Benzinga | Jul 29, 2021 07:10AM EDT

Altria Sees FY21 Adj. EPS $4.56-$4.62 vs $4.59 Est.

Altria narrows its guidance for 2021 full-year adjusted diluted EPS to be in a range of $4.56 to $4.62, representing a growth rate of 4.5% to 6% from an adjusted diluted EPS base of $4.36 in 2020. This range includes the estimated impact of the recently announced Ste. Michelle Transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2021. While the 2021 full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance accounts for a range of scenarios, the external environment remains dynamic. Altria will continue to monitor conditions related to (i) the economy (including unemployment rates and the impact of increased inflation), (ii) fiscal stimulus, (iii) ATC dynamics, including stay-at-home practices, disposable income, purchasing patterns and adoption of smoke-free products, (iv) regulatory and legislative (including excise tax) developments, (v) the timing and extent of COVID-19 vaccine administration and the impact of COVID-19 variants and (vi) expectations for adjusted earnings contributions from its alcohol assets.