“We reaffirm our expectation to deliver 2026 full year adjusted diluted EPS and in a range of $5.56 to $5.72, representing a growth rate of 2.5% to 5.5% and from a base of $5.42 in 2025.”

In context

“earnings in the quarter, up 9.6% versus the prior year. We continue to view our ABI stake as a financial investment and our goal remains to maximize the long-term value of the investment for our shareholders. We remain committed to returning significant value to shareholders and maintaining a strong balance sheet. In the first quarter, we paid approximately $1.8 billion in dividends and repurchased 4.5 million shares for $280 million. At the end of the quarter, we had $72 million remaining under our current share repurchase program, which expires at the end of the year. In addition, our balance sheet remains strong. We retired just over $1 billion of debt that matured in February and our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio as of March 31 and was 1.9x, in line with our target. Finally, on guidance. We reaffirm our expectation to deliver 2026 full year adjusted diluted EPS and in a range of $5.56 to $5.72, representing a growth rate of 2.5% to 5.5% and from a base of $5.42 in 2025. As a result of the strong first quarter performance, we now expect 2026 adjusted diluted EPS growth to be more balanced between the first half and the second half of the year. Our reaffirmed guidance range now contemplates the impact of moderated labor industry growth on combustible and e-vapor product volumes and increased macroeconomic uncertainty facing adult nicotine consumers. Before we wrap up, I'd like to thank Billy for his leadership over his decades of service to Altria. I have enjoyed the privilege of working closely with Billy for many years, and he has positioned us well to succeed in the future. We are committed to building upon the strong foundation he's fostered and accelerating progress toward our vision. With that, Bill and I will be happy to take your questions. While t”