   9,540   10,124   10,041

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

   1,453   1,458

Other current assets

   2,490   2,809   2,111   2,904
  

  

  

  

Total current assets

   24,298   21,382   23,976   25,901

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

   27,898   27,233   29,241   29,087

Less accumulated depreciation

   12,066   11,166   13,054   12,782
  

  

   15,832   16,067  

  

   16,187   16,305

Goodwill

   28,378   27,742   28,063   28,056

Other intangible assets, net

   11,535   11,803   11,017   11,056

Other assets

   12,198   10,641   15,260   12,485
  

  

  

  

Total consumer products assets

   92,241   87,635   94,503   93,803

Financial services

            

Finance assets, net

   7,984   8,393   7,756   7,827

Other assets

   19   147   21   18
  

  

  

  

Total financial services assets

   8,003   8,540   7,777   7,845
  

  

  

  

TOTAL ASSETS

  $100,244  $96,175  $102,280  $101,648
  

  

  

  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Continued

 

-3-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(in millions of dollars, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  

September 30,

2004


 

December 31,

2003


   March 31,
2005


 December 31,
2004


 

LIABILITIES

      

Consumer products

      

Short-term borrowings

  $1,553  $1,715   $5,149  $2,546 

Current portion of long-term debt

   2,750   1,661    1,820   1,751 

Accounts payable

   2,926   3,198    3,072   3,466 

Accrued liabilities:

      

Marketing

   2,402   2,443    2,470   2,516 

Taxes, except income taxes

   2,749   2,325    2,881   2,909 

Employment costs

   1,138   1,363    933   1,325 

Settlement charges

   3,402   3,530    1,125   3,501 

Other

   2,775   2,455    3,714   3,072 

Income taxes

   1,798   1,316    266   983 

Dividends payable

   1,500   1,387    1,515   1,505 
  


 


  


 


Total current liabilities

   22,993   21,393    22,945   23,574 

Long-term debt

   17,508   18,953    16,043   16,462 

Deferred income taxes

   7,623   7,295    7,751   7,677 

Accrued postretirement health care costs

   3,304   3,216    3,327   3,285 

Minority interest

   4,684   4,760    4,768   4,764 

Other liabilities

   6,777   7,161    6,725   6,856 
  


 


  


 


Total consumer products liabilities

   62,889   62,778    61,559   62,618 

Financial services

      

Long-term debt

   2,072   2,210    2,181   2,221 

Deferred income taxes

   5,788   5,815    5,789   5,876 

Other liabilities

   412   295    342   219 
  


 


  


 


Total financial services liabilities

   8,272   8,320    8,312   8,316 
  


 


  


 


Total liabilities

   71,161   71,098    69,871   70,934 

Contingencies (Note 9)

   

Contingencies (Note 11)

   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share (2,805,961,317 shares issued)

   935   935 

Common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share (2,805,961,317 shares issued)

   935   935 

Additional paid-in capital

   5,079   4,813    5,487   5,176 

Earnings reinvested in the business

   50,124   47,008    51,573   50,595 

Accumulated other comprehensive losses (including currency translation of $1,507 in 2004 and $1,578 in 2003)

   (1,975)  (2,125)

Accumulated other comprehensive losses (including currency translation of $543 in 2005 and $610 in 2004)

   (1,038)  (1,141)
  


 


  


 


   54,163   50,631    56,957   55,565 

Less cost of repurchased stock (753,576,605 shares in 2004 and 768,697,895 shares in 2003)

   (25,080)  (25,554)

Less cost of repurchased stock (736,839,957 shares in 2005 and 746,433,841 shares in 2004)

   (24,548)  (24,851)
  


 


  


 


Total stockholders’ equity

   29,083   25,077    32,409   30,714 
  


 


  


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $100,244  $96,175   $102,280  $101,648 
  


 


  


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-4-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in millions of dollars, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2004

  2003

 

Net revenues

    $67,575  $61,141 

Cost of sales

     25,141   23,456 

Excise taxes on products

     19,631   15,868 
     

  


Gross profit

     22,803   21,817 

Marketing, administration and research costs

     10,158   9,331 

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

     25   36 

Domestic tobacco legal settlement

         182 

International tobacco E.C. agreement

     250     

Asset impairment and exit costs

     548   6 

Losses (gains) on sales of businesses

     8   (23)

Amortization of intangibles

     12   7 
     

  


Operating income

     11,802   12,278 

Interest and other debt expense, net

     885   847 
     

  


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

     10,917   11,431 

Provision for income taxes

     3,444   3,996 
     

  


Earnings before minority interest

     7,473   7,435 

Minority interest in earnings and other, net

     4   322 
     

  


Net earnings

    $7,469  $7,113 
     

  


Per share data:

           

Basic earnings per share

    $3.65  $3.51 
     

  


Diluted earnings per share

    $3.62  $3.50 
     

  


Dividends declared

    $2.09  $1.96 
     

  


   

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,


   2005

  2004

Net revenues

  $23,618  $21,721

Cost of sales

   8,671   8,012

Excise taxes on products

   7,156   6,317
   


 

Gross profit

   7,791   7,392

Marketing, administration and research costs

   3,555   3,358

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   1   10

Asset impairment and exit costs

   171   308

Gains on sales of businesses

   (116)   

Amortization of intangibles

   4   4
   


 

Operating income

   4,176   3,712

Interest and other debt expense, net

   281   300
   


 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

   3,895   3,412

Provision for income taxes

   1,291   1,180
   


 

Earnings from continuing operations before minority interest

   2,604   2,232

Minority interest in earnings from continuing operations, and equity earnings, net

   20   47
   


 

Earnings from continuing operations

   2,584   2,185

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes and minority interest

   12   9
   


 

Net earnings

  $2,596  $2,194
   


 

Per share data:

        

Basic earnings per share:

        

Continuing operations

  $1.25  $1.07

Discontinued operations

   0.01    
   


 

Net earnings

  $1.26  $1.07
   


 

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Continuing operations

  $1.24  $1.06

Discontinued operations

   0.01   0.01
   


 

Net earnings

  $1.25  $1.07
   


 

Dividends declared

  $0.73  $0.68
   


 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-5-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of EarningsStockholders’ Equity

for the Year Ended December 31, 2004 and

the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

(in millions of dollars, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

 

Net revenues

  $22,728  $20,939 

Cost of sales

   8,421   7,900 

Excise taxes on products

   6,751   5,637 
   


 


Gross profit

   7,556   7,402 

Marketing, administration and research costs

   3,319   3,167 

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   5   27 

Asset impairment and exit costs

   63   6 

Losses (gains) on sales of businesses

   8   (23)

Amortization of intangibles

   3   2 
   


 


Operating income

   4,158   4,223 

Interest and other debt expense, net

   288   301 
   


 


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

   3,870   3,922 

Provision for income taxes

   1,295   1,353 
   


 


Earnings before minority interest

   2,575   2,569 

Minority interest in earnings and other, net

   (73)  79 
   


 


Net earnings

  $2,648  $2,490 
   


 


Per share data:

         

Basic earnings per share

  $1.29  $1.23 
   


 


Diluted earnings per share

  $1.29  $1.22 
   


 


Dividends declared

  $0.73  $0.68 
   


 


            

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Earnings

(Losses)


       
   Common
Stock


  

Addi-

tional

Paid-in
Capital


  Earnings
Reinvested
in the
Business


  Currency
Translation
Adjustments


  Other

  Total

  Cost of
Repurchased
Stock


  Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity


 

Balances, January 1, 2004

  $935  $4,813  $47,008  $(1,578) $(547) $(2,125) $(25,554) $25,077 

Comprehensive earnings:

                                 

Net earnings

           9,416                   9,416 

Other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes:

                             

Currency translation adjustments

               968       968       968 

Additional minimum pension liability

                   (53)  (53)      (53)

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges

               69   69       69 
                               


Total other comprehensive earnings

                               984 
                               


Total comprehensive earnings

                               10,400 
                               


Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

       363   (39)              703   1,027 

Cash dividends declared ($2.82 per share)

           (5,790)                  (5,790)
   

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balances, December 31, 2004

   935   5,176   50,595   (610)  (531)  (1,141)  (24,851)  30,714 

Comprehensive earnings:

                                 

Net earnings

           2,596                   2,596 

Other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes:

                                 

Currency translation adjustments

               67       67       67 

Additional minimum pension liability

                   3   3       3 

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges

                   33   33       33 
                               


Total other comprehensive earnings

                               103 
                               


Total comprehensive earnings

                               2,699 
                               


Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

       274   (105)              303   472 

Cash dividends declared ($0.73 per share)

           (1,513)                  (1,513)

Other

       37                       37 
   

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balances, March 31, 2005

  $935  $5,487  $51,573  $(543) $(495) $(1,038) $(24,548) $32,409 
   

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


 

Total comprehensive earnings were $2,608 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-6-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

for the Year Ended December 31, 2003 and

the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

(in millions of dollars, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

         

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Earnings
(Losses)


       
  Common
Stock


 

Addi-

tional

Paid-in
Capital


 

Earnings
Rein-

vested
in the
Business


  Currency
Translation
Adjustments


  Other

  Total

  

Cost of
Repur-

chased
Stock


  Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity


 

Balances, January 1, 2003

 $935 $4,642 $43,259  $(2,951) $(1,005) $(3,956) $(25,402) $19,478 

Comprehensive earnings:

                              

Net earnings

        9,204                   9,204 

Other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes:

                              

Currency translation adjustments

            1,373       1,373       1,373 

Additional minimum pension liability

                464   464       464 

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges

                (6)  (6)      (6)
                            


Total other comprehensive earnings

                            1,831 
                            


Total comprehensive earnings

                            11,035 
                            


Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

     171  (93)              537   615 

Cash dividends declared ($2.64 per share)

        (5,362)                  (5,362)

Stock repurchased

                        (689)  (689)
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balances, December 31, 2003

  935  4,813  47,008   (1,578)  (547)  (2,125)  (25,554)  25,077 

Comprehensive earnings:

                              

Net earnings

        7,469                   7,469 

Other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes:

                              

Currency translation adjustments

            71       71       71 

Additional minimum pension liability

                (9)  (9)      (9)

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges

                88   88       88 
                            


Total other comprehensive earnings

                            150 
                            


Total comprehensive earnings

                            7,619 
                            


Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

     266  (67)              474   673 

Cash dividends declared ($2.09 per share)

        (4,286)                  (4,286)
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balances, September 30, 2004

 $935 $5,079 $50,124  $(1,507) $(468) $(1,975) $(25,080) $29,083 
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


Total comprehensive earnings were $2,798 million and $1,917 million, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and $7,700 million for the first nine months of 2003.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

-7-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net earnings - Consumer products

  $7,318  $6,961   $2,570  $2,151 
- Financial services   151   152    26   43 
  


 


  


 


Net earnings

   7,469   7,113    2,596   2,194 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:

      

Consumer products

      

Depreciation and amortization

   1,169   1,050    407   384 

Deferred income tax provision

   765   629    982   1,009 

Minority interest in earnings and other, net

   4   322 

Minority interest in earnings and equity earnings, net

   20   48 

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges, net of cash paid

   (16)  29    (5)  (2)

Domestic tobacco legal settlement, net of cash paid

   (57)  182 

Escrow bond for thePrice domestic tobacco case

   (610)  (200)    (200)

Asset impairment and exit costs, net of cash paid

   438   (14)   109   304 

Integration costs, net of cash paid

   (1)  (9)

Losses (gains) on sales of businesses

   8   (23)

Gains on sales of businesses

   (116) 

Cash effects of changes, net of the effects from acquired and divested companies:

      

Receivables, net

   (167)  139    (316)  (228)

Inventories

   (58)  237    (71)  149 

Accounts payable

   (317)  (567)   (235)  (463)

Income taxes

   53   415    (719)  (536)

Accrued liabilities and other current assets

   394   (557)   (427)  (151)

Domestic tobacco accrued settlement charges

   (129)  254    (2,376)  (2,265)

Pension plan contributions

   (790)  (760)   (770)  (143)

Pension provisions and postretirement, net

   189   82 

Other

   586   337    172   30 

Financial services

      

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

   (29)  208 

Deferred income tax benefit

   (86)  (37)

Other

   91   115    163   114 
  


 


  


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

   8,803   8,900 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   (483)  289 
  


 


  


 


CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Consumer products

      

Capital expenditures

   (1,198)  (1,353)   (355)  (326)

Purchases of businesses, net of acquired cash

   (177)  (608)   (1,523)  (152)

Proceeds from sales of businesses

   11   25    190  

Other

   46   88    11   (43)

Financial services

      

Investments in finance assets

   (9)  (138)

Proceeds from finance assets

   605   364    29   153 
  


 


  


 


Net cash used in investing activities

   (722)  (1,622)   (1,648)  (368)
  


 


  


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Continued

 

-8--7-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

(in millions of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Consumer products

      

Net (repayment) issuance of short-term borrowings

  $(85) $2,616 

Net issuance of short-term borrowings

  $2,599  $874 

Long-term debt proceeds

   59   1,560    17   10 

Long-term debt repaid

   (568)  (1,003)   (322)  (11)

Financial services

      

Long-term debt repaid

   (189)  (147)    (189)

Repurchase of Altria Group, Inc. common stock

    (777)

Repurchase of Kraft Foods Inc. common stock

   (481)  (126)   (167)  (152)

Dividends paid on Altria Group, Inc. common stock

   (4,173)  (3,905)   (1,503)  (1,385)

Issuance of Altria Group, Inc. common stock

   542   188    330   430 

Other

   (334)  (178)   (354)  (154)
  


 


  


 


Net cash used in financing activities

   (5,229)  (1,772)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   600   (577)
  


 


  


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   40   (23)   (5)  83 
  


 


  


 


Cash and cash equivalents:

      

Increase

   2,892   5,483 

Decrease

   (1,536)  (573)

Balance at beginning of period

   3,777   565    5,744   3,777 
  


 


  


 


Balance at end of period

  $6,669  $6,048   $4,208  $3,204 
  


 


  


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-9--8-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Accounting Policies:

Note 1. Accounting Policies:

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Altria Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Altria Group, Inc.”) are unaudited. It is the opinion of Altria Group, Inc.’s management that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim results presented have been reflected therein. All such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Net revenues and net earnings for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. Throughout this Form 10-Q, the term “Altria Group, Inc.” refers to the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Altria family of companies and the term “ALG” refers solely to the parent company.

 

These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, which appear in Altria Group, Inc.’s Annual Report to Stockholders and which are incorporated by reference into Altria Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20032004 (the “2003“2004 Form 10-K”).

 

Balance sheet accounts are segregated by two broad types of businesses. Consumer products assets and liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, whereas financial services assets and liabilities are unclassified, in accordance with respective industry practices.

 

On November 15, 2004, Kraft Foods Inc. (“Kraft”) announced the sale of substantially all of its sugar confectionery business for approximately $1.5 billion. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2005. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of Kraft’s sugar confectionery business as discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The assets related to the sugar confectionery business were reflected as assets of discontinued operations held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004. In addition, Kraft anticipates additional tax expense of $270 million to be recorded as a loss on sale of discontinued operations in 2005. In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, the tax expense will be recorded when the transaction is consummated.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation, due primarily to a new global organization structure at Kraft Foods Inc. (“Kraft”) and the disclosureclassification of more detailed information on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.sugar confectionery business as discontinued operations.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

 

Altria Group, Inc. accounts for employee stock compensation plans in accordance with the intrinsic value-based method permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which has not resulted in compensation cost for stock options. The market value at date of grant of restricted stock and rights to receive shares of stock is recorded as compensation expense over the period of restriction.restriction (three years).

 

In January 2004,2005, Altria Group, Inc. granted approximately 1.41.2 million shares of restricted stock to eligible U.S.-based employees of Altria Group, Inc. and also issued to eligible non-U.S. employees rights to receive approximately 1.00.9 million equivalent shares. The market value of the shares and rights granted to Altria Group, Inc. employees was approximately $135 million, or $61.99 per restricted share or right was $55.42 on the date of the grant. Restrictions on these shares lapse in the first quarter of 2007. In addition, Kraft granted approximately 4.1 million Class A restricted shares to eligible U.S.-based employees and issued rights to receive approximately 1.91.8 million Class A equivalent shares to eligible non-U.S. employees. The market value of the shares and rights granted to Kraft employees was approximately $196 million, or $33.32 per restricted share or right on the date of grant. Restrictions on such stock and rights, net of forfeitures, lapse in the first quarter of 2008.

 

The fair value of the restricted shares and rights at the date of grant is amortized to expense ratably over the three-year restriction period. Altria Group, Inc. recorded pre-tax compensation expense related to restricted stock and

-9-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

other stock awards of $126$65 million (including $67$38 million related to Kraft awards) and $67$44 million (including $36$25 million related to Kraft awards) for the nine monthsquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The unamortized portion of restricted stock and 2003, respectively,rights awards to employees of Altria Group, Inc. and $42Kraft was $582 million (including $23at March 31, 2005. This amount included $337 million related to Kraft awards) and $25 million (including $14$245 million related to Kraft awards) for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.Altria Group, Inc.

 

In addition to restricted stock, Altria Group, Inc.’s stock-based employee compensation plans permit the issuance of stock options to employees. Altria Group, Inc. applies the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related

-10-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Interpretations in accounting for stock options within those plans. No compensation expense for employee stock options is reflected in net earnings, as all stock options granted under those plans had an exercise price not less than the market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Net earnings, as reported, includes pre-tax compensation expense related to restricted stock and rights to receive shares of $126stock of $65 million and $67$44 million for the nine monthsquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively, and $42 million and $25 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share (“EPS”) if Altria Group, Inc. had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to measure stock-based compensation expense for outstanding stock option awards for the nine monthsquarters ended March 31, 2005 and the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (in millions, except per share data):

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

Net earnings, as reported

  $7,469  $7,113  $2,648  $2,490  $2,596  $2,194

Deduct:

                  

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all stock option awards, net of related tax effects

   11   16   2   1   3   4
  

  

  

  

  

  

Pro forma net earnings

  $7,458  $7,097  $2,646  $2,489  $2,593  $2,190
  

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic - as reported

  $3.65  $3.51  $1.29  $1.23  $1.26  $1.07
  

  

  

  

  

  

Basic - pro forma

  $3.65  $3.50  $1.29  $1.23  $1.26  $1.07
  

  

  

  

  

  

Diluted - as reported

  $3.62  $3.50  $1.29  $1.22  $1.25  $1.07
  

  

  

  

  

  

Diluted - pro forma

  $3.62  $3.49  $1.28  $1.22  $1.25  $1.06
  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Altria Group, Inc. has not granted stock options to employees since 2002. The amount shown above as stock-based compensation expense in 2004 relates primarily to Executive Ownership Stock Options (“EOSOs”). Under certain circumstances, senior executives who exercise outstanding stock options, using shares to pay the option exercise price and taxes, receive EOSOs equal to the number of shares tendered. During the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, Altria Group, Inc. granted 1.30.5 million and 0.90.8 million EOSOs, respectively. During

In 2004, the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003,Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R requires companies to measure compensation cost for share-based payments at fair value. Altria Group, Inc. granted 0.3 million EOSOs.will adopt this new standard prospectively, on January 1, 2006, and does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 123R to have a material impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

-11--10-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs:

Note 2. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs:

 

For the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004, pre-taxPre-tax asset impairment and exit costs consisted of the following:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
2004


  For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
2004


     2005

  2004

     (in millions)     (in millions)

Separation program

  Domestic tobacco  $1     Domestic tobacco     $1

Separation program

  International tobacco*   12  $1  International tobacco  $3   

Separation program

  General corporate**   16     General corporate*   18   8

Restructuring program

  North American food   290   6  North American food   24   245

Restructuring program

  International food   163   39  International food   33   34

Asset impairment

  International tobacco*   12     North American food   93   

Asset impairment

  North American food   17     International food      12

Asset impairment

  International food   12     General corporate*      3

Asset impairment

  General corporate**   20   17

Lease termination

  General corporate**   5     General corporate*      5
     

  

     

  

Asset impairment and exit costs

     $548  $63     $171  $308
     

  

     

  

*During the second quarter of 2004, Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI”) announced that it will close its Eger, Hungary facility. PMI recorded pre-tax charges of $24 millionquarters ended March 31, 2005 and $1 million for severance benefits and impairment charges during the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004, respectively.

**During the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004, Altria Group, Inc. recorded pre-tax charges of $41$18 million and $17$16 million, respectively, primarily related to the streamlining of various corporate functions in 2005 and the write-off of an investment in an e-business consumer products purchasing exchange.2004.

 

During the third quarter of 2003, the international food segment incurred expenses of $6 million related to the closure of a Nordic snacks plant. These costs were recorded as asset impairment and exit costs in Altria Group, Inc.’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003.

Kraft Restructuring Program

 

In January 2004, Kraft announced a multi-year restructuring program with the objectives of leveraging Kraft’s global scale, realigning and lowering its cost structure, and optimizing capacity utilization. As part of this program, Kraft anticipates the closing or sale of up to twenty plants and the elimination of approximately six thousand positions. From 2004 through 2006, Kraft expects to incur up to $1.2 billion in pre-tax charges for the program, reflecting asset disposals, severance and other implementation costs, including an estimated range$717 million incurred from January 2004 through March 31, 2005. Pre-tax restructuring charges during 2005 are expected to be between $440 million and $470 million, including $76 million incurred in the first quarter of $750 million to $800 million in 2004.2005. Approximately one-half of the pre-tax charges are expected to require cash payments.

 

During the nine monthsquarters ended March 31, 2005 and three months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded $482$150 million and $45$291 million, respectively, of asset impairment and exit costs on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. During the nine monthsquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, these pre-tax charges were composed of $453$57 million and $279 million, respectively, of costs under the restructuring program, and $29$93 million of first quarter 2005 asset impairment charges related to the pending sale of Kraft’s fruit snacks business and $12 million of first quarter 2004 impairment charges relating to intangible assets. During the thirdThe first quarter of 2004, all2005 pre-tax charges related solely to the restructuring program. These restructuring charges resulted fromreflect the 2004 announcement of the closing of twelvetwo plants, for a total of fifteen since January 2004, and the terminationcontinuation of a number of workforce reduction programs. Approximately $35 million of the pre-tax restructuring charges incurred in the first quarter of 2005, will require cash payments.

 

-12--11-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

co-manufacturing agreements and the commencement of a number of workforce reduction programs. The majority of the restructuring charges for two of these plants, which are located within Europe, will be recorded upon local regulatory approval of the plant closures, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2004. Approximately $167 million of the pre-tax charges incurred during the first nine months of 2004 will require cash payments.

During the first quarter of 2004, Altria Group, Inc. also completed its annual review of goodwill and intangible assets. This review resulted in a $29 million non-cash pre-tax charge at Kraft related to an intangible asset impairment for a small confectionery business in the United States and certain brands in Mexico.

Pre-tax restructuring liability activity for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, was as follows (in millions):

 

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 
  Severance

 

Asset

Write-downs


 Other

 Total

   Severance

 

Asset

Write-downs


 Other

 Total

 

Liability balance, January 1, 2004

  $—    $—    $—    $—   

Liability balance, January 1, 2005

  $91  $—    $19  $110 

Charges

   155   281   17   453    32   11   14   57 

Cash spent

   (58)  (11)  (69)   (28)  (18)  (46)

Charges against assets

   (5)  (281)  (286)   (11)  (11)  (22)
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


Liability balance, September 30, 2004

  $92  $—    $6  $98 

Liability balance, March 31, 2005

  $84  $—    $15  $99 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


 

Severance costs in the above schedule, which relate to the workforce reduction programs, include the cost of related benefits. Specific programs announced during 2004 and the first nine monthsquarter of 2004,2005, as part of the overall restructuring program, will result in the elimination of approximately 2,9003,800 positions. Asset write-downs relate to the impairment of assets caused by the plant closings.closings and related activity. Other costs incurred relate primarily to contract termination costs associated with the plant closings and the termination of co-manufacturingleasing agreements.

 

During the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Kraft recorded $26$19 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the restructuring program, of which $9 million was recorded as a reduction of net revenues, $13 million was recorded in cost of sales and $4 million was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded $16 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the restructuring program of which $9 million was recorded as a reduction of net revenues, $3$15 million was recorded in cost of sales and $4 million was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. These costs include the discontinuance of certain product lines and incremental costs related to the integration of functions and closure of facilities.

Note 3. Benefit Plans:

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.” In During the first quarter of 2004, Altria Group, Inc. adoptedKraft recorded $1 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the new interim-period disclosure requirementsrestructuring program. This charge was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

Kraft Asset Impairment Charges

During March 2005, Kraft reached an agreement to sell its fruit snacks business for approximately $30 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2005. Kraft incurred a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $93 million in the first quarter of 2005 in recognition of the pending sale of this pronouncement relatingbusiness. The charge, which includes the write-off of all intangibles associated with this business, was recorded as asset impairment and exit costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

During the first quarter of 2004, Kraft recorded a $29 million non-cash pre-tax charge related to net periodic benefit costan intangible asset impairment for a small confectionery business in the United States and employer contributionscertain brands in Mexico. A portion of this charge, $17 million, was reclassified to benefit plans, except for certain interim-period disclosures about non-U.S. plans which are not required until after December 31,earnings from discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Note 3. Benefit Plans:

 

Altria Group, Inc. sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. Pension coverage for employees of ALG’s non-U.S. subsidiaries is provided, to the extent deemed appropriate, through separate plans, many of which are governed by local statutory requirements. In addition, ALG and its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries provide health care and other benefits to substantially all retired employees. Health care benefits for retirees outside the United States and Canada are generally covered through local government plans.

 

-13--12-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Pension Plans

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

Net periodic pension cost (income) consisted of the following:

 

   U.S. Plans

  Non-U.S. Plans

 
   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

 
   (in millions) 

Service cost

  $188  $176  $135  $108 

Interest cost

   456   433   189   168 

Expected return on plan assets

   (693)  (704)  (225)  (199)

Amortization:

                 

Unrecognized net loss from experience differences

   112   35   37   22 

Unrecognized prior service cost

   12   13   11   9 

Other expense

           5     
   


 


 


 


Net periodic pension cost (income)

  $75  $(47) $152  $108 
   


 


 


 


  U.S. Plans

 Non-U.S. Plans

   U.S. Plans

 Non-
U.S. Plans


 
  For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,


 For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,


   For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,


 For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Service cost

  $64  $59  $45  $33   $73  $64  $53  $45 

Interest cost

   154   146   63   50    159   151   72   63 

Expected return on plan assets

   (230)  (234)  (75)  (59)   (215)  (230)  (89)  (75)

Amortization:

      

Unrecognized net loss from experience differences

   38   17   13   7    70   37   18   12 

Unrecognized prior service cost

   5   5   3   3 

Prior service cost

   4   3   4   4 

Other expense

   11   1  
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


Net periodic pension cost (income)

  $31  $(7) $49  $34 

Net periodic pension cost

  $102  $25  $59  $49 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


 

Other expense, above, is due primarily to additional pension benefits related to workforce reduction programs under Kraft’s restructuring program.

 

Employer Contributions

 

Altria Group, Inc. presently makes, and plans to make, contributions, to the extent that they aredo not generate an excise tax deductible,liability, in order to maintain plan assets in excess of the accumulated benefit obligation of its funded U.S. fundedand non-U.S. plans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, approximately $550Approximately $660 million and $110 million of employer contributions were made to U.S. plans.plans and non-U.S. plans, respectively, during the quarter ended March 31, 2005. These amounts include approximately $200 million and $40 million of employer contributions that Kraft made to its U.S. and non-U.S. plans, respectively. Currently, Altria Group, Inc. anticipates making additional contributions of approximately $10 million during the remainder of 2004,2005 of approximately $30 million to its U.S. plans and approximately $250 million to its non-U.S. plans, based on current tax law. These amounts include approximately $10 million and $60 million that Kraft anticipates making to its U.S. and non-U.S. plans, respectively. However, this estimate isthese estimates are subject to change due primarily to eitheras a result of changes in tax and other benefit laws, as well as asset performance significantly above or below the assumed long-term rate of return on pension assets, or significant changes in interest rates. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, Altria Group, Inc. made pension plan contributions to non-U.S. plans of approximately $240 million.

 

-14--13-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

Net postretirement health care costs consisted of the following:

 

  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,


 For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Service cost

  $64  $62  $18  $20   $24  $23 

Interest cost

   203   206   61   64    69   71 

Amortization:

      

Unrecognized net loss from experience differences

   43   35   9   10    20   16 

Unrecognized prior service cost

   (18)  (20)  (6)  (8)   (7)  (6)
  


 


 


 


  


 


Net postretirement health care costs

  $292  $283  $82  $86   $106  $104 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 

In December 2003, the United States enacted into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”). The Act establishes a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, known as “Medicare Part D,” and a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

 

In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (“FSP 106-2”). FSP 106-2 requires companies to account for the effect of the subsidy on benefits attributable to past service as an actuarial experience gain and as a reduction of the service cost component of net postretirement health care costs for amounts attributable to current service, if the benefit provided is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

 

Altria Group, Inc. adopted FSP 106-2 in the third quarter of 2004. The impact for the nine months and three monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005, was a reduction of pre-tax net postretirement health care costs and an increase in net earnings of $14$15 million (including $12 million related to Kraft), which is included above as a reduction of $1$2 million in service cost, $6 million in interest cost and $7 million in amortization of unrecognized net loss from experience differences. In addition, as of July 1, 2004, Altria Group, Inc. reduced its accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the subsidy related to benefits attributed to past service by $375 million and decreased its unrecognized actuarial losses by the same amount. The impact for the fourth quarter of 2004 will be to reduce net postretirement health care costs and to increase net earnings by $14 million (including $12 million related to Kraft).

 

Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net:

-15-

Goodwill by segment was as follows (in millions):

   

March 31,

2005


  

December 31,

2004


International tobacco

  $2,222  $2,222

North American food

   20,548   20,511

International food

   5,293   5,323
   

  

Total goodwill

  $28,063  $28,056
   

  

-14-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net:

Goodwill by segment was as follows (in millions):

   

September 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


International tobacco

  $2,059  $2,016

North American food

   21,358   20,877

International food

   4,961   4,849
   

  

Total goodwill

  $28,378  $27,742
   

  

Intangible assets were as follows (in millions):

 

  September 30, 2004

  December 31, 2003

  March 31, 2005

  December 31, 2004

  

Gross

Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


  Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


  

Gross

Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


  Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


Non-amortizable intangible assets

  $11,378     $11,758     $10,831     $10,901   

Amortizable intangible assets

   208  $51   84  $39   246  $60   212  $57
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total intangible assets

  $11,586  $51  $11,842  $39  $11,077  $60  $11,113  $57
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Non-amortizable intangible assets substantially consist of brand names from the acquisition of Nabisco acquisition.Holdings Corp. (“Nabisco”). Amortizable intangible assets consist primarily of certain trademark licenses and non-compete agreements. Pre-tax amortization expense for intangible assets during the nine monthsquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, was $12 million and $7 million, respectively, and $3 million and $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.$4 million. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is currently estimated to be $20$30 million or less, assuming no additional transactions occur that require the amortization of intangible assets.less.

 

The movement in goodwill and intangible assets from December 31, 20032004, is as follows (in millions):

 

  Goodwill

  Intangible
Assets


   Goodwill

 

Intangible

Assets


 

Balance at December 31, 2003

  $27,742  $11,842 

Balance at December 31, 2004

  $28,056  $11,113 

Changes due to:

         

Divestitures

   (18) 

Acquisitions

   86   74     35 

Currency

   95   (12)   (72) 

Asset impairment

   (7)  (70)

Other

   455   (318)   104   (1)
  

  


  


 


Balance at September 30, 2004

  $28,378  $11,586 

Balance at March 31, 2005

  $28,063  $11,077 
  

  


  


 


 

As a result of Kraft’s common stock repurchases, ALG’s ownership percentage of Kraft has increased, thereby resulting in an increase in goodwill. Other, above, includes this additional goodwill as well as the reclassification to goodwill of certain amounts previously classified as indefinite life intangible assets, and the impact of Kraft’s intangible asset impairment.

Note 5. Financial Instruments:goodwill.

 

During the nine monthsfirst quarter of 2005, Altria Group, Inc. completed its annual review of goodwill and three monthsintangible assets and no charges resulted from this review.

Note 5. Financial Instruments:

During the quarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, ineffectiveness related to fair value hedges and cash flow hedges was not material. During the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003, ineffectiveness related to fair value hedges and cash flow hedges was a gain of $13 million, which was recorded in cost of sales on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Altria Group, Inc. is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next eighteenfourteen months. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Altria Group, Inc. estimates that derivative losses of $14$4 million, net of income taxes, reported in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses), will be reclassified to the consolidated statement of earnings within the next twelve months.

 

-16-Within currency translation adjustments at March 31, 2005 and 2004, Altria Group, Inc. recorded a gain of $71 million, net of income taxes, and a loss of $93 million, net of income taxes, respectively, which represented effective hedges of net investments.

-15-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Within currency translation adjustments at September 30, 2004 and 2003, Altria Group, Inc. recorded losses of $35 million, net of income taxes, and $37 million, net of income taxes, respectively, which represented effective hedges of net investments.

 

Hedging activity affected accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes, as follows:

 

   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

 
   (in millions) 

(Loss) gain at beginning of period

  $(83) $(77) $(10) $14 

Derivative losses (gains) transferred to earnings

   43   (44)  (2)  (5)

Change in fair value

   45   49   17   (81)
   


 


 


 


Gain (loss) as of September 30

  $5  $(72) $5  $(72)
   


 


 


 


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
   2005

  2004

 
   (in millions) 

Loss at beginning of period

  $(14) $(83)

Derivative (gains) losses transferred to earnings

   (12)  1 

Change in fair value

   45   12 
   


 


Gain (loss) as of March 31

  $19  $(70)
   


 


Note 6. Acquisitions:

 

Note 6. AcquisitionsOn March 18, 2005, a subsidiary of Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI”) acquired 40% of the outstanding shares of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk (“Sampoerna”), an Indonesian tobacco company, from a number of Sampoerna’s principal shareholders. Cash payments for these shares will total approximately $2.0 billion, of which $1.5 billion was paid by March 31, 2005, and Divestitures:the remainder will be paid in May 2005. PMI commenced a public tender offer for all of the remaining shares on April 18, 2005, at a price per share of IDR 10,600 (U.S. $1.13 per share), the price per share paid to the principal shareholders. The tender offer period closes on May 18, 2005. Assuming all shares are acquired, the total cost of the transaction will be approximately $5.2 billion (based on an exchange rate of IDR 9,365 to U.S. $1.00), including Sampoerna’s net debt of the U.S. $ equivalent of approximately $160 million. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, PMI anticipates completing the transaction during the second quarter of 2005. The purchase price will ultimately be financed through a Euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI and its subsidiaries, which is expected to become effective in May 2005. The bank facility will consist of a Euro 2.5 billion three-year term loan and a Euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility.

The initial investment in Sampoerna of $2.0 billion is included as other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2005. PMI will record equity earnings in Sampoerna until the completion of the tender offer. When PMI gains control of Sampoerna, its financial position and results of operations will be fully consolidated with PMI.

In April 2005, PMI acquired a 96.7% stake in Coltabaco, the largest tobacco company in Colombia, with a 48% market share, for approximately $300 million. PMI intends to acquire the remaining portion of Coltabaco which it does not already own.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, Kraft purchased a U.S.-based beverage business and PMI purchased a tobacco business in Finland. The total cost of acquisitions during the first nine months ofquarter ended March 31, 2004, was $177$152 million.

The effects of these acquisitions were not material to Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or operating cash flows in any of the periods presented.

Note 7. Divestitures:

Discontinued Operations:

On November 15, 2004, Kraft announced the sale of substantially all of its sugar confectionery business for approximately $1.5 billion. The proposed sale includes theLife Savers,Creme Savers,Altoids,Trolli andSugus brands. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2005. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of Kraft’s sugar confectionery business as discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented. Pursuant to the sugar confectionery sale agreement, Kraft has agreed to provide certain transition and supply services to the buyer. These service arrangements are primarily for terms of one year or less, with the exception of one supply arrangement with a term of not more than three years. The expected cash flow from this supply arrangement is not significant.

-16-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Summary results of operations for the sugar confectionery business were as follows:

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


   2005

  2004

   (in millions)

Net revenues

  $116  $118
   

  

Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

  $22  $16

Provision for income taxes

   8   6

Minority interest in earnings from discontinued operations, net

   2   1
   

  

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes and minority interest

  $12  $9
   

  

In addition, Kraft anticipates additional tax expense of $270 million to be recorded as a loss on sale of discontinued operations in 2005. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, the tax expense will be recorded when the transaction is consummated.

The assets of the sugar confectionery business, which were reflected as assets of discontinued operations held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, were as follows (in millions):

   

March 31,

2005


  

December 31,

2004


 

Inventories

  $65  $65 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   196   201 

Goodwill

   814   814 

Other intangible assets, net

   485   485 

Impairment loss on assets of discontinued operations held for sale

   (107)  (107)
   


 


Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

  $1,453  $1,458 
   


 


Other:

 

During the thirdfirst quarter of 2003, PMI purchased approximately 66.5% of a tobacco2005, Kraft sold its desserts business in Serbia for a cost of approximately $440 million. PMI also increasedthe U.K. and its ownership interest in its affiliate in Ecuador from less than 50% to approximately 98% for a cost of $70 million. In addition, during the third quarter of 2003, Kraft acquired trademarks associated with a small natural foods business and during the second quarter of 2003, acquired a biscuits business in Egypt. The total cost of acquisitions during the first nine months of 2003 was $608 million. In September 2004, PMI announced its intention to acquire Coltabaco, the largest tobacco company in Colombia with a 48% market share, and expects to close the transaction at the end of 2004, or the beginning of 2005, for approximately $310 million.

During the third quarter of 2004, Kraft sold a Brazilian snack nutsU.S. yogurt business. The aggregate proceeds received from the salesales of this businessbusinesses in the first quarter of 2005 were $11$190 million, on which a pre-tax lossgains of $8$116 million waswere recorded.

 

During March 2005, Kraft reached an agreement to sell its fruit snacks business for approximately $30 million. The transaction is expected to close in the thirdsecond quarter of 2003,2005. Kraft soldincurred a European rice business. The aggregate proceeds received frompre-tax asset impairment charge of $93 million in the first quarter of 2005 in recognition of the pending sale of this business were $25 million, on which a pre-tax gain of $23 million was recorded.business.

 

The operating results of the other businesses acquired and sold, discussed above, were not material to Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any of the periods presented.

 

-17-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 7. Earnings Per Share:

Note 8. Earnings Per Share:

 

Basic and diluted EPS from continuing and discontinued operations were calculated using the following:

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

  (in millions)

Earnings from continuing operations

  $2,584  $2,185

Earnings from discontinued operations

   12   9
  (in millions)  

  

Net earnings

  $7,469  $7,113  $2,648  $2,490  $2,596  $2,194
  

  

  

  

  

  

Weighted average shares for basic EPS

   2,045   2,027   2,048   2,027   2,061   2,041

Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions:

                  

Restricted stock and stock rights

   3   1   3   1   4   3

Stock options

   13   7   9   8   16   15
  

  

  

  

  

  

Weighted average shares for diluted EPS

   2,061   2,035   2,060   2,036   2,081   2,059
  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Incremental shares from assumed conversions are calculated as the number of shares that would be issued, net of the number of shares that could be purchased in the marketplace with the cash received upon stock option exercise or, in the case of restricted stock and rights, the number of shares corresponding to the unamortized compensation expense. For the nine monthsquarters ended March 31, 2005 and three months ended September 30, 2004, 3 million and 11 millionthe number of stock options respectively, and for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003, 75 million and 45 million stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted EPS because their effects were antidilutive (i.e., the cash that would be received upon exercise is greater than the average market price of the stock during the period). was immaterial.

 

Note 8. Segment Reporting:

Note 9. Segment Reporting:

 

The products of ALG’s subsidiaries include cigarettes and tobacco products, and food (consisting principally of a wide variety of snacks, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals). Another subsidiary of ALG, Philip Morris Capital Corporation, maintains a portfolio of leveraged and direct finance leases. The products and services of these subsidiaries constitute Altria Group, Inc.’s reportable segments of domestic tobacco, international tobacco, North American food, international food and financial services. During January 2004, Kraft announced a new global organization structure. Beginning in 2004, results for Kraft’s Mexico and Puerto Rico businesses, which were previously included in the North American food segment, are included in the international food segment, and historical amounts have been restated.

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s management reviews operating companies income to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Operating companies income for the segments excludes general corporate expenses and amortization of intangibles. Interest and other debt expense, net (consumer products), and provision for income taxes are centrally managed at the ALG level and, accordingly, such items are not presented by segment since they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by Altria Group, Inc.’s management.

 

-18-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Segment data were as follows:

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Net revenues:

      

Domestic tobacco

  $13,091  $12,755  $4,505  $4,440   $4,146  $4,004 

International tobacco

   30,423   25,379   10,316   8,912    11,345   10,043 

North American food

   16,567   15,962   5,471   5,203    5,553   5,292 

International food

   7,162   6,718   2,360   2,277    2,506   2,283 

Financial services

   332   327   76   107    68   99 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Net revenues

  $67,575  $61,141  $22,728  $20,939   $23,618  $21,721 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest:

   

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest:

   

Operating companies income:

      

Domestic tobacco

  $3,329  $2,902  $1,147  $1,147   $1,038  $970 

International tobacco

   5,143   5,012   1,840   1,719    2,075   1,835 

North American food

   2,983   3,737   1,074   1,124    910   833 

International food

   643   935   227   335    293   188 

Financial services

   250   241   55   76    41   70 

Amortization of intangibles

   (12)  (7)  (3)  (2)   (4)  (4)

General corporate expenses

   (534)  (542)  (182)  (176)   (177)  (180)
  


 


 


 


  


 


Operating income

   11,802   12,278   4,158   4,223    4,176   3,712 

Interest and other debt expense, net

   (885)  (847)  (288)  (301)   (281)  (300)
  


 


 


 


  


 


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

  $10,917  $11,431  $3,870  $3,922 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

  $3,895  $3,412 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 

Items affecting the comparability of results from continuing operations were as follows:

 

Domestic Tobacco Headquarters Relocation Charges– Philip Morris USA Inc. (“PM USA”) has substantially completed the move of its corporate headquarters from New York City to Richmond, Virginia. PM USA estimates that the total cost of the relocation will be approximately $110$105 million, including compensation to those employees who did not relocate. Pre-tax charges of $25$1 million and $5$10 million were recorded in the operating companies income of the domestic tobacco segment for the nine months and three monthsquarters ended September 30, 2004, respectively, and $36 million and $27 million were recorded for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. To date, $94 million of relocation charges have been recorded. The relocation will require cash payments of approximately $60 million in 2004 and $20 million inMarch 31, 2005 and beyond.2004, respectively. Cash payments of $41$6 million were made during the first nine monthsquarter of 2004,2005, while total cash payments related to the relocation were approximately $70$91 million through September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. At March 31, 2005, a liability of $11 million remains on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

International Tobacco E.C. AgreementInventory Sale in ItalyOn July 9, 2004, PMI entered into an agreement withDuring the European Commission (“E.C.”) and 10 member states of the European Union that provides for broad cooperation with European law enforcement agencies on anti-contraband and anti-counterfeit efforts. The agreement resolves all disputes between the parties relating to these issues. Under the terms of the agreement, PMI will make 13 payments over 12 years, including an initial payment of $250 million, which was recorded as a pre-tax charge against its earnings in the secondfirst quarter of 2004 and paid2005, PMI made a one-time inventory sale to its new distributor in Italy, resulting in a $96 million pre-tax operating companies income benefit for the third quarter of 2004. The agreement calls for additional payments of approximately $150 million on the first anniversary of the agreement, approximately $100 million on the second anniversary and approximately $75 million each yearinternational tobacco segment.

 

-19-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

thereafter for 10 years, each of which is to be adjusted based on certain variables, including PMI’s market share in the European Union in the year preceding payment. Because future additional payments are subject to these variables, PMI will record charges for them as an expense in cost of sales when product is shipped. During the third quarter of 2004, PMI began accruing for payments due on the first anniversary of the agreement.

Asset Impairment and Exit Costs– See Note 2.Asset Impairment and Exit Costs, for a breakdown of asset impairment and exit costs by segment.

 

Domestic Tobacco Legal Settlement – During 2003, PM USA and certain other defendants reached an agreement with a class of U.S. tobacco growers and quota-holders to resolve a lawsuit related to tobacco leaf purchases. During the second quarter of 2003, PM USA recorded pre-tax charges of $182 million for its estimate of its obligation under the agreement.

Losses (Gains)Gains on Sales of Businesses – During the thirdfirst quarter of 2004, Kraft sold a Brazilian snack nuts business and recorded a pre-tax loss of $8 million. During the third quarter of 2003, Kraft sold a European rice business and recorded a pre-tax gain of $23 million. The loss and gain are included in the2005, operating companies income of the international food segment included pre-tax gains on sales of businesses of $116 million, primarily related to the sale of Kraft’s desserts business in their respective years.the U.K.

 

-19-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 10. Credit Lines:

In April 2005, Altria Group, Inc. negotiated a 364-day revolving credit facility in the amount of $1.0 billion and a new multi-year credit facility in the amount of $4.0 billion, which is due to expire in April 2010. In addition, Altria Group, Inc. terminated the existing $5.0 billion multi-year credit facility, which was due to expire in July 2006. The new Altria Group, Inc. facilities require the maintenance of an earnings to fixed charges ratio, as defined by the agreement, of 2.5 to 1.0, unchanged from the previous multi-year facility. At March 31, 2005, the ratio calculated in accordance with the agreement was 9.9 to 1.0. In April 2005, Kraft negotiated a new multi-year revolving credit facility to replace both the 364-day facility that was due to expire in July 2005 and a multi-year facility that was due to expire in July 2006. The new Kraft multi-year facility, which is for the sole use of Kraft, in the amount of $4.5 billion, expires in April 2010 and requires the maintenance of a minimum net worth of $20.0 billion, up from $18.2 billion required in each of Kraft’s previous facilities. At March 31, 2005, Kraft’s net worth was $30.1 billion. These facilities do not include any credit rating triggers or any provisions that could require the posting of collateral.

As discussed in Note 9. Contingencies:6.Acquisitions, the purchase price of the Sampoerna acquisition will ultimately be financed through a Euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI and its subsidiaries, which is expected to become effective in May 2005. The bank facility will consist of a Euro 2.5 billion three-year term loan and a Euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility.

Note 11. Contingencies:

 

Legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters are pending or threatened in various United States and foreign jurisdictions against ALG, its subsidiaries and affiliates, including PM USA and PMI, as well as their respective indemnitees. Various types of claims are raised in these proceedings, including product liability, consumer protection, antitrust, tax, contraband shipments, patent infringement, employment matters, claims for contribution and claims of competitors and distributors.

 

Overview of Tobacco-Related Litigation

 

Types and Number of Cases

 

Pending claims related to tobacco products generally fall within the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs, (ii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury and purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs, including cases in which the aggregated claims of a number of individual plaintiffs are to be tried in a single proceeding, (iii) health care cost recovery cases brought by governmental (both domestic and foreign) and non-governmental plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking and/or disgorgement of profits, and (iv) other tobacco-related litigation. Other tobacco-related litigation includes class action suits alleging that the use of the terms “Lights” and “Ultra Lights” constitutes deceptive and unfair trade practices, suits by foreign governments seeking to recover damages resulting from the allegedly illegal importation of cigarettes into various jurisdictions, suits by former asbestos manufacturers seeking contribution or reimbursement for amounts expended in connection with the defense and payment of asbestos claims that were allegedly caused in whole or in part by cigarette smoking, and various antitrust suits. Damages claimed in some of the tobacco-related litigation range into the billions of dollars. Exhibit 99.1 hereto lists certain tobacco-related actions pending as of November 1, 2004, and discusses certain developments in such cases since August 6, 2004. Plaintiffs’ theories of recovery and the defenses raised in the smoking and health and health care cost recovery cases are discussed below.

 

-20-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The table below lists the number of certain tobacco-related cases pending in the United States against PM USA and, in some instances, ALG or PMI, as of NovemberMay 2, 2005, April 30, 2004 and May 1, 2004, November 1, 2003, and November 1, 2002, and a page-reference to further discussions of each type of case.

 

Type of Case            


  Number of Cases
Pending as of
November 1, 2004


  Number of Cases
Pending as of
November 1, 2003


  Number of Cases
Pending as of
November 1, 2002


  Page References

Individual Smoking

and Health Cases (1)

  225  428  250  28; Exhibit 99.1,
pages 1-2

Smoking and Health

Class Actions and

Aggregated Claims

Litigation (2)

  8  15  26  28-29; Exhibit 99.1,
pages 1-2

Health Care Cost

Recovery Actions

  12  13  43  29-31; Exhibit 99.1,
pages 3-5

Lights/Ultra Lights

Class Actions

  20  21  11  32; Exhibit 99.1,
pages 5-7

Tobacco Price Cases

  2  35  39  32; Exhibit 99.1,
page 7

Cigarette Contraband

Cases

  2  5  5  34; Exhibit 99.1,
page 8

Asbestos Contribution

Cases

  2  7  8  33; Exhibit 99.1,
page 8

Type of Case


 Number of Cases
Pending as of
May 2, 2005


 Number of Cases
Pending as of
April 30, 2004


 Number of Cases
Pending as of
May 1, 2003


 

Page References


Individual Smoking and Health Cases (1)

 235 285 275 27-28; Exh. 99.1 pages 1-2

Smoking and Health Class Actions and Aggregated Claims Litigation (2)

 9 9 42 28; Exh. 99.1 page 2

Health Care Cost Recovery Actions

 7 13 41 28-31; Exh. 99.1 pages 2-4

Lights/Ultra Lights Class Actions

 22 21 18 31-32; Exh. 99.1 pages 4-6

Tobacco Price Cases

 2 2 37 32; Exh. 99.1 page 6

Cigarette Contraband Cases

 2 2 5 33; Exh. 99.1 page 7

 

(1)Does not include 2,6822,651 cases brought by flight attendants seeking compensatory damages for personal injuries allegedly caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (“ETS”). The flight attendants allege that they are members of an ETS smoking and health class action, which was settled in 1997. The terms of the court-approved settlement in that case allow class members to file individual lawsuits seeking compensatory damages, but prohibit them from seeking punitive damages. See the discussion of these cases in “Exhibit 99.1 — Flight Attendant Litigation.” Also, does not include 11 individual smoking and health cases brought against certain retailers that are indemnitees of PM USA.

 

(2)Includes as one case the aggregated claims of 965983 individuals that are proposed to be tried in a single proceeding in West Virginia.

 

There are also a number of other tobacco-related actions pending outside the United States against PMI and its affiliates and subsidiaries, including an estimated 121116 individual smoking and health cases brought on behalf of individuals (Argentina (45)(48), Australia (2), Brazil (48)(51), Chile (1), Colombia Ireland,(1), Israel (3), Italy (18)(4), the Philippines (1), Poland (1), Scotland (1), Spain (2) and Venezuela)Venezuela (1)), compared with approximately 97120 such cases on November 1, 2003,April 30, 2004, and 7389 such cases on NovemberMay 1, 2002. The increase2003. In addition, in Italy, 25 cases at November 1, 2004 comparedare pending in the Italian equivalent of small claims court where damages are limited to prior periods is due primarily to cases filed in Brazil and Italy. 2,000 per case.

In addition, as of November 1, 2004,May 2, 2005, there were threewas one smoking and health putative class actionsaction pending outside the United States (Brazil and Canada (2))against PMI (Brazil) compared with four such cases on April 30, 2004, and nine such cases on NovemberMay 1, 2003, and eight such cases on November 1, 2002. In addition, four2003. Four health care cost recovery actions are pending in Israel (1), Canada (1), France (1) and Spain (1) against PMI or its affiliates. In addition, aaffiliates, and two Lights/Ultra Lights class action isactions are pending in Israel. In February 2005, a Polish social organization filed a representative action against PMI’s Polish affiliate and six other Polish tobacco companies; this complaint has not yet been served on PMI’s affiliate.

 

-21-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Pending and Upcoming Trials

 

Trial is currently underway in the case brought by the United States government in which ALG and PM USA are defendants. For a discussion of this case, see “Health Care Cost Recovery Litigation Federal Government’s Lawsuit” below.

 

As set forth in Exhibit 99.2 hereto, certainCertain cases against PM USA are scheduled for trial through the end of 2005,2006, including a health care cost recovery case brought by the City of St. Louis, Missouri,pending in Tennessee in which ALG is also a defendant, a class action alleging unfair, unlawful and fraudulent business practices under the California Business and Professions Code, a case in which plaintiffscigarette distributors allege that PM USA’s Wholesale Leaders program violates antitrust laws, a case brought in Tennessee by cigarette vending machine operators alleging that PM USA’s retail promotional and merchandising programs violate the Robinson-Patman Act, a Lights/Ultra Lights action in New York in which PM USA and ALG are defendants and a consolidated smokinghealth care cost recovery case brought in Missouri by the City of St. Louis, Missouri and health caseapproximately 50 Missouri hospitals in West Virginia that aggregates the claims of 965 plaintiffs.which PM USA and ALG are defendants. In addition, an estimated 15four individual smoking and health cases are scheduled for trial through the end of 2005,2006, including two casesa case scheduled for trial in JanuaryJuly 2005 in California and New York. Also, one case brought by a flight attendant seeking compensatory damages for personal injuries allegedly caused by ETS is scheduled for trial in Florida in January 2005.Jersey. Cases against other tobacco companies are also scheduled for trial through the end of 2005.2006. Trial dates are subject to change.

 

Recent Trial Results

 

Since January 1999, verdicts have been returned in 3843 smoking and health, Lights/Ultra Lights and health care cost recovery cases in which PM USA was a defendant. Verdicts in favor of PM USA and other defendants were returned in 2327 of the 3843 cases. These 2327 cases were tried in California (2)(4), Florida (7)(9), Mississippi (1), Missouri (1), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New York (3), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), Rhode Island (1), Tennessee (2), and West Virginia.Virginia (1). Plaintiffs’ appeals or post-trial motions challenging the verdicts are pending in California, Florida, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. A motion for a new trial has been granted in one of the cases in Florida. In addition, in December 2002, a court dismissed an individual smoking and health case in California at the end of trial.

 

Of the 16 cases in which verdicts were returned in favor of plaintiffs, three have reached final resolution. A $17.8 million verdict against defendants in a health care cost recovery case (including $6.8 million against PM USA) was reversed, and all claims were dismissed with prejudice in February 2005 (Blue Cross/Blue Shield). In October 2004, after exhausting all appeals, PM USA paid approximately $3.3 million (including interest of approximately $285,000) in an individual smoking and health case in Florida (Eastman). In March 2005, after exhausting all appeals, PM USA paid approximately $17 million (including interest of approximately $6.4 million) in an individual smoking and health case in California (Henley).

The chart below lists the verdictsverdict and post-trial developments in the 15remaining 13 pending cases that have gone to trial since January 1999 in which verdicts were returned in favor of plaintiffs.

 

Date


  

Location of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


OctoberMarch

20042005

  

New York/

ArnitzRose/

Florida

  Individual
Smoking
and
Health
  $240,0003.42 million in compensatory damages against two defendants, including PM USA, and $17.1 million in punitive damages against PM USAUSA.  PM USA intends to file post-trial motions challenging the verdict.

October

2004

Florida/

Arnitz

Individual Smoking and Health$240,000 against PM USA.PM USA’s appeal is pending.

 

-22-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Date


  

Location of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


May

2004

  

Louisiana/

Scott

  

Smoking and

Health Class

Action

  Approximately $590 million, against all defendants jointly and severally, to fund a 10-year smoking cessation program.  In June 2004, the court entered judgment in the amount of the verdict of $590 million, plus prejudgment interest accruing from the date the suit commenced. As of September 30, 2004,May 2, 2005, the amount of prejudgment interest was approximately $347$366 million. PM USA’s share of the verdict and prejudgment interest has not been allocated. Defendants, including PM USA, have appealed. In connection with the appeal, defendants have collectively posted a bond in the amount of $50 million. See the discussion of theScott Class Action case under the heading “Smoking and Health Litigation — Smoking and Health Class Actions.”below.

November

2003

  

Missouri/

Missouri/Thompson

  Individual Smoking and Health  $2.1 million in compensatory damages against all defendants, including $837,403 against PM USA.  In March 2004, the court denied defendants’ post-trial motions challenging the verdict. PM USA has appealed.

April

2003

Florida/

Eastman

Individual Smoking and Health$6.54 million in compensatory damages, against all defendants, including $2.62 million against PM USA.In May 2004, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment entered by the trial court. PM USA has recorded a provision of $3.7 million (including interest, attorneys’ fees and court costs) in connection with this case. PM USA’s motion for rehearing has been denied, and the judgment was paid in October 2004.appeal is pending.

March

2003

  

Illinois/

Illinois/Price

  Lights/Ultra Lights Class Action  $7.1005 billion in compensatory damages and $3 billion in punitive damages against PM USA.  TheIn November 2004, the Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hearheard arguments on PM USA’s appeal. See the discussion of thePrice case under the heading “Certain Other Tobacco-Related Litigation — Lights/Ultra Lights Cases.”

October

2002

  

California/

California/Bullock

  Individual Smoking and Health  $850,000 in compensatory damages and $28 billion in punitive damages against PM USA.  In December 2002, the trial court reduced the punitive damages award to $28 million; PM USA and plaintiff have appealed.

 

-23-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Date


  

Location of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


June

2002

  

Florida/

French

  Flight Attendant ETS Litigation  $5.5 million in compensatory damages against all defendants, including PM USA.  In September 2002, the trial court reduced the damages award to $500,000. In December 2004, the Florida Third District Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment awarding plaintiff $500,000, and directed the trial court to hold defendants jointly and severally liable. In April 2005, the appellate court denied defendants’ motion for rehearing. PM USA’s shareUSA intends to petition the Florida Supreme Court for further review, and will record a provision in the second quarter of 2005, reflecting its best estimate of the damages award is approximately $251,000. Plaintiff and defendants have appealed.probable loss in this case.

June

2002

  

Florida/

Lukacs

  Individual Smoking and Health  $37.5 million in compensatory damages against all defendants, including PM USA.  In March 2003, the trial court reduced the damages award to $24.86 million. PM USA’s share of the damages award is approximately $6 million. The court has not yet entered the judgment on the jury verdict. If a judgment is entered in this case, PM USA intends to appeal.

March

2002

  

Oregon/

Oregon/Schwarz

  Individual Smoking and Health  $168,500 in compensatory damages and $150 million in punitive damages against PM USA.  In May 2002, the trial court reduced the punitive damages award to $100 million; PM USA and plaintiff have appealed.

-24-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Date


Location of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


Type of Case


Verdict


Post-Trial Developments


June

2001

  

California/

California/Boeken

  Individual Smoking and Health  $5.5 million in compensatory damages and $3 billion in punitive damages against PM USA.  In August 2001, the trial court reduced the punitive damages award to $100 million. In September 2004, the California Second District Court of Appeal reduced the punitive damages award to $50 million but otherwise affirmed the judgment entered in the case. Plaintiff and PM USA each sought rehearing, and in October 2004,rehearing. In April 2005, the Court of Appeal grantedreaffirmed the parties’ motions for rehearing.

-24-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Date


Locationamount of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


Type of Case


Verdict


Post-Trial Developments


June

2001

New York/Empire Blue CrossandBlue Shield

Health Care

Cost Recovery

$17.8 million in compensatory damages against all defendants, including $6.8 million against its September 2004 ruling. PM USA.In February 2002, the trial court awarded plaintiffs $38 million in attorneys’ fees. In September 2003, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed the portion of the judgment relatingUSA intends to subrogation, certified questions relating to plaintiff’s direct claims of deceptive business practices to the New York Court of Appeals and deferred its ruling on the appeal of the attorneys’ fees award pending the ruling on the certified questions. In October 2004, the New York Court of Appeals ruled in defendants’ favor on the certified questions and found that plaintiff’s direct claims are barred on grounds of remoteness. The parties are awaiting the ruling of the Second Circuit.seek further appellate review.

July

2000

  

Florida/

Engle

  Smoking and Health Class Action  $145 billion in punitive damages against all defendants, including $74 billion against PM USA.  In May 2003, the Florida Third District Court of Appeal reversed the judgment entered by the trial court and instructed the trial court to order the decertification of the class. Plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration was denied in September 2003, and plaintiffs petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for further review. In May 2004, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to review the case.case, and the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in November 2004. See “Engle Class Action” below.

March

2000

  

California/

California/Whiteley

  Individual Smoking and Health  $1.72 million in compensatory damages against PM USA and another defendant, and $10 million in punitive damages against each of PM USA and the other defendant.  In April 2004, the California First District Court of Appeal entered judgment in favor of defendants on plaintiffsplaintiff’s negligent design claims, and reversed and remanded for a new trial on plaintiff’s fraud-related claims.

 

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Date


  

Location of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


March

1999

  

Oregon/

Williams

  Individual Smoking and Health  $800,000 in compensatory damages, $21,500 in medical expenses and $79.5 million in punitive damages against PM USA.  The trial court reduced the punitive damages award to $32 million, and PM USA and plaintiff appealed. In June 2002, the Oregon Court of Appeals reinstated the $79.5 million punitive damages award. Following the Oregon Supreme Court’s refusal to hear PM USA’s appeal, PM USA recorded a provision of $32 million in marketing, administration and research costs on the 2002 consolidated statement of earnings as its best estimate of the probable loss in this case and petitioned the United States Supreme Court for further review. In October 2003, the United States Supreme Court set aside the Oregon appellate court’s ruling, and directed the Oregon court to reconsider the case in light of the 2003State Farmdecision by the United States Supreme Court, which limited punitive damages. In June 2004, the Oregon Court of Appeals reinstated the punitive damages award. PM USA has petitionedIn December 2004, the Oregon Supreme Court granted PM USA’s petition for review of the case.

 

-26-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Date        


Location of
Court/Name of
Plaintiff


Type of Case


Verdict


Post-Trial Developments


February 1999California/HenleyIndividual Smoking and Health$1.5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages against PM USA.The trial court reduced the punitive damages award to $25 million and PM USA and plaintiff appealed. In September 2003, a California Court of Appeal, citing theState Farm decision, reduced the punitive damages award to $9 million, but otherwise affirmed the judgment for compensatory damages, and PM USA appealed to the California Supreme Court. In September 2004, the California Supreme Court dismissed PM USA’s appeal. In October 2004, the California Court of Appeal issued an order allowing the execution of the judgment. PM USA has recorded a provision of $16 million (including interest) in connection with this case. On October 10, 2004, PM USA filed in the United States Supreme Court an application for a stay pending the filing of, and ruling upon, PM USA’s petition for certiorari. On October 27, 2004, the Supreme Court granted the stay, which will remain in effect until the Supreme Court either denies PM USA’s petition for certiorari or issues its mandate.

In addition to the cases discussed above, in October 2003, a three-judge panel of an appellate court in Brazil reversed a lower court’s dismissal of an individual smoking and health case and ordered PMI’s Brazilian affiliate to pay plaintiff approximately $256,000 and other unspecified damages. PMI’s Brazilian affiliate has appealed to a largerappealed. In December 2004, the three-judge panel’s decision was vacated by an en banc panel of the appellate court.court, which upheld the trial court’s dismissal of the case. Also, in April 2005, a labor court trial judge entered judgment against PMI’s Venezuelan affiliate in favor of a former employee plaintiff in the amount of approximately US$150,000 in connection with an individual claim involving smoking and health issues. PMI’s Venezuelan affiliate intends to appeal.

 

With respect to certain adverse verdicts currently on appeal, excluding amounts relating to theEngle andPrice cases, as of November 1, 2004,May 2, 2005, PM USA has posted various forms of security totaling approximately $363$320 million, the majority of which have been collateralized with cash deposits, to obtain stays of judgments pending appeals. The cash deposits are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

-26-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Engle Class Action

 

In July 2000, in the second phase of theEngle smoking and health class action in Florida, a jury returned a verdict assessing punitive damages totaling approximately $145 billion against various defendants, including $74 billion against PM USA. Following entry of judgment, PM USA posted a bond in the amount of $100 million and appealed.

 

In May 2001, the trial court approved a stipulation providing that execution of the punitive damages component of theEngle judgment will remain stayed against PM USA and the other participating defendants through the completion of all judicial review. As a result of the stipulation, PM USA placed $500 million into a separate interest-bearing escrow account that, regardless of the outcome of the appeal, will be paid to the court and the court will determine how to allocate or distribute it consistent with Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. In July

-27-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

2001, PM USA also placed $1.2 billion into an interest-bearing escrow account, which will be returned to PM USA should it prevail in its appeal of the case. (The $1.2 billion escrow account is included in the September 30,March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheets as other assets. Interest income on the $1.2 billion escrow account is paid to PM USA quarterly and is being recorded as earned, in interest and other debt expense, net, in the consolidated statements of earnings.) In connection with the stipulation, PM USA recorded a $500 million pre-tax charge in its consolidated statement of earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2001. In May 2003, the Florida Third District Court of Appeal reversed the judgment entered by the trial court and instructed the trial court to order the decertification of the class. Plaintiffs petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for further review and, in May 2004, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to review the case. Oral arguments are scheduled forwere heard in November 3, 2004.

 

Scott Class Action

In July 2003, following the first phase of the trial in the Scott class action, in which plaintiffs sought creation of a fund to pay for medical monitoring and smoking cessation programs, a Louisiana jury returned a verdict in favor of defendants, including PM USA, in connection with plaintiffs’ medical monitoring claims, but also found that plaintiffs could benefit from smoking cessation assistance. The jury also found that cigarettes as designed are not defective but that the defendants failed to disclose all they knew about smoking and diseases and marketed their products to minors. In May 2004, in the second phase of the trial, the jury awarded plaintiffs approximately $590 million, against all defendants jointly and severally, to fund a 10-year smoking cessation program. In June 2004, the court entered judgment, which awarded plaintiffs the approximately $590 million jury award plus prejudgment interest accruing from the date the suit commenced. As of May 2, 2005, the amount of prejudgment interest was approximately $366 million. PM USA’s share of the jury award and prejudgment interest has not been allocated. Defendants, including PM USA, have appealed. Pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the trial court entered an order setting the amount of the bond at $50 million for all defendants in accordance with an article of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, and a Louisiana statute (the “bond cap law”) fixing the amount of security in civil cases involving a signatory to the MSA (as defined below). Under the terms of the stipulation, plaintiffs reserve the right to contest, at a later date, the sufficiency or amount of the bond on any grounds including the applicability or constitutionality of the bond cap law. In September 2004, defendants collectively posted a bond in the amount of $50 million.

Smoking and Health Litigation

 

Overview

 

Plaintiffs’ allegations of liability in smoking and health cases are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, fraud, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, breach of special duty, conspiracy, concert of action, violations of deceptive trade practice laws and consumer protection statutes, and claims under the federal and state anti-racketeering statutes. In certain of these cases, plaintiffs claim that cigarette smoking exacerbated the injuries

-27-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

caused by their exposure to asbestos. Plaintiffs in the smoking and health actions seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and punitive damages, treble/multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, creation of medical monitoring and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive and equitable relief. Defenses raised in these cases include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, statutes of limitations and preemption by the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act.

 

Smoking and Health Class Actions

 

Since the dismissal in May 1996 of a purported nationwide class action brought on behalf of “addicted” smokers, plaintiffs have filed numerous putative smoking and health class action suits in various state and federal courts. In general, these cases purport to be brought on behalf of residents of a particular state or states (although a few cases purport to be nationwide in scope) and raise addiction claims and, in many cases, claims of physical injury as well.

 

Class certification has been denied or reversed by courts in 56 smoking and health class actions involving PM USA in Arkansas (1), the District of Columbia (2), Florida (theEngle case), Illinois (2), Iowa (1), Kansas (1), Louisiana (1), Maryland (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Nevada (29), New Jersey (6), New York (2), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (1), Puerto Rico (1), South Carolina (1), Texas (1) and Wisconsin.Wisconsin (1). A class remains certified in theScottclass action discussed below.

In July 2003, following the first phase of the trial in theScott class action in which plaintiffs sought creation of funds to pay for medical monitoring and smoking cessation programs, a Louisiana jury returned a verdict in favor of defendants, including PM USA, in connection with plaintiffs’ medical monitoring claims, but also found that plaintiffs could benefit from smoking cessation assistance. The jury also found that cigarettes as designed are not defective but that the defendants failed to disclose all they knew about smoking and diseases and marketed their products to minors. In May 2004, in the second phase of the trial, the jury awarded plaintiffs approximately $590 million, against all defendants jointly and severally, to fund a 10-year smoking cessation program. In June 2004, the court entered judgment, which awarded plaintiffs the approximately $590 million jury award plus prejudgment interest, accruing from the date the suit commenced. As of September 30, 2004, the amount of prejudgment interest was approximately $347 million. PM USA’s share of the jury award anddiscussed above.

-28-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

pre-judgment interest has not been allocated. Defendants, including PM USA, have appealed. Pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the trial court entered an order setting the amount of the bond at $50 million for all defendants in accordance with an article of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, and a Louisiana statute (the “bond cap law”) fixing the amount of security in civil cases involving a signatory to the MSA (as defined below). Under the terms of the stipulation, plaintiffs reserve the right to contest, at a later date, the sufficiency or amount of the bond on any grounds including the applicability or constitutionality of the bond cap law. In September 2004, defendants collectively posted a bond in the amount of $50 million.

In November 2001, in the first medical monitoring class action case to go to trial, a West Virginia jury returned a verdict in favor of all defendants, including PM USA, and plaintiffs appealed. The West Virginia Supreme Court has affirmed the judgment entered by the trial court.

 

Health Care Cost Recovery Litigation

 

Overview

 

In health care cost recovery litigation, domestic and foreign governmental entities and non-governmental plaintiffs seek reimbursement of health care cost expenditures allegedly caused by tobacco products and, in some cases, of future expenditures and damages as well. Relief sought by some but not all plaintiffs includes punitive damages, multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, injunctions prohibiting alleged marketing and sales to minors, disclosure of research, disgorgement of profits, funding of anti-smoking programs, additional disclosure of nicotine yields, and payment of attorney and expert witness fees.

 

The claims asserted include the claim that cigarette manufacturers were “unjustly enriched” by plaintiffs’ payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking, as well as claims of indemnity, negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, violation of a voluntary undertaking or special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under federal and state statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under federal and state anti-racketeering statutes.

 

Defenses raised include lack of proximate cause, remoteness of injury, failure to state a valid claim, lack of benefit, adequate remedy at law, “unclean hands” (namely, that plaintiffs cannot obtain equitable relief because they participated in, and benefited from, the sale of cigarettes), lack of antitrust standing and injury, federal preemption, lack of statutory authority to bring suit, and statutes of limitations. In addition, defendants argue that they should be entitled to “set off” any alleged damages to the extent the plaintiff benefits economically from the sale of cigarettes through the receipt of excise taxes or otherwise. Defendants also argue that these cases are improper because plaintiffs must proceed under principles of subrogation and assignment. Under traditional theories of recovery, a payor of medical costs (such as an insurer) can seek recovery of health care costs from a third party solely by “standing in the shoes” of the injured party. Defendants argue that plaintiffs should be required to bring any actions as subrogees of individual health care recipients and should be subject to all defenses available against the injured party.

 

-28-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Although there have been some decisions to the contrary, most judicial decisions have dismissed all or most health care cost recovery claims against cigarette manufacturers. Nine federal circuit courts of appeals and six state appellate courts, relying primarily on grounds that plaintiffs’ claims were too remote, have ordered or affirmed dismissals of health care cost recovery actions. The United States Supreme Court has refused to consider plaintiffs’ appeals from the cases decided by five circuit courts of appeals.

 

A number of foreign governmental entities have filed health care cost recovery actions in the United States. Such suits have been brought in the United States by 13 countries, a Canadian province, 11 Brazilian states and 11 Brazilian cities. Thirty-two of theOf these 36 cases, 34 have been dismissed, and fourtwo remain pending. In addition to the

-29-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

cases brought in the United States, health care cost recovery actions have also been brought in Israel (1), the Marshall Islands (1) (dismissed), Canada (1), France (1) and Spain (1), and other entities have stated that they are considering filing such actions. In September 2003, the case pending in France was dismissed, and plaintiff has appealed. In May 2004, the case in Spain was dismissed, and plaintiff has appealed.

 

In March 1999, in the first health care cost recovery case to go to trial, an Ohio jury returned a verdict in favor of defendants on all counts. In June 2001, a New York jury returned a verdict awarding $6.83 million in compensatory damages against PM USA and a total of $11 million against four other defendants in a health care cost recovery action brought by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, and defendants, including PM USA, appealed. SeeIn December 2004, the above discussionUnited States Court of theEmpire Blue Cross and Blue Shield case under the heading “Recent Trial Results”Appeals for the post-trial developments in this case.Second Circuit vacated the damages award and an accompanying award of attorneys’ fees, reversed the judgment and remanded the case with instructions to the trial court to dismiss plaintiff’s claims. In February 2005, the trial court dismissed all of plaintiff’s claims with prejudice. Trial in the health care cost recovery case brought by the City of St. Louis, Missouri and approximately 50 Missouri hospitals, in which PM USA and ALG are defendants, is scheduled for June 2005.January 2006.

 

Settlements of Health Care Cost Recovery Litigation

 

In November 1998, PM USA and certain other United States tobacco product manufacturers entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”) with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas to settle asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and other claims. PM USA and certain other United States tobacco product manufacturers had previously settled similar claims brought by Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota (together with the MSA, the “State Settlement Agreements”). The State Settlement Agreements require that the domestic tobacco industry make substantial annual payments in the following amounts (excluding future annual payments contemplated by the agreement with tobacco growers discussed below), subject to adjustments for several factors, including inflation, market share and industry volume: 2005 through 2007, $8.4 billion each year; and thereafter, $9.4 billion each year. In addition, the domestic tobacco industry is required to pay settling plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, subject to an annual cap of $500 million. Pursuant to the provisions of the MSA, PM USA, along with the other domestic tobacco product manufacturers who are original signatories to the MSA (“OPMs”), is participating in a proceeding, which may result in a downward adjustment to the amounts paid by the OPMs to the states and territories that are parties to the MSA for the year 2003. The availability and the precise amount of that adjustment depend on a number of factors and will likely not be determined until some time in 2006 or later. If the adjustment does become available, it may be applied as a credit against future payments due from the OPMs.

 

The State Settlement Agreements also include provisions relating to advertising and marketing restrictions, public disclosure of certain industry documents, limitations on challenges to certain tobacco control and underage use laws, restrictions on lobbying activities and other provisions.

 

As part of the MSA, the settling defendants committed to work cooperatively with the tobacco-growing states to address concerns about the potential adverse economic impact of the MSA on tobacco growers and quota-holders.quota-

-29-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

holders. To that end, in 1999, four of the major domestic tobacco product manufacturers, including PM USA, and the grower states, have established the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust (“NTGST”), a trust fund to provide aid to tobacco growers and quota-holders. The trust willwas to be funded by these four manufacturers over 12 years with payments, prior to application of various adjustments, scheduled to total $5.15 billion. FutureRemaining industry payments (2005 through 2008, $500 million each year; 2009 and 2010, $295 million each year) are subject to adjustment for several factors, including inflation, United States cigarette volume and certain contingent events, and, in general are to be allocated based on each manufacturer’s relative market share. PM USA records its portionProvisions of thesethe NTGST allow for offsets to the extent that payments are made to growers as part of costa legislated end to the federal tobacco quota and price support program.

In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of sales as product is shipped. Federal legislation enacted in October 2004 (“FETRA”) was signed into law. FETRA provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program through an industry fundedindustry-funded buy-out of tobacco growers and quota holders. The cost of the proposed buy-out is approximately $10$9.6 billion and will be paid over 10 years by manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products. The cost will be allocated based on the relative market shares of manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products. PM USA expects that itsThe quota buy-out payments will offset already scheduled payments to the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust.NTGST. Manufacturers and importers of tobacco products are also obligated to cover any losses (up to $500 million) that the government may incur on the disposition of pool stock tobacco accumulated under the previous tobacco price support program. PM USA’s share of tobacco pool stock losses cannot currently be determined, as the calculation of any such losses will depend on a number of factors, including the extent to which the government can sell such pool tobacco and thereby mitigate or avoid losses. Altria Group, Inc. does not currently anticipate that the quota buy-out will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results in 2005 and beyond.

Following the enactment of FETRA, the trustee of the NTGST and the state entities conveying NTGST payments to tobacco growers and quota holders sued tobacco product manufacturers alleging that the offset provisions do not apply to payments due in 2004. In December 2004, a North Carolina court ruled that the tobacco companies, including PM USA, are entitled to receive a refund of amounts paid to the NTGST during the first three quarters of 2004 and are not required to make the payments that would otherwise have been due during the fourth quarter of 2004. Plaintiffs have appealed. A hearing on plaintiffs’ appeal is scheduled for May 2005. If the trial court’s ruling is ultimately upheld, PM USA would reverse accruals and receive reimbursements totaling $232 million.

 

The State Settlement Agreements have materially adversely affected the volumes of PM USA, and ALG believes that they may also materially adversely affect the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of PM USA and Altria Group, Inc. in future periods. The degree of the adverse impact will depend on, among

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

other things, the rate of decline in United States cigarette sales in the premium and discount segments, PM USA’s share of the domestic premium and discount cigarette segments, and the effect of any resulting cost advantage of manufacturers not subject to the MSA and the other State Settlement Agreements.

 

In April 2004, a lawsuit was filed in state court in Los Angeles, California, on behalf of all California residents who purchased cigarettes in California from April 2000 to the present, alleging that the MSA enabled the defendants, including PM USA and ALG, to engage in unlawful price fixing and market sharing agreements. The complaint sought damages and also sought to enjoin defendants from continuing to operate under those provisions of the MSA that allegedly violate California law. In June, plaintiffs dismissed this case and refiled a substantially similar complaint in federal court in San Francisco, California. The new complaint is brought on behalf of the same purported class but differs in that it covers purchases from June 2000 to the present, names the Attorney General of California as a defendant, and does not name ALG as a defendant. PM USA’sIn March 2005, the trial court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the case is pending.case. Plaintiffs have appealed.

 

There is a suit pending against New York state officials, in which importers of cigarettes allege that the MSA and certain New York statutes enacted in connection with the MSA violate federal antitrust law. Neither ALG nor PM USA is a defendant in this case. In September 2004, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily

-30-


Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

enjoin the MSA and certain related New York statutes, but the court issued a preliminary injunction against an amendment repealing the “allocable share” provision of the New York Escrow Statute. Plaintiffs have appealed the trial court’s September 2004 order to the extent that it denied their request for a preliminary injunction. In addition, a similar putative class action haslawsuits have been brought in the Commonwealth of Kentucky challenging the repeal of certain implementing legislation that had been enactedand are pending in Kentucky, subsequent to the MSA.Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Neither ALG nor PM USA is a defendant in the case in Kentucky.these cases.

 

Federal Government’s Lawsuit

 

In 1999, the United States government filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against various cigarette manufacturers, including PM USA, and others, including ALG, asserting claims under three federal statutes, the Medical Care Recovery Act (“MCRA”), the Medicare Secondary Payer (“MSP”) provisions of the Social Security Act and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). Trial of the case is currently underway. The lawsuit seeks to recover an unspecified amount of health care costs for tobacco-related illnesses allegedly caused by defendants’ fraudulent and tortious conduct and paid for by the government under various federal health care programs, including Medicare, military and veterans’ health benefits programs, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The complaint alleges that such costs total more than $20 billion annually. It also seeks what it alleges to be equitable and declaratory relief, including disgorgement of profits which arose from defendants’ allegedly tortious conduct, an injunction prohibiting certain actions by the defendants, and a declaration that the defendants are liable for the federal government’s future costs of providing health care resulting from defendants’ alleged past tortious and wrongful conduct. In September 2000, the trial court dismissed the government’s MCRA and MSP claims, but permitted discovery to proceed on the government’s claims for relief under RICO. The government alleges that disgorgement by defendants of approximately $280 billion is an appropriate remedy. In May 2004, the trial court issued an order denying defendants’ motion for partial summary judgment limiting the disgorgement remedy. In June 2004, the trial court certified that order for immediate appeal, and in July 2004,February 2005, a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia agreedCircuit held that disgorgement is not a remedy available to hear the appeal on an expedited basis. Oral arguments are scheduledgovernment under RICO and entered summary judgment in favor of defendants, with respect to the disgorgement claim. In April 2005, the appellate court denied the government’s motion for November 17, 2004.rehearing. In July 2004, the trial court found that PM USA had inadequately complied with a document preservation order and ordered that persons who failed to comply with PM USA’s document retention program will not be permitted to testify at trial and PM USA and ALG jointly pay $2,750,000 to the court by September 1, 2004. This amount was paid to the court in September 2004. The trial court has denied PM USAUSA’s and ALG have sought rehearing of the judge’s ruling. Trial of the case is currently underway.

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)ALG’s motion for rehearing.

 

Certain Other Tobacco-Related Litigation

 

Lights/Ultra Lights Cases: These class actions have been brought against PM USA and, in certain instances, ALG and PMI or its subsidiaries, on behalf of individuals who purchased and consumed various brands of cigarettes, includingMarlboro Lights,,Marlboro Ultra Lights,,Virginia Slims Lights andSuperslims,,Merit Lights andCambridge Lights.Plaintiffs in these class actions allege, among other things, that the use of the terms “Lights” and/or “Ultra Lights” constitutes deceptive and unfair trade practices, and seek injunctive and equitable relief, including restitution and, in certain cases, punitive damages. CasesTwenty-two cases are pending in Arkansas (2), Delaware (1), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Illinois (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Missouri (1), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New York (1), Ohio (2), Oregon (1), Tennessee (1), Washington (1), and West Virginia (2). In addition, a case isthere are two cases pending in Israel.Israel, and other entities have stated that they are considering filing such actions. To date, a trial courtscourt in Arizona and Minnesota havehas refused to certify classes in these cases,a class, and an appellate court in Florida has overturned class certification by a trial court. Plaintiffs in the Florida case filed a motionhave petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for rehearing, which was deniedfurther review, and the Supreme Court has stayed further proceedings pending its decision in October 2004.the Engle case discussed above. Trial courts have certified classes against PM USA in thePrice case in Illinois and in Massachusetts (Aspinall), Minnesota (Curtis), Missouri (Craft) and Ohio (2)(Marrone andPhilipps). PM USA has appealed or otherwise challenged these class certification orders. In August 2004, Massachusetts’ highest court affirmed the class certification order in theAspinall case. In September 2004, an appellate court affirmed the class certification

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

orders in the cases in Ohio, and PM USA is seeking reconsideration or leave to appeal these rulings tosought review by the Ohio Supreme Court. In September 2004, plaintiffFebruary 2005, the Ohio Supreme Court accepted the cases for review to determine whether a prior determination has been made by the State of Ohio that the conduct at issue is deceptive such that plaintiffs may pursue class action claims. In April 2005, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied PM USA’s petition for interlocutory review of the trial court’s class certification order in atheCurtis case. Although various pre-trial motions, including plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, are pending, trial of the case pending in Wisconsin voluntarily dismissed his case without prejudice.New York is scheduled for January 2006.

 

With respect to thePrice case, trial commenced in January 2003, and in March 2003, the judge found in favor of the plaintiff class and awarded approximately $7.1 billion in compensatory damages and $3 billion in punitive damages against PM USA. In April 2003, the judge reduced the amount of the appeal bond that PM USA must provide and ordered PM USA to place a pre-existing 7.0%, $6 billion long-term note from ALG to PM USA in an escrow account with an Illinois financial institution. (Since this note is the result of an intercompany financing arrangement, it does not appear on the consolidated balance sheetsheets of Altria Group, Inc.) The judge’s order also requires PM USA to make cash deposits with the clerk of the Madison County Circuit Court in the following amounts: beginning October 1, 2003, an amount equal to the interest earned by PM USA on the ALG note ($210 million every six months), an additional $800 million in four equal quarterly installments between September 2003 and June 2004 and the payments of principal of the note, which are due in April 2008, 2009 and 2010. Through September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, PM USA paid $1.2$1.4 billion of the cash payments due under the judge’s order. (Cash payments into the account are included in other assets on Altria Group, Inc.’s condensed consolidated balance sheetsheets at September 30,March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.) If PM USA prevails on appeal, the escrowed note and all cash deposited with the court will be returned to PM USA, with accrued interest less administrative fees payable to the court. Plaintiffs appealed the judge’s order reducing the bond. In July 2003, the Illinois Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court had exceeded its authority in reducing the bond. In September 2003, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the reduced bond set by the trial court and announced it would hear PM USA’s appeal on the merits without the need for intermediate appellate court review. PM USA believes that thePrice case should not have been certified as a class action and that the judgment should ultimately be set aside on any of a number of legal and factual grounds that it is pursuing on appeal. Oral arguments on PM USA’s appeal are scheduled forwere heard in November 10, 2004.

 

Tobacco Price Cases: As of November 1, 2004,May 2, 2005, two cases were pending in Kansas and New Mexico in which plaintiffs allege that defendants, including PM USA, conspired to fix cigarette prices in violation of antitrust laws. ALG and PMI are defendants in the case in Kansas. Plaintiffs’ motions for class certification have been granted in both cases; however,cases. In February 2005, the New Mexico Court of Appeals has agreed to hear defendants’ appeal ofaffirmed the class certification decision.

 

Wholesale Leaders Cases: In June 2003, certain wholesale distributors of cigarettes filed suit against PM USA seeking to enjoin the PM USA “2003 Wholesale Leaders” (“WL”) program that became available to

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

wholesalers in June 2003. The complaint alleges that the WL program constitutes unlawful price discrimination and is an attempt to monopolize. In addition to an injunction, plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest. The states of Tennessee and Mississippi intervened as plaintiffs in this litigation. In January 2004, Tennessee filed a motion to dismiss its complaint, and the complaint was dismissed without prejudice in March 2004. In August 2003, the trial court issued a preliminary injunction, subject to plaintiffs’ posting a bond in the amount of $1 million, enjoining PM USA from implementing certain discount terms with respect to the sixteen wholesale distributor plaintiffs, and PM USA appealed. In September 2003, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit granted PM USA’s motion to stay the injunction pending PM USA’s expedited appeal. Trial is currently scheduled for March 2005.February 2006. In December 2003, a tobacco manufacturer filed a similar lawsuit against PM USA in Michigan seeking unspecified monetary damages in which it alleges that the WL program constitutes unlawful price discrimination and is an attempt to monopolize. Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed its claims alleging price discrimination, and in July 2004, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the attempt-to-monopolize claim. Plaintiff has appealed.

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Consolidated Putative Punitive Damages Cases: In September 2000, a putative class action was filed in the federal district court in the Eastern District of New York that purported to consolidate punitive damages claims in ten tobacco-related actions then pending in federal district courts in New York and Pennsylvania. In July 2002, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint and a motion seeking certification of a punitive damages class of persons residing in the United States who smoke or smoked defendants’ cigarettes, and who have been diagnosed by a physician with an enumerated disease from April 1993 through the date notice of the certification of this class is disseminated. The following persons are excluded from the class: (1) those who have obtained judgments or settlements against any defendants; (2) those against whom any defendant has obtained judgment; (3) persons who are part of theEngle class; (4) persons who should have reasonably realized that they had an enumerated disease prior to April 9, 1993; and (5) those whose diagnosis or reasonable basis for knowledge predates their use of tobacco. In September 2002, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. Defendants petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit for review of the trial court’s ruling, andruling. On May 6, 2005, the Second Circuit agreed to hear defendants’ petition. The parties are awaitingvacated the Second Circuit’s decision. Trial oftrial court’s class certification order and remanded the case has been stayed pending resolution of defendants’ petition.to the trial court for further proceedings.

 

Cases Under the California Business and Professions Code: In June 1997 and July 1998, two suits (Brown, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, Inc et al.and Daniels, et al. v. Phillip Morris Companies Inc. et al.) were filed in California state court alleging that domestic cigarette manufacturers, including PM USA and others, have violated California Business and Professions Code Sections 17200 and 17500 regarding unfair, unlawful and fraudulent business practices. Class certification was granted in both cases as to plaintiffs’ claims that class members are entitled to reimbursement of the costs of cigarettes purchased during the class periods and injunctive relief. In September 2002, the court granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to all claims in one of the cases, and plaintiffs appealed. In October 2004, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s ruling, and also denied plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing. In February 2005, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear plaintiffs’ appeal. In September 2004, the trial court in the other case granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to plaintiffs’ claims attacking defendants’ cigarette advertising and promotion and denied defendants’ motion for summary judgment on plaintiffs’ claims based on allegedly false affirmative statements. Plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing is pending. TrialIn March 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion to decertify the class based on a recent change in this case is scheduledCalifornia law. In April 2005, the court issued a tentative ruling that denied plaintiffs’ motion for March 2005.reconsideration of the order that decertified the class.

 

In May 2004, a lawsuit(Gurevitch, et al. v. Phillip Morris USA Inc., et al.) was filed in California state court on behalf of a purported class of all California residents who purchased theMeritbrand of cigarettes since July 2000 to the present alleging that defendants, including PM USA and ALG, violated California’s Business and Professions Code Sections 17200 and 17500 regarding unfair, unlawful and fraudulent business practices, including false and misleading advertising. The complaint also alleges violations of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, disgorgement, restitution, and attorneys’ fees. In July 2004, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed ALG from the case.

 

Asbestos Contribution Cases: These cases, which have been brought on behalf of former asbestos manufacturers and affiliated entities against PM USA and other cigarette manufacturers, seek, among other things, contribution or reimbursement for amounts expended in connection with the defense and payment of asbestos claims that were allegedly caused in whole or in part by cigarette smoking. Currently, two cases remain pending.

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Cigarette Contraband Cases:In May 2000 and August 2001, various departments of ColumbiaColombia and the European Community and ten10 member states, filed suits in the United States against ALG and certain of its subsidiaries, including PM USA and PMI, and other cigarette manufacturers and their affiliates, alleging that defendants sold to distributors cigarettes that would be illegally imported into various jurisdictions. The claims asserted in these cases include negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, unjust enrichment, violations of RICO and its state-law equivalents and conspiracy. Plaintiffs in these cases seek actual damages, treble damages and unspecified injunctive relief. In February 2002, the trialfederal district court granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the actions. Plaintiffs in each case appealed. In January 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissals of the cases.cases based on the common law Revenue Rule, which bars a foreign government from bringing civil claims in U.S. courts for the recovery of lost taxes. In April 2004, plaintiffs petitioned the United States Supreme Court for further review. TheIn July 2004, the European Community and the 10 member states moved to dismiss their petition in July 2004 following the agreement entered into amonga cooperation agreement with PMI, the European Commission and 10 member statesterms of the EU. See “Tobacco – Business Environment – Cooperation Agreementwhich provide for broad cooperation between PMI and European law enforcement agencies on anti-contraband and anti-counterfeit efforts and resolve all disputes between the parties on these issues. Pursuant to this agreement, the European Commission.”Community and the 10 Member states have agreed to withdraw their suit as it relates to the ALG, PM USA and PMI defendants. In May 2005, the United States Supreme Court, in a summary order, granted the petitions for review, vacated the judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and remanded the cases to that court for further review in light of the Supreme Court’s April 2005 decision inU.S. v. Pasquantino.InPasquantino, a criminal case brought by the United States government, the Supreme Court upheld the convictions of the defendants in that case for violating the U.S. wire fraud statute based on a scheme to smuggle alcohol into Canada without paying Canadian taxes, while expressing no opinion as to the question of whether the Revenue Rule barred a foreign government from bringing a civil action in U.S. courts for a scheme to defraud it of taxes, as the Second Circuit had earlier held in distinguishing those civil claims from a U.S. criminal prosecution as inPasquantino. It is possible that future litigation related to cigarette contraband issues may be brought.

 

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Vending Machine Case: Plaintiffs, who began their case as a purported nationwide class of cigarette vending machine operators, allege that PM USA has violated the Robinson-Patman Act in connection with its promotional and merchandising programs available to retail stores and not available to cigarette vending machine operators. The initial complaint was amended to bring the total number of plaintiffs to 211 but, by stipulated orders, all claims were stayed, except those of ten plaintiffs that proceeded to pre-trial discovery. Plaintiffs request actual damages, treble damages, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and costs, and other unspecified relief. In June 1999, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs have withdrawn their request for class action status. In August 2001, the court granted PM USA’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed, with prejudice, the claims of the ten plaintiffs. In October 2001, the court certified its decision for appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit following the stipulation of all plaintiffs that the district court’s dismissal would, if affirmed, be binding on all plaintiffs. In January 2004, the Sixth Circuit reversed the lower court’s grant of summary judgment with respect to plaintiffs’ claim that PM USA violated Robinson-Patman Act provisions regarding promotional services and with respect to the discriminatory pricing claim of plaintiffs who bought cigarettes directly from PM USA. In October 2004, the United States Supreme Court denied PM USA’s petition for further review. The parties are currently awaiting orders fromIn March 2005, the trial court with respect to further proceedingsdenied PM USA’s motion for summary judgment. Trial is scheduled for July 2005 in this matter.federal district court in Tennessee.

 

Asbestos Contribution Cases: These cases, which have been brought on behalf of former asbestos manufacturers and affiliated entities against PM USA and other cigarette manufacturers, seek, among other things, contribution or reimbursement for amounts expended in connection with the defense and payment of asbestos claims that were allegedly caused in whole or in part by cigarette smoking. Currently, one case remains pending.

Certain Other Actions

 

Italian Tax Matters: In recent years, approximately two hundred tax assessments alleging nonpayment of taxes in Italy were served upon certain affiliates of PMI. All of these assessments were resolved in 2003 and the second quarter of 2004, with the exception of certain assessments which were duplicative of other assessments. Legal proceedings continue in order to resolve these duplicative assessments.

 

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Italian Antitrust Case: During 2001, the competition authority in Italy initiated an investigation into the pricing activities byof participants in that cigarette market. In March 2003, the authority issued its findings and imposed fines totaling 50 million euro on certain affiliates of PMI. PMI’s affiliates appealed to the administrative court, which rejected the appeal in July 2003. PMI believes that its affiliates have numerous grounds for appeal, and in February 2004, its affiliates appealed to the supreme administrative court. However, under Italian law, if fines are not paid within certain specified time periods, interest and eventually penalties will be applied to the fines. Accordingly, in December 2003, pending final resolution of the case, PMI’s affiliates paid 51 million euro representing the fines and any applicable interest to the date of payment. The 51 million euro will be returned to PMI’s affiliates if they prevail on appeal. Accordingly, the payment has been included in other assets on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

PMCC Federal Income Tax Matter: The IRS is examining the consolidated tax returns for Altria Group, Inc., which include PMCC for years 1996 through 1999. Recently, the IRS has challenged some, and in the future may challenge several more of PMCC’s leveraged leases based on recent Revenue Rulings and a recent IRS Notice addressing specific types of leveraged leases (lease in/lease out transactions, qualified technological

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

equipment transactions, and sale in/lease out transactions). PMCC believes that the position and supporting case law described in the Revenue Rulings and the IRS Notice are incorrectly applied to PMCC’s transactions and that its leveraged leases are factually and legally distinguishable in material respects from the IRS’s position. PMCC and its parent, ALG, intend to vigorously defend against any challenges based on that position through administrative appeals and litigation, if necessary, and ALG believes that, given the strength of its position, the ultimate outcome of such challenges will not have a material adverse impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

It is not possible to predict the outcome of the litigation pending against ALG and its subsidiaries. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. As discussed above under “Recent Trial Results,” unfavorable verdicts awarding substantial damages against PM USA have been returned in 1516 cases since 19991999. Of the 16 cases in which verdicts were returned in favor of plaintiffs, three have reached final resolution. A verdict against defendants in a health care cost recovery case has been reversed and theseall claims were dismissed with prejudice, and after exhausting all appeals, PM USA paid approximately $3.3 million (including interest of approximately $285,000) in an individual smoking and health case in Florida and approximately $17 million (including interest of approximately $6.4 million) in an individual smoking and health case in California. The remaining 13 cases are in various post-trial stages. It is possible that there could be further adverse developments in these cases and that additional cases could be decided unfavorably. In the event of an adverse trial result in certain pending litigation, the defendant may not be able to obtain a required bond or obtain relief from bonding requirements in order to prevent a plaintiff from seeking to collect a judgment while an adverse verdict is being appealed. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. There have also been a number of adverse legislative, regulatory, political and other developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry that have received widespread media attention. These developments may negatively affect the perception of judges and jurors with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar litigation.

 

ALG and its subsidiaries record provisions in the consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Except as discussed elsewhere in this Note 9.11.Contingencies: (i) management has not concluded that it is probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related litigation; (ii) management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of pending tobacco-related litigation; and (iii) accordingly, management has not provided any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any.

 

The present legislative and litigation environment is substantially uncertain, and it is possible that the business and volume of ALG’s subsidiaries, as well as Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of certain pending litigation or by the enactment of federal or state tobacco legislation. ALG and each of its subsidiaries named as a defendant believe, and each has been so advised by counsel handling the respective cases, that it has a number of valid defenses to the litigation pending against it, as well as valid bases for appeal of adverse verdicts against it. All such cases are, and will continue to be, vigorously defended. However, ALG and its subsidiaries may enter into settlement discussions in particular cases if they believe it is in the best interests of ALG’s stockholders to do so.

 

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Third-Party Guarantees

 

At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Altria Group, Inc.’s third-party guarantees, which are primarily derived fromrelated to excise taxes, and acquisition and divestiture activities, approximated $239$465 million, of which $205$305 million have no specified expiration dates. The remainder expire through 2023, with $5$140 million expiring through September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. Altria Group, Inc. is required to perform under these guarantees in the event that a third party fails to make contractual payments or achieve performance measures. Altria Group, Inc. has a liability of $45$43 million on its

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Altria Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, relating to these guarantees. In the ordinary course of business, certain subsidiaries of ALG have agreed to indemnify a limited number of third parties in the event of future litigation.

 

Note 12. Income Taxes:

On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act (“the Jobs Act”) was signed into law. The Jobs Act includes a deduction for 85% of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated. Altria Group, Inc. may elect to apply this provision to qualifying earnings repatriations in 2005 and is conducting analyses of its effects. The U.S. Treasury Department recently provided additional clarifying language on key elements of the provision which is under consideration as part of Altria Group, Inc.’s evaluation. Altria Group, Inc. expects to complete its evaluation of the effects of the repatriation provision within a reasonable period of time. The amount of dividends Altria Group, Inc. can repatriate under this provision is up to $7.1 billion. Since Altria Group, Inc. has provided deferred taxes on a portion of its unrepatriated earnings, there is a potential financial statement income tax benefit upon repatriations under the Jobs Act. Assuming certain expected technical amendments to the Jobs Act are enacted and if the entire $7.1 billion were repatriated, the income tax benefit would be approximately $80 million.

The Jobs Act also provides tax relief to U.S. domestic manufacturers by providing a tax deduction of up to 9% of the lesser of “qualified production activities income” or taxable income. In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 109-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP 109-1”). FSP 109-1 requires companies to account for this deduction as a “special deduction” rather than a rate reduction, in accordance with SFAS No. 109, and therefore, Altria Group, Inc. will recognize these benefits, which are not expected to be significant, in the year earned.

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Item 2.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Description of the Company

 

Throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the term “Altria Group, Inc.” refers to the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Altria family of companies and the term “ALG” refers solely to the parent company. ALG, through itsALG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Philip Morris USA Inc. (“PM USA”) and Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI”), and its majority-owned (85.1%(85.5%) subsidiary, Kraft Foods Inc. (“Kraft”), isare engaged in the manufacture and sale of various consumer products, including cigarettes and tobacco products, packaged grocery products, snacks, beverages, cheese and convenient meals. Philip Morris Capital Corporation (“PMCC”), another wholly-owned subsidiary, maintains a portfolio of leveraged and direct finance leases. In addition, ALG has a 33.9% economic interest in SABMiller plc (“SABMiller”). ALG’s access to the operating cash flows of its subsidiaries consists of cash received from the payment of dividends and interest, and the repayment of amounts borrowed from ALG by its subsidiaries.

 

In November 2004, ALG announced that, for significant business reasons, the Board of Directors is looking at a number of restructuring alternatives, including the possibility of separating Altria Group, Inc. into two, or potentially three, independent entities. Continuing improvements in the entire litigation environment are a prerequisite to such action by the Board of Directors, and the timing and chronology of events are uncertain.

On November 15, 2004, Kraft announced the sale of substantially all of its sugar confectionery business for approximately $1.5 billion. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2005. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of Kraft’s sugar confectionery business as discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The assets related to the sugar confectionery business were reflected as assets of discontinued operations held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004. Accordingly, historical statements of earnings amounts included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations have been restated to reflect the discontinued operation. In addition, Kraft anticipates additional tax expense of $270 million to be recorded as a loss on sale of discontinued operations in 2005. In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, the tax expense will be recorded when the transaction is consummated.

On March 18, 2005, a subsidiary of PMI acquired 40% of the outstanding shares of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk (“Sampoerna”), an Indonesian tobacco company, from a number of Sampoerna’s principal shareholders. Cash payments for these shares will total approximately $2.0 billion, of which $1.5 billion was paid by March 31, 2005, and the remainder will be paid in May 2005. PMI commenced a public tender offer for all of the remaining shares on April 18, 2005, at a price per share of IDR 10,600 (U.S. $1.13 per share), the price per share paid to the principal shareholders. The tender offer period closes on May 18, 2005. Assuming all shares are acquired, the total cost of the transaction will be approximately $5.2 billion (based on an exchange rate of IDR 9,365 to U.S. $1.00), including Sampoerna’s net debt of the U.S. $ equivalent of approximately $160 million. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, PMI anticipates completing the transaction during the second quarter of 2005. The purchase price will ultimately be financed through a Euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI and its subsidiaries, which is expected to become effective in May 2005. The bank facility will consist of a Euro 2.5 billion three-year term loan and a Euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility.

The initial investment in Sampoerna of $2.0 billion is included as other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2005. PMI will record equity earnings in Sampoerna until the completion of the tender offer. When PMI gains control of Sampoerna, its financial position and results of operations will be fully consolidated with PMI.

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Executive Summary

 

The following executive summary is intended to provide significant highlights of the Discussion and Analysis that follows.

 

Consolidated Operating Results for the Nine MonthsQuarter ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 – The changes in Altria Group, Inc.’s net earnings from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, from the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, were due primarily to the following (in millions, except per share data):

 

   Net
Earnings


  Diluted
EPS


 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003

  $7,113  $3.50 

2004 Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   (16)  (0.01)

2004 International tobacco E.C. agreement

   (161)  (0.08)

2004 Asset impairment, exit and implementation costs

   (323)  (0.16)

2004 Loss on sales of businesses

   (4)  —   
   


 


Subtotal 2004 items

   (504)  (0.25)
   


 


2003 Domestic tobacco legal settlement

   118   0.06 

2003 Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   23   0.01 

2003 Asset impairment and exit costs

   3   —   

2003 Gain on sales of businesses

   (13)  (0.01)
   


 


Subtotal 2003 items

   131   0.06 
   


 


Currency

   321   0.16 

Lower effective tax rate

   372   0.18 

Higher shares outstanding

       (0.05)

Operations

   36   0.02 
   


 


For the nine months ended September 30, 2004

  $7,469  $3.62 
   


 


   Earnings from
Continuing
Operations


  Diluted EPS
From
Continuing
Operations


 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2004

  $2,185  $1.06 

2004 Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   7   —   

2004 Asset impairment, exit and implementation costs

   169   0.08 

2004 Reversal of taxes no longer required

   (30)  (0.01)
   


 


Subtotal 2004 items

   146   0.07 
   


 


2005 Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   (1)  —   

2005 Asset impairment, exit and implementation costs

   (109)  (0.05)

2005 Reversal of taxes no longer required

   39   0.02 

2005 Gains on sales of businesses

   65   0.03 
   


 


Subtotal 2005 items

   (6)  —   
   


 


Currency

   95   0.05 

Lower effective tax rate

   49   0.02 

Higher shares outstanding

       (0.02)

Operations

   115   0.06 
   


 


For the quarter ended March 31, 2005

  $2,584  $1.24 
   


 


 

See discussion of events affecting the comparability of statement of earnings amounts in the Consolidated Operating Results section of the following Discussion and Analysis. Amounts shown above that relate to Kraft are reported net of the related minority interest impact.

 

Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs– In January 2004, Kraft announced a multi-year restructuring program. As part of this program, Kraft anticipates the closing or sale of up to twenty plants and the elimination of approximately six thousand positions. From 2004 through 2006, Kraft expects to incur up to $1.2 billion in pre-tax charges for the program, reflecting asset disposals, severance and other implementation costs, including $76 million incurred during the first quarter of 2005 ($45 million after taxes and minority interest). In addition, in April 2005, Kraft announced an estimated rangeagreement to sell its fruit snacks business. Kraft incurred a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $750 million to $800$93 million in 2004. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded pre-tax chargesfirst quarter of $4822005 in recognition of the pending sale of this business ($52 million for

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this programafter taxes and other intangible asset impairment charges. In addition, Kraft recorded $26 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the restructuring program.minority interest).For further details, see Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Food Business Environment section of the following Discussion and Analysis.

 

International Tobacco E.C. AgreementGains on Sales of BusinessesOn July 9, 2004, PMI entered into an agreement withThe favorable impact is due to the European Commission (“E.C.”) and 10 member statesgain on sale of the European Union that provides for broad cooperation with European law enforcement agencies on anti-contraband and anti-counterfeit efforts. Under the terms of the agreement, PMI will make 13 payments over 12 years, including an initial payment of $250 million which was recorded as a pre-tax charge against its earningsKraft’s U.K. desserts business in the secondfirst quarter of 2004, and was paid in the third quarter of 2004. During the third quarter of 2004, PMI accrued $38 million for payments due on the first anniversary of the agreement.2005.

 

CurrencyThe favorable currency impact on net earnings from continuing operations and diluted EPS from continuing operations is due primarily to the weakness of the U.S. dollar versus the euro and other currencies.

 

TheIncome Taxes – Altria Group, Inc.’s effective income tax rate decreaseddeclined by 3.51.5 percentage points to 31.5%33.1%, reflectingdue primarily to the reversal of $355 million of tax accruals that are no longer required due to foreign tax events that were resolved during the first half of 2004 and a $76 million favorable resolution of an outstanding tax item at Kraft in($39 million), as well as other benefits, including the third quarterimpact of 2004.the domestic manufacturers’ deduction under the American Jobs Creation Act.

 

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Higher shares outstanding during the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, reflect exercises of employee stock options and the impact of a higher average stock price on the number of incremental shares from the assumed conversionexercise of outstanding employee stock options.

 

The increase in results from continuing operations was due primarily to the following:

 

 nHigher 2004 equitydomestic tobacco income, from SABMiller, which included $0.05 per share of one-time gains fromreflecting lower wholesale promotional allowances on PM USA’s Focus on Four brands and higher pricing on its other brands, partially offset by expenses related to the sales of investments.quota buy-out legislation and lower volume.

 

 nHigher domesticinternational tobacco income, reflecting a lower discount rate for cash payments by customers in 2004higher pricing and a favorable comparison$96 million pre-tax benefit from the inventory sale to PMI’s new distributor in Italy, partially offset by unfavorable mix and expenses related to the first nine months of 2003, which included incremental costs associated with PM USA’s move to an off-invoice promotional allowance.international tobacco European Commission (“E.C.”) agreement.

 

These increases were partially offset by:

 

 nLower North American food income, reflecting higher commodity and benefit costs, and increased promotional programs.marketing spending.

 

 nLower international food income, reflecting higher commodity costs, including benefits, promotional programsincreased marketing spending and higher infrastructure investment in developing markets.

nLower international tobacco income reflecting lower volume in the higher margin markets of France, Italy and Germany, and increased marketing and infrastructure expenditures, partially offset by higher pricing.

 

For further details, see the Consolidated Operating Results and Operating Results by Business Segment sections of the following Discussion and Analysis.

 

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Consolidated Operating2005 Forecasted Results for the Three Months ended September 30, 2004The changes inOn April 20, 2005, Altria Group, Inc.’s net earnings and forecasted 2005 full-year diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2004, from the three months ended September 30, 2003, were due primarilycontinuing operations in a range of $4.95 to the following (in millions, except$5.05. This forecast assumes current foreign exchange rates and approximately $0.12 per share data):

   Net
Earnings


  Diluted
EPS


 

For the three months ended September 30, 2003

  $2,490  $1.22 

2004 Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   (3)  —   

2004 Asset impairment, exit and implementation costs

   (49)  (0.02)

2004 Loss on sales of businesses

   (4)  —   
   


 


Subtotal 2004 items

   (56)  (0.02)
   


 


2003 Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   17   0.01 

2003 Asset impairment and exit costs

   3   —   

2003 Gain on sales of businesses

   (13)  —   
   


 


Subtotal 2003 items

   7   0.01 
   


 


Currency

   48   0.02 

Lower effective tax rate

   41   0.02 

Higher shares outstanding

       (0.02)

Operations

   118   0.06 
   


 


For the three months ended September 30, 2004

  $2,648  $1.29 
   


 


See discussion of events affecting the comparability of statement of earnings amounts in the Consolidated Operating Results section of the following Discussion and Analysis.

Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs– During the three months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded pre-tax charges of $45 million for its restructuring program. In addition, Kraft recorded $16 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the continuing Kraft restructuring program.For further details, see the Food Business Environment section of the following Discussion and Analysis.

The favorable currency However, it does not include any tax impact on net earnings and diluted EPS is due primarilythat could arise consequent to the weaknessrepatriation of the U.S. dollar versus the euro and other currencies.

The effective tax rate decreased by 1.0 percentage point to 33.5% reflecting a net $76 million favorable resolution of an outstanding tax item at Kraft.

Higher shares outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2004, reflect exercises of employee stock options and the impact of a higher average stock price on the number of incremental sharesfunds from the assumed conversion of outstanding employee stock options.

The increase in results from operations was due primarily to the following:

nHigher 2004 equity income from SABMiller, which included $0.05 per share of one-time gains from the sales of investments.

nHigher international tobacco income reflecting higher pricing and the impact of acquisitions.

These increases were partially offset by:

nLower North American food income reflecting higher commodity and benefit costs, and increased promotional programs.

nLower international food income reflecting higher costs, including promotional programs.

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For further details, see the Consolidated Operating Results and Operating Results by Business Segment sections of the following Discussion and Analysis.

2004 Forecasted Results– Altria Group, Inc. has narrowed its target for 2004 full-year diluted EPS to a range of $4.55 to $4.60, which includes charges for the Kraft restructuring program, charges for the international tobacco agreement with the E.C. and one-time tax benefits in the second and third quarters of 2004. It excludes the impact of any Kraft divestitures and any potential impactbusinesses under provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act, nor does it include any benefit from prior year accrued contributions to the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust. In addition, the forecasted results do not include the impact of 2004, which includes tobacco buy-out legislation, as the final regulations have yet to be issued.

previously announced transaction for Sampoerna or any future acquisitions or divestitures. The factors described in the section entitledCautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results section of the followingDiscussion and Analysis represent continuing risks to these projections.this forecast.

 

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Discussion and Analysis

 

Consolidated Operating Results

 

   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

 
   (in millions) 

Net Revenues:

                 

Domestic tobacco

  $13,091  $12,755  $4,505  $4,440 

International tobacco

   30,423   25,379   10,316   8,912 

North American food

   16,567   15,962   5,471   5,203 

International food

   7,162   6,718   2,360   2,277 

Financial services

   332   327   76   107 
   


 


 


 


Net revenues

  $67,575  $61,141  $22,728  $20,939 
   


 


 


 


Operating Income:

                 

Operating companies income:

                 

Domestic tobacco

  $3,329  $2,902  $1,147  $1,147 

International tobacco

   5,143   5,012   1,840   1,719 

North American food

   2,983   3,737   1,074   1,124 

International food

   643   935   227   335 

Financial services

   250   241   55   76 

Amortization of intangibles

   (12)  (7)  (3)  (2)

General corporate expenses

   (534)  (542)  (182)  (176)
   


 


 


 


Operating income

  $11,802  $12,278  $4,158  $4,223 
   


 


 


 


See pages 60-63 for a discussion of Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results.

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
   2005

  2004

 
   (in millions) 

Net revenues:

         

Domestic tobacco

  $4,146  $4,004 

International tobacco

   11,345   10,043 

North American food

   5,553   5,292 

International food

   2,506   2,283 

Financial services

   68   99 
   


 


Net revenues

  $23,618  $21,721 
   


 


Operating income:

         

Operating companies income:

         

Domestic tobacco

  $1,038  $970 

International tobacco

   2,075   1,835 

North American food

   910   833 

International food

   293   188 

Financial services

   41   70 

Amortization of intangibles

   (4)  (4)

General corporate expenses

   (177)  (180)
   


 


Operating income

  $4,176  $3,712 
   


 


 

As discussed in Note 8.9.Segment Reporting, management reviews operating companies income, which is defined as operating income before general corporate expenses and amortization of intangibles, to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Management believes it is appropriate to disclose this measure to help investors analyze the business performance and trends of the various business segments.

 

The following events that occurred during the nine monthsquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, that affected the comparability of statement of earnings amounts.

 

Domestic Tobacco Headquarters Relocation Charges– PM USA has substantially completed the move of its corporate headquarters from New York City to Richmond, Virginia. PM USA estimates that the total cost of the relocation will be approximately $110$105 million, including compensation to those employees who did not relocate. Pre-tax charges of $25$1 million and $5$10 million were recorded in the operating companies income of the domestic tobacco segment for the nine monthsquarters ended March 31, 2005 and three months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, and $36 million and $27respectively. Cash payments of $6 million were recordedmade during the first quarter of 2005, while total cash payments related to the relocation were $91 million through March 31, 2005. At March 31, 2005, a liability of $11 million remains on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Inventory Sale in Italy– During the first quarter of 2005, PMI made a one-time inventory sale to its new distributor in Italy, resulting in a $96 million pre-tax operating companies income benefit for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. To date, $94 million of relocation charges have been recorded. Theinternational tobacco segment.

 

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relocation will require cash payments of approximately $60 million in 2004 and $20 million in 2005 and beyond. Cash payments of $41 million were made during the first nine months of 2004, while total cash payments related to the relocation were approximately $70 million through September 30, 2004.

International Tobacco E.C. Agreement– On July 9, 2004, PMI entered into an agreement with the E.C. and 10 member states of the European Union that provides for broad cooperation with European law enforcement agencies on anti-contraband and anti-counterfeit efforts. The agreement resolves all disputes between the parties relating to these issues. Under the terms of the agreement, PMI will make 13 payments over 12 years, including an initial payment of $250 million, which was recorded as a pre-tax charge against its earnings in the second quarter of 2004, and was paid in the third quarter of 2004. The agreement calls for additional payments of approximately $150 million on the first anniversary of the agreement, approximately $100 million on the second anniversary and approximately $75 million each year thereafter for 10 years, each of which is to be adjusted based on certain variables, including PMI’s market share in the European Union in the year preceding payment. Because future additional payments are subject to these variables, PMI will record charges for them as an expense in cost of sales when product is shipped. During the third quarter of 2004, PMI began accruing payments due on the first anniversary of the agreement.

Asset Impairment and Exit Costs – For the nine monthsquarters ended March 31, 2005 and three months ended September 30, 2004, pre-tax asset impairment and exit costs consisted of the following:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


     

For the Nine

Months Ended
September 30, 2004


  For the Three
Months Ended
September 30, 2004


     2005

  2004

     (in millions)     (in millions)

Separation program

  Domestic tobacco  $1     Domestic tobacco     $1

Separation program

  International tobacco*   12  $1  International tobacco  $3   

Separation program

  General corporate**   16     General corporate*   18   8

Restructuring program

  North American food   290   6  North American food   24   245

Restructuring program

  International food   163   39  International food   33   34

Asset impairment

  International tobacco*   12     North American food   93   

Asset impairment

  North American food   17     International food      12

Asset impairment

  International food   12     General corporate*      3

Asset impairment

  General corporate**   20   17

Lease termination

  General corporate**   5     General corporate*      5
     

  

     

  

Asset impairment and exit costs

     $548  $63     $171  $308
     

  

     

  

* During the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, Altria Group, Inc. recorded pre-tax charges of $18 million and $16 million, respectively, primarily related to the streamlining of various corporate functions in 2005 and 2004.

* During the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, Altria Group, Inc. recorded pre-tax charges of $18 million and $16 million, respectively, primarily related to the streamlining of various corporate functions in 2005 and 2004.

 *DuringDiscontinued Operations – As more fully discussed in Note 7.Divestitures, on November 15, 2004, Kraft announced the second quartersale of 2004, PMI announced that it will closesubstantially all of its Eger, Hungary facility. PMI recorded pre-tax chargessugar confectionery business. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of $24 million and $1 millionKraft’s sugar confectionery business as discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for severance benefits and impairment charges during the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004, respectively.all periods presented.

 

 **During the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004, Altria Group, Inc. recorded pre-tax charges of $41 million and $17 million, respectively, primarily related to the streamlining of various corporate functions and the write-off of an investment in an e-business consumer products purchasing exchange.

During the third quarter of 2003, the international food segment incurred expenses of $6 million related to the closure of a Nordic snacks plant. These costs were recorded as asset impairment and exit costs in Altria Group, Inc.’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003.

Domestic Tobacco Legal Settlement – During 2003, PM USA and certain other defendants reached an agreement with a class of U.S. tobacco growers and quota-holders to resolve a lawsuit related to tobacco leaf purchases. During the second quarter of 2003, PM USA recorded pre-tax charges of $182 million for its estimate of its obligation under the agreement.

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Losses (Gains)Gains on Sales of Businesses – During the thirdfirst quarter of 2004, Kraft sold a Brazilian snack nuts business and recorded a pre-tax loss of $8 million. During the third quarter of 2003, Kraft sold a European rice business and recorded a pre-tax gain of $23 million. The loss and gain are included in the2005, operating companies income of the international food segment included pre-tax gains on sales of businesses of $116 million, primarily related to the sale of Kraft’s desserts business in their respective years.the U.K.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations for the Nine MonthsQuarter Ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

 

The following discussion compares consolidated operating results for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, with the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004.

 

Net revenues, which include excise taxes billed to customers, increased $6.4$1.9 billion (10.5%(8.7%). Excluding excise taxes, net revenues increased $2.7$1.1 billion (5.9%(6.9%), due primarily to an increase in net revenuesincreases from the tobacco and food businesses and favorable currency.

 

Operating income decreased $476increased $464 million (3.9%(12.5%), due primarily to higher operating results from the 2004 pre-tax charges fortobacco businesses, the international tobacco E.C. agreement andfavorable impact of currency, lower asset impairment and exit costs, primarily related to the Kraft restructuring program, and gains on sales of food businesses, partially offset by lower operating results from the food businesses. These decreases were partially offset by the favorable impact of currency, 2003 pre-tax charges for the domestic tobacco legal settlement and higher operating results from the domestic tobacco business.

 

Currency movements increased net revenues by $2.7 billion$741 million ($1.5 billion,389 million, after excluding the impact of currency movements on excise taxes) and operating income by $497$148 million. Increases in net revenues and operating income were due primarily to the weakness versus prior year of the U.S. dollar, primarily against the euro Japanese yen and Russian ruble.other currencies.

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s effective tax rate decreased by 3.51.5 percentage points to 31.5%33.1%. This decrease was due primarily to the reversal of $355 million of tax accruals that are no longer required due to foreign tax events that were resolved during the first half of 2004 and a $76 million favorable resolution of an outstanding tax item at Kraft, inas well as other full-year benefits, including the third quarterimpact of 2004.the domestic manufacturers’ deduction under the American Jobs Creation Act.

 

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Minority interest in earnings from continuing operations and other,equity earnings, net, was $4$20 million of expense for the first nine monthsquarter of 2004,2005, compared with $322$47 million of expense for the first nine monthsquarter of 2003.2004. The reduction in expense from 20032004 was due primarily to lower 2004 net earnings at Kraft and higher 20042005 equity income from SABMiller, which included one-time gains from the sales of investments.partially offset by higher 2005 minority interest in net earnings at Kraft.

 

Net earningsEarnings from continuing operations of $7.5$2.6 billion increased $356$399 million (5.0%(18.3%), due primarily to higher operating income from the tobacco businesses, the favorable impact of currency, a lower effective tax rate, higher equity income from SABMiller, which included one-time gains from the sales of investments, 2003 pre-tax charges for the domestic tobacco legal settlement and higher operating income from the domestic tobacco business, partially offset by the 2004 pre-tax charges for the international tobacco E.C. agreement and asset impairment and exit costs, primarily related to the Kraft restructuring program, gains on sales of businesses, a lower effective tax rate and higher equity earnings from SABMiller, partially offset by lower operating income from the food and financial services businesses. Diluted and basic EPS from continuing operations of $3.62$1.24 and $3.65,$1.25, respectively, increased by 3.4%17.0% and 4.0%16.8%, respectively.

Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

The following discussion compares consolidated operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2004, with the three months ended September 30, 2003.

Net revenues, which include excise taxes billed to customers, increased $1.8 billion (8.5%). Excluding excise taxes, net revenues increased $675 million (4.4%), due primarily to an increase in net revenues from the tobacco and food businesses and favorable currency.

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Operating income decreased $65 million (1.5%), due primarily to the 2004 pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs, primarily related to the Kraft restructuring program, a 2004 loss and a 2003 gain on the sales of businesses and lower operating results from the food and domestic tobacco businesses, partially offset by the favorable impact of currency, 2003 pre-tax charges for the domestic tobacco relocation and higher operating results from the international tobacco business.

Currency movements increased net revenues by $417 million ($236 million, after excluding the impact of currency movements on excise taxes) and operating income by $74 million. Increases in net revenues and operating income were due primarily to the weakness versus prior year of the U.S. dollar, primarily against the euro and Japanese yen.

Altria Group, Inc.’s effective tax rate decreased by 1.0 percentage point to 33.5%. This decrease was due primarily to a $76 million favorable resolution of an outstanding tax item at Kraft.

Minority interest in earnings and other, net, was $73 million of income in the third quarter of 2004, compared with $79 million of expense in the third quarter of 2003. The reduction in expense from 2003 was due to lower 2004 net earnings at Kraft and higher 2004 equity income from SABMiller, which included one-time gains from the sales of investments.

 

Net earnings of $2.6 billion increased $158$402 million (6.3%(18.3%), due primarily to a lower effective tax rate in 2004, favorable currency, higher equity earnings from SABMiller, which included one-time gains from the sales of investments, 2003 pre-tax charges for the domestic tobacco relocation and higher operating income from the international tobacco business, partially offset by 2004 pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs, primarily related to the Kraft restructuring program, and lower operating income from the food and domestic tobacco businesses.. Diluted and basic EPS from net earnings of $1.29$1.25 and $1.26, respectively, increased by 5.7%16.8% and 4.9%17.8%, respectively.

 

Operating Results by Business Segment

 

Tobacco

 

Business Environment

 

Taxes, Legislation, Regulation and Other Matters Regarding Tobacco and Smoking

 

The tobacco industry, both in the United States and abroad, faces a number of challenges that may continue to adversely affect the business, volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial position of PM USA, PMI and ALG. These challenges, which are discussed below and in theCautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results, include:

 

 the civil lawsuit, in which trial is currently underway, filed by the United States federal government seeking approximately $280 billion from various cigarette manufacturers and others, including PM USA and ALG, discussed in Note 9.11.Contingencies (“Note 9”11”);

 

 a compensatory and punitive damages judgment totaling approximately $10.1 billion against PM USA in thePrice Lights/Ultra Lights class action, and punitive damages verdicts against PM USA in other smoking and health cases discussed in Note 9;11;

a $74 billion punitive damages judgment against PM USA in theEngle smoking and health class action, which has been overturned by a Florida district court of appeal and is currently on appeal to the Florida Supreme Court;

 

pending and threatened litigation and bonding requirements as discussed in Note 9;11;

 

competitive disadvantages related to price increases in the United States attributable to the settlement of certain tobacco litigation;

 

actual and proposed excise tax increases worldwide as well as changes in tax structurestructures in foreign markets;

 

the sale of counterfeit cigarettes by third parties;

 

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the sale of cigarettes by third parties over the Internet and by other means designed to avoid the collection of applicable taxes;

 

-42-


price gaps and changes in price gaps between premium and lowest price brands;

 

diversion into one market of products intended for sale in another;

 

the outcome of proceedings and investigations involving contraband shipments of cigarettes;

 

governmental investigations;

 

actual and proposed requirements regarding the use and disclosure of cigarette ingredients and other proprietary information;

 

actual and proposed restrictions on imports in certain jurisdictions outside the United States;

 

actual and proposed restrictions affecting tobacco manufacturing, marketing, advertising and sales inside and outside the United States;sales;

 

governmental and private bans and restrictions on smoking;

 

the diminishing prevalence of smoking and increased efforts by tobacco control advocates to further restrict smoking;

 

governmental regulations setting ignition propensity standards for cigarettes; and

 

other actual and proposed tobacco legislation both inside and outside the United States.

 

In the ordinary course of business, PM USA and PMI are subject to many influences that can impact the timing of sales to customers, including the timing of holidays and other annual or special events, the timing of promotions, customer incentive programs and customer inventory programs, as well as the actual or speculated timing of pricing actions and tax-driven price increases.

 

Excise Taxes: Cigarettes are subject to substantial excise taxes in the United States and to substantial taxation abroad. Significant increases in cigarette-related taxes have been proposed or enacted and are likely to continue to be proposed or enacted within the United States, the European Union (the “EU”) and in other foreign jurisdictions. In addition, in certain jurisdictions, PMI’s products are subject to discriminatory tax structures and inconsistent rulings and interpretations on complex methodologies to determine excise and other tax burdens.

 

These taxTax increases are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on sales of cigarettes by PM USA and PMI, due to lower consumption levels and to a shift in salesconsumer purchases from the premium to the non-premium or discount segments or to other low-priced tobacco products or to sales outside of legitimate channels.counterfeit and contraband products.

 

Tar and Nicotine Test Methods and Brand Descriptors: A number of governments and public health organizations throughout the world have determined that the existing standardized machine-based methods for measuring tar and nicotine yields do not provide useful information about tar and nicotine deliveries and that such results are misleading to smokers. For example, in the 2001 publication of Monograph 13, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (“NCI”) concluded that measurements based on the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) standardized method “do not offer smokers meaningful information on the amount of tar and nicotine they will receive from a cigarette” or “on the relative amounts of tar and nicotine exposure likely to be received from smoking different brands of cigarettes.” Thereafter, the FTC issued a press release indicating that it would be working with the NCI to determine what changes should be made to its testing method to “correct the limitations” identified in Monograph 13. In 2002, PM USA petitioned the FTC to promulgate new rules governing the use of existing standardized machine-based methodologies for measuring tar and nicotine yields

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and descriptors. That petition remains pending. In addition, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) has

-43-


concluded that these standardized measurements are “seriously flawed” and that measurements based upon the current standardized methodology “are misleading and should not be displayed.”

 

In light of these conclusions, governments and public health organizations have increasingly challenged the use of descriptors – such as “light,” “mild,” and “low tar” – that are based on measurements produced by the standardized test methodologies. For example, the European Commission has concluded that descriptors based on standardized tar and nicotine yield measurements “may mislead the consumer” and has prohibited the use of descriptors. Public health organizations have also urged that descriptors be banned. For example, the Scientific Advisory Committee of the WHO concluded that descriptors such as “light, ultra-light, mild and low tar” are “misleading terms” and should be banned. In 2003, the WHO proposed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (“FCTC”), a treaty that requires signatory nations to prohibit misleading descriptors, whichadopt and implement measures to ensure that descriptive terms do not create “the false impression that a particular tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.” Such terms “may include terms such as ‘low tar’, ‘light’, ‘ultra-light’,tar,’ ‘light,’ ‘ultra-light,’ or ‘mild.’” For a discussion of the FCTC, see below under the heading “The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention foron Tobacco Control.” In addition, public health organizations in Canada and the United States have advocated “a complete prohibition of the use of deceptive descriptors such as ‘light’ and ‘mild.’”

 

See Note 9,11, which describes pending litigation concerning the use of brand descriptors.

 

Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) Regulations: ALG and PM USA endorsed federal legislation introduced in May 2004 in the Senate and the House of Representatives, known as the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which would have granted the FDA the authority to regulate the design, performance, manufacture and marketing of cigarettes and disclosures of related information. The legislation also would have granted the FDA the authority to combat counterfeit and contraband tobacco products and would have imposed fees to pay for the cost of regulation and other matters. Congress adjourned in October 2004 without adopting this legislation. In March 2005, bipartisan legislation was reintroduced in the Senate and House of Representatives that, if enacted, would grant the FDA the authority to broadly regulate tobacco products as described above. ALG and PM USA support this legislation. Whether Congress will grant the FDA authority over tobacco products in the future cannot be predicted.

 

Tobacco Quota Buy-Out: In October 2004, federal legislationthe Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (“FETRA”) was enacted thatsigned into law. FETRA provides for athe elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program through an industry-funded buy-out of U.S. tobacco quotas.growers and quota holders. The cost of the proposed buy-out whichis approximately $9.6 billion and will be fundedpaid over 10 years by manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products, is approximately $10 billion and will be paid over 10 years.products. The cost will be allocated based on the relative market shares of manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products. PM USA expects that itsThe quota buy-out payments will offset already scheduled payments to the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust discussed below(the “NTGST”), a trust fund established in 1999 by four of the major domestic tobacco product manufacturers to provide aid to tobacco growers and quota-holders. Manufacturers and importers of tobacco products are also obligated to cover any losses (up to $500 million) that the government may incur on the disposition of pool stock tobacco accumulated under the heading “Debt and LiquidityTobacco Litigation Settlement Payments.”previous tobacco price support program. PM USA’s share of tobacco pool stock losses cannot currently be determined, as the calculation of any such losses will depend on a number of factors, including the extent to which government sales of such pool tobacco mitigate or avoid such losses. For a discussion of the NTGST, see Note 11. Altria Group, Inc. does not currently anticipate that the quota buy-out will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results in 2005 and beyond.

 

Following the enactment of FETRA, the trustee of the NTGST and the state entities conveying NTGST payments to tobacco growers and quota holders, alleging that the offset provisions do not apply to payments due in 2004, sued tobacco product manufacturers. In December 2004, a North Carolina court ruled that the tobacco manufacturers, including PM USA, are entitled to receive a refund of amounts paid to the NTGST during the first three quarters of 2004 and are not required to make the payments that would otherwise have been due during the fourth quarter of 2004. Plaintiffs have appealed. A hearing on plaintiffs’ appeal is scheduled for May 2005. If the trial court’s ruling is ultimately upheld, PM USA would reverse accruals and receive reimbursements totaling $232 million.

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Ingredient Disclosure Laws: Jurisdictions inside and outside the United States have enacted or proposed legislation or regulations that would require cigarette manufacturers to disclose the ingredients used in the manufacture of cigarettes and, in certain cases, to provide toxicological information. In some jurisdictions, governments have prohibited the use of certain ingredients, and proposals have been discussed to further prohibit the use of ingredients. Under an EU tobacco product directive, tobacco companies are now required to disclose ingredients and toxicological information to each Member State. In implementing the EU tobacco product directive, the Netherlands has issued a decree that would require tobacco companies to disclose the ingredients used in each brand of cigarettes, including quantities used. PMI and others have challenged this decree in the Dutch District Court of The Hague on the grounds of a lack of appropriate protection of proprietary information.

 

Health Effects of Smoking and Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (“ETS”): Reports with respect to the health risks of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years, and the sale, promotion, and use of cigarettes continue to be subject to increasing governmental regulation.

 

It is the policy of PM USA and PMI to support a single, consistent public health message on the health effects of cigarette smoking in the development of diseases in smokers, and on smoking and addiction.addiction, and on exposure to ETS. It is also their policy to defer to the judgment of public health authorities as to the content of warnings in advertisements and on product packaging regarding the health effects of smoking, addiction and exposure to ETS.

 

-45-


PM USA and PMI each have established Web sites that include, among other things, the views of public health authorities on smoking, disease causation in smokers, addiction and ETS. These sites reflect PM USA’s and PMI’s agreement with the medical and scientific consensus that cigarette smoking is addictive, and causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other serious diseases in smokers. The Web sites advise smokers, and those considering smoking, to rely on the messages of public health authorities in making all smoking-related decisions. The Web site addresses are www.philipmorrisusa.com and www.philipmorrisinternational.com. The information on PMI’s and PM USA’s Web sites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this document or incorporated into any filings ALG makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The World Health Organization’sWHO’s Framework Convention foron Tobacco Control: In May 2003, the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control was adopted by the World Health AssemblyThe FCTC entered into force on February 27, 2005 and, it wasas of that date, had been signed by 167 countries and the EU. More than 30 countries have nowEU and ratified it.by 58 countries. The FCTC is the first treaty to establish a global agenda for tobacco regulation. The treaty recommends (and in certain instances, requires) signatory nations to enact legislation that would, among other things, establish specific actions to prevent youth smoking; restrict and gradually eliminate tobacco product marketing;advertising and promotion; inform the public about the health consequences of smoking and the benefits of quitting; regulate the ingredients of tobacco products; impose new package warning requirements that wouldmay include the use of pictures or graphic images; adopt measures that would eliminate cigarette smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes; restrict smoking in public places; increase cigarette taxes; prohibitadopt and implement measures that ensure that descriptive terms do not create the use of termsfalse impression that suggest one brand of cigarettes is safer than another; phase out duty-free tobacco sales; and encourage litigation against tobacco product manufacturers.

 

Each country that ratifies the treaty is expected tomust implement legislation reflecting the treaty’s provisions and principles. While not agreeing with all items proposed,of the provisions of the treaty, such as a complete ban on tobacco advertising, excessive excise tax increases and regulation through litigation, PM USA and PMI have expressed hope that the treaty will lead to the implementation of meaningful, effective and coherent regulation of tobacco products around the world.

 

Reduced Cigarette Fire-Safety RequirementsIgnition Propensity Legislation: Effective June 28, 2004, all cigarettes sold or offered for sale in New York (except for certain cigarettes that already were in the stream of commerce on that date) are required to meet fire-

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safetycertain reduced ignition propensity standards established in regulations issued by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Similar regulation or legislation is being considered in otherseveral states, at the federal level, and in jurisdictions outside the United States. Similar legislation has been passed in Canada.

 

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Other Legislation and Legislative Initiatives: Legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting the tobacco industry have been adopted or are being considered in a number of countries and jurisdictions. In 2001, the EU adopted a directive on tobacco product regulation requiring EU Member States to implement regulations that reduce maximum permitted levels of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields; require manufacturers to disclose ingredients and toxicological data; require cigarette packs to carry health warnings covering no less than 30% of the front panel and no less than 40% of the back panel;panel. The directive also gives Member States the option of introducing graphic warnings as of 2005; requirerequires tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide data to cover at least 10% of the side panel; and prohibitprohibits the use of texts, names, trademarks and figurative or other signs suggesting that a particular tobacco product is less harmful than others.

 

All 15 pre-enlargement25 EU Member States have implemented these regulations, and the 10 countries joining the EU on May 1, 2004 were required to implement them as of that date.regulations. The European Commission has issued guidelines for optional graphic warnings on cigarette packaging that Member States may apply as of 2005. Graphic warning requirements have also been proposed or adopted in a number of other jurisdictions. In 2003, the EU adopted a new directive prohibiting radio, press and Internet tobacco marketing and advertising. EU Member States must implement this directive by July 31, 2005. Tobacco control legislation addressing the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products has been proposed or adopted in numerous other jurisdictions.

 

In the United States in recent years, various members of Congressfederal and state governments have introduced legislation that would: subject cigarettes to various regulations; establish educational campaigns relating to tobacco consumption or tobacco control programs, or provide additional funding for governmental tobacco control activities; further restrict the advertising of cigarettes; require additional warnings, including graphic warnings, on packages and in advertising; eliminate or reduce the tax deductibility of tobacco advertising; provide that the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Smoking Education Act not be used as a defense against liability under state statutory or common law; and allow state and local governments to restrict the sale and distribution of cigarettes.

 

It is not possible to predict what, if any, additional governmental legislation or regulations will be adopted relating to the manufacturing, advertising, sale or use of cigarettes, or the tobacco industry generally. If, however, any of the proposals were to be implemented, the business, volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial position of PM USA, PMI and their parent, ALG, could be materially adversely affected.

 

Governmental Investigations: From time to time, ALG and its subsidiaries are subject to governmental investigations on a range of matters, including those discussed below.

 

Australia:

  In 2001, authorities in Australia initiated an investigation into the use of descriptors, in order to determine whether their use is false and misleading. The investigation is directed at one of PMI’s Australian affiliates and other Australian cigarette manufacturers.

Canada:

  ALG believes that Canadian authorities are contemplating a legal proceeding based on an investigation of ALG entities relating to allegations of contraband shipments of cigarettes into Canada in the early to mid-1990s.

Greece:

  In 2003, the competition authorities in Greece initiated an investigation into recent cigarette price increases in that market. PMI’s Greek affiliates have responded to the authorities’ request for information.

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Italy:

  “Lights” Cases: Pursuant to two separate requests from a consumer advocacy group, the Italian competition authorities held that the use of the “lights” descriptors such asMarlboro Lights,Merit Ultra Lights, andDiana Leggere brands to bewere misleading advertising, but took no action because an EU directive prohibited the use of the descriptors as of October 2003. PMI has appealed the decisions to the administrative court.

 

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ALG and its subsidiaries cannot predict the outcome of these investigations or whether additional investigations may be commenced.

 

Cooperation Agreement between PMI and the European Commission: In July 2004, PMI entered into an agreement with the European Commission (acting on behalf of the European Community)community) and 10 member states of the EU that provides for broad cooperation with European law enforcement agencies on anti-contraband and anti-counterfeit efforts. The agreement resolves all disputes between the European Community and the 10 member states that signed the agreement, on the one hand, and PMI and certain affiliates, on the other hand, relating to these issues. Under the terms of the agreement, PMI will make 13 payments over 12 years. In the second quarter of 2004, PMI recorded a pre-tax charge of $250 million for the initial payment. The agreement calls for payments of approximately $150 million on the first anniversary of the agreement, approximately $100 million on the second anniversary, and approximately $75 million each year thereafter for 10 years, each of which is to be adjusted based on certain variables, including PMI’s market share in the EU in the year preceding payment. PMI will record these payments as an expense in cost of sales when product is shipped.

 

State Settlement Agreements: As discussed in Note 9 andDebt and Liquidity — Tobacco Litigation Settlement Payments,11, during 1997 and 1998, PM USA and other major domestic tobacco product manufacturers entered into agreements with states and various United States jurisdictions settling asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and other claims. These settlements require PM USA to make substantial annual payments. TheyThe settlements also place numerous restrictions on PM USA’s business operations, including prohibitions and restrictions on the advertising and marketing of cigarettes. Among these are prohibitions of outdoor and transit brand advertising; payments for product placement; and free sampling. Restrictions are also placed on the use of brand name sponsorships and brand name non-tobacco products. The State Settlement Agreements also place prohibitions on targeting youth and the use of cartoon characters. In addition, the State Settlement Agreements require companies to affirm corporate principles directed at reducing underage use of cigarettes; impose requirements regarding lobbying activities; mandate public disclosure of certain industry documents; limit the industry’s ability to challenge certain tobacco control and underage use laws; and providesprovide for the dissolution of certain tobacco-related organizations and placesplace restrictions on the establishment of any replacement organizations.

 

Operating Results — Nine– Three Months Ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

 

The following discussion compares tobacco operating results for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, with the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004.

 

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

  For the Three Months Ended March 31,

  Net Revenues

  Operating
Companies Income


  Net Revenues

  Operating
Companies Income


  (in millions)  (in millions)
  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

Domestic tobacco

  $13,091  $12,755  $3,329  $2,902  $4,146  $4,004  $1,038  $970

International tobacco

   30,423   25,379   5,143   5,012   11,345   10,043   2,075   1,835
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total tobacco

  $43,514  $38,134  $8,472  $7,914  $15,491  $14,047  $3,113  $2,805
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Domestic tobacco.PM USA’s net revenues, which include federal excise taxes billed to customers, increased $336$142 million (2.6%(3.5%). Excluding excise taxes, net revenues increased $353$149 million (3.5%(4.7%), due primarily to the absence of one-time buy-down costs incurred in the first quarter of 2003, which were associated with PM USA’s move to an off-invoicelower wholesale promotional allowance, a lower discount rate for cash payments by customers in 2004allowances on its Focus on Four brands and lower returned goods expenses (aggregating $443higher pricing on its other brands ($177 million), partially offset by lower volume ($10731 million).

 

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Operating companies income increased $427$68 million (14.7%(7.0%), due primarily to the absence of one-time buy-down costs incurred in the first quarter of 2003, which were associated with PM USA’s move to an off-invoicelower wholesale promotional allowance, a lower discount rate for cash payments by customers in 2004allowances on its Focus on Four brands and lower returned goods expenses,higher pricing on its other brands, net of higher costs underexpenses related to the State Settlement Agreementsquota buy-out legislation (aggregating $238 million), the 2003 pre-tax charges for the domestic tobacco legal settlement ($182$58 million), lower marketing, administration and research costs ($60 22

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million), and lower pre-tax charges for the domestic tobacco headquarters relocation ($119 million), partially offset by lower volume ($8022 million).

 

PM USA’s shipment volume was 140.042.8 billion units, a decrease of 0.6%.0.7%, but was essentially flat when adjusted for an extra shipping day in the first quarter of 2004 and the timing of promotional shipments. In the premium segment, PM USA’s shipment volume decreased 0.3%, while0.4%.Marlboroshipment volume increased 1.5 billiondecreased 58 million units (1.4%(0.2%) to 112.534.6 billion units with gains across the brand portfolio and the introduction ofMarlboro Menthol 72mm.units. In the discount segment, PM USA’s shipment volume decreased 3.1%3.8%, whileBasic shipment volume was down 1.8%3.4% to 11.73.5 billion units.

 

The following table summarizes PM USA’s retail share performance, based on data from the IRI/Capstone Total Retail Panel, which was developed to measure market share in retail stores selling cigarettes, but was not designed to capture Internet or direct mail sales:

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

Marlboro

  39.4% 37.9%  39.8% 39.0%

Parliament

  1.7  1.7   1.7  1.7 

Virginia Slims

  2.4  2.4   2.3  2.4 

Basic

  4.2  4.2   4.3  4.3 
  

 

  

 

Focus Brands

  47.7  46.2 

Focus on Four Brands

  48.1  47.4 

Other PM USA

  2.0  2.4   1.9  2.2 
  

 

  

 

Total PM USA

  49.7% 48.6%  50.0% 49.6%
  

 

  

 

 

PM USA reduced the wholesale promotional allowance on its Focus on Four brands by $1.00 per carton, from $6.50 to $5.50, effective December 12, 2004. In addition, effective January 16, 2005, PM USA increased the price of its other brands by $5.00 per thousand cigarettes or $1.00 per carton.

On April 5, 2005, PM USA announced the construction of a $300 million research and technology center in Richmond, Virginia. When completed in 2007, the facility will nearly double PM USA’s research space and will house more than 500 scientists, engineers and support staff.

PM USA cannot predict future changes or rates of change in domestic tobacco industry volume, the relative sizes of the premium and discount segments or in PM USA’s shipments or retail market share; however, it believes that PM USA’s results may be materially adversely affected by price increases related to increased excise taxes and tobacco litigation settlements, as well as by the other items discussed under the captionTobacco — “Tobacco—Business Environment.Environment.”

 

International tobacco.International tobacco net revenues, which include excise taxes billed to customers, increased $5.0$1.3 billion (19.9%(13.0%). Excluding excise taxes, net revenues increased $1.3 billion (10.3%$456 million (10.0%), due primarily to price increases ($281 million), favorable currency ($854 million), price increases ($392225 million) and the impact of acquisitions ($26911 million), partially offset by lowerunfavorable volume/mix ($31461 million), reflecting lower volume in France, Germany, Italy and Japan..

 

Operating companies income increased $131$240 million (2.6%(13.1%), due primarily to price increases ($281 million) and favorable currency ($425 million), price increases ($392 million) and the impact of acquisitions ($64126 million), partially offset by the 2004 pre-tax chargesunfavorable volume/mix ($81 million, reflecting favorable volume but unfavorable mix), higher marketing, administration and research costs ($40 million), and expenses related to the international tobacco E.C. agreement ($25039 million) and asset impairment and exit costs for the closure of a facility in Hungary ($24 million), higher marketing, administration and research costs ($216 million), and. The unfavorable volume/mix ($245 million), reflecting lower volumevariance includes a $96 million benefit from the inventory sale in the higher margin markets of France, Germany, Italy and Japan.Italy.

 

PMI’s cigarette volume of 588.7200.9 billion units increased 21.24.0 billion units (3.7%(2.1%), reflecting higher volume in Italy as a result of the one-time inventory sale to PMI’s new distributor. Excluding the volume related to the new distributor in Italy, shipments were essentially flat. In Western Europe, cigarette volume increased 0.6%, due primarily to incremental volume from acquisitions made during 2003. Excluding acquisition volume, shipments increased 5.2 billion units (0.9%). In Western Europe, volume declined 8.5%, due primarily to decreasesthe inventory sale in Italy and an increase in France, Germany and Italy.mostly offset by a decline in Germany. Excluding the inventory sale in Italy, PMI’s volume decreased 7.2% in Western Europe. Shipment volume

 

-49--48-


Shipment volume decreased 25.0%increased 6.0% in France, due to tax-driven price increases since January 1, 2003, that continued to drive an overall market decline,higherMarlboro and trade inventory reductions.Philip Morris volume and share gains. PMI’s market share in France increased 2.3 share points to 41.5%. In Italy, volume increased 28.3%, reflecting the one-time inventory sale of four billion units to its new distributor and the favorable timing of shipments. Market share in Italy increased 0.4 share points to 39.7%52.2%. The French government has decreed a minimum reference price to protect government revenues. This measure has narrowed the price gap between premium and discount brands. In Italy, industry shipments of cigarettes declined 9.6%, due to price sensitivity following December 2004 tax-driven price increases and recently enacted smoking restrictions. In Germany, PMI’s cigarette volume decreased 5.2%declined 22.3% and market share fell 3.1was down 0.9 share points to 51.3%36.4%, as PMI’s brands were adversely impacted by low-price competitive brands and a lower total market. The Italian government has issued a decree that provides a minimum excise tax methodology in order to protect government revenues. This decree has narrowed the price gap between premium and discount brands. In Germany, volume declined, reflecting a lower total cigarette market due mainly to higher pricesone less selling day in the first quarter of 2005 and tax-driven price increases in March and December 2004, which accelerated down trading to low-priced tobacco portions. PMI captured a 13.0% share of the resultant consumer shiftsGerman tobacco portions segment due to low-price tobacco products, particularlyMarlboroandNext tobacco portions, which benefit from lower excise taxes than cigarettes. PMI entered the tobacco portions market duringwere launched in the second quarter of 2004 with theMarlboro andNext brands. However, production capacity for tobacco portions is currently insufficient to meet demand. The first phase of PMI’s capacity increase for tobacco portions will take place in November 2004, and the next phase is planned for the first quarter of 2005.2004. In Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, volume increased, due to gains in Russia,Egypt, Greece, Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine, and acquisitions in Greece and Serbia, partially offset by declines in the Czech Republic and Switzerland, and inventory adjustments due to the Slovak Republic, Hungary and the Baltic States.transition of PMI’s distribution system from wholesale to direct retail sales in Serbia. In worldwide duty-free, (“WWDF”), volume increased,declined, mainly reflecting the global recoverytiming of shipments to Asia and lower volume in travel,Europe as a favorable comparisonresult of the accession of new members to prior year, which was depressed by the effects of SARS and the Iraq war, and a strong performanceEuropean Union in Turkey.May 2004. In Asia, volume grew, as increasesdeclined, due primarily to decreases in Korea Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines wereJapan, partially offset by decreasesgrowth in Japan, Indonesiathe Philippines and Singapore.Thailand. In Japan, the total marketPMI’s volume was down 6.5%, due to the adverse impacttiming of shipments, primarily related to the impending change in health warnings, which become effective on July 20031, 2005, partially offset by a ramp-up ofMarlboroinventories in preparation for the expiration of Japan Tobacco Inc.’s license forMarlboro on May 1, 2005. In Korea, volume decreased, following tax-driven retail price increase and a lower incidence of smoking.increases in December 2004. In Latin America, volume decreased, slightly, driven mainly by declines in Argentina and Brazil, partially offset by an increase in Mexico.

 

PMI achieved market share gains in a number of important markets including Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia,Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

 

Volume forMarlborodeclined 1.0%cigarettes grew 5.1%, due primarily to declinesthe timing of shipments to Japan, the inventory sale in Italy and gains in the Philippines and France, partially offset by lower volumes in Germany and worldwide duty-free. Excluding the timing of shipments to Japan and the inventory sale in Italy,Marlboro cigarette volume was down 1.1%.Marlboro market share increased in many important markets, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Egypt,Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy,Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. However,Marlborovolume was higher in many markets, including Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Romania,Portugal, Russia, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and WWDF.the United Kingdom.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, PMI purchased a tobacco business in Finland for a cost of approximately $41$42 million. During

On March 18, 2005, a subsidiary of PMI acquired 40% of the thirdoutstanding shares of Sampoerna, an Indonesian tobacco company, from a number of Sampoerna’s principal shareholders. Cash payments for these shares will total approximately $2.0 billion, of which $1.5 billion was paid by March 31, 2005, and the remainder will be paid in May 2005. PMI commenced a public tender offer for all of the remaining shares on April 18, 2005, at a price per share of IDR 10,600 (U.S. $1.13 per share), the price per share paid to the principal shareholders. The tender offer period closes on May 18, 2005. Assuming all shares are acquired, the total cost of the transaction will be approximately $5.2 billion (based on an exchange rate of IDR 9,365 to U.S. $1.00), including Sampoerna’s net debt of the U.S. $ equivalent of approximately $160 million. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, PMI anticipates completing the transaction during the second quarter of 2003,2005. The purchase price will ultimately be financed through a Euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI purchased approximately 66.5%and its subsidiaries, which is expected to become effective in May 2005. The bank facility will consist of a tobacco businessEuro 2.5 billion three-year term loan and a Euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility.

The initial investment in Serbia forSampoerna of $2.0 billion is included as other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2005. PMI will record equity earnings in Sampoerna until the completion of the tender offer. When PMI gains control of Sampoerna, its financial position and results of operations will be fully consolidated with PMI.

In April 2005, PMI acquired a cost of approximately $440 million and96.7% stake in 2004, increased its ownership interest to 85.1%. In addition, during the third quarter of 2003, PMI increased its ownership interest in its affiliate in Ecuador from less than 50% to approximately 98% for a cost of $70 million. In September 2004, PMI announced its intention to acquire Coltabaco, the largest tobacco company in Colombia, with a 48% market share, and expects to close the transaction at the end of 2004, or the beginning of 2005, for approximately $310$300 million.

Operating Results — Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

The following discussion compares tobacco operating results for PMI intends to acquire the three months ended September 30, 2004, with the three months ended September 30, 2003.

   For the Three Months Ended September 30,

   Net Revenues

  Operating
Companies Income


   (in millions)
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

Domestic tobacco

  $4,505  $4,440  $1,147  $1,147

International tobacco

   10,316   8,912   1,840   1,719
   

  

  

  

Total tobacco

  $14,821  $13,352  $2,987  $2,866
   

  

  

  

Domestic tobacco.PM USA’s net revenues,remaining portion of Coltabaco which include federal excise taxes billed to customers, increased $65 million (1.5%). Excluding excise taxes, net revenues increased $75 million (2.2%), due primarily to a lower discount rate for cash payments by customers in 2004 and lower returned goods expenses (aggregating $119 million), partially offset by lower volume ($48 million).

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Operating companies income was flat at $1.1 billion, due primarily to lower volume ($33 million) and provisions for two individual smoking cases, offset by lower pre-tax charges in 2004 for the domestic tobacco headquarters relocation ($22 million) and lower marketing, administration and research costs.

PM USA’s shipment volume was 48.3 billion units, a decrease of 1.0%. In the premium segment, PM USA’s shipment volume decreased 0.9%, whileMarlboro shipment volume increased 116 million units (0.3%) to 38.9 billion units, which includes the introduction ofMarlboro Menthol 72mm. In the discount segment, PM USA’s shipment volume decreased 2.9%, whileBasic shipment volume was down 1.7% to 4.0 billion units.

The following table summarizes PM USA’s retail share performance, based on data from the IRI/Capstone Total Retail Panel, which was developed to measure market share in retail stores selling cigarettes, but wasit does not designed to capture Internet or direct mail sales:

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

 

Marlboro

  39.6% 38.1%

Parliament

  1.7  1.8 

Virginia Slims

  2.4  2.4 

Basic

  4.2  4.2 
   

 

Focus Brands

  47.9  46.5 

Other PM USA

  2.0  2.3 
   

 

Total PM USA

  49.9% 48.8%
   

 

International tobacco.International tobacco net revenues, which include excise taxes billed to customers, increased $1.4 billion (15.8%). Excluding excise taxes, net revenues increased $280 million (6.6%), due primarily to favorable currency ($151 million), price increases ($95 million) and the impact of acquisitions ($89 million), partially offset by lower volume/mix ($55 million), reflecting lower volume in France and Germany.

Operating companies income increased $121 million (7.0%), due primarily to price increases ($95 million), favorable currency ($64 million) and the impact of acquisitions ($16 million), partially offset by higher marketing, administration and research costs, and unfavorable volume/mix ($34 million), reflecting lower volume in the higher margin markets of France and Germany.already own.

 

PMI’s volumelicense agreement with Japan Tobacco Inc. for the manufacture and sale of 199.1 billion units increased 9.7 billion units (5.1%), due to incremental volume from acquisitions made during 2003 and gains across most regions of the world excluding Western Europe. Excluding acquisition volume, shipments increased 5.5 billion units (2.9%). In Western Europe, volume declined 7.5%, due primarily to decreases in France and Germany. Shipment volume decreased 24.5% in France, due to several significant tax-driven price increases since January 1, 2003 that continued to drive an overall market decline. PMI’s market share in France was up 0.9 points to 40.0%, due to increases in theBasicandPhilip Morris brands. In Germany, volume declined 18.7%, reflecting a lower total cigarette market due mainly to a March 2004 tax-driven price increase and consumer shifts to low-price tobacco products, particularly tobacco portions which benefit from lower excise taxes than cigarettes. In April 2004, PMI entered the tobacco portions market in Germany, with theMarlboro andNext brands, and achieved an 8.3% total share of the tobacco portions market in the third quarter. However, production capacity for tobacco portions is currently insufficient to meet demand. The first phase of PMI’s capacity increase for tobacco portions will take place in November 2004, and the next phase is planned for the first quarter of 2005. In Italy, volume decreased 1.3% and market share fell 2.1 share points to 51.0%, due primarily to decreases in theDiana andMarlboro brands. In Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, volume increased, due to gains in Poland, Romania, Russia, the Slovak Republic, Turkey and Ukraine, and acquisitions in Greece and Serbia. In WWDF, volume increased, reflecting improving trends in the travel industry. In Asia, volume grew, driven by increasescigarettes in Japan Korea, Malaysia,was not renewed when the Philippines and Thailand. In Japan, PMI’sagreement expired in April 2005. PMI is undertaking the manufacture ofMarlboro

 

-51--49-


market share increased, benefitingand has expanded its distribution and sales force in Japan. As a result, PMI anticipates a smooth transition and higher operating companies income from packaging upgrades and new line extensions for thePhilip Morris andVirginia Slims brands. In Latin America, volume decreased, due primarily to declinesJapan in Argentina and Mexico. In Mexico, shipments declined, due to higher trade purchasing in June 2004 in advance of a price increase in early July 2004.

PMI achieved market share gains in a number of important markets including Austria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine.

Volume forMarlborogrew 1.1%, due primarily to gains in most regions, partially offset by France and Germany. Gains forMarlboro were widespread, with market share gains in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.2005.

 

Food

 

Business Environment

 

Kraft manufactures and markets packaged food products, consisting principally of beverages, cheese, snacks, convenient meals and various packaged grocery products, through Kraft Foods Global, Inc., (formerly known as Kraft Foods North America, Inc.) and its subsidiaries.products. Kraft manages and reports operating results through two units, Kraft North America Commercial (“KNAC”) and Kraft International Commercial (“KIC”). KNAC represents the North American food segment (U.S. and Canada) and KIC represents the international food segment. Beginning in 2004, results for the Mexico and Puerto Rico businesses, which were previously included in the North American food segment, are included in the international food segment and historical amounts have been restated.

 

KNAC and KIC are subject to a number of challenges that may adversely affect their businesses. These challenges, which are discussed below and underin the “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements”Factors That May Affect Future Results section include:

 

fluctuations in commodity prices;

 

movements of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar;currencies;

 

competitive challenges in various products and markets, including price gaps with competitor products and the increasing price-consciousness of consumers;

 

a rising cost environment;

 

a trend toward increasing consolidation in the retail trade and consequent pricing pressure and inventory reductions;

 

a growing presence of hard discount retailers, primarily in Europe, with an emphasis on private label products;

 

changing consumer preferences, including low-carbohydrate diet trends;

 

competitors with different profit objectives and less susceptibility to currency exchange rates; and

 

concerns aboutand/or regulations regarding food safety, quality and health, including concerns about genetically modified organisms, trans-fatty acids and obesity. Increased government regulation of the food industry could result in increased costs to Kraft.

 

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To confront these challenges, Kraft continuesFluctuations in commodity costs can lead to take steps to buildretail price volatility and intense price competition, and can influence consumer and trade buying patterns. During the valuefirst quarter of its brands, to improve its food business portfolio2005, Kraft’s commodity costs on average were higher than those incurred during the first quarter of 2004 (most notably dairy, coffee, meat, nuts, energy and packaging) and have adversely affected earnings. For the first quarter of 2005, commodity costs had a negative pre-tax earnings impact on Kraft’s consolidated results of operations of approximately $250 million as compared with new product and marketing initiatives, to reduce costs through productivity, and to address consumer concerns about food safety, quality and health.the first quarter of 2004, which was partially offset by price increases.

 

In the ordinary course of business, Kraft is subject to many influences that can impact the timing of sales to customers, including the timing of holidays and other annual or special events, seasonality of certain products, significant weather conditions, timing of Kraft and customer incentive programs and pricing actions, customer inventory programs, Kraft’s initiatives to improve supply chain efficiency, including efforts to align product shipments more closely with consumption by shifting some of its customer marketing programs to a consumption based approach, financial situations of customers and general economic conditions.

 

In January 2004, Kraft announced a multi-year restructuring program with the objectives of leveraging Kraft’s global scale, realigning and lowering theits cost structure, and optimizing capacity utilization. As part of this program (which is discussed further in Note 2.Asset Impairment and Exit Costs), Kraft anticipates the closing

-50-


or sale of up to twenty plants and the elimination of approximately six thousand positions. From 2004 through 2006, Kraft expects to incur up to $1.2 billion in pre-tax charges for the program, reflecting asset disposals, severance and other implementation costs, including an estimated range$76 million and $280 million incurred in the first quarter of $750 million to $800 million in2005 and 2004, and $330 million to $360 million in 2005.respectively. Total pre-tax charges for the program incurred through March 31, 2005, were $717 million. Approximately one-half of the pre-tax charges are expected to require cash payments.

 

During the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded $482 million and $45 million, respectively, of asset impairment and exit costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, these pre-tax charges were composed of $453 million of costs under the restructuring program and $29 million of impairment charges relating to intangible assets. During the third quarter of 2004, all pre-tax charges related to the restructuring program. These restructuring charges resulted from the 2004 announcement of the closing of twelve plants, the termination of co-manufacturing agreements and the commencement of a number of workforce reduction programs. The majority of the restructuring charges for two of these plants, which are located within Europe, will be recorded upon local regulatory approval of the plant closures, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2004. Approximately $167 million of the pre-tax charges incurred during the first nine months of 2004 will result in cash payments. During the first quarter of 2004, Altria Group, Inc. also completed its annual review of goodwill and intangible assets. This review resulted in a $29 million non-cash pre-tax charge at Kraft related to an intangible asset impairment for a small confectionery business in the United States and certain brands in Mexico.

Pre-tax restructuring liability activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, was as follows (in millions):

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 
   Severance

  

Asset

Write-downs


  Other

  Total

 

Liability balance, January 1, 2004

  $—    $—    $—    $—   

Charges

   155   281   17   453 

Cash spent

   (58)      (11)  (69)

Charges against assets

   (5)  (281)      (286)
   


 


 


 


Liability balance, September 30, 2004

  $92  $—    $6  $98 
   


 


 


 


Severance costs in the above schedule, which relate to the workforce reduction programs, include the cost of related benefits. Specific programs announced during the first nine months of 2004, as part of the overall restructuring program, will result in the elimination of approximately 2,900 positions. Asset write-downs relate to the impairment of assets caused by the plant closings. Other costs incurred relate primarily to contract termination costs associated with the plant closings and the termination of co-manufacturing agreements.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded $26 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the restructuring program of which $9 million was recorded as a reduction of net revenues, $13 million was recorded in cost of sales and $4 million was recorded in marketing, administration and research

-53-


costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2004, Kraft recorded $16 million of pre-tax implementation costs associated with the restructuring program of which $9 million was recorded as a reduction of net revenues, $3 million was recorded in cost of sales and $4 million was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. These costs include the discontinuance of certain product lines and incremental costs related to the integration of functions and closure of facilities.

In addition, Kraft expects to incur approximately $140 million in capital expenditures from 2004 through 2006 to implement the restructuring program, including approximately $50$19 million spent in 2004. During the first nine monthsquarter of 2005. From January 2004 through March 31, 2005, Kraft spent $16$65 million in capital to implement the restructuring program. Cost savings as a result of the restructuring program were approximately $127 million in 2004, are expected to be approximatelyincrease by an incremental $120 million to $140 million in 2004, an additional $130 million to $150 million in 2005, and are anticipated to reach an annualized cost savings of approximately $400 million by 2006. All2006, all of these cost savingswhich are expected to be used in support of brand-building initiatives. Cost savings duringas a result of the first nine months of 2004restructuring program were approximately $80 million.

Fluctuations in commodity costs can cause retail price volatility and intensive price competition, and can influence consumer and trade buying patterns. The North American and international food businesses are subject to fluctuating commodity costs, including dairy, coffee and cocoa costs. Kraft’s commodity costs on average were higher than those incurred in 2003 (most notably dairy, coffee, meat, energy and packaging), and have adversely affected earnings. Dairy costs rose to historical highs$57 million during the first six months of 2004, but have subsequently moderated. For the full year 2004, Kraft expects a negative pre-tax impact from all commodities of more than $750 million as compared with 2003.

During the first quarter of 2004, Kraft acquired a U.S.-based beverage business. During the third quarter of 2003, Kraft acquired trademarks associated with a small natural foods business and during the second quarter of 2003, acquired a biscuits business in Egypt. During the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, total purchases of businesses, net of acquired cash, were $136 million and $97 million, respectively.2005.

 

During the third quarter of 2004, Kraft sold a Brazilian snack nuts business. During the third quarter of 2003, Kraft sold a European rice business. During the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, aggregate proceeds received from the sales of businesses, were $11 million and $25 million, respectively, on which a pre-tax loss of $8 million and a pre-tax gain of $23 million, respectively, was recorded.

The operating results of businesses acquired and sold in 2004 and 2003 were not material to Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any of the periods presented. However, oneOne element of theKraft’s growth strategy of Kraft is to strengthen its brand portfolio through an active programsprogram of selective acquisitions and divestitures. Kraft is constantly investigating potential acquisition candidates and from time to time sells businesses that are outside its core categories or that do not meet its growth or profitability targets. The impact of any future acquisition or divestiture could have a material impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

On November 15, 2004, Kraft periodically calculatesannounced the fair valuesale of substantially all of its goodwillsugar confectionery business for approximately $1.5 billion. The proposed sale includes theLife Savers,Creme Savers,Altoids,Trolli and intangibleSugus brands. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2005. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of Kraft’s sugar confectionery business as discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented. The assets related to testthe sugar confectionery business were reflected as assets of discontinued operations held for impairment. This calculation maysale on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. In addition, Kraft anticipates that an additional tax expense of $270 million will be affected by market conditions noted above,recorded as well as interest rates and general economic conditions.a loss on sale of discontinued operations during 2005. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, the tax expense will be recorded when the transaction is consummated.

 

In November 2003,During the first quarter of 2005, Kraft was advised bysold its U.K. desserts business and its U.S. yogurt business. The aggregate proceeds received from the Fort Worth District Officesales of businesses in the first quarter of 2005 were $190 million, on which pre-tax gains of $116 million were recorded.

During March 2005, Kraft reached an agreement to sell its fruit snacks business for approximately $30 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2005. Kraft incurred a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $93 million in the first quarter of 2005 in recognition of the Securitiespending sale of this business.

The operating results of businesses acquired and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that the staff was considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil injunctive action against Kraft charging it with aiding and abetting Fleming Companies (“Fleming”)sold, excluding Kraft’s sugar confectionery business, were not material to Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in violationsany of the securities laws. District staff alleged that a former Kraft employee, who received a similar notice, signed documents requested by Fleming, which Fleming used in order to accelerate its revenue recognition. On September 14, 2004, the SEC announced settlement agreements with Fleming for securities fraud and other violations arising from material earnings overstatements during late 2001 and the first half of 2002. The SEC also announced settlements with three Fleming suppliers and seven supplier employees, including Kraft’s former employee, for aiding certain of Fleming’s violations. On September 15, 2004, the staff of the SEC informed Kraft that it does not intend to recommend an enforcement action against Kraft in connection with the staff’s investigation of Fleming.periods presented.

 

-54--51-


Operating Results – NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

 

The following discussion compares food operating results for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, with the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004.

 

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

  For the Three Months Ended March 31,

  Net Revenues

  Operating
Companies Income


  Net Revenues

  Operating
Companies Income


  (in millions)  (in millions)
  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

North American food

  $16,567  $15,962  $2,983  $3,737  $5,553  $5,292  $910  $833

International food

   7,162   6,718   643   935   2,506   2,283   293   188
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total food

  $23,729  $22,680  $3,626  $4,672  $8,059  $7,575  $1,203  $1,021
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

North American food.Net revenues increased $605$261 million (3.8%(4.9%), due primarily to higher volume/mix ($256 million), higher net pricing ($148102 million, reflecting commodity-driven price increases, partially offset by higher promotional spending), higher volume/mix ($87 million), favorable currency ($125 million) and the impact of acquisitions.acquisitions ($41 million) and favorable currency ($34 million).

 

Operating companies income decreased $754increased $77 million (20.2%(9.2%), due primarily to lower pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs ($128 million), higher volume/mix ($27 million) and higher pricing, net of cost increases net of higher pricing ($34510 million, including higher commodity costs and increased promotional spending), the 2004 pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs ($307 million),partially offset by higher marketing, administration and research costs, ($177 million, including higher benefit costs), the 2004 implementation costs associated with the Kraft restructuring program ($22 million) and higher fixed manufacturing costs ($19 million, including higher benefit costs), partially offset by higher volume/mix ($98 million) and favorable currency ($2186 million).

 

Volume increased 3.5%3.1%, of which 2.5% was due to acquisitions.the acquisition of a beverage business in 2004. Excluding this acquisition, volume decreased 0.5%. In U.S. Beverages, & Grocery, volume increased, driven primarily by an acquisition, in beverages and growth in coffee, desserts and enhancers, partially offset by lower cereals volume.a volume decline in coffee due to commodity-driven price increases. Volume gains were achieved in U.S. Cheese, Canada & North America Foodservice, due primarily to promotional reinvestment spendinghigher volume in cheese resulting from the timing of the Easter holiday, and higher volume in Foodservice, due to the impact of acquisitionsan acquisition and higher shipments to national accounts. In U.S. Snacks,Convenient Meals, volume increased slightly aswas flat, due primarily to higher snack nuts shipments were partiallyof cold cuts and bacon, offset by lower biscuits and confectionery volumes.shipments of pizza, due to increased competition. In U.S. Convenient Meals,Grocery, volume increased, due primarily to higher cold cutsshipments of enhancers due to the timing of the Easter holiday and increases in desserts. In U.S. Snacks & Cereals, volume increased, due primarily to higher biscuit shipments and new product introductions in cereals, partially offset by lower snack nut shipments, of meals.due to commodity-driven price increases.

 

International food. Net revenues increased $444$223 million (6.6%(9.8%), due primarily to favorable currency ($503130 million), higherfavorable volume/mix ($5087 million) and the impact of acquisitionshigher pricing ($2117 million), partially offset by the impact of divestitures ($9212 million).

Operating companies income increased $105 million (55.9%), due primarily to gains on sales of businesses in 2005 ($116 million), favorable volume/mix ($38 million) and favorable currency ($17 million), partially offset by cost increases, including higher commodity costs and increased promotional spending, net of higher pricespricing ($38 million).

Operating companies income decreased $292 million (31.2%), due primarily to the pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs ($16948 million), cost increases ($86 million),and higher marketing, administration and research costs, ($44 million, including higher benefit costs and infrastructure investment in developing markets), the 2004 loss and 2003 gain on sales of businesses (aggregating $31 million), and the impact of divestitures, partially offset by favorable currencymarkets ($5119 million).

 

Volume decreased 0.5%increased 0.3%, due primarily to the impact of the divestiture of a rice business and a branded fresh cheese businessgrowth in Europe in 2003, as well as price competition and trade inventory reductions in severaldeveloping markets, partially offset by the impact of acquisitions.divestitures and higher commodity-driven pricing on consumption growth.

 

In Europe, Middle East and Africa, volume decreased, impacted by divestitures, price competition, trade inventory reductionsincreased, due primarily to growth in developing markets, including Russia, Ukraine and lower shipments in France,the Middle East, partially offset by growthlower volume in Germany, Italy and several Eastern European markets,following a price increase in coffee, and the impactdivestiture of acquisitions.the U.K. desserts business in the first quarter of 2005. Beverages volume declined, impactedincreased, driven by price competition and trade inventory reductions in coffee in France andhigher shipments of refreshment beverages in the Middle East.East and higher shipments of coffee in Sweden, Russia and Ukraine, partially offset by lower shipments of coffee in Germany following a price increase. In cheese and dairy, volume decreased,also increased, due primarily to cream cheese promotions and new

-52-


product introductions in the divestiture of a branded fresh cheese businessUnited Kingdom. Snacks volume increased, benefiting from confectionery growth in Italy,Russia and Ukraine, partially offset by higher shipmentslower biscuits volume in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.Egypt. In convenient meals, volume declined, due primarily to the divestiture of a European rice business. Snacks volume increased, benefiting from acquisitions,

-55-


new product introductions across the regionlower promotions in Germany and a favorable comparison to prior year due tolower market in the 2003 summer heat wave across Europe, partially offset by price competition and trade inventory reductions in some markets.United Kingdom. In grocery, volume increased,also declined, due primarily to an acquisitiona divestiture and lower results in Germany and Egypt.

 

Volume decreased in Latin America & Asia Pacific, due primarily to declines in Mexico, Peru, Southeast Asia and Venezuela, partially offset by gains in Argentina, Brazil and China. Snacks volume decreased, impacted by lower biscuit shipments in Southeast Asia and biscuit trade inventory reductions in Peru and Venezuela, partially offset by gains in confectionery in Argentina and Brazil. In beverages, volume decreased, impacted by price competition in Mexico and lower shipments in Venezuela, partially offset by gains in Brazil and China. In grocery, volume decreased, due primarily to lower results in Asia Pacific. Cheese volume increased, with gains across several markets, including the Philippines, Mexico and Australia.

Operating Results – Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

The following discussion compares food operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2004, with the three months ended September 30, 2003.

   For the Three Months Ended September 30,

   Net Revenues

  Operating
Companies Income


   (in millions)
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

North American food

  $5,471  $5,203  $1,074  $1,124

International food

   2,360   2,277   227   335
   

  

  

  

Total food

  $7,831  $7,480  $1,301  $1,459
   

  

  

  

North American food.Net revenues increased $268 million (5.2%), due primarily to higher volume/mix ($150 million), higher pricing, net of higher promotional spending ($77 million), favorable currency ($13 million) and the impact of acquisitions.

Operating companies income decreased $50 million (4.4%), due primarily to cost increases, net of higher pricing ($76 million, including higher commodity costs and increased promotional spending), higher marketing, administration and research costs ($32 million, including higher benefit costs), the 2004 implementation costs associated with the Kraft restructuring program ($13 million) and the 2004 pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs ($6 million), partially offset by higher volume/mix ($72 million).

Volume increased 4.5%, of which 3.5% was due to acquisitions. Volume gains were achieved in U.S. Cheese, Canada & North America Foodservice, due to share gains in cheese from promotional reinvestment spending and higher volume in Foodservice, due to higher shipments to national accounts and the 2004 acquisition of a beverage business. In U.S. Beverages & Grocery, volume increased, driven primarily by an acquisition in beverages, new product introductions and growth in coffee, partially offset by lower desserts volume. In U.S. Snacks, volume increased, as higher snack nuts shipments and new biscuit product introductions were partially offset by lower confectionery volume. In U.S. Convenient Meals, volume increased, due primarily to gains in cold cuts and hot dogs, and new product introductions in pizza.

International food. Net revenues increased $83 million (3.6%), due primarily to favorable currency ($72 million) and higher volume/mix ($52 million), partially offset by the impact of divestitures ($26 million) and increased promotional spending.

Operating companies income decreased $108 million (32.2%), due primarily to cost increases ($42 million), the pre-tax charges for asset impairment and exit costs ($33 million), the 2004 loss and 2003 gain on sales of businesses (aggregating $31 million) and the impact of divestitures, partially offset by favorable currency ($7 million).

-56-


Volume decreased 0.6%, due primarily to the impact of divestitures, price competition and trade inventory reductions in Latin America,China, partially offset by growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In Europe, Middle East and Africa, volume increased, as growth in Germany and Russia was partially offset by the impact of divestitures and a decline in France. Beverages volume increased, benefiting from promotional investments in coffee in Germany and a favorable comparison to prior year due to the 2003 summer heat wave across Europe, partially offset by price competition and trade inventory reductions in France.Philippines. Snacks volume increased, benefiting from confectionery gainsdecreased, as declines in biscuits, due to the 2003 summer heat wave, increased trade purchases following the transportation strike in Norway during the second quarter of 2004 and new product introductions. In cheese, volume decreased, due primarily to the divestiture of a branded fresh cheese business in Italy, partially offset by higher shipments in several markets, including cream cheese in Germany and cheese slices in the United Kingdom and Italy. In grocery, volume decreased, due primarily to lower shipments in Germany.

Volume decreased in Latin America & Asia Pacific, due primarily to declines in Venezuela, Peru and Mexico, partially offset by growth in Brazil. Snacks volume declined, as trade inventory reductions in Venezuela and Peru, and increased competition in Brazil and China, were partially offset by higher confectionery growthshipments in Brazil.Brazil due to the timing of the Easter holiday. In grocery, volume also decreased, due primarily to lower shipments in Venezuela. In beverages, volume decreased,declined, as refreshment beverages were impacted by priceincreased competition in Mexico,Brazil and China, partially offset by growth in the Philippines. Cheese and dairy volume increased, due primarily to gains in Brazilthe Philippines and the Philippines. In cheese, volume increased, driven by gains across several markets.new product introductions in Australia.

 

Financial Services

 

Business Environment

 

During 2003, PMCC shifted its strategic focus from an emphasis on the growth of its portfolio of finance leases through new investments to one of maximizing investment gains and generating cash flows from its existing portfolio of finance assets. Accordingly, PMCC’s operating companies income will decrease over time, although there may be fluctuations from quarter to quarter, as lease investments mature or are sold. During the nine months ended September 30,first quarter of 2005 and 2004, and 2003, PMCC received proceeds from asset sales and maturities of $605$29 million and $364$153 million, respectively, and recorded gains of $106$2 million and $34 million, respectively, in operating companies income. During the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, PMCC received proceeds from asset sales and maturities of $221 million and $272 million, respectively, and recorded gains of $12 million and $17$10 million, respectively, in operating companies income.

 

Among its leasing activities, PMCC leases a number of aircraft, predominantly to major U.S.United States carriers. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, approximately 27%, or $2.2 billion of PMCC’s investment in finance lease assets,asset balance related to aircraft. Two of PMCC’s lessees, United Air Lines, Inc. (“UAL”) and US Airways Group, Inc. (“US Airways”) are currently under bankruptcy protection.protection and therefore PMCC is not recording income on these leases.

 

PMCC leases 24 Boeing 757 aircraft to UAL with an aggregate exposurefinance asset balance of $576$562 million at September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. PMCC has entered into an agreement with UAL to amend 18 single investordirect finance leases subject to UAL’s successful emergence from bankruptcy and assumption of the leases. There is no third-party debt associated with these leases. UAL remains current on lease payments due to PMCC on these 18 amended leases. PMCC continues to monitor the situation at UAL with respect to the six remaining aircraft financed under leveraged leases, in which havePMCC has an aggregate exposurefinance asset balance of $92 million. PMCC has no amended agreement relative to these leases since its interests are subordinate to those of public debt holders associated with the leveraged leases. Accordingly, since UAL has declared bankruptcy, PMCC has received no lease payments relative to these six aircraft and remains at risk of foreclosure on these aircraft by the senior lenders under the leveraged leases. UAL has proposed a restructuring to the public debt holders that would require the foreclosure of PMCC’s interests, but no agreement has been reached between UAL and the public debt holders. Should the foreclosure occur, the $92 million finance asset would be written off against PMCC’s allowance for losses. The foreclosure would also result in the acceleration of tax payments on these leases.

 

In addition, PMCC also leases 16 Airbus A-319 aircraft to US Airways financed under leveraged leases with a total exposurean aggregate finance asset balance of $150 million at September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. US Airways filed for bankruptcy protection in the third quarter ofSeptember 2004. Previously, US Airways emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2003, at which time PMCC’s leveraged leases were assumed pursuant to an agreement with US Airways.

Since entering bankruptcy in the third quarter ofSeptember 2004, US Airways has not announced its plansentered into agreements with respect to PMCC’s aircraft.all 16 PMCC aircraft which require US Airways to honor its lease obligations on a going forward basis until it either assumes or rejects the leases. If US Airways rejects the leases on these aircraft, PMCC is at risk of having its interest in these aircraft foreclosed upon by the senior lenders under the leveraged leases.

 

In addition, PMCC has an exposureaggregate finance asset balance of $297$257 million at September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, relating to six Boeing 757, nine Boeing 767 and four MD-88McDonnell Douglas (MD-88) aircraft leased to Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”) under long-term leveraged leases. Delta has been experiencing financial difficulties and is currently trying to arrange an out-of-court restructuring. Discussions regarding concessions between Delta andIn November 2004, PMCC, are ongoing, however, the outcome is uncertain at this time.along with other aircraft lessors,

 

If Delta’s-53-


entered into restructuring efforts fail, Delta has indicated that it may seek bankruptcy protection.agreements with Delta. As a result of its agreement, PMCC recorded a charge to the allowance for losses of $40 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. Delta remains current under its restructured lease obligations to PMCC. Although a restructuring agreement with Delta was completed in 2004, Delta continues to face financial difficulties. As a result, PMCC is not recording income on these leases.

 

-57-


In recognition of ongoing concerns within its airline portfolio, PMCC recorded a provision for losses of $140 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. Previously, PMCC had recorded a provision for losses of $290 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 for its airline industry exposure. At March 31, 2005, PMCC’s allowance for losses, which includes the provisions recorded by PMCC for its airline industry exposure, was $499 million. It is possible that further adverse developments in the airline industry may require PMCC to increase its allowance for losses, which was $399 million at September 30, 2004.losses.

 

Operating Results

 

   2004

  2003

   (in millions)

Net revenues:

        

Nine months ended September 30,

  $332  $327
   

  

Three months ended September 30,

  $76  $107
   

  

Operating companies income:

        

Nine months ended September 30,

  $250  $241
   

  

Three months ended September 30,

  $55  $76
   

  

   2005

  2004

   (in millions)

Net revenues:

        

Quarter ended March 31,

  $68  $99
   

  

Operating companies income:

        

Quarter ended March 31,

  $41  $70
   

  

 

PMCC’s net revenues and operating companies income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, increased $5 million (1.5%) and $9 million (3.7%), respectively, over the comparable periods in 2003, due primarily to an increase of $72 million from gains on asset sales, partially offset by the previously discussed change in strategy which resulted in lower lease portfolio revenues. During the three monthsquarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, PMCC’s net revenues and operating companies income decreased $31 million (29.0%(31.3%) and $21$29 million (27.6%(41.4%), respectively, from the comparable periodsperiod in 2003,2004, due primarily to the previously discussed change in strategy which resulted in lower lease portfolio revenues.

 

Financial Review

 

Net Cash Used in/Provided by Operating Activities

 

During the first nine monthsquarter of 2004,2005, net cash used in operating activities was $483 million compared with $289 million provided by operating activities was $8.8 billion compared with $8.9 billion during the comparable 20032004 period. The decrease of $97 millionchange was due primarily to higher escrow deposits forpension plan contributions and thePrice domestic tobacco case and lower impact of higher cash frompayments associated with Kraft’s restructuring program in the financial services business, partially offset by higher net earnings in 2004.first quarter of 2005.

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

One element of the growth strategy of ALG’s subsidiaries is to strengthen their brand portfolios through active programs of selective acquisitions and divestitures. These subsidiaries are constantly investigating potential acquisition candidates and from time to time Kraft sells businesses that are outside its core categories or that do not meet its growth or profitability targets. The impact of any future acquisitionacquisitions or divestituredivestitures could have a material impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated cash flows.

 

During the first nine monthsquarter of 2004,2005, net cash used inby investing activities was $722 million,$1.6 billion, compared with $1.6 billion$368 million during the first nine monthsquarter of 2003.2004. The decreaseincrease in cash used was due primarily reflects lower amounts spent forto the purchasespurchase of 40% of the outstanding shares of Sampoerna in the first quarter of 2005, partially offset by proceeds from the sales of businesses in 2004. The discontinuationthe first quarter of finance asset investments, as well as increased proceeds from finance asset sales, given PMCC’s change in strategic direction, also contributed to the decline.2005.

 

Net Cash Provided by/Used in Financing Activities

 

During the first nine monthsquarter of 2004,2005, net cash provided by financing activities was $600 million, compared with $577 million used in financing activities was $5.2 billion, compared with $1.8 billion during the first nine monthsquarter of 2003.2004. The increasechange was due primarily to higher short-term borrowings in the repaymentfirst quarter of debt in 2004, as compared with 2003 when ALG and Kraft borrowed against their revolving credit facilities, while their access to commercial paper markets was temporarily eliminated following a $10.1 billion judgment against PM USA.2005.

 

-58--54-


Debt and Liquidity

 

Credit Ratings – Following a $10.1 billion judgment on March 21, 2003, against PM USA in thePrice litigation, which is discussed in Note 9,11, the three major credit rating agencies took a series of ratings actions resulting in the lowering of ALG’s short-term and long-term debt ratings. During 2003, Moody’s lowered ALG’s short-term debt rating from “P-1” to “P-3” and its long-term debt rating from “A2” to “Baa2.” Standard & Poor’s lowered ALG’s short-term debt rating from “A-1” to “A-2” and its long-term debt rating from “A-” to “BBB.” Fitch Rating Services lowered ALG’s short-term debt rating from “F-1” to “F-2” and its long-term debt rating from “A” to “BBB.”

 

While Kraft is not a party to, and has no exposure to, this litigation, its credit ratings were also lowered, but to a lesser degree. As a result of the rating agencies’ actions, borrowing costs for ALG and Kraft have increased. None of ALG’s or Kraft’s debt agreements require accelerated repayment as a result of a decrease in credit ratings. The credit rating downgrades by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Rating Services had no impact on any of ALG’s or Kraft’s other existing third-party contracts.

 

Credit Lines – ALG and Kraft each maintain separate revolving credit facilities that they have historically used to support the issuance of commercial paper. However, as a result of the rating agencies’ actions discussed above, ALG’s and Kraft’s access to the commercial paper market was temporarily eliminated in 2003. Subsequently, in April 2003, ALG and Kraft began to borrow against existing credit facilities to repay maturing commercial paper and to fund normal working capital needs. By the end of May 2003, Kraft regained its access to the commercial paper market, and in November 2003, ALG regained limited access to the commercial paper market.

 

In the table below, information is presented as of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, and OctoberApril 29, 2004,2005, to provide the most current information available. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, and at OctoberApril 29, 2004,2005, credit lines for ALG and Kraft, and the related activity were as follows (in billions of dollars):

 

ALG


     September 30, 2004

  October 29, 2004

  March 31, 2005

  April 29, 2005

Type


  Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  Lines
Available


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  

Lines

Available


  Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  

Lines

Available


  Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  

Lines

Available


364-day

              $1.0  $—    $—    $1.0

Multi-year

  $5.0  $—    $1.3  $3.7  $—    $1.0  $4.0  $5.0  $0.9  $1.8  $2.3   4.0   1.5   2.3   0.2
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  $5.0  $0.9  $1.8  $2.3  $5.0  $1.5  $2.3  $1.2
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Kraft


     September 30, 2004

  October 29, 2004

  March 31, 2005

  April 29, 2005

Type


  Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  Lines
Available


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  

Lines

Available


  Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  

Lines

Available


  Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Commercial

Paper

Outstanding


  

Lines

Available


364-day

  $2.5  $—    $—    $2.5  $—    $—    $2.5  $2.5  $—    $—    $2.5            

Multi-year

   2.0      2.0   —        2.0   —     2.0      2.0   —    $4.5  $—    $2.3  $2.2
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  $4.5  $—    $2.0  $2.5  $—    $2.0  $2.5  $4.5  $—    $2.0  $2.5  $4.5  $—    $2.3  $2.2
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

The ALG multi-yearIn April 2005, Altria Group, Inc. negotiated a 364-day revolving credit facility requiresin the amount of $1.0 billion and a new multi-year credit facility in the amount of $4.0 billion, which is due to expire in April 2010. In addition, Altria Group Inc. terminated the existing $5.0 billion multi-year credit facility, which was due to expire in July 2006. The new Altria Group, Inc. facilities require the maintenance of an earnings to fixed charges ratio, as defined by the agreement, of 2.5 to 1.0.1.0, unchanged from the previous multi-year facility. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, the ratio calculated in accordance with the agreement was 9.79.9 to 1.0. TheIn April 2005, Kraft negotiated a new multi-year revolving credit facility to replace both the 364-day facility that was due to expire in July 2005 and a multi-year facility that was due to expire in July 2006. The new Kraft multi-year facility, which is for the sole

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use of Kraft, in the amount of $4.5 billion, expires in April 2010 and requires the maintenance of a minimum net worth of $20.0 billion, up from $18.2 billion.billion required in each of Kraft’s previous facilities. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Kraft’s net worth was $29.2$30.1 billion. ALG and Kraft expect to continue to meet their respective covenants. The multi-year facilities, which both expire in July 2006, enable the respective companies to reclassify short-term debt on a long-term basis. At September 30, 2004, $2.0 billion of commercial paper borrowings that Kraft intends to refinance was reclassified as long-term debt. After a review of projected borrowing requirements,

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ALG’s management determined that its revolving credit facilities provided liquidity in excess of its needs. As a result, ALG’s 364-day revolving credit facility was not renewed when it expired in July 2004. In July 2004, Kraft replaced its 364-day facility which was expiring. The new Kraft 364-day revolving credit facility, in the amount of $2.5 billion, expires in July 2005, although it contains a provision allowing Kraft to extend the maturity of outstanding borrowings for up to one additional year. It also requires the maintenance of a minimum net worth of $18.2 billion. These facilities do not include any additional financial tests, any credit rating triggers or any provisions that could require the posting of collateral. The multi-year facilities, which expire in April 2010, enable the respective companies to reclassify short-term debt on a long-term basis.

As discussed in Note 6.Acquisitions, the purchase price of the Sampoerna acquisition will ultimately be financed through a Euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI and its subsidiaries, which is expected to become effective in May 2005. The bank facility will consist of a Euro 2.5 billion three-year term loan and a Euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility.

 

In addition to the above, certain international subsidiaries of ALG and Kraft maintain uncommitted credit lines to meet their respective working capital needs. These credit lines, which amounted to approximately $1.4$2.0 billion for ALG subsidiaries (other than Kraft) and approximately $0.7$0.6 billion for Kraft subsidiaries, are for the sole use of these international businesses. Borrowings on these lines amounted to approximately $0.3$0.5 billion at September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005.

 

Debt – Altria Group, Inc.’s total debt (consumer products and financial services) was $23.9$25.2 billion and $24.5$23.0 billion at September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, respectively. Total consumer products debt was $21.8$23.0 billion and $22.3$20.8 billion at September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, respectively. At September 30, 2004Total consumer products debt includes third-party debt on Kraft’s condensed consolidated balance sheet of $12.3 billion at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, Altria Group, Inc.’s ratio of consumer products debt to total equity was 0.750.71 and 0.89,0.68, respectively. The ratio of total debt to total equity was 0.820.78 and 0.980.75 at September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, respectively. As disclosed in Exhibit 12, Altria Group, Inc.’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 9.1 to 1.0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

During March 2004, Kraft filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement withALG does not guarantee the SEC, which became effective in May 2004, under which Kraft may sell debt securities and/or warrants to purchase debt securities in one or more offerings up to a total amount of $4.0 billion. This is in addition to the $250 million remaining under its previous shelf-registration, providing for a total capacity of $4.25 billion.Kraft.

 

Guarantees – As discussed in Note 9,11, at September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Altria Group, Inc. had’s third-party guarantees, which are primarily derived fromrelated to excise taxes, and acquisition and divestiture activities, approximating $239approximated $465 million, of which $205$305 million have no specified expiration dates. The remainder expire through 2023, with $5$140 million expiring through September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. Altria Group, Inc. is required to perform under these guarantees in the event that a third party fails to make contractual payments or achieve performance measures. Altria Group, Inc. has a liability of $45$43 million on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, relating to these guarantees. In the ordinary course of business, certain subsidiaries of ALG have agreed to indemnify a limited number of third parties in the event of future litigation. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, subsidiaries of ALG were also contingently liable for $1.6$1.9 billion of guarantees related to their own performance, consisting of the following:

 

$1.41.7 billion of guarantees of excise tax and import duties related primarily to international shipments of tobacco products. In these agreements, a financial institution provides a guarantee of tax payments to the respective governments. PMI then issues a guarantee to the respective financial institution for the payment of the taxes. These are revolving facilities that are integral to the shipment of tobacco products in international markets, and the underlying taxes payable are recorded on Altria Group, Inc.’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

$0.2 billion of other guarantees related to the tobacco and food businesses.

 

Although Altria Group, Inc.’s guarantees of its own performance are frequently short-term in nature, the short-term guarantees are expected to be replaced, upon expiration, with similar guarantees of similar amounts. These items have not had, and are not expected to have, a significant impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s liquidity.

Tobacco Litigation Settlement Payments – As discussed previously and in Note 9,PM USA, along with other domestic tobacco companies, has entered into State Settlement Agreements that require the domestic tobacco industry to make substantial annual payments in the following amounts (excluding future annual payments contemplated by the agreement with tobacco growers discussed below), subject to adjustment for several factors, including inflation, market share and industry volume: 2005 through 2007, $8.4 billion each year; and thereafter, $9.4 billion each year. In addition, the domestic tobacco industry is required to pay settling plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, subject to an annual cap of $500 million.

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PM USA and the other settling defendants also agreed to make payments to the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust, a trust fund to provide aid to tobacco growers and quota-holders. The trust will be funded by four of the major domestic tobacco product manufacturers, including PM USA, over 12 years with payments, prior to application of various adjustments, scheduled to total $5.15 billion. Future industry payments (in 2005 through 2008, $500 million each year; and 2009 and 2010, $295 million each year) are subject to adjustment for several factors, including inflation, industry volume and certain other contingent events, and, in general, are to be allocated based on each manufacturer’s relative market share. Federal legislation enacted in October 2004 provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program through an industry funded buy-out of tobacco growers and quota holders. The cost of the proposed buy-out is approximately $10 billion and will be paid over 10 years by manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products. The cost will be allocated based on the relative market shares of manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products. PM USA expects that its quota buy-out payments will offset already scheduled payments to the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust. Altria Group, Inc. does not anticipate that the quota buy-out will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results in 2005 and beyond.

 

International Tobacco E.C. Agreement – On July 9, 2004, PMI entered into an agreement with the E.C. and 10 member states of the European Union that provides for broad cooperation with European law enforcement agencies on anti-contraband and anti-counterfeit efforts. This agreement resolves all disputes between the parties relating to these issues. Under the terms of the agreement, PMI will make 13 payments over 12 years, including an initial payment of $250 million, which was recorded as a pre-tax charge against its earnings in the second quarter of 2004, and was paid in the third quarter of 2004. The agreement calls for additional payments of approximately $150 million on the first anniversary of the agreement, approximately $100 million on the second anniversary and approximately $75 million each year thereafter for 10 years, each of which is to be adjusted based on certain variables, including PMI’s market share in the European Union in the year preceding

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payment. Because future additional payments are subject to these variables, PMI will record charges for them as an expense in cost of sales when product is shipped. During the third quarter of 2004, PMI began accruing for payments due on the first anniversary of the agreement.

Payments Under State Settlement and Other Tobacco Agreements – As discussed previously and in Note 11, PM USA has entered into State Settlement Agreements with the states and territories of the United States and had entered into agreements for the benefit of United States tobacco growers which have now been replaced by obligations imposed by FETRA. During the second quarter of 2004, PMI entered into a cooperation agreement with the European Community. Each of these agreements calls for payments that are based on variable factors, such as cigarette volume, market shares and inflation. PM USA and PMI account for the cost of these agreements as a component of cost of sales as product is shipped.

 

As a result of these agreements, PM USA and PMI recorded the following amounts in cost of sales (in millions):

   For the Three Months
Ended March 31,


   2005

  2004

PM USA

  $1,141  $1,062

PMI

   39    
   

  

Total

  $1,180  $1,062
   

  

Based on current agreements and current estimates of volume and market share, the estimated amounts that PM USA and PMI may charge to cost of sales under these agreements will be approximately as follows (in billions):

   PM USA

  PMI

  Total

2005

  $4.9  $0.1  $5.0

2006

   5.0   0.1   5.1

2007

   5.6   0.1   5.7

2008

   5.7   0.1   5.8

2009

   5.7   0.1   5.8

2010 to 2015

   5.9 annually   0.1 annually   6.0 annually

Thereafter

   6.0 annually       6.0 annually

The estimated amounts charged to cost of sales in each of the years above would generally be paid in the following year. As previously stated, the payments due under the terms of these agreements are subject to adjustment for several factors, including cigarette volume, inflation and certain contingent events and, in general, are allocated based on each manufacturer’s market share. The amounts shown in the table above are estimates, and actual amounts will differ as underlying assumptions differ from actual future results.

Litigation Escrow Deposits – As discussed in Note 9,11, in connection with obtaining a stay of execution in May 2001 in theEngle class action, PM USA placed $1.2 billion into an interest-bearing escrow account. The $1.2 billion escrow account and a deposit of $100 million related to the bonding requirement are included in the September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 20032004 condensed consolidated balance sheets as other assets. These amounts will be returned to PM USA should it prevail in itsthe appeal of thethis case. Interest income on the $1.2 billion escrow account is paid to PM USA quarterly and is being recorded as earned in interest and other debt expense, net, in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

In addition, in connection with obtaining a stay of execution in thePrice case, PM USA placed a pre-existing 7.0%, $6 billion long-term note from ALG to PM USA into an escrow account with an Illinois financial institution. Since this note is the result of an intercompany financing arrangement, it does not appear on the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Altria Group, Inc. In addition, PM USA agreed to make cash deposits with the clerk of the Madison County Circuit Court in the following amounts: beginning October 1, 2003, an amount equal to the interest earned by PM USA on the ALG note ($210 million every six months), an

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additional $800 million in four equal quarterly installments between September 2003 and June 2004 and the payments of the principal of the note which are due in equal installments in April 2008, 2009 and 2010. Through September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, PM USA made $1.2$1.4 billion of the cash deposits due under the judge’s order. Cash deposits into the account are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. If PM USA prevails on appeal, the escrowed note and all cash deposited with the court will be returned to PM USA, with accrued interest less administrative fees payable to the court.

 

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With respect to certain adverse verdicts and judicial decisions currently on appeal, other than theEngle and thePrice cases discussed above, as of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, PM USA has posted various forms of security totaling $363$360 million, the majority of which have been collateralized with cash deposits, to obtain stays of judgments pending appeals. In addition, as discussed in Note 9,11, PMI placed 51 million euro in an escrow account pending appeal of an adverse verdictadministrative court decision in Italy. These cash deposits are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

As discussed above under “Tobacco—Tobacco—Business Environment, the present legislative and litigation environment is substantially uncertain and could result in material adverse consequences for the business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations of ALG, PM USA and PMI. Assuming there are no material adverse developments in the legislative and litigation environment, Altria Group, Inc. expects its cash flow from operations to provide sufficient liquidity to meet the ongoing needs of the business.

 

Leases – PMCC’s investment in leases is included in finance assets, net, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003.2004. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, PMCC’s net finance receivable of $7.6$7.5 billion in leveraged leases, which is included in Altria Group, Inc.’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as finance assets, net, consists of lease receivablesrents receivable ($26.826.0 billion) and the residual value of assets under lease ($2.22.1 billion), reduced by third-party nonrecourse debt ($18.117.4 billion) and unearned income ($3.33.2 billion). The payment of the nonrecourse debt is collateralized only by lease payments receivable and the leased property, and is nonrecourse to all other assets of PMCC. As required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP,GAAP”), the third-party nonrecourse debt has been offset against the related rentalsrents receivable and has been presented on a net basis, within finance assets, net, in Altria Group, Inc.’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance assets, net, at September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, also includesinclude net finance receivables for direct finance leases of $0.7 billion and an allowance for losses ($0.40.5 billion).

 

Equity and Dividends

 

During the first quarter of 2003, ALGDecember 2004, Kraft completed its three-year, $10 billion$700 million share repurchase program and began a one-year, $3$1.5 billion share repurchase program that expired in March 2004. Following the rating agencies’ actions in the first quarter of 2003, discussed above in “Credit Ratings,” ALG suspended itstwo-year share repurchase program. Cumulative repurchases under the $3 billion authority totaled approximately 7.0 million shares at an aggregate cost of $241 million.

During the first nine monthsquarters of 20042005 and 2003,2004, Kraft repurchased 15.45.3 million and 5.24.9 million shares, respectively, of its Class A common stock at a cost of $487$175 million and $156$163 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Kraft had repurchased 17.06.7 million shares of its Class A common stock, under its $700 million$1.5 billion authority, at an aggregate cost of $537$225 million. Kraft expects to complete the $700 million program in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

As discussed in Note 1.Accounting Policies, in January 2004,2005, Altria Group, Inc. granted approximately 1.41.2 million shares of restricted stock to eligible U.S.-based employees of Altria Group, Inc. and also issued to eligible non-U.S. employees rights to receive approximately 1.00.9 million equivalent shares. Restrictions on these shares lapse in the first quarter of 2007.2008.

 

Dividends paid in the first nine monthsquarters of 2005 and 2004 and 2003 were $4.2$1.5 billion and $3.9$1.4 billion, respectively, an increase of 6.9%8.5%, primarily reflecting a higher dividend rate in 2004.2005. During the third quarter of 2004, Altria Group, Inc.’s Board of Directors approved a 7.4% increase in the quarterly dividend rate to $0.73 per share. As a result, the present annualized dividend rate is $2.92 per share.

 

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Market Risk

 

ALG’s subsidiaries operate globally, with manufacturing and sales facilities in various locations around the world. ALG and its subsidiaries utilize certain financial instruments to manage foreign currency and commodity exposures. Derivative financial instruments are used by ALG and its subsidiaries, principally to reduce exposures to market risks resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices, by creating offsetting exposures. Altria Group, Inc. is not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

 

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A substantial portion of Altria Group, Inc.’s derivative financial instruments is effective as hedges. Hedging activity affected accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes, as follows (in millions):

 

   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

 
   (in millions) 

(Loss) gain at beginning of period

  $(83) $(77) $(10) $14 

Derivative losses (gains) transferred to earnings

   43   (44)  (2)  (5)

Change in fair value

   45   49   17   (81)
   


 


 


 


Gain (loss) as of September 30

  $5  $(72) $5  $(72)
   


 


 


 


   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
   2005

  2004

 
   (in millions) 

Loss at beginning of period

  $(14) $(83)

Derivative (gains) losses transferred to earnings

   (12)  1 

Change in fair value

   45   12 
   


 


Gain (loss) as of March 31

  $19  $(70)
   


 


 

The fair value of all derivative financial instruments has been calculated based on market quotes.

 

Foreign exchange rates. Altria Group, Inc. uses forward foreign exchange contracts and foreign currency options to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates from third-party and intercompany actual and forecasted transactions and balances.transactions. The primary currencies to which Altria Group, Inc. is exposed include the Japanese yen, Swiss franc and the euro. At September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, Altria Group, Inc. had foreign exchange option and forward contracts with aggregate notional amounts of $7.6$9.6 billion and $13.6$9.7 billion, respectively. The $6.0 billion decrease from December 31, 2003, reflects $2.4 billion due to the change in equal and offsetting foreign currency transactions discussed below, as well as the maturity of contracts that were outstanding at December 31, 2003, partially offset by new agreements in 2004. Included in the foreign currency aggregate notional amounts at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, were $1.0 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, of equal and offsetting foreign currency positions, which do not qualify as hedges and that will not result in any significant gain or loss. In addition, Altria Group, Inc. uses foreign currency swaps to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates related to foreign currency denominated debt. These swaps typically convert fixed-rate foreign currency denominated debt to fixed-rate debt denominated in the functional currency of the borrowing entity. A substantial portion of the foreign currency swap agreements areis accounted for as cash flow hedges. The unrealized gain (loss) relating to foreign currency swap agreements that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP was insignificant as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003.2004. At September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, the notional amounts of foreign currency swap agreements aggregated $2.4$2.6 billion and $2.5$2.7 billion, respectively.

 

Altria Group, Inc. also designates certain foreign currency denominated debt as net investment hedges of foreign operations. During the nine monthsquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, losses of $35 million,a gain, net of income taxes, of $71 million and losses of $37 million,a loss, net of income taxes of $93 million, respectively, which represented effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) within currency translation adjustments.

 

Commodities. Kraft is exposed to price risk related to forecasted purchases of certain commodities used as raw materials. Accordingly, Kraft uses commodity forward contracts as cash flow hedges, primarily for coffee, cocoa, milk and cheese. Commodity futures and options are also used to hedge the price of certain commodities, including milk, coffee, cocoa, wheat, corn, sugar and soybean oil. At September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, Kraft had net long commodity positions of $486$228 million and $255$443 million, respectively. In general, commodity forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase exception under U.S. GAAP. The effective portion of unrealized gains and losses on commodity futures and option contracts is deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) and is recognized as a component of cost of sales when the related inventory is sold. Unrealized gains or losses on net commodity positions were immaterial at September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003.2004.

 

-63--59-


Contingencies

 

See Note 911 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of contingencies.

 

Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

 

We* may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in filings with the SEC,Securities and Exchange Commission, 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,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “targets” 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. 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 invest in or remain invested in Altria Group, Inc.’s 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 the “Business Environment” sections preceding our discussion of operating results of our subsidiaries’ businesses. 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.

 

Tobacco-Related Litigation. There is substantial litigation related to tobacco products in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. We anticipate that new cases will continue to be filed. Damages claimed in some of the tobacco-related litigation range into the billions of dollars. There are presently 1513 cases on appeal in which verdicts were returned against PM USA, including a compensatory and punitive damages verdict totaling approximately $10.1 billion in thePrice case in Illinois. Generally, in order to prevent a plaintiff from seeking to collect a judgment while the verdict is being appealed, the defendant must post an appeal bond, frequently in the amount of the judgment or more, or negotiate an alternative arrangement with plaintiffs. In the event of future losses at trial, we may not always be able to obtain the required bond or to negotiate an acceptable alternative arrangement.

 

The present litigation environment is substantially uncertain, and it is possible that our business, volume, results of operations, cash flows or financial position could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome of pending litigation, including certain of the verdicts against us that are on appeal. We intend to continue vigorously defending all tobacco-related litigation, although we may enter into settlement discussions in particular cases if we believe it is in the best interest of our stockholders to do so. The entire litigation environment may not improve sufficiently to enable the Board of Directors to implement any contemplated restructuring alternatives. Please see Note 911 for a discussion of pending tobacco-related litigation.


*This section uses the terms “we,” “our” and “us” when it is not necessary to distinguish among ALG and its various operating subsidiaries or when any distinction is clear from the context.

 

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Anti-Tobacco Action in the Public and Private Sectors. Our tobacco subsidiaries face significant governmental action aimed at reducing the incidence of smoking and seeking to hold us responsible for the adverse health effects associated with both smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Governmental actions, combined with the diminishing social acceptance of smoking and private actions to restrict smoking, have resulted in reduced industry volume, and we expect this decline to continue.


*This section uses the terms “we,” “our” and “us” when it is not necessary to distinguish among ALG and its various operating subsidiaries or when any distinction is clear from the context.

 

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Excise Taxes. Cigarettes are subject to substantial excise taxes in the United States and to substantial taxation abroad. Significant increases in cigarette-related taxes have been proposed or enacted and are likely to continue to be proposed or enacted within the United States, the EU and in other foreign jurisdictions. TheseIn addition, in certain jurisdictions, PMI’s products are subject to discriminatory tax structures, and inconsistent rulings and interpretations on complex methodologies to determine excise and other tax burdens.

Tax increases are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on sales of cigarettes by our tobacco subsidiaries, due to lower consumption levels and to a shift in salesconsumer purchases from the premium to the non-premium or discount segments or to other low-priced tobacco products or to sales outside of legitimate channels.counterfeit or contraband products.

 

Increased Competition in the Domestic Tobacco Market. Settlements of certain tobacco litigation in the United States have resulted in substantial cigarette price increases. PM USA faces increased competition from lowest priced brands sold by certain domestic and foreign manufacturers that have cost advantages because they are not parties to these settlements. These manufacturers may fail to comply with related state escrow legislation or may take advantage of certain provisions in the legislation that permit the non-settling manufacturers to concentrate their sales in a limited number of states and thereby avoid escrow deposit obligations on the majority of their sales. Additional competition has resulted from diversion into the United States market of cigarettes intended for sale outside the United States, the sale of counterfeit cigarettes by third parties, the sale of cigarettes by third parties over the Internet and by other means designed to avoid collection of applicable taxes and increased imports of foreign lowest priced brands.

 

Governmental Investigations. From time to time, ALG and its tobacco subsidiaries are subject to governmental investigations on a range of matters. Ongoing investigations include allegations of contraband shipments of cigarettes, allegations of unlawful pricing activities within certain international markets and allegations of false and misleading usage of descriptors, such as “Lights” and “Ultra Lights.” 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 affected by an unfavorable outcome of pending or future investigations.

 

New Tobacco Product Technologies. Our tobacco subsidiaries continue to seek ways to develop and to commercialize new product technologies that may reducehave the riskobjective of smoking. Their goal is to reducereducing constituents in tobacco smoke identified by public health authorities as harmful while continuing to offer adult smokers products that meet their taste expectations. We cannot guarantee that our tobacco subsidiaries will succeed in these efforts. If they do not succeed, but one or more of their competitors do, our tobacco subsidiaries may be at a competitive disadvantage.

 

Foreign Currency. Our international food and tobacco subsidiaries conduct their businesses in local currency and, for purposes of financial reporting, their results are translated into U.S. dollars based on average exchange rates prevailing during a reporting period. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported net revenues and operating income will be reduced because the local currency will translate into fewer U.S. dollars.

 

Competition and Economic Downturns. Each of our consumer products subsidiaries is subject to intense competition, changes in consumer preferences and local economic conditions. To be successful, they must continue to:

 

promote brand equity successfully;

 

anticipate and respond to new consumer trends;

 

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develop new products and markets and to broaden brand portfolios in order to compete effectively with lower priced products in a consolidating environment at the retail and manufacturing levels;products;

 

improve productivity; and

 

respond effectively to changing prices for their raw materials.

 

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The willingness of consumers to purchase premium cigarette brands and premium food and beverage brands depends in part on local economic conditions. In periods of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to purchase more private label and other economy brands and the volume of our consumer products subsidiaries could suffer accordingly.

 

Our finance subsidiary, PMCC, holds investments in finance leases, principally in transportation (including aircraft), power generation and manufacturing equipment and facilities. Its lessees are also subject to intense competition and economic conditions. If counterparties to PMCC’s leases fail to manage through difficult economic and competitive conditions, PMCC may have to increase its allowance for losses, which would adversely affect our profitability.

 

Grocery Trade Consolidation. As the retail grocery trade continues to consolidate and retailers grow larger and become more sophisticated, they demand lower pricing and increased promotional programs. Further, these customers are reducing their inventories and increasing their emphasis on private label products. If Kraft fails to use its scale, marketing expertise, branded products and category leadership positions to respond to these trends, its volume growth could slow or it may need to lower prices or increase promotional support of its products, any of which would adversely affect our profitability.

 

Continued Need to Add Food and Beverage Products in Faster Growing and More Profitable Categories. The food and beverage industry’s growth potential is constrained by population growth. Kraft’s success depends in part on its ability to grow its business faster than populations are growing in the markets that it serves. One way to achieve that growth is to enhance its portfolio by adding products that are in faster growing and more profitable categories. If Kraft does not succeed in making these enhancements, its volume growth may slow, which would adversely affect our profitability.

 

Strengthening Brand Portfolios Through Acquisitions and Divestitures. One element of the growth strategy of our consumer product subsidiaries is to strengthen their brand portfolios through active programs of selective acquisitions and divestitures. These subsidiaries are constantly investigating potential acquisition candidates and from time to time Kraft sells businesses that are outside its core categories or that do not meet its growth or profitability targets. Acquisition opportunities are limited and acquisitions present risks of failing to achieve efficient and effective integration, strategic objectives and anticipated revenue improvements and cost savings. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to acquire attractive businesses on favorable terms or that all future acquisitions will be quickly accretive to earnings.

 

Food Raw Material Prices. The raw materials used by our food businesses are largely commodities that experience price volatility caused by external conditions, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations and changes in governmental agricultural programs. Commodity price changes may result in unexpected increases in raw material and packaging costs, and our operating subsidiaries may be unable to increase their prices to offset these increased costs without suffering reduced volume, net revenue and operating companies income. We do not fully hedge against changes in commodity prices and our hedging strategies may not work as planned.

 

Food Safety, Quality and Health Concerns. We could be adversely affected if consumers in Kraft’s principal markets lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products. Adverse publicity about these types of concerns, whether or not valid, may discourage consumers from buying Kraft’s products or cause production and delivery disruptions. Recent publicity concerning the health implications of obesity and trans-fatty acids

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could also reduce consumption of certain of Kraft’s products. In addition, Kraft may need to recall some of its products if they become adulterated or misbranded. Kraft may also be liable if the consumption of any of its products causes injury. A widespread product recall or a significant product liability judgment could cause products to be unavailable for a period of time and a loss of consumer confidence in Kraft’s food products and could have a material adverse effect on Kraft’s business.business and results.

 

Limited Access to Commercial Paper Market. As a result of actions by credit rating agencies during 2003, ALG currently has limited access to the commercial paper market, and may have to rely on its revolving credit facilities as well.facilities.

 

Asset Impairment. We periodically calculate the fair value of our goodwill and intangible assets to test for impairment. This calculation may be affected by the market conditions noted above, as well as interest rates and general economic conditions. If an impairment is determined to exist, we will incur impairment losses, which will reduce our earnings.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Altria Group, Inc. carried out an evaluation, with the participation of Altria Group, Inc.’s management, including ALG’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of Altria Group, Inc.’s disclosure controls and procedures (pursuant to(as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, ALG’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Altria Group, Inc.’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to information relating to Altria Group, Inc. (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in ALG’s reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our management evaluated, with the participation of ALG’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, any change in Altria Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting and determined that there haseffective. There have been no changechanges in Altria Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004 that hashave materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, Altria Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

See Note 9.11.Contingencies, of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of legal proceedings pending against Altria Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. See also Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 to this report.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

ALG’s share repurchase activity for each of the three months ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, were as follows:

 

Period


  Total Number of
Shares
Repurchased (1)


  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


July 1, 2004 –

July 31, 2004

  20,327  $47.67  —    —  

August 1, 2004 –

August 31, 2004

  288,665  $48.25  —    —  

September 1, 2004 –

September 30, 2004

  21,317  $46.71  —    —  
   
          

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004

  330,309  $48.12      
   
          

Period


  Total Number of
Shares
Repurchased (1)


  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


January 1, 2005 –

January 31, 2005

  3,638  $63.62  —    —  

February 1, 2005 –

February 28, 2005

  449,489  $65.84  —    —  

March 1, 2005 –

March 31, 2005

  58,878  $65.22  —    —  
   
          

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2005

  512,005  $65.76      
   
          
(1)The shares repurchased during the periods presented above represent shares tendered to ALG by employees who exercised stock options and used previously owned shares to pay all, or a portion of, the option exercise price and related taxes.

 

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

ALG’s annual meeting of stockholders was held in East Hanover, New Jersey, on April 28, 2005. 1,753,114,603 shares of Common Stock, 84.7% of outstanding shares, were represented in person or by proxy.

The twelve directors listed below were elected to a one-year term expiring in 2006.

   Number of Shares

   For

  Withheld

Elizabeth E. Bailey

  1,714,542,162  38,572,441

Harold Brown

  1,727,729,172  25,385,431

Mathis Cabiallavetta

  1,729,194,177  23,920,426

Louis C. Camilleri

  1,722,088,392  31,026,211

J. Dudley Fishburn

  1,728,394,709  24,719,894

Robert E. R. Huntley

  1,719,721,213  33,393,390

Thomas W. Jones

  1,305,510,113  447,604,490

George Muñoz

  1,725,060,310  28,054,293

Lucio A. Noto

  1,728,325,729  24,788,874

John S. Reed

  1,727,746,244  25,368,359

Carlos Slim Helú

  1,722,453,040  30,661,563

Stephen M. Wolf

  1,719,646,197  33,468,406

The selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors was ratified: 1,710,244,203 shares voted in favor; 25,590,167 shares voted against and 17,280,233 shares abstained.

The 2005 Performance Incentive Plan was approved: 1,230,595,420 shares voted in favor; 148,656,834 shares voted against and 373,862,349 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

The 2005 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors was approved: 1,223,416,312 shares voted in favor; 155,609,500 shares voted against and 374,088,791 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

Four stockholder proposals were defeated:

Stockholder Proposal 1 – Eliminate Animal Testing For Tobacco Products: 31,483,307 shares voted in favor; 1,219,465,238 shares voted against and 502,166,058 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

Stockholder Proposal 2 – Philip Morris To Find Ways To More Adequately Warn Pregnant Women: 37,564,995 shares voted in favor; 1,210,448,457 shares voted against and 505,101,151 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

Stockholder Proposal 3 – Cease Promoting “Light” And “Ultralight” Brands: 52,867,266 shares voted in favor; 1,205,812,934 shares voted against and 494,434,403 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

Stockholder Proposal 4 – Extend New York Fire-Safe Products Nationally: 61,240,082 shares voted in favor; 1,198,680,745 shares voted against and 493,193,776 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

Item 5. Other Information

As discussed in Part II, Item 4, “Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders,” on April 28, 2005, the stockholders of Altria Group, Inc. approved the 2005 Performance Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. The descriptions of the terms and conditions of the 2005 Performance Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors are included in Altria Group, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under their respective headings and are incorporated herein by reference. The 2005 Performance Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors have been filed as Exhibit H and Exhibit I to Altria Group, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and are incorporated herein by reference as exhibits to this report.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

(a)Exhibits

3  Amended By-Laws. (Incorporated by reference to ALG’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 29,December 17, 2004.)
45-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 15, 2005, among Altria Group, Inc., the Initial Lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agents, Credit Suisse First Boston, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as Syndication Agents, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., BNP Paribas, HSBC Bank USA, National Association and UBS Securities LLC as Arrangers and Documentation Agents. (Incorporated by reference to ALG’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2005).
10.1Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Incorporated by reference to ALG’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 28, 2005).
10.2364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 15, 2005, among Altria Group, Inc., the Initial Lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agents, Credit Suisse First Boston, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as Syndication Agents, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., BNP Paribas, HSBC Bank USA, National Association and UBS Securities LLC as Arrangers and Documentation Agents. (Incorporated by reference to ALG’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2005).
10.32005 Performance Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to ALG’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated March 14, 2005).
10.42005 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (Incorporated by reference to ALG’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated March 14, 2005).
12  Statement regarding computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1  Certain Pending Litigation Matters and Recent Developments.
99.2  Trial Schedule for Certain Cases.

 

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Signature

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  

ALTRIA GROUP, INC.

  

/s/ DINYAR S. DEVITRE


  

Dinyar S. Devitre

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

November 5, 2004

May 6, 2005

 

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