Question · Q3 2025
Mirza Faham Ali Baig questioned the potential financial benefit from duty drawbacks, specifically if it could approximate Altria's federal excise tax payments and drive high single-digit EPS growth towards the mid-single-digit CAGR by 2028. He also asked if the FDA's pilot program for nicotine pouches would influence the national launch of ON+ and why the FDA could accelerate reviews for pouches but not for the larger e-vapor category.
Answer
CEO Billy Gifford cautioned against premature conclusions on duty drawback benefits, framing them as part of a broader international relationship. He stated that Altria's decisions are based on long-term company interests and a functioning regulatory system. Mr. Gifford explained the FDA's pilot program started with nicotine pouches as a 'fairly set category' for learning, with hopes for future expansion to other categories like vapor.