EX-99.1 4 dex991.htm FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financial Statements

Exhibit 99.1

 

ALTRIA GROUP, INC.

and SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Financial Statements as of

December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for Each of the

Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2006


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, at December 31,

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

 


 

     2006

    2005

 

ASSETS

                

Consumer products

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,020     $ 6,258  

Receivables (less allowances of $101 in 2006 and $112 in 2005)

     6,070       5,361  

Inventories:

                

Leaf tobacco

     4,383       4,060  

Other raw materials

     2,498       2,232  

Finished product

     5,305       4,292  
    


 


       12,186       10,584  

Other current assets

     2,876       3,578  
    


 


Total current assets

     26,152       25,781  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

                

Land and land improvements

     1,056       989  

Buildings and building equipment

     7,973       7,428  

Machinery and equipment

     20,990       20,050  

Construction in progress

     1,913       1,489  
    


 


       31,932       29,956  

Less accumulated depreciation

     14,658       13,278  
    


 


       17,274       16,678  

Goodwill

     33,235       31,219  

Other intangible assets, net

     12,085       12,196  

Prepaid pension assets

     1,929       5,692  

Other assets

     6,805       8,975  
    


 


Total consumer products assets

     97,480       100,541  

Financial services

                

Finance assets, net

     6,740       7,189  

Other assets

     50       219  
    


 


Total financial services assets

     6,790       7,408  
    


 


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 104,270     $ 107,949  
    


 


LIABILITIES

                

Consumer products

                

Short-term borrowings

   $ 2,135     $ 2,836  

Current portion of long-term debt

     2,066       3,430  

Accounts payable

     4,016       3,645  

Accrued liabilities:

                

Marketing

     2,450       2,382  

Taxes, except income taxes

     3,696       2,871  

Employment costs

     1,599       1,296  

Settlement charges

     3,552       3,503  

Other

     3,169       3,130  

Income taxes

     933       1,393  

Dividends payable

     1,811       1,672  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     25,427       26,158  

Long-term debt

     13,379       15,653  

Deferred income taxes

     5,321       8,492  

Accrued pension costs

     1,563       1,667  

Accrued postretirement health care costs

     5,023       3,412  

Minority interest

     3,528       4,141  

Other liabilities

     3,712       4,593  
    


 


Total consumer products liabilities

     57,953       64,116  

Financial services

                

Long-term debt

     1,119       2,014  

Non-recourse debt

             201  

Deferred income taxes

     5,530       5,737  

Other liabilities

     49       174  
    


 


Total financial services liabilities

     6,698       8,126  
    


 


Total liabilities

     64,651       72,242  
    


 


Contingencies (Note 19)

                

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

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

     935       935  

Additional paid-in capital

     6,356       6,061  

Earnings reinvested in the business

     59,879       54,666  

Accumulated other comprehensive losses

     (3,808 )     (1,853 )

Cost of repurchased stock
(708,880,389 shares in 2006 and 721,696,918 shares in 2005)

     (23,743 )     (24,102 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     39,619       35,707  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 104,270     $ 107,949  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS of EARNINGS

for the years ended December 31,

(in millions of dollars, except per share data)

 


 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 

Net revenues

   $ 101,407     $ 97,854     $ 89,610  

Cost of sales

     37,480       36,764       33,959  

Excise taxes on products

     31,083       28,934       25,647  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     32,844       32,156       30,004  

Marketing, administration and research costs

     14,913       14,799       13,665  

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

             4       31  

Domestic tobacco loss on U.S. tobacco pool

             138          

Domestic tobacco quota buy-out

             (115 )        

International tobacco Italian antitrust charge

     61                  

International tobacco E.C. agreement

                     250  

Asset impairment and exit costs

     1,180       618       718  

Gain on redemption of United Biscuits investment

     (251 )                

(Gains) losses on sales of businesses, net

     (605 )     (108 )     3  

Provision for airline industry exposure

     103       200       140  

Amortization of intangibles

     30       28       17  
    


 


 


Operating income

     17,413       16,592       15,180  

Interest and other debt expense, net

     877       1,157       1,176  
    


 


 


Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interest, and equity earnings, net

     16,536       15,435       14,004  

Provision for income taxes

     4,351       4,618       4,540  
    


 


 


Earnings from continuing operations before minority interest, and equity earnings, net

     12,185       10,817       9,464  

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

     163       149       44  
    


 


 


Earnings from continuing operations

     12,022       10,668       9,420  

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

             (233 )     (4 )
    


 


 


Net earnings

   $ 12,022     $ 10,435     $ 9,416  
    


 


 


Per share data:

                        

Basic earnings per share:

                        

Continuing operations

   $ 5.76     $ 5.15     $ 4.60  

Discontinued operations

             (0.11 )        
    


 


 


Net earnings

   $ 5.76     $ 5.04     $ 4.60  
    


 


 


Diluted earnings per share:

                        

Continuing operations

   $ 5.71     $ 5.10     $ 4.57  

Discontinued operations

             (0.11 )     (0.01 )
    


 


 


Net earnings

   $ 5.71     $ 4.99     $ 4.56  
    


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS of STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in millions of dollars, except per share data)

 


 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


   Earnings
Reinvested in
the Business


    Accumulated Other     Cost of
Repurchased
Stock


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


 
           Comprehensive Earnings (Losses)

     
           Currency
Translation
Adjustments


    Other

    Total

     

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

                   10,435                                       10,435  

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

                                                              

Currency translation adjustments

                           (707 )             (707 )             (707 )

Additional minimum pension liability

                                   (54 )     (54 )             (54 )

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges

                                   38       38               38  

Other

                                   11       11               11  
                                                          


Total other comprehensive losses

                                                           (712 )
                                                          


Total comprehensive earnings

                                                           9,723  
                                                          


Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

            519      (6 )                             749       1,262  

Cash dividends declared ($3.06 per share)

                   (6,358 )                                     (6,358 )

Other

            366                                              366  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balances, December 31, 2005

     935      6,061      54,666       (1,317 )     (536 )     (1,853 )     (24,102 )     35,707  

Comprehensive earnings:

                                                              

Net earnings

                   12,022                                       12,022  

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

                                                              

Currency translation adjustments

                           1,220               1,220               1,220  

Additional minimum pension liability

                                   233       233               233  

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges

                                   (11 )     (11 )             (11 )

Other

                                   (11 )     (11 )             (11 )
                                                          


Total other comprehensive earnings

                                                           1,431  
                                                          


Total comprehensive earnings

                                                           13,453  
                                                          


Initial adoption of FASB Statement No. 158, net of income taxes (Note 16)

                                   (3,386 )     (3,386 )             (3,386 )

Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

            295      145                               359       799  

Cash dividends declared ($3.32 per share)

                   (6,954 )                                     (6,954 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balances, December 31, 2006

   $ 935    $ 6,356    $ 59,879     $ (97 )   $ (3,711 )   $ (3,808 )   $ (23,743 )   $ 39,619  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS of CASH FLOWS

for the years ended December 31,

(in millions of dollars)

 


 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                        

Net earnings – Consumer products

   $ 11,898     $ 10,418     $ 9,330  

  – Financial services

     124       17       86  
    


 


 


Net earnings

     12,022       10,435       9,416  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:

                        

Consumer products

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     1,804       1,675       1,607  

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

     (274 )     (863 )     381  

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

     163       149       44  

Domestic tobacco legal settlement, net of cash paid

                     (57 )

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges, net of cash paid

     (2 )     (9 )     (22 )

Domestic tobacco quota buy-out

             (115 )        

Escrow bond for the Price domestic tobacco case

     1,850       (420 )     (820 )

Integration costs, net of cash paid

             (1 )     (1 )

Asset impairment and exit costs, net of cash paid

     882       382       510  

Impairment loss on discontinued operations

                     107  

Loss on sale of discontinued operations

             32          

Gain on redemption of United Biscuits investment

     (251 )                

(Gains) losses on sales of businesses, net

     (605 )     (108 )     3  

Income tax reserve reversal

     (1,006 )                

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

                        

Receivables, net

     (271 )     253       (193 )

Inventories

     (1,010 )     (524 )     (140 )

Accounts payable

     123       27       49  

Income taxes

     (504 )     203       (502 )

Accrued liabilities and other current assets

     184       (555 )     785  

Domestic tobacco accrued settlement charges

     50       (30 )     (31 )

Pension plan contributions

     (1,024 )     (1,234 )     (1,078 )

Pension provisions and postretirement, net

     886       793       425  

Other

     826       874       314  

Financial services

                        

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

     (234 )     (126 )     7  

Provision for airline industry exposure

     103       200       140  

Other

     (126 )     22       (54 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     13,586       11,060       10,890  
    


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Continued

 

5


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS of CASH FLOWS (Continued)

for the years ended December 31,

(in millions of dollars)

 


 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                        

Consumer products

                        

Capital expenditures

   $ (2,454 )   $ (2,206 )   $ (1,913 )

Purchase of businesses, net of acquired cash

     (4 )     (4,932 )     (179 )

Proceeds from sales of businesses

     1,466       1,668       18  

Other

     32       112       24  

Financial services

                        

Investments in finance assets

     (15 )     (3 )     (10 )

Proceeds from finance assets

     357       476       644  
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (618 )     (4,885 )     (1,416 )
    


 


 


CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                        

Consumer products

                        

Net (repayment) issuance of short-term borrowings

     (2,059 )     3,114       (1,090 )

Long-term debt proceeds

     69       69       833  

Long-term debt repaid

     (3,459 )     (1,779 )     (1,594 )

Financial services

                        

Long-term debt repaid

     (1,015 )             (189 )

Repurchase of Kraft Foods Inc. common stock

     (1,254 )     (1,175 )     (688 )

Dividends paid on Altria Group, Inc. common stock

     (6,815 )     (6,191 )     (5,672 )

Issuance of Altria Group, Inc. common stock

     486       985       827  

Other

     (319 )     (157 )     (409 )
    


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (14,366 )     (5,134 )     (7,982 )
    


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     160       (527 )     475  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents:

                        

(Decrease) Increase

     (1,238 )     514       1,967  

Balance at beginning of year

     6,258       5,744       3,777  
    


 


 


Balance at end of year

   $ 5,020     $ 6,258     $ 5,744  
    


 


 


Cash paid:    Interest – Consumer products

   $ 1,376     $ 1,628     $ 1,397  
    


 


 


     – Financial services

   $ 108     $ 106     $ 97  
    


 


 


  Income taxes

   $ 6,171     $ 5,397     $ 4,448  
    


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 1. Background and Basis of Presentation:

 

Background:

Throughout these financial statements, 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’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Philip Morris USA Inc. (“PM USA”) and Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI”), and its majority-owned (89.0% as of December 31, 2006) subsidiary, Kraft Foods Inc. (“Kraft”), are engaged in the manufacture and sale of various consumer products, including cigarettes and other 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 had a 28.6% economic and voting interest in SABMiller plc (“SABMiller”) at December 31, 2006. 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.

 

As further discussed in Note 21. Subsequent Event, on January 31, 2007, Altria Group, Inc.’s Board of Directors approved a tax-free distribution to its stockholders of all of its interest in Kraft.

 

In June 2005, Kraft sold substantially all of its sugar confectionery business for pre-tax proceeds of approximately $1.4 billion. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of Kraft’s sugar confectionery business prior to the closing date as discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Basis of presentation:

The consolidated financial statements include ALG, as well as its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in which ALG exercises significant influence (20%-50% ownership interest), are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Investments in which ALG has an ownership interest of less than 20%, or does not exercise significant influence, are accounted for with the cost method of accounting. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions include, among other things, pension and benefit plan assumptions, lives and valuation assumptions of goodwill and other intangible assets, marketing programs, income taxes, and the allowance for loan losses and estimated residual values of finance leases. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Balance sheet accounts are segregated by two broad types of business. 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.

 

Kraft’s operating subsidiaries generally report year-end results as of the Saturday closest to the end of each year. This resulted in fifty-three weeks of operating results for Kraft in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2005, versus fifty-two weeks for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2004.

 

7


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Certain subsidiaries of PMI report their results up to ten days before the end of December, rather than on December 31.

 

Classification of certain prior year balance sheet amounts related to pension plans have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash equivalents include demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Depreciation, amortization and goodwill valuation:

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost and depreciated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods ranging from 3 to 20 years, and buildings and building improvements over periods up to 50 years.

 

Definite life intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Altria Group, Inc. is required to conduct an annual review of goodwill and intangible assets for potential impairment. Goodwill impairment testing requires a comparison between the carrying value and fair value of each reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, goodwill is considered impaired. The amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying value and implied fair value of goodwill, which is determined using discounted cash flows. Impairment testing for non-amortizable intangible assets requires a comparison between the fair value and carrying value of the intangible asset. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value. During 2006, Altria Group, Inc. completed its annual review of goodwill and intangible assets, and recorded non-cash pre-tax charges of $24 million related to intangible asset impairments at Kraft. In addition, as part of the sale of Kraft’s pet snacks brand and assets, Kraft recorded a non-cash pre-tax asset impairment charge of $86 million, which included the write-off of a portion of the associated goodwill and intangible assets of $25 million and $55 million, respectively, as well as $6 million of asset write-downs. In January 2007, Kraft announced the sale of its hot cereal assets and trademarks. In recognition of the sale, Kraft recorded a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $69 million in 2006 for these assets, which included the write-off of a portion of the associated goodwill and intangible assets of $15 million and $52 million, respectively, as well as $2 million of asset write-downs. The 2005 review of goodwill and intangible assets resulted in no charges. However, as part of the sale of certain Canadian assets and two brands, Kraft recorded total non-cash pre-tax asset impairment charges of $269 million in 2005, which included impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $13 million and $118 million, respectively, as well as $138 million of asset write-downs.

 

8


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net, by segment were as follows (in millions):

 

     Goodwill

   Other Intangible Assets, net

    

December 31,

2006


  

December 31,

2005


  

December 31,

2006


  

December 31,

2005


Domestic tobacco

   $ -    $ -    $ 281    $ 281

International tobacco

     6,197      5,571      1,627      1,399

North American food

     20,996      20,803      9,767      10,311

International food

     6,042      4,845      410      205
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 33,235    $ 31,219    $ 12,085    $ 12,196
    

  

  

  

 

Intangible assets were as follows (in millions):

 

     December 31, 2006

   December 31, 2005

    

Gross

Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


Non-amortizable intangible assets

   $ 11,716           $ 11,867       

Amortizable intangible assets

     482    $ 113      410    $ 81
    

  

  

  

Total intangible assets

   $ 12,198    $ 113    $ 12,277    $ 81
    

  

  

  

 

Non-amortizable intangible assets substantially consist of brand names from Kraft’s acquisition of Nabisco Holdings Corp. (“Nabisco”) in 2000 and PMI’s 2005 acquisition of a business in Indonesia. Amortizable intangible assets consist primarily of certain trademark licenses and non-compete agreements. Pre-tax amortization expense for intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, was $30 million, $28 million, and $17 million, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be $30 million or less (including $10 million or less related to Kraft), assuming no additional transactions occur that require the amortization of intangible assets.

 

The movement in goodwill and gross carrying amount of intangible assets is as follows (in millions):

 

     2006

    2005

 
     Goodwill

   

Intangible

Assets


    Goodwill

   

Intangible

Assets


 

Balance at January 1

   $ 31,219     $ 12,277     $ 28,056     $ 11,113  

Changes due to:

                                

Divestitures

     (196 )     (356 )     (18 )        

Acquisitions

     788       332       3,707       1,346  

Currency

     985       130       (866 )     (64 )

Asset impairment

     (40 )     (131 )     (13 )     (118 )

Other

     479       (54 )     353          
    


 


 


 


Balance at December 31

   $ 33,235     $ 12,198     $ 31,219     $ 12,277  
    


 


 


 


 

As a result of Kraft’s common stock repurchases, ALG’s ownership percentage of Kraft has increased from 85.4% at December 31, 2004 to 87.2% at December 31, 2005, and to 89.0% at December 31, 2006, thereby resulting in an increase in goodwill. Other, above, includes this

 

9


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

additional goodwill. The increase in goodwill and intangible assets from acquisitions during 2006 is related primarily to preliminary allocations of purchase price for Kraft’s acquisition of certain United Biscuits operations and Nabisco trademarks as discussed in Note 5. Acquisitions. The allocations are based upon preliminary estimates and assumptions and are subject to revision when appraisals are finalized, which is expected to occur during the first half of 2007. The increase in goodwill and intangible assets from acquisitions during 2005 was related to PMI’s acquisitions in Indonesia and Colombia.

 

Environmental costs:

Altria Group, Inc. is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Altria Group, Inc. provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations on an undiscounted basis when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are adjusted as new information develops or circumstances change.

 

While it is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental remediation and compliance efforts that Altria Group, Inc. may undertake in the future, in the opinion of management, environmental remediation and compliance costs, before taking into account any recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Finance leases:

Income attributable to leveraged leases is initially recorded as unearned income and subsequently recognized as revenue over the terms of the respective leases at constant after-tax rates of return on the positive net investment balances. Investments in leveraged leases are stated net of related nonrecourse debt obligations.

 

Income attributable to direct finance leases is initially recorded as unearned income and subsequently recognized as revenue over the terms of the respective leases at constant pre-tax rates of return on the net investment balances.

 

Finance leases include unguaranteed residual values that represent PMCC’s estimates at lease inception as to the fair values of assets under lease at the end of the non-cancelable lease terms. The estimated residual values are reviewed annually by PMCC’s management based on a number of factors and activity in the relevant industry. If necessary, revisions are recorded to reduce the residual values. Such reviews resulted in decreases of $14 million and $25 million in 2006 and 2004, respectively, to PMCC’s net revenues and results of operations. Such residual reviews resulted in no adjustments in 2005.

 

Foreign currency translation:

Altria Group, Inc. translates the results of operations of its foreign subsidiaries using average exchange rates during each period, whereas balance sheet accounts are translated using exchange rates at the end of each period. Currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings and were not significant for any of the periods presented.

 

Guarantees:

Altria Group, Inc. accounts for guarantees in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” Interpretation No. 45 requires the disclosure of certain guarantees and requires the recognition of a liability for the

 

10


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

fair value of the obligation of qualifying guarantee activities. See Note 19. Contingencies for a further discussion of guarantees.

 

Hedging instruments:

Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period either in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) or in earnings, depending on whether a derivative is designated and effective as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) are reclassified to the consolidated statements of earnings in the periods in which operating results are affected by the hedged item. Cash flows from hedging instruments are classified in the same manner as the affected hedged item in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets:

Altria Group, Inc. reviews long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Altria Group, Inc. performs undiscounted operating cash flow analyses to determine if an impairment exists. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment for assets held for use, Altria Group, Inc. groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. If an impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value. Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal. During 2006, Kraft recorded non-cash pre-tax asset impairment charges of $245 million related to its Tassimo hot beverage business. The charges are included in asset impairment and exit costs in the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

Income taxes:

Altria Group, Inc. accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and in evaluating tax positions. ALG and its subsidiaries establish additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that their tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that are likely to be challenged and that may not be sustained on review by tax authorities. ALG and its subsidiaries evaluate and potentially adjust these accruals in light of changing facts and circumstances. The consolidated tax provision includes the impact of changes to accruals that are considered appropriate.

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which will become effective for Altria Group, Inc. on January 1, 2007. The Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The adoption of FIN 48 by Altria Group, Inc. will result in an increase to stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2007 of approximately $800 million to $900 million. In addition, the FASB also issued FASB Staff

 

11


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Position No. FAS 13-2, “Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating to Income Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction,” which will also become effective for Altria Group, Inc. on January 1, 2007. This Staff Position requires the revenue recognition calculation to be reevaluated if the projected timing of income tax cash flows generated by a leveraged lease is revised. The adoption of this Staff Position by Altria Group, Inc. will result in a reduction to stockholders’ equity of approximately $125 million as of January 1, 2007.

 

Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method is used to cost substantially all domestic inventories. The cost of other inventories is principally determined by the average cost method. It is a generally recognized industry practice to classify leaf tobacco inventory as a current asset although part of such inventory, because of the duration of the aging process, ordinarily would not be utilized within one year.

 

Altria Group, Inc. adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs” prospectively as of January 1, 2006. SFAS No. 151 requires that abnormal idle facility expense, spoilage, freight and handling costs be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overhead costs to inventories be based on the normal capacity of the production facility. The effect of adoption did not have a material impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

Marketing costs:

ALG’s subsidiaries promote their products with advertising, consumer incentives and trade promotions. Such programs include, but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, in-store display incentives and volume-based incentives. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Consumer incentive and trade promotion activities are recorded as a reduction of revenues based on amounts estimated as being due to customers and consumers at the end of a period, based principally on historical utilization and redemption rates. For interim reporting purposes, advertising and certain consumer incentive expenses are charged to operations as a percentage of sales, based on estimated sales and related expenses for the full year.

 

Revenue recognition:

The consumer products businesses recognize revenues, net of sales incentives and including shipping and handling charges billed to customers, upon shipment or delivery of goods when title and risk of loss pass to customers. ALG’s tobacco subsidiaries also include excise taxes billed to customers in revenues. Shipping and handling costs are classified as part of cost of sales.

 

Software costs:

Altria Group, Inc. capitalizes certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use. Capitalized software costs are included in property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the software, which do not exceed five years.

 

Stock-based compensation:

Effective January 1, 2006, Altria Group, Inc. adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) using the modified prospective method,

 

12


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service periods for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock and rights to receive shares of stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the market value at date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined using a modified Black-Scholes methodology. The impact of adoption was not material.

 

The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) resulted in a cumulative effect gain of $9 million, which is net of $5 million in taxes, in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2006. This gain resulted from the impact of estimating future forfeitures on restricted stock and rights to receive shares of stock in the determination of periodic expense for unvested awards, rather than recording forfeitures only when they occur. The gross cumulative effect was recorded in marketing, administration and research costs for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Altria Group, Inc. previously applied the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB 25”) and provided the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). No compensation expense for employee stock options was reflected in net earnings in 2005 and 2004, as all stock options granted under those plans had an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Historical consolidated statements of earnings already include the compensation expense for restricted stock and rights to receive shares of stock. 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 compensation expense for stock option awards for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 (in millions, except per share data):

 

     2005

   2004

Net earnings, as reported

   $ 10,435    $ 9,416

Deduct:

             

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

     15      12
    

  

Pro forma net earnings

   $ 10,420    $ 9,404
    

  

Earnings per share:

             

Basic - as reported

   $ 5.04    $ 4.60
    

  

Basic - pro forma

   $ 5.03    $ 4.59
    

  

Diluted - as reported

   $ 4.99    $ 4.56
    

  

Diluted - pro forma

   $ 4.98    $ 4.56
    

  

 

Altria Group, Inc. has not granted stock options to employees since 2002. The amounts shown above as stock-based compensation expense relate 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. This feature will cease during 2007. During the years ended

 

13


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, Altria Group, Inc. granted 0.7 million, 2.0 million and 1.7 million EOSOs, respectively.

 

Altria Group, Inc. elected to calculate the initial pool of tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the stock-based employee compensation expense recognized in the statement of earnings (“excess tax benefits”) under the FASB Staff Position 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” Excess tax benefits occur when the tax deduction claimed at vesting exceeds the fair value compensation expense accrued under SFAS No. 123(R). Excess tax benefits of $195 million were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2006 and were presented as financing cash flows. Previously, excess tax benefits were included in operating cash flows. Under SFAS No. 123(R), tax shortfalls occur when actual tax deductible compensation expense is less than cumulative stock-based compensation expense recognized in the financial statements. Tax shortfalls of $8 million at Kraft were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2006, and were recorded in additional paid-in capital.

 

Note 3. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs:

 

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, pre-tax asset impairment and exit costs consisted of the following:

 

          2006

   2005

   2004

          (in millions)
Restructuring program    North American food    $ 274    $ 66    $ 383
Restructuring program    International food      304      144      200
Asset impairment    North American food      243      269      8
Asset impairment    International food      181             12
         

  

  

Asset Impairment and
Exit Costs - Kraft

        $ 1,002    $ 479    $ 603
Separation program    Domestic tobacco      10      -      1
Separation program    International tobacco*      121      55      31
Separation program    General corporate**      32      49      56
Asset impairment    International tobacco*      5      35      13
Asset impairment    General corporate**      10             10
Lease termination    General corporate**                    4
         

  

  

Asset impairment and exit costs         $ 1,180    $ 618    $ 718
         

  

  

 

*  In 2006, PMI’s pre-tax charges primarily related to the streamlining of various operations. In July, 2006, PMI announced its intention to close its factory in Munich, Germany in 2009, with the terms and conditions being finalized in the third quarter of 2006 with the local Works Council. PMI estimates that the total cost to close the facility will be approximately $100 million, of which approximately $20 million will be due to accelerated depreciation through 2009. During 2006, PMI incurred $57 million of costs related to the Munich factory closure. During 2005, PMI recorded pre-tax charges of $90 million, primarily related to the write-off of obsolete equipment, severance benefits and impairment charges associated with the closure of a factory in the Czech Republic, and the streamlining of various operations. During 2004, PMI recorded pre-tax charges of $44 million for severance benefits and impairment charges related

 

14


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

to the closure of its Eger, Hungary facility and a factory in Belgium, and the streamlining of its Benelux operations.

 

**In 2006, 2005 and 2004, Altria Group, Inc. recorded pre-tax charges of $42 million, $49 million and $70 million, respectively, primarily related to the streamlining of various corporate functions in each year, and the write-off of an investment in an e-business consumer products purchasing exchange in 2004.

 

Kraft Restructuring Program

 

In January 2004, Kraft announced a three-year restructuring program with the objectives of leveraging Kraft’s global scale, realigning and lowering its cost structure, and optimizing capacity utilization. In January 2006, Kraft announced plans to expand its restructuring efforts through 2008. The entire restructuring program is expected to result in $3.0 billion in pre-tax charges, reflecting asset disposals, severance and implementation costs. The decline of $700 million from the $3.7 billion in pre-tax charges previously announced was due primarily to lower than projected severance costs, the cancellation of an initiative to generate sales efficiencies, and the sale of one plant that was originally planned to be closed. As part of the program, Kraft anticipates the closure of up to 40 facilities and the elimination of approximately 14,000 positions. Approximately $1.9 billion of the $3.0 billion in pre-tax charges are expected to require cash payments. Total pre-tax restructuring charges incurred since the inception of the program in January 2004 were $1.6 billion.

 

The consolidated statements of earnings include asset impairment and exit costs at Kraft as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Restructuring program

   $ 578    $ 210    $ 583

Other asset impairments

     424      269      20
    

  

  

     $ 1,002    $ 479    $ 603
    

  

  

 

Charges under the restructuring program for 2006 resulted from the announced closures of 8 plants, for a total of 27 since the commencement of the restructuring program in January 2004, and the continuation of a number of workforce reduction programs. Other asset impairment charges consist of write-downs in 2006 related to Kraft’s sale of its pet snacks brand and assets, the impairment of its Tassimo hot beverage business, and the impairment of its hot cereal assets and trademarks, as well as charges following its annual review of goodwill and intangible assets. Approximately $332 million of the pre-tax charges incurred in 2006 will require cash payments.

 

Charges under the restructuring program for 2005 resulted from the announced closures of 6 plants and the continuation of a number of workforce reduction programs. The other asset impairments in 2005 related to Kraft’s sale of its fruit snacks assets and Kraft’s sale of certain assets in Canada and a small biscuit brand in the United States.

 

Charges under the restructuring program for 2004 resulted from the announced closures of 13 plants, the termination of co-manufacturing agreements and the commencement of a number of

 

15


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

workforce reduction programs. The other asset impairments in 2004 were composed of impairment charges related to intangible assets and the sale of Kraft’s yogurt brand.

 

Pre-tax restructuring liability activity for 2006 and 2005 was as follows (in millions):

 

     Severance

   

Asset

Write-
downs


    Other

    Total

 

Liability balance, January 1, 2005

   $ 91     $ -     $ 19     $ 110  

Charges

     154       30       26       210  

Cash spent

     (114 )             (50 )     (164 )

Charges against assets

     (12 )     (30 )             (42 )

Currency/other

     (5 )             6       1  
    


 


 


 


Liability balance, December 31, 2005

     114       -       1       115  

Charges

     272       252       54       578  

Cash (spent) received

     (204 )     16       (21 )     (209 )

Charges against assets

     (25 )     (268 )             (293 )

Currency

     8               (2 )     6  
    


 


 


 


Liability balance, December 31, 2006

   $ 165     $ -     $ 32     $ 197  
    


 


 


 


 

Severance costs in the above schedule, which relate to the workforce reduction programs, include the cost of related benefits. Specific programs announced since 2004, as part of the overall restructuring program, will result in the elimination of approximately 9,800 positions. At December 31, 2006, approximately 8,400 of these positions have been eliminated. Asset write-downs relate to the impairment of assets caused by the plant closings and related activity. Other costs incurred relate primarily to contract termination costs associated with the plant closings and the termination of leasing agreements. Severance charges taken against assets relate to incremental pension costs, which reduce prepaid pension assets.

 

During 2006, 2005 and 2004, Kraft recorded pre-tax implementation costs associated with the restructuring program. These costs include the discontinuance of certain product lines and incremental costs related to the integration and streamlining of functions and closure of facilities. Substantially all implementation costs incurred in 2006 will require cash payments. These costs were recorded on the consolidated statements of earnings as follows (in millions):

 

     2006

   2005

   2004

Net revenues

   $ -    $ 2    $ 7

Cost of sales

     25      56      30

Marketing, administration and research costs

     70      29      13
    

  

  

Total - continuing operations

     95      87      50

Discontinued operations

                   8
    

  

  

Total implementation costs

   $ 95    $ 87    $ 58
    

  

  

 

Kraft Asset Impairment Charges:

 

During 2006, Kraft sold its pet snacks brand and assets, and recorded tax expense of $57 million and a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $86 million in recognition of the sale. In January

 

16


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

2007, Kraft announced the sale of its hot cereal assets and trademarks. In recognition of the sale, Kraft recorded a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $69 million in 2006 for these assets. These pre-tax asset impairment charges, which included the write-off of a portion of the associated goodwill, and intangible and fixed assets, were recorded as asset impairment and exit costs on the consolidated statement of earnings. During 2006, Kraft completed its annual review of goodwill and intangible assets, and recorded non-cash pre-tax charges of $24 million related to an intangible asset impairment for biscuits assets in Egypt and hot cereal assets in the United States. Also during 2006, Kraft re-evaluated the business model for its Tassimo hot beverage system, the revenues of which lagged Kraft’s projections. This evaluation resulted in a $245 million non-cash pre-tax asset impairment charge related to lower utilization of existing manufacturing capacity. These charges were recorded as asset impairment and exit costs on the consolidated statement of earnings. In addition, Kraft anticipates that the impairment will result in related cash expenditures of approximately $3 million, primarily related to decommissioning of idle production lines.

 

During 2005, Kraft sold its fruit snacks assets and incurred a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $93 million in recognition of the sale. During December 2005, Kraft reached agreements to sell certain assets in Canada and a small biscuit brand in the United States. These transactions closed in 2006. Kraft incurred pre-tax asset impairment charges of $176 million in 2005 in recognition of these sales. These charges, which include the write-off of all associated intangible assets, were recorded as asset impairment and exit costs on the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

During 2004, Kraft recorded a $29 million non-cash pre-tax charge related to an intangible asset impairment for a small confectionery business in the United States and certain brands in Mexico. A portion of this charge, $17 million, was reclassified to earnings from discontinued operations on the consolidated statement of earnings in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

In November 2004, following discussions between Kraft and its joint venture partner in Turkey, and an independent valuation of its equity investment, it was determined that a permanent decline in value had occurred. This valuation resulted in a $47 million non-cash pre-tax charge. This charge was recorded as marketing, administration and research costs on the consolidated statement of earnings. During 2005, Kraft’s interest in the joint venture was sold.

 

In 2004, as a result of the anticipated sale of the sugar confectionery business in 2005, Kraft recorded non-cash asset impairments totaling $107 million. These charges were included in loss from discontinued operations on the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

In 2004, as a result of the anticipated sale of a yogurt brand in 2005, Kraft recorded asset impairments totaling $8 million. This charge was recorded as asset impairment and exit costs on the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

Note 4. Divestitures:

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

In June 2005, Kraft sold substantially all of its sugar confectionery business for pre-tax proceeds of approximately $1.4 billion. The sale included the Life Savers, Creme Savers, Altoids, Trolli and Sugus brands. Altria Group, Inc. has reflected the results of Kraft’s sugar confectionery

 

17


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

business prior to the closing date as discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Summary results of operations for the sugar confectionery business for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, were as follows (in millions):

 

     2005

    2004

 

Net revenues

   $ 228     $ 477  
    


 


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

   $ 41     $ 103  

Impairment loss on assets of discontinued operations held for sale

             (107 )

Provision for income taxes

     (16 )        

Loss on sale of discontinued operations

     (297 )        

Minority interest in loss from discontinued operations

     39          
    


 


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

   $ (233 )   $ (4 )
    


 


 

As a result of the sale, Kraft recorded a net loss on sale of discontinued operations of $297 million in 2005, related largely to taxes on the transaction. ALG’s share of the loss, net of minority interest, was $255 million.

 

Other:

 

During 2006, Kraft sold its pet snacks brand and assets, and recorded tax expense of $57 million and a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $86 million in recognition of this sale. During 2006, Kraft also sold its rice brand and assets, and its industrial coconut assets. Additionally, during 2006, Kraft sold certain Canadian assets and a small U.S. biscuit brand, and incurred pre-tax asset impairment charges of $176 million in 2005 in recognition of these sales. Also, during 2006, Kraft sold a U.S. coffee plant. The aggregate proceeds received from divestitures during 2006 were $1.5 billion, on which pre-tax gains of $856 million were recorded. As discussed further in Note 5. Acquisitions, these pre-tax gains included a $251 million gain on redemption of Kraft’s United Biscuits investment and a gain of $488 million related to the exchange of PMI’s interest in a beer business in the Dominican Republic.

 

During 2005, Kraft sold its fruit snacks assets and incurred a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $93 million in recognition of this sale. Additionally, during 2005, Kraft sold its desserts assets in the U.K. and its U.S. yogurt brand. The aggregate proceeds received from divestitures, other than the sugar confectionery business, during 2005 were $238 million, on which pre-tax gains of $108 million were recorded.

 

During 2004, Kraft sold a Brazilian snack nuts business and trademarks associated with a candy business in Norway. The aggregate proceeds received from the sales of these businesses were $18 million, on which pre-tax losses of $3 million were recorded.

 

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

 

18


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 5. Acquisitions:

 

United Biscuits:

 

In September 2006, Kraft acquired the Spanish and Portuguese operations of United Biscuits (“UB”), and rights to all Nabisco trademarks in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, which UB has held since 2000, for a total cost of approximately $1.1 billion. The Spanish and Portuguese operations of UB include its biscuits, dry desserts, canned meats, tomato and fruit juice businesses as well as seven UB manufacturing facilities and 1,300 employees. From September 2006 to December 31, 2006, these businesses contributed net revenues of approximately $111 million. The non-cash acquisition was financed by Kraft’s assumption of approximately $541 million of debt issued by the acquired business immediately prior to the acquisition, as well as $530 million of value for the redemption of Kraft’s outstanding investment in UB, primarily deep-discount securities. The redemption of Kraft’s investment in UB resulted in a $251 million pre-tax gain on closing, benefiting Altria Group, Inc. by approximately $0.06 per diluted share.

 

Aside from the debt assumed as part of the acquisition price, Kraft acquired assets consisting primarily of goodwill of $734 million, other intangible assets of $217 million, property, plant and equipment of $161 million, receivables of $101 million and inventories of $34 million. These amounts represent the preliminary allocation of purchase price and are subject to revision when appraisals are finalized, which is expected to occur during the first half of 2007.

 

PMI – Holdings in the Dominican Republic:

 

In November 2006, a subsidiary of PMI exchanged its 47.5% interest in E. León Jimenes, C. por. A. (“ELJ”), which included a 40% indirect interest in ELJ’s beer subsidiary, Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, C. por. A., for 100% ownership of ELJ’s cigarette subsidiary, Industria de Tabaco León Jimenes, S.A. (“ITLJ”) and $427 million of cash, which was contributed to ITLJ prior to the transaction. As a result of the transaction, PMI now owns 100% of the cigarette business and no longer holds an interest in ELJ’s beer business. The exchange of PMI’s interest in ELJ’s beer subsidiary resulted in a pre-tax gain on sale of $488 million, which increased Altria Group, Inc.’s 2006 net earnings by $0.15 per diluted share. The operating results of ELJ’s cigarette subsidiary from November 2006 to December 31, 2006, the amounts of which were not material, were included in Altria Group, Inc.’s operating results.

 

Sampoerna:

 

In March 2005, a subsidiary of PMI acquired 40% of the outstanding shares of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk (“Sampoerna”), an Indonesian tobacco company. In May 2005, PMI purchased an additional 58%, for a total of 98%. The total cost of the transaction was approximately $4.8 billion, including Sampoerna’s cash of approximately $0.3 billion and debt of the U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $0.2 billion. The purchase price was primarily financed through a euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI and its subsidiaries in May 2005, consisting of a euro 2.5 billion three-year term loan facility (which, through repayments has been reduced to euro 1.5 billion) and a euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility. These facilities are not guaranteed by ALG.

 

19


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

The acquisition of Sampoerna allowed PMI to enter the profitable kretek cigarette category in Indonesia. Sampoerna’s financial position and results of operations have been fully consolidated with PMI as of June 1, 2005. From March 2005 to May 2005, PMI recorded equity earnings in Sampoerna. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, Sampoerna contributed $608 million and $315 million, respectively, of operating income and $249 million and $128 million, respectively, of net earnings.

 

During 2006, the allocation of purchase price relating to the acquisition of Sampoerna was completed. Assets purchased consist primarily of goodwill of $3.5 billion, other intangible assets (primarily brands) of $1.3 billion, inventories of $0.5 billion and property, plant and equipment of $0.4 billion. Liabilities assumed in the acquisition consist principally of long-term debt of $0.3 billion and accrued liabilities.

 

Other:

 

In the third quarter of 2006, PMI entered into an agreement with British American Tobacco to purchase the Muratti and Ambassador trademarks in certain markets, as well as rights to L&M and Chesterfield in Hong Kong, in exchange for the rights to Benson & Hedges in certain African markets and a payment of $115 million. The transaction closed in the fourth quarter of 2006.

 

During 2005, PMI acquired a 98.2% stake in Coltabaco, the largest tobacco company in Colombia, for approximately $300 million.

 

During 2004, Kraft purchased a U.S.-based beverage business, and PMI purchased a tobacco business in Finland. The total cost of acquisitions during 2004 was $179 million.

 

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

 

On January 19, 2007, PMI entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 50.2% stake in a Pakistan cigarette manufacturer, Lakson Tobacco Company Limited (“Lakson Tobacco”), which is expected to bring PMI’s stake in Lakson Tobacco to approximately 90%. The transaction is valued at approximately $340 million and is expected to be completed during the first half of 2007. In January 2007, PMI notified the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and local stock exchanges of its intention to commence a public tender offer for the remaining shares.

 

Note 6. Inventories:

 

The cost of approximately 28% and 34% of inventories in 2006 and 2005, respectively, was determined using the LIFO method. The stated LIFO amounts of inventories were approximately $0.6 billion lower than the current cost of inventories at December 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

20


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 7. Investment in SABMiller:

 

At December 31, 2006, ALG had a 28.6% economic and voting interest in SABMiller. ALG’s ownership interest in SABMiller is being accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, ALG’s investment in SABMiller of approximately $3.7 billion and $3.4 billion is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. ALG had deferred tax liabilities of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to its investment in SABMiller. In October 2005, SABMiller purchased a 71.8% interest in Bavaria SA, the second-largest brewer in South America, in exchange for the issuance of 225 million SABMiller ordinary shares. The ordinary shares had a value of approximately $3.5 billion. The remaining shares of Bavaria SA were acquired via a cash tender offer. Following the completion of the share issuance, ALG’s economic ownership interest in SABMiller was reduced from 33.9% to approximately 28.7%. In addition, ALG elected to convert all of its non-voting shares into voting shares, and as a result increased its voting interest from 24.9% to 28.7%. The issuance of SABMiller ordinary shares in exchange for a controlling interest in Bavaria SA resulted in a change of ownership gain for ALG of $402 million, net of income taxes, that was recorded in stockholders’ equity in the fourth quarter of 2005. ALG records its share of SABMiller’s net earnings, based on its economic ownership percentage, in minority interest in earnings from continuing operations and equity earnings, net, on the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Note 8. Finance Assets, net:

 

In 2003, PMCC shifted its strategic focus and is no longer making new investments but is instead focused on managing its existing portfolio of finance assets in order to maximize gains and generate cash flow from asset sales and related activities. Accordingly, PMCC’s operating companies income will fluctuate over time as investments mature or are sold. During 2006, 2005 and 2004, PMCC received proceeds from asset sales and maturities of $357 million, $476 million and $644 million, respectively, and recorded gains of $132 million, $72 million and $112 million, respectively, in operating companies income.

 

At December 31, 2006, finance assets, net, of $6,740 million were comprised of investments in finance leases of $7,207 million and other receivables of $13 million, reduced by allowance for losses of $480 million. At December 31, 2005, finance assets, net, of $7,189 million were comprised of investments in finance leases of $7,737 million and other receivables of $48 million, reduced by allowance for losses of $596 million.

 

21


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

A summary of the net investment in finance leases at December 31, before allowance for losses, was as follows (in millions):

 

     Leveraged Leases

   

Direct

Finance Leases


    Total

 
     2006

    2005

    2006

    2005

    2006

    2005

 

Rentals receivable, net

   $ 7,517     $ 8,237     $ 426     $ 628     $ 7,943     $ 8,865  

Unguaranteed residual values

     1,752       1,846       98       101       1,850       1,947  

Unearned income

     (2,520 )     (2,878 )     (37 )     (159 )     (2,557 )     (3,037 )

Deferred investment tax credits

     (29 )     (38 )                     (29 )     (38 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Investments in finance leases

     6,720       7,167       487       570       7,207       7,737  

Deferred income taxes

     (5,443 )     (5,666 )     (293 )     (320 )     (5,736 )     (5,986 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net investments in finance leases

   $ 1,277     $ 1,501     $ 194     $ 250     $ 1,471     $ 1,751  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

For leveraged leases, rentals receivable, net, represent unpaid rentals, net of principal and interest payments on third-party nonrecourse debt. PMCC’s rights to rentals receivable are subordinate to the third-party nonrecourse debtholders, and the leased equipment is pledged as collateral to the debtholders. The payment of the nonrecourse debt is collateralized by lease payments receivable and the leased property, and is nonrecourse to the general assets of PMCC. As required by U.S. GAAP, the third-party nonrecourse debt of $15.1 billion and $16.7 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, has been offset against the related rentals receivable. There were no leases with contingent rentals in 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

At December 31, 2006, PMCC’s investment in finance leases was principally comprised of the following investment categories: electric power (29%), aircraft (26%), rail and surface transport (23%), manufacturing (12%), and real estate (10%). Investments located outside the United States, which are primarily dollar-denominated, represent 22% and 20% of PMCC’s investments in finance leases in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Among its leasing activities, PMCC leases a number of aircraft, predominantly to major United States passenger carriers. At December 31, 2006, $1.9 billion of PMCC’s finance asset balance related to aircraft. Two of PMCC’s aircraft lessees, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”) and Northwest Airlines, Inc. (“Northwest”) are currently under bankruptcy protection. In addition, PMCC leases one natural gas-fired power plant to an indirect subsidiary of Calpine Corporation (“Calpine”). Calpine, which has guaranteed the lease, is currently operating under bankruptcy protection. PMCC does not record income on leases in bankruptcy. Should a lease rejection or foreclosure occur, it would also result in the write-off of the finance asset balance against PMCC’s allowance for losses and the acceleration of deferred tax payments on these leases. At December 31, 2006, PMCC’s finance asset balances for these leases were as follows:

 

    Delta – PMCC’s leveraged leases with Delta for six Boeing 757, nine Boeing 767, and four McDonnell Douglas (MD-88) aircraft total $257 million. The finance asset balance has been provided for in the allowance for losses.

 

   

Northwest – PMCC has leveraged leases for three Airbus A-320 aircraft totaling $32 million. In 2006, PMCC sold ten Airbus A-319 aircraft financed under leveraged

 

22


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

 

leases, which were rejected by the lessee in 2005. Additionally, during 2006, five regional jets (“RJ85s”) previously financed as leveraged leases were foreclosed upon. Based on PMCC’s assessment of the prospect for recovery on the A-320 aircraft, a portion of the outstanding finance asset balance has been provided for in the allowance for losses.

 

    Calpine – PMCC’s leveraged lease for one 750 megawatt (“MW”) natural gas-fired power plant (located in Pasadena, Texas) was $60 million. The lessee (an affiliate of Calpine) was not included as part of the bankruptcy filing of Calpine. In addition, leases of two 265 MW natural gas-fired power plants (located in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Rumford, Maine), which were part of the bankruptcy filing, were rejected during the first quarter of 2006. It is anticipated that at some point during the Calpine bankruptcy proceedings, PMCC’s interest in these plants will be foreclosed upon by the lenders under the leveraged leases. Based on PMCC’s assessment of the prospect for recovery on the Pasadena plant, a portion of the outstanding finance asset balance has been provided for in the allowance for losses.

 

At December 31, 2006, PMCC’s allowance for losses was $480 million. During the second quarter of 2006, PMCC increased its allowance for losses by $103 million due to continuing issues within the airline industry. Charge-offs to the allowance for losses in 2006 totaled $219 million. The acceleration of taxes on the foreclosures of Northwest RJ85s and six aircraft previously financed under leveraged leases with United Air Lines, Inc. (“United”) written off in the first quarter of 2006 upon United’s emergence from bankruptcy, totaled approximately $80 million. Foreclosures on Delta and Calpine (Tiverton & Rumford) leveraged leases will result in the acceleration of previously deferred taxes of approximately $180 million.

 

In the third quarter of 2005, PMCC recorded a provision for losses of $200 million due to continuing uncertainty within its airline portfolio and bankruptcy filings by Delta and Northwest. As a result of this provision, PMCC’s fixed charges coverage ratio did not meet its 1.25:1 requirement under a support agreement with ALG. Accordingly, as required by the support agreement, a support payment of $150 million was made by ALG to PMCC in September 2005. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2004, PMCC recorded a provision for losses of $140 million for its airline industry exposure. During 2006, 2005 and 2004, charge-offs to the allowance for losses were $219 million, $101 million and $39 million, respectively. It is possible that additional adverse developments may require PMCC to increase its allowance for losses.

 

23


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Rentals receivable in excess of debt service requirements on third-party nonrecourse debt related to leveraged leases and rentals receivable from direct finance leases at December 31, 2006, were as follows (in millions):

 

     Leveraged
Leases


   Direct
Finance
Leases


   Total

2007

   $ 167    $ 55    $ 222

2008

     266      48      314

2009

     276      48      324

2010

     323      45      368

2011

     196      49      245

2012 and thereafter

     6,289      181      6,470
    

  

  

Total

   $ 7,517    $ 426    $ 7,943
    

  

  

 

Included in net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, were leveraged lease revenues of $302 million, $303 million and $351 million, respectively, and direct finance lease revenues of $8 million, $11 million and $38 million, respectively. Income tax expense on leveraged lease revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, was $107 million, $108 million and $136 million, respectively.

 

Income from investment tax credits on leveraged leases and initial direct costs and executory costs on direct finance leases were not significant during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

As discussed further in Note 14. Income Taxes, the Internal Revenue Service has disallowed benefits pertaining to several PMCC leverage lease transactions for the years 1996 through 1999.

 

Note 9. Short-Term Borrowings and Borrowing Arrangements:

 

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, Altria Group, Inc.’s short-term borrowings and related average interest rates consisted of the following (in millions):

 

     2006

    2005

 
     Amount
Outstanding


   Average
Year-End
Rate


    Amount
Outstanding


    Average
Year-End
Rate


 

Consumer products:

                           

Bank loans:

                           

Kraft

   $ 465    6.5 %   $ 398     5.5 %

Other Altria Group companies

     420    8.2       4,411     4.1  

Commercial paper - Kraft

     1,250    5.4       407     4.3  

Amount reclassified as long-term debt

                  (2,380 )      
    

        


     
     $ 2,135          $ 2,836        
    

        


     

 

The fair values of Altria Group, Inc.’s short-term borrowings at December 31, 2006 and 2005, based upon current market interest rates, approximate the amounts disclosed above.

 

24


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

At December 31, 2006, ALG’s debt ratings by major credit rating agencies were as follows:

 

     Short-term

   Long-term

   Outlook

Moody’s

   P-2        Baa1        Stable

Standard & Poor’s

   A-2        BBB        Positive

Fitch

   F-2        BBB+        Stable

 

As discussed in Note 5. Acquisitions, the purchase price of the Sampoerna acquisition was primarily financed through a euro 4.5 billion bank credit facility arranged for PMI and its subsidiaries in May 2005, consisting of a euro 2.5 billion three-year term loan facility (which, through repayments has been reduced to euro 1.5 billion) and a euro 2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2006, borrowings under the term loan were included in long-term debt. These facilities, which are not guaranteed by ALG, require PMI to maintain an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest ratio of not less than 3.5 to 1.0. At December 31, 2006, PMI’s ratio calculated in accordance with the agreements was 29.0 to 1.0.

 

ALG has a 364-day revolving credit facility in the amount of $1.0 billion, which expires on March 30, 2007. In addition, ALG maintains a multi-year credit facility in the amount of $4.0 billion, which expires in April 2010. The ALG facilities require the maintenance of an earnings to fixed charges ratio, as defined by the agreement, of not less than 2.5 to 1.0. At December 31, 2006, the ratio calculated in accordance with the agreement was 11.6 to 1.0.

 

Kraft maintains a multi-year revolving credit facility, which is for its sole use, in the amount of $4.5 billion, which expires in April 2010 and requires the maintenance of a minimum net worth of $20.0 billion. At December 31, 2006, Kraft’s net worth was $28.6 billion.

 

ALG, PMI and Kraft expect to continue to meet their respective covenants. These facilities do not include any credit rating triggers or any provisions that could require the posting of collateral. The multi-year facilities enable the respective companies to reclassify short-term debt on a long-term basis.

 

25


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

At December 31, 2006, credit lines for ALG, Kraft and PMI, and the related activity, were as follows (in billions of dollars):

 

ALG


   December 31, 2006

Type


   Credit Lines

   Amount
Drawn


   Commercial
Paper
Outstanding


   Lines
Available


364-day

   $ 1.0    $ -    $ -    $ 1.0

Multi-year

     4.0                    4.0
    

  

  

  

     $ 5.0    $ -    $ -    $ 5.0
    

  

  

  

Kraft


   December 31, 2006

Type


   Credit Lines

   Amount
Drawn


   Commercial
Paper
Outstanding


   Lines
Available


Multi-year

   $ 4.5    $ -    $ 1.3    $ 3.2
    

  

  

  

 

PMI


   December 31, 2006

Type


   Credit
Lines


  

Amount

Drawn


  

Lines

Available


euro 2.5 billion, 3-year term loan

   $ 2.0    $ 2.0    $ -

euro 2.0 billion, 5-year revolving credit

     2.6             2.6
    

  

  

     $ 4.6    $ 2.0    $ 2.6
    

  

  

 

In addition to the above, certain international subsidiaries of ALG and Kraft maintain credit lines to meet their respective working capital needs. These credit lines, which amounted to approximately $2.2 billion for ALG subsidiaries (other than Kraft) and approximately $1.1 billion for Kraft subsidiaries, are for the sole use of these international businesses. Borrowings on these lines amounted to approximately $0.6 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At December 31, 2006, Kraft also had approximately $0.3 billion of outstanding short-term debt related to its United Biscuits acquisition discussed in Note 5. Acquisitions.

 

ALG does not guarantee the debt of Kraft or PMI.

 

26


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 10. Long-Term Debt:

 

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, Altria Group, Inc.’s long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Consumer products:

                

Short-term borrowings, reclassified as long-term debt

   $ -     $ 2,380  

Notes, 4.00% to 7.65% (average effective rate 5.89%), due through 2031

     10,640       12,721  

Debentures, 7.00% to 7.75% (average effective rate 8.41%), $950 million face amount, due through 2027

     920       981  

Foreign currency obligations:

                

Euro, 3.97% to 5.63% (average effective rate 4.64%), due 2008

     3,305       2,387  

Other foreign

     417       448  

Other

     163       166  
    


 


       15,445       19,083  

Less current portion of long-term debt

     (2,066 )     (3,430 )
    


 


     $ 13,379     $ 15,653  
    


 


Financial services:

                

Eurodollar bonds, 7.50%, due 2009

   $ 499     $ 499  

Swiss franc, 4.00%, due 2007

     620       1,336  

Euro, 6.88%, due 2006

             179  
    


 


     $ 1,119     $ 2,014  
    


 


 

Included in Altria Group, Inc.’s long-term debt amounts above were the following amounts related to Kraft at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Notes, 4.00% to 7.55% (average effective rate 5.62%), due through 2031

   $ 8,290     $ 9,537  

7% Debenture (effective rate 11.32% ), $200 million face amount, due 2011

     170       165  

Foreign currency obligations

     15       16  

Other

     24       25  
    


 


       8,499       9,743  

Less current portion of long-term debt

     (1,418 )     (1,268 )
    


 


     $ 7,081     $ 8,475  
    


 


 

27


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Aggregate maturities of Altria Group, Inc.’s long-term debt are as follows (in millions):

 

     Consumer Products

   Financial Services

     Kraft

  

Other

Altria Group
Companies


    

2007

   $1,418    $   648    $620

2008

        707      4,224     

2009

        755         297      499

2010

           2           22     

2011

     2,202            3     

2012-2016

     2,695      1,001     

2017-2021

           1          

Thereafter

        750         750     

 

Based on market quotes, where available, or interest rates currently available to Altria Group, Inc. for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities, the aggregate fair value of consumer products and financial services long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $17.1 billion and $21.7 billion, respectively.

 

ALG does not guarantee the debt of Kraft or PMI.

 

Note 11. Capital Stock:

 

Shares of authorized common stock are 12 billion; issued, repurchased and outstanding shares were as follows:

 

    

Shares

Issued


   Shares
Repurchased


   

Shares

Outstanding


Balances, January 1, 2004

   2,805,961,317    (768,697,895 )   2,037,263,422

Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

        22,264,054     22,264,054
    
  

 

Balances, December 31, 2004

   2,805,961,317    (746,433,841 )   2,059,527,476

Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

        24,736,923     24,736,923
    
  

 

Balances, December 31, 2005

   2,805,961,317    (721,696,918 )   2,084,264,399

Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards

        12,816,529     12,816,529
    
  

 

Balances, December 31, 2006

   2,805,961,317    (708,880,389 )   2,097,080,928
    
  

 

 

At December 31, 2006, 89,488,842 shares of common stock were reserved for stock options and other stock awards under Altria Group, Inc.’s stock plans, and 10 million shares of Serial Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, were authorized, none of which have been issued.

 

28


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

During 2006, 2005 and 2004, Kraft repurchased 38.7 million, 39.2 million and 21.5 million shares of its Class A common stock at a cost of $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion and $700 million, respectively.

 

Note 12. Stock Plans:

 

Under the Altria Group, Inc. 2005 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), Altria Group, Inc. may grant to eligible employees stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted and deferred stock units, and other stock-based awards, as well as cash-based annual and long-term incentive awards. Up to 50 million shares of common stock may be issued under the 2005 Plan. In addition, Altria Group, Inc. may grant up to one million shares of common stock to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of Altria Group, Inc. under the 2005 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2005 Directors Plan”). At December 31, 2006, employees held options to purchase 40,093,392 shares of Altria Group, Inc.’s common stock, of which 14,525,177 shares were held by Kraft employees. Shares available to be granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Directors Plan at December 31, 2006 were 45,912,082 and 962,948, respectively.

 

Altria Group, Inc. has not granted stock options to employees since 2002. 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. EOSOs are granted at an exercise price of not less than fair market value on the date of the grant, and become exercisable six months after the grant date. This feature will cease during 2007.

 

In addition, Kraft may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted and deferred units, and other awards of its Class A common stock to its employees under the terms of the Kraft 2005 Performance Incentive Plan (the “Kraft Plan”). Up to 150 million shares of Kraft’s Class A common stock may be issued under the Kraft Plan, of which no more than 45 million shares may be awarded as restricted stock. At December 31, 2006, Kraft’s employees held options to purchase 12,978,151 shares of Kraft’s Class A common stock. Shares available to be granted under the Kraft Plan at December 31, 2006 were 143,669,750. Restricted shares available for grant under the Kraft Plan at December 31, 2006 were 38,669,750.

 

Concurrent with Kraft’s Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) in June 2001, certain Altria Group, Inc. employees received a one-time grant of options to purchase shares of Kraft’s Class A common stock held by Altria Group, Inc. at the IPO price of $31.00 per share. At December 31, 2006, employees held options to purchase approximately 1.3 million shares of Kraft’s Class A common stock from Altria Group, Inc.

 

29


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Stock Option Plan

 

Pre-tax compensation cost and the related tax benefit for stock option awards totaled $17 million and $6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006. These amounts included $3 million and $1 million, respectively, related to Kraft. The fair value of the awards was determined using a modified Black-Scholes methodology using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

    

Risk-Free

Interest Rate


 

Expected

Life


  

Expected

Volatility


 

Expected

Dividend

Yield


2006 Altria Group, Inc.

   4.83%   4 years    28.30%   4.29%

2005 Altria Group, Inc.

   3.97      4             32.66      4.39   

2004 Altria Group, Inc.

   2.96      4             37.01      5.22   

 

Altria Group, Inc. stock option activity was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2006:

 

    

Shares
Subject

to Option


   

Weighted

Average

Exercise
Price


   Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term


   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value


Balance at January 1, 2006

   51,657,197     41.82            

Options granted (EOSOs)

   725,129     75.18            

Options exercised

   (12,218,054 )   39.77            

Options canceled

   (70,880 )   41.96            
    

               

Balance at December 31, 2006

   40,093,392     43.05    3 years    $ 1.7 billion
    

               

Exercisable at December 31, 2006

   39,819,096     42.79    3 years    $ 1.7 billion
    

               

 

The aggregate intrinsic value shown in the table above was based on the December 31, 2006 closing price for Altria Group, Inc.’s common stock of $85.82. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $14.53, $14.41 and $11.09, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $456 million, $756 million and $441 million, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Plans

 

Altria Group, Inc. and Kraft may grant shares of restricted stock and rights to receive shares of stock to eligible employees, giving them in most instances all of the rights of stockholders, except that they may not sell, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber such shares and rights. Such shares and rights are subject to forfeiture if certain employment conditions are not met. Restricted stock generally vests on the third anniversary of the grant date.

 

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

 

30


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

compensation expense related to restricted stock and rights for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 as follows (in millions):

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2006

   2005

   2004

Altria Group

   $ 114    $ 115    $ 79

Kraft

     139      148      106
    

  

  

Total

   $ 253    $ 263    $ 185
    

  

  

 

The deferred tax benefit recorded related to this compensation expense was $93 million, $97 million and $68 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. The pre-tax compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes the pre-tax cumulative effect gain of $14 million from the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) ($9 million of which related to Kraft). The unamortized compensation expense related to Altria Group, Inc. and Kraft restricted stock and rights was $341 million at December 31, 2006. This amount included $184 million related to Kraft and $157 million related to Altria Group, Inc. The unamortized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.

 

Altria Group, Inc. restricted stock and rights activity was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2006:

 

     Number of
Shares


    Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Per Share


Balance at January 1, 2006

   7,839,799     $ 48.99

Granted

   1,963,960       74.21

Vested

   (2,998,400 )     36.74

Forfeited

   (408,649 )     58.98
    

     

Balance at December 31, 2006

   6,396,710       61.80
    

     

 

The weighted–average grant date fair value of Altria Group, Inc. restricted stock and rights granted during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $146 million, $137 million and $133 million, respectively, or $74.21, $62.05 and $55.42 per restricted share or right, respectively. The total fair value of Altria Group, Inc. restricted stock and rights vested during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $215 million, $4 million and $8 million, respectively.

 

31


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Kraft’s restricted stock and rights activity was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2006:

 

     Number of
Shares


    Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Per Share


Balance at January 1, 2006

   15,085,116     $ 33.80

Granted

   6,850,265       29.16

Vested

   (4,213,377 )     36.29

Forfeited

   (2,446,584 )     32.07
    

     

Balance at December 31, 2006

   15,275,420       31.31
    

     

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock and rights granted at Kraft during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $200 million, $200 million and $195 million, respectively, or $29.16, $33.26 and $32.23 per restricted share or right, respectively. The total fair value of Kraft restricted stock and rights vested during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $123 million, $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

 

Note 13. Earnings per Share:

 

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

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2006

   2005

    2004

 
     (in millions)  

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ 12,022    $ 10,668     $ 9,420  

Loss from discontinued operations

            (233 )     (4 )
    

  


 


Net earnings

   $ 12,022    $ 10,435     $ 9,416  
    

  


 


Weighted average shares for basic EPS

     2,087      2,070       2,047  

Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions:

                       

Restricted stock and stock rights

     4      6       3  

Stock options

     14      14       13  
    

  


 


Weighted average shares for diluted EPS

     2,105      2,090       2,063  
    

  


 


 

For the 2006, 2005 and 2004 computations, the number of stock options excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted EPS because their effects were antidilutive was immaterial.

 

32


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 14. Income Taxes:

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest, and provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 
     (in millions)  

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interest, and equity earnings, net:

                        

United States

   $ 8,567     $ 8,062     $ 7,414  

Outside United States

     7,969       7,373       6,590  
    


 


 


Total

   $ 16,536     $ 15,435     $ 14,004  
    


 


 


Provision for income taxes:

                        

United States federal:

                        

Current

   $ 2,454     $ 2,909     $ 2,106  

Deferred

     (518 )     (765 )     450  
    


 


 


       1,936       2,144       2,556  

State and local

     345       355       398  
    


 


 


Total United States

     2,281       2,499       2,954  
    


 


 


Outside United States:

                        

Current

     2,060       2,179       1,605  

Deferred

     10       (60 )     (19 )
    


 


 


Total outside United States

     2,070       2,119       1,586  
    


 


 


Total provision for income taxes

   $ 4,351     $ 4,618     $ 4,540  
    


 


 


 

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded its examination of Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated tax returns for the years 1996 through 1999, and issued a final Revenue Agent’s Report (“RAR”) on March 15, 2006. Altria Group, Inc. agreed with the RAR, with the exception of certain leasing matters discussed below. Consequently, in March 2006, Altria Group, Inc. recorded non-cash tax benefits of $1.0 billion, which principally represented the reversal of tax reserves following the issuance of and agreement with the RAR. Although there was no impact to Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated operating cash flow, Altria Group, Inc. reimbursed $337 million in cash to Kraft for its portion of the $1.0 billion in tax benefits, as well as pre-tax interest of $46 million. The tax reversal, adjusted for Kraft’s minority interest, resulted in an increase to net earnings of $960 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Altria Group, Inc. has agreed with all conclusions of the RAR, with the exception of the disallowance of benefits pertaining to several PMCC leveraged lease transactions for the years 1996 through 1999. PMCC will continue to assert its position regarding these leveraged lease transactions and contest approximately $150 million of tax and net interest assessed and paid with regard to them. The IRS may in the future challenge and disallow more of PMCC’s leveraged leases based on recent Revenue Rulings, a recent IRS Notice and subsequent case law addressing specific types of leveraged leases (lease-in/lease-out (“LILO”) and sale-in/lease-out (“SILO”) transactions). PMCC believes that the position and supporting case law described

 

33


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

in the RAR, 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 ALG intend to vigorously defend against any challenges based on that position through litigation. In this regard, on October 16, 2006, PMCC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to claim refunds for a portion of these tax payments and associated interest. However, should PMCC’s position not be upheld, PMCC may have to accelerate the payment of significant amounts of federal income tax and significantly lower its earnings to reflect the recalculation of the income from the affected leveraged leases, which could have a material effect on the earnings and cash flows of Altria Group, Inc. in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year. PMCC considered this matter in its adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48 and FASB Staff Position No. FAS 13-2.

 

As previously discussed in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Altria Group, Inc.’s adoption of FIN 48 will result in an increase to stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2007 of approximately $800 million to $900 million. In addition, the adoption of FASB Staff Position No. FAS 13-2 will result in a reduction to stockholders’ equity of approximately $125 million as of January 1, 2007.

 

The loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2005, includes additional tax expense of $280 million from the sale of Kraft’s sugar confectionery business, prior to any minority interest impact. The loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2004, included a deferred income tax benefit of $43 million.

 

At December 31, 2006, applicable United States federal income taxes and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $11 billion of accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are expected to be permanently reinvested.

 

In October 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. In 2005, Altria Group, Inc. repatriated $6.0 billion of earnings under the provisions of the Jobs Act. Deferred taxes had previously been provided for a portion of the dividends remitted. The reversal of the deferred taxes more than offset the tax costs to repatriate the earnings and resulted in a net tax reduction of $372 million in the 2005 consolidated income tax provision.

 

34


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

The effective income tax rate on pre-tax earnings differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate for the following reasons for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 

U.S. federal statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

                  

State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit excluding IRS audit impacts

   1.6     1.4     1.8  

Benefit related to dividend repatriation under the Jobs Act

         (2.4 )      

Benefit principally related to reversal of federal and state reserves on conclusion of IRS audit

   (6.1 )            

Reversal of other tax accruals no longer required

   (0.9 )   (0.9 )   (3.1 )

Foreign rate differences

   (3.9 )   (3.3 )   (3.6 )

Foreign dividend repatriation cost

   0.1           2.2  

Other

   0.5     0.1     0.1  
    

 

 

Effective tax rate

   26.3 %   29.9 %   32.4 %
    

 

 

 

The tax provision in 2006 includes $1.0 billion of non-cash tax benefits principally representing the reversal of tax reserves after the U.S. IRS concluded its examination of Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated tax returns for the years 1996 through 1999 in the first quarter of 2006. The 2006 rate also includes the reversal of tax accruals of $52 million no longer required at Kraft, the majority of which was in the first quarter of 2006, tax expense at Kraft of $57 million related to the sale of its pet snacks brand and assets in the third quarter, and the reversal of foreign tax accruals no longer required at PMI of $105 million in the fourth quarter. The tax provision in 2005 includes a $372 million benefit related to dividend repatriation under the Jobs Act in 2005, the reversal of $82 million of tax accruals no longer required at Kraft, the majority of which was in the first quarter of 2005, as well as other benefits, including the impact of the domestic manufacturers’ deduction under the Jobs Act and lower repatriation costs. The tax provision in 2004 includes the reversal of $355 million of tax accruals that are no longer required due to foreign tax events that were resolved during the first quarter of 2004 ($35 million) and the second quarter of 2004 ($320 million), and an $81 million favorable resolution of an outstanding tax item at Kraft, the majority of which occurred in the third quarter of 2004.

 

35


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to consumer products deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Deferred income tax assets:

                

Accrued postretirement and postemployment benefits

   $ 2,514     $ 1,534  

Settlement charges

     1,449       1,228  

Other

     70       9  
    


 


Total deferred income tax assets

     4,033       2,771  
    


 


Deferred income tax liabilities:

                

Trade names

     (4,131 )     (4,341 )

Unremitted earnings

     (328 )     (250 )

Property, plant and equipment

     (2,363 )     (2,404 )

Prepaid pension costs

     (277 )     (1,519 )
    


 


Total deferred income tax liabilities

     (7,099 )     (8,514 )
    


 


Net deferred income tax liabilities

   $ (3,066 )   $ (5,743 )
    


 


 

Included in the above deferred income tax assets and liabilities were the following amounts related to Kraft at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Deferred income tax assets:

                

Accrued postretirement and postemployment benefits

   $ 1,531     $ 902  

Other

     421       691  
    


 


Total deferred income tax assets

     1,952       1,593  
    


 


Deferred income tax liabilities:

                

Trade names

     (3,746 )     (3,966 )

Property, plant and equipment

     (1,627 )     (1,734 )

Prepaid pension costs

     (161 )     (1,081 )
    


 


Total deferred income tax liabilities

     (5,534 )     (6,781 )
    


 


Net deferred income tax liabilities

   $ (3,582 )   $ (5,188 )
    


 


 

Financial services deferred income tax liabilities are primarily attributable to temporary differences relating to net investments in finance leases.

 

36


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 15. Segment Reporting:

 

The products of ALG’s subsidiaries include cigarettes and other tobacco products, and food (consisting principally of a wide variety of snacks, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals). Another subsidiary of ALG, PMCC, 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.

 

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. Altria Group, Inc.’s assets are managed on a worldwide basis by major products and, accordingly, asset information is reported for the tobacco, food and financial services segments. As described in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, intangible assets and related amortization are principally attributable to the food and international tobacco businesses. Other assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and the investment in SABMiller. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2.

 

Segment data were as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2006

    2005

    2004

 
     (in millions)  

Net revenues:

                        

Domestic tobacco

   $ 18,474     $ 18,134     $ 17,511  

International tobacco

     48,260       45,288       39,536  

North American food

     23,118       23,293       22,060  

International food

     11,238       10,820       10,108  

Financial services

     317       319       395  
    


 


 


Net revenues

   $ 101,407     $ 97,854     $ 89,610  
    


 


 


Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interest, and equity earnings, net:

                        

Operating companies income:

                        

Domestic tobacco

   $ 4,812     $ 4,581     $ 4,405  

International tobacco

     8,458       7,825       6,566  

North American food

     3,753       3,831       3,870  

International food

     964       1,122       933  

Financial services

     176       31       144  

Amortization of intangibles

     (30 )     (28 )     (17 )

General corporate expenses

     (720 )     (770 )     (721 )
    


 


 


Operating income

     17,413       16,592       15,180  

Interest and other debt expense, net

     (877 )     (1,157 )     (1,176 )
    


 


 


Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interest, and equity earnings, net

   $ 16,536     $ 15,435     $ 14,004  
    


 


 


 

37


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

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

 

• Domestic Tobacco Loss on U.S. Tobacco Pool – As further discussed in Note 19. Contingencies, in October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (“FETRA”) was signed into law. Under the provisions of FETRA, PM USA was obligated to cover its share of potential losses that the government may incur on the disposition of pool tobacco stock accumulated under the previous tobacco price support program. In 2005, PM USA recorded a $138 million expense for its share of the loss.

 

Domestic Tobacco Quota Buy-Out – The provisions of FETRA require PM USA, along with other manufacturers and importers of tobacco products, to make quarterly payments that will be used to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders affected by the legislation. Payments made by PM USA under FETRA offset amounts due under the provisions of the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust (“NTGST”), a trust formerly established to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders. Disputes arose as to the applicability of FETRA to 2004 NTGST payments. During the third quarter of 2005, a North Carolina Supreme Court ruling determined that FETRA enactment had not triggered the offset provisions during 2004 and that tobacco companies were required to make full payment to the NTGST for the full year of 2004. The ruling, along with FETRA billings from the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), established that FETRA was effective beginning in 2005. Accordingly, during the third quarter of 2005, PM USA reversed a 2004 accrual for FETRA payments in the amount of $115 million.

 

International Tobacco Italian Antitrust Charge – During the first quarter of 2006, PMI recorded a $61 million charge related to an Italian antitrust action.

 

International Tobacco E.C. Agreement – In July 2004, PMI entered into an agreement with 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 2004. The agreement calls for additional payments of approximately $150 million on the first anniversary of the agreement (this payment was made in July 2005), approximately $100 million on the second anniversary (this payment was made in July 2006) 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. PMI is also responsible to pay the excise taxes, VAT and customs duties on qualifying product seizures of up to 90 million cigarettes and is subject to payments of five times the applicable taxes and duties if product seizures exceed 90 million cigarettes in a given year. To date, PMI’s payments related to product seizures have been immaterial.

 

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 benefit to operating companies income for the international tobacco segment. During the second quarter of 2005, the new distributor reduced its inventories by approximately 1.0 billion units, resulting in lower

 

38


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

shipments for PMI. The net impact of these actions was a benefit to PMI’s pre-tax operating companies income of approximately $70 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

• Asset Impairment and Exit Costs – See Note 3. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs, for a breakdown of these charges by segment.

 

Gain on Redemption of United Biscuits Investment – During the third quarter of 2006, operating companies income of the international food segment included a pre-tax gain of $251 million from the redemption of its outstanding investment in United Biscuits.

 

Gains/Losses on Sales of Businesses, net – During 2006, operating companies income of the North American food segment included pre-tax gains on sales of businesses, net, of $117 million, related to Kraft’s sale of its rice brand and assets, pet snacks brand and assets, industrial coconut assets, certain Canadian assets, a small U.S. biscuit brand and a U.S. coffee plant. In addition, in 2006, operating companies income of the international tobacco segment included a pre-tax gain of $488 million related to the exchange of PMI’s interest in a beer business in the Dominican Republic. During 2005, operating companies income of the international food segment included pre-tax gains on sales of businesses of $109 million, primarily related to the sale of Kraft’s desserts assets in the U.K. During 2004, Kraft sold a Brazilian snack nuts business and trademarks associated with a candy business in Norway, and recorded aggregate pre-tax losses of $3 million.

 

Provision for Airline Industry Exposure – As discussed in Note 8. Finance Assets, net, during 2006, PMCC increased its allowance for losses by $103 million, due to continuing issues within the airline industry. During 2005, PMCC increased its allowance for losses by $200 million, reflecting its exposure to the troubled airline industry, particularly Delta and Northwest, both of which filed for bankruptcy protection during 2005. Also, during 2004, in recognition of the economic downturn in the airline industry, PMCC increased its allowance for losses by $140 million.

 

See Notes 4 and 5, respectively, regarding divestitures and acquisitions.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Depreciation expense from continuing operations:

                    

Domestic tobacco

   $ 202    $ 208    $ 203

International tobacco

     635      509      453

North American food

     557      551      555

International food

     327      316      309
    

  

  

       1,721      1,584      1,520

Other

     53      61      66
    

  

  

Total depreciation expense from continuing operations

     1,774      1,645      1,586

Depreciation expense from discontinued operations

            2      4
    

  

  

Total depreciation expense

   $ 1,774    $ 1,647    $ 1,590
    

  

  

 

39


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

     At December 31,

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Assets:

                    

Tobacco

   $ 32,618    $ 32,370    $ 27,472

Food

     57,045      58,626      60,760

Financial services

     6,790      7,408      7,845
    

  

  

       96,453      98,404      96,077

Other

     7,817      9,545      5,571
    

  

  

Total assets

   $ 104,270    $ 107,949    $ 101,648
    

  

  

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Capital expenditures from continuing operations:

                    

Domestic tobacco

   $ 361    $ 228    $ 185

International tobacco

     886      736      711

North American food

     712      720      613

International food

     457      451      389
    

  

  

       2,416      2,135      1,898

Other

     38      71      11
    

  

  

Total capital expenditures from continuing operations

     2,454      2,206      1,909

Capital expenditures from discontinued operations

                   4
    

  

  

Total capital expenditures

   $ 2,454    $ 2,206    $ 1,913
    

  

  

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s operations outside the United States, which are principally in the tobacco and food businesses, are organized into geographic regions within each segment, with Europe being the most significant. Total tobacco and food segment net revenues attributable to customers located in Germany, Altria Group, Inc.’s largest European market, were $9.4 billion, $9.3 billion and $9.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Geographic data for net revenues and long-lived assets (which consist of all financial services assets and non-current consumer products assets, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, net) were as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Net revenues:

                    

United States - domestic

   $ 39,470    $ 39,273    $ 37,729

- export

     3,610      3,630      3,493

Europe

     41,004      39,880      36,163

Other

     17,323      15,071      12,225
    

  

  

Total net revenues

   $ 101,407    $ 97,854    $ 89,610
    

  

  

Long-lived assets:

                    

United States

   $ 22,075    $ 27,793    $ 26,347

Europe

     6,685      6,716      6,829

Other

     4,038      4,244      3,459
    

  

  

Total long-lived assets

   $ 32,798    $ 38,753    $ 36,635
    

  

  

 

40


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Note 16. Benefit Plans:

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires that employers recognize the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans on the consolidated balance sheet and record as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Altria Group, Inc. adopted the recognition and related disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, prospectively, on December 31, 2006.

 

SFAS No. 158 also requires an entity to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its fiscal year-end statement of financial position for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Altria Group, Inc.’s non-U.S. pension plans (other than Canadian pension plans) are measured at September 30 of each year. Subsidiaries of PMI and Kraft Foods International are expected to adopt the measurement date provision beginning December 31, 2008. Altria Group, Inc. is presently evaluating the impact of the measurement date change, which is not expected to be significant.

 

The incremental effect of applying SFAS No. 158 on individual line items in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006 was as follows:

 

     Before
Application of
SFAS No. 158


    Adjustments

    After
Application Of
SFAS No. 158


 
     (in millions)  

Other current assets

   $ 2,999     $ (123 )   $ 2,876  

Total current assets

     26,275       (123 )     26,152  

Prepaid pension assets

     5,522       (3,593 )     1,929  

Other assets

     6,185       620       6,805  

Total consumer products assets

     100,576       (3,096 )     97,480  

Total assets

     107,366       (3,096 )     104,270  

Accrued liabilities - other

     3,153       16       3,169  

Total current liabilities

     25,411       16       25,427  

Deferred income taxes

     6,957       (1,636 )     5,321  

Accrued pension costs

     951       612       1,563  

Accrued postretirement health care costs

     3,595       1,428       5,023  

Minority interest

     3,773       (245 )     3,528  

Other liabilities

     3,597       115       3,712  

Total consumer products liabilities

     57,663       290       57,953  

Total liabilities

     64,361       290       64,651  

Accumulated other comprehensive losses

     (422 )     (3,386 )     (3,808 )

Total stockholders’ equity

     43,005       (3,386 )     39,619  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

     107,366       (3,096 )     104,270  

 

41


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Included in Altria Group, Inc.’s adjustment amounts above was a decrease to Kraft’s total assets of $2,286 million, a decrease to Kraft’s total liabilities of $235 million and a decrease to Kraft’s stockholders’ equity of $2,051 million.

 

The amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive losses at December 31, 2006 consisted of the following:

 

     U.S. and Non-U.S.
Pensions


    Postretirement

    Postemployment

    Total

 
     (in millions)  

Net losses

   $ (4,648 )   $ (1,671 )   $ (132 )   $ (6,451 )

Prior service cost

     (208 )     234               26  

Net transition obligation

     (6 )                     (6 )

Deferred income taxes

     1,689       691       50       2,430  

Minority interest

     227       54       (4 )     277  
    


 


 


 


Amounts to be amortized

     (2,946 )     (692 )     (86 )     (3,724 )

Reverse additional minimum pension liability, net of taxes and minority interest

     338                       338  
    


 


 


 


Initial adoption of SFAS No. 158

   $ (2,608 )   $ (692 )   $ (86 )   $ (3,386 )
    


 


 


 


Initial adoption of SFAS No. 158 at Kraft (included above)

   $ (1,600 )   $ (491 )   $ 40     $ (2,051 )
    


 


 


 


 

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.

 

The plan assets and benefit obligations of Altria Group, Inc.’s U.S. and Canadian pension plans are measured at December 31 of each year, and all other non-U.S. pension plans are measured at September 30 of each year. The benefit obligations of Altria Group, Inc.’s postretirement plans are measured at December 31 of each year.

 

42


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Pension Plans

 

Obligations and Funded Status

 

The benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of Altria Group, Inc.’s pension plans at December 31, 2006 and 2005, were as follows:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Non-U.S. Plans

 
     2006

    2005

    2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Benefit obligation at January 1

   $ 11,350     $ 10,896     $ 6,886     $ 6,201  

Service cost

     285       277       234       206  

Interest cost

     645       616       280       283  

Benefits paid

     (737 )     (778 )     (298 )     (274 )

Termination, settlement and curtailment

     59       50       (37 )     (5 )

Actuarial (gains) losses

     (74 )     268       (182 )     727  

Currency

                     462       (392 )

Acquisitions

                             71  

Other

     13       21       57       69  
    


 


 


 


Benefit obligation at December 31

     11,541       11,350       7,402       6,886  
    


 


 


 


Fair value of plan assets at January 1

     11,222       10,569       5,322       4,476  

Actual return on plan assets

     1,781       686       541       759  

Employer contributions

     432       737       592       497  

Employee contributions

                     29       26  

Benefits paid

     (737 )     (767 )     (298 )     (189 )

Termination, settlement and curtailment

                     (40 )     (11 )

Currency

                     373       (257 )

Actuarial gains (losses)

     26       (3 )     13       (3 )

Acquisitions

                             24  
    


 


 


 


Fair value of plan assets at December 31

     12,724       11,222       6,532       5,322  
    


 


 


 


Net pension asset (liability) recognized at December 31, 2006

   $ 1,183             $ (870 )        
    


         


       

Funded status (plan assets less than benefit obligations) at December 31, 2005

             (128 )             (1,564 )

Unrecognized actuarial losses

             4,469               1,849  

Unrecognized prior service cost

             123               93  

Additional minimum liability

             (177 )             (787 )

Unrecognized net transition obligation

                             8  
            


         


Net prepaid pension asset (liability) recognized at December 31, 2005

           $ 4,287             $ (401 )
            


         


Net prepaid pension asset (liability) recognized at Kraft (included above)

   $ 741     $ 2,717     $ (613 )   $ (332 )
    


 


 


 


 

43


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

The combined U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans resulted in a net prepaid pension asset of $0.3 billion at December 31, 2006 and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2005. These amounts were recognized in Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006 and 2005, as follows:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in billions)  

Prepaid pension assets

   $ 1.9     $ 5.7  

Other accrued liabilities

             (0.1 )

Accrued pension costs

     (1.6 )     (1.7 )
    


 


     $ 0.3     $ 3.9  
    


 


 

Included in the Altria Group, Inc. amounts above were the following amounts related to Kraft:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in billions)  

Prepaid pension assets

   $ 1.2     $ 3.6  

Other accrued liabilities

     (0.1 )        

Accrued pension costs

     (1.0 )     (1.2 )
    


 


     $ 0.1     $ 2.4  
    


 


 

The accumulated benefit obligation, which represents benefits earned to date, for the U.S. pension plans was $10.3 billion and $10.1 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for non-U.S. pension plans was $6.6 billion and $6.1 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

For U.S. plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets were $467 million, $379 million and $15 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2006, and $488 million, $384 million and $18 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2005. The majority of these relate to plans for salaried employees that cannot be funded under I.R.S. regulations. For non-U.S. plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets were $1,549 million, $1,445 million and $689 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2006, and $4,583 million, $4,052 million and $2,956 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2005.

 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine Altria Group, Inc.’s benefit obligations under the plans at December 31:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Non-U.S. Plans

 
     2006

    2005

    2006

    2005

 

Discount rate

   5.90 %   5.64 %   4.32 %   4.04 %

Rate of compensation increase

   4.20     4.20     3.09     3.13  

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s 2006 year end U.S. and Canadian plans discount rates were developed from a model portfolio of high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with durations that match the expected future cash flows of the benefit obligations. The 2006 year-end discount rates for

 

44


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Altria Group, Inc.’s non-U.S. plans were developed from local bond indices that match local benefit obligations as closely as possible.

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

Net periodic pension cost consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Non-U.S. Plans

 
     2006

    2005

    2004

    2006

    2005

    2004

 
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   $ 285     $ 277     $ 247     $ 234     $ 206     $ 180  

Interest cost

     645       616       613       280       283       254  

Expected return on plan assets

     (897 )     (870 )     (932 )     (393 )     (352 )     (318 )

Amortization:

                                                

Net loss from experience differences

     352       271       157       111       70       50  

Prior service cost

     17       19       16       13       14       14  

Termination, settlement and curtailment

     81       92       48       15       27       3  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net periodic pension cost

   $ 483     $ 405     $ 149     $ 260     $ 248     $ 183  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

During 2006, 2005 and 2004, employees left Altria Group, Inc. under voluntary early retirement and workforce reduction programs. These events resulted in settlement losses, curtailment losses and termination benefits for the U.S. plans in 2006, 2005 and 2004 of $32 million, $19 million and $7 million, respectively. In addition, retiring employees of Kraft North America Commercial (“KNAC”) elected lump-sum payments, resulting in settlement losses of $49 million, $73 million and $41 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. During 2006, 2005 and 2004, non-U.S. plant closures and early retirement benefits resulted in curtailment and settlement losses of $15 million, $27 million and $3 million, respectively.

 

The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the combined U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans that is expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during 2007 are $341 million and $31 million, respectively.

 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine Altria Group, Inc.’s net pension cost for the years ended December 31:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Non-U.S. Plans

 
     2006

    2005

    2004

    2006

    2005

    2004

 

Discount rate

   5.64 %   5.75 %   6.25 %   4.04 %   4.75 %   4.87 %

Expected rate of return on plan assets

   8.00     8.00     9.00     7.42     7.54     7.82  

Rate of compensation increase

   4.20     4.20     4.20     3.13     3.28     3.40  

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s expected rate of return on plan assets is determined by the plan assets’ historical long-term investment performance, current asset allocation and estimates of future long-term returns by asset class.

 

ALG and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor deferred profit-sharing plans covering certain salaried, non-union and union employees. Contributions and costs are determined generally as a percentage of pre-tax earnings, as defined by the plans. Certain other subsidiaries of ALG also

 

45


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

maintain defined contribution plans. Amounts charged to expense for defined contribution plans totaled $247 million, $256 million and $244 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Plan Assets

 

The percentage of fair value of pension plan assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005, was as follows:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Non-U.S. Plans

 

Asset Category


   2006

    2005

    2006

    2005

 

Equity securities

   72 %   74 %   58 %   60 %

Debt securities

   28     25     36     35  

Real estate

               2     3  

Other

         1     4     2  
    

 

 

 

Total

   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

 

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s investment strategy is based on an expectation that equity securities will outperform debt securities over the long term. Accordingly, the composition of Altria Group, Inc.’s U.S. plan assets is broadly characterized as a 70%/30% allocation between equity and debt securities. The strategy utilizes indexed U.S. equity securities, actively managed international equity securities and actively managed investment grade debt securities (which constitute 80% or more of debt securities) with lesser allocations to high-yield and international debt securities.

 

For the plans outside the U.S., the investment strategy is subject to local regulations and the asset/liability profiles of the plans in each individual country. These specific circumstances result in a level of equity exposure that is typically less than the U.S. plans. In aggregate, the actual asset allocations of the non-U.S. plans are virtually identical to their respective asset policy targets.

 

Altria Group, Inc. attempts to mitigate investment risk by rebalancing between equity and debt asset classes as Altria Group, Inc.’s contributions and monthly benefit payments are made.

 

Altria Group, Inc. presently makes, and plans to make, contributions, to the extent that they are tax deductible and do not generate an excise tax liability, in order to maintain plan assets in excess of the accumulated benefit obligation of its funded U.S. and non-U.S. plans. Currently, Altria Group, Inc. anticipates making contributions of approximately $38 million in 2007 to its U.S. plans and approximately $262 million in 2007 to its non-U.S. plans, based on current tax law. These amounts include approximately $16 million and $157 million that Kraft anticipates making to its U.S. and non-U.S. plans, respectively. However, these estimates are subject to change as 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.

 

46


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

The estimated future benefit payments from the Altria Group, Inc. pension plans at December 31, 2006, were as follows:

 

     U.S. Plans

   Non-U.S. Plans

     (in millions)

2007

   $   740    $   296

2008

   657    302

2009

   678    310

2010

   705    321

2011

   736    329

2012-2016

   4,167    1,816

 

Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

Net postretirement health care costs consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   $ 99     $ 96     $ 85  

Interest cost

     295       280       280  

Amortization:

                        

Net loss from experience differences

     117       82       57  

Prior service credit

     (32 )     (29 )     (25 )

Other expense

             2       1  
    


 


 


Net postretirement health care costs

   $ 479     $ 431     $ 398  
    


 


 


 

The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the postretirement benefit plans that are expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net postretirement health care costs during 2007 are $102 million and $(35) million, respectively.

 

During 2005 and 2004, Altria Group, Inc. instituted early retirement programs. These actions resulted in special termination benefits and curtailment losses of $2 million and $1 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively, which are included in other expense, above.

 

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.

 

47


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Altria Group, Inc. adopted FSP 106-2 in the third quarter of 2004. The impact for 2006, 2005 and 2004 was a reduction of pre-tax net postretirement health care costs and an increase in net earnings, which is included above as a reduction of the following:

 

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Service cost

   $ 10    $ 10    $ 4

Interest cost

     31      28      11

Amortization of unrecognized net loss from experience differences

     30      29      13
    

  

  

Reduction of pre-tax net postretirement health care costs and an increase in net earnings

   $ 71    $ 67    $ 28
    

  

  

Reduction related to Kraft included above

   $ 59    $ 55    $ 24
    

  

  

 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine Altria Group, Inc.’s net postretirement cost for the years ended December 31:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Canadian Plans

 
     2006

    2005

    2004

    2006

    2005

    2004

 

Discount rate

   5.64 %   5.75 %   6.25 %   5.00 %   5.75 %   6.50 %

Health care cost trend rate

   8.00     8.00     8.90     9.00     9.50     8.00  

 

48


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Altria Group, Inc.’s postretirement health care plans are not funded. The changes in the accumulated benefit obligation and net amount accrued at December 31, 2006 and 2005, were as follows:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at January 1

   $ 5,395     $ 4,819  

Service cost

     99       96  

Interest cost

     295       280  

Benefits paid

     (289 )     (291 )

Curtailments

     1       2  

Plan amendments

     (93 )     19  

Currency

     3       2  

Assumption changes

     3       352  

Actuarial losses

     (71 )     116  
    


 


Accrued postretirement health care costs at December 31, 2006

   $ 5,343          
    


       

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2005

             5,395  

Unrecognized actuarial losses

             (1,857 )

Unrecognized prior service credit

             173  
            


Accrued postretirement health care costs at December 31, 2005

           $ 3,711  
            


Accrued postretirement health care costs at Kraft (included above) at December 31

   $ 3,230     $ 2,139  
    


 


 

The current portion of Altria Group, Inc.’s accrued postretirement health care costs of $320 million and $299 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, is included in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The current portion of Kraft’s accrued postretirement health care costs included in Altria Group, Inc.’s amount was $216 million and $208 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine Altria Group, Inc.’s postretirement benefit obligations at December 31:

 

     U.S. Plans

    Canadian Plans

 
     2006

    2005

    2006

    2005

 

Discount rate

   5.90 %   5.64 %   5.00 %   5.00 %

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

   8.00     8.00     8.50     9.00  

Ultimate trend rate

   5.00     5.00     6.00     6.00  

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

   2011     2009     2012     2012  

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of December 31, 2006:

 

49


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

    

One-Percentage-Point

Increase


 

One-Percentage-Point

Decrease


Effect on total of service and interest cost

   13.5%   (10.7)%

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   10.6     (8.8)  

 

Altria Group, Inc.’s estimated future benefit payments for its postretirement health care plans at December 31, 2006, were as follows:

 

     U.S. Plans

   Canadian Plans

     (in millions)

2007

   $   312    $  8

2008

   324    8

2009

   335    8

2010

   346    8

2011

   357    9

2012-2016

   1,885    48

 

Postemployment Benefit Plans

 

ALG and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor postemployment benefit plans covering substantially all salaried and certain hourly employees. The cost of these plans is charged to expense over the working life of the covered employees. Net postemployment costs consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006

   2005

   2004

     (in millions)

Service cost

   $ 23    $ 18    $ 18

Interest cost

     16              

Amortization of unrecognized net loss

     5      9      10

Other expense

     299      219      226
    

  

  

Net postemployment costs

   $ 343    $ 246    $ 254
    

  

  

 

As discussed in Note 3. Asset Impairment and Exit Costs, certain employees left Kraft under the restructuring program and certain salaried employees left Altria Group, Inc. under separation programs. These programs resulted in incremental postemployment costs, which are included in other expense, above.

 

The estimated net loss for the postemployment benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net postemployment costs during 2007 is approximately $13 million.

 

50


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Altria Group, Inc.’s postemployment plans are not funded. The changes in the benefit obligations of the plans at December 31, 2006 and 2005, were as follows:

 

     2006

    2005

 
     (in millions)  

Accumulated benefit obligation at January 1

   $ 533     $ 457  

Service cost

     23       18  

Interest cost

     16          

Kraft restructuring program

     247       139  

Benefits paid

     (358 )     (318 )

Actuarial losses and assumption changes

     138       237  

Other

     52          
    


       

Accrued postemployment costs at December 31, 2006

   $ 651          
    


       

Accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2005

             533  

Unrecognized experience loss

             (86 )
            


Accrued postemployment costs at December 31, 2005

           $ 447  
            


Accrued postemployment costs at Kraft (included above)

   $ 238     $ 300  
    


 


 

The accumulated benefit obligation was determined using a discount rate of 7.0% in 2006, an assumed ultimate annual turnover rate of 1.0% and 0.5% in 2006 and 2005, respectively, assumed compensation cost increases of 4.2% and 4.3% in 2006 and 2005, respectively, and assumed benefits as defined in the respective plans. Postemployment costs arising from actions that offer employees benefits in excess of those specified in the respective plans are charged to expense when incurred.

 

Note 17. Additional Information:

 

The amounts shown below are for continuing operations.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2006

    2005

    2004

 
     (in millions)  

Research and development expense

   $ 1,005     $ 943     $ 809  
    


 


 


Advertising expense

   $ 1,824     $ 1,784     $ 1,763  
    


 


 


Interest and other debt expense, net:

                        

Interest expense

   $ 1,331     $ 1,556     $ 1,417  

Interest income

     (454 )     (399 )     (241 )
    


 


 


     $ 877     $ 1,157     $ 1,176  
    


 


 


Interest expense of financial services operations included in cost of sales

   $ 81     $ 107     $ 106  
    


 


 


Rent expense

   $ 746     $ 748     $ 738  
    


 


 


 

51


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2006, were as follows (in millions):

 

2007

   $ 415

2008

     316

2009

     225

2010

     155

2011

     115

Thereafter

     340
    

     $ 1,566
    

 

Note 18. Financial Instruments:

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

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. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. Altria Group, Inc. formally documents the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Additionally, for hedges of forecasted transactions, the significant characteristics and expected terms of the forecasted transaction must be specifically identified, and it must be probable that each forecasted transaction will occur. If it were deemed probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the gain or loss would be recognized in earnings currently.

 

Altria Group, Inc. uses forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign currency swaps and foreign currency options to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates from third-party and intercompany actual and forecasted transactions. The primary currencies to which Altria Group, Inc. is exposed include the Japanese yen, Swiss franc and the euro. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, Altria Group, Inc. had contracts with aggregate notional amounts of $5.9 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively, of which $2.6 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, were at Kraft. The effective portion of unrealized gains and losses associated with qualifying contracts is deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) until the underlying hedged transactions are reported on Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated statement of earnings.

 

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. These swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the notional amounts of foreign currency swap agreements aggregated $1.4 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively.

 

52


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Altria Group, Inc. also designates certain foreign currency denominated debt as net investment hedges of foreign operations. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2004, these hedges of net investments resulted in losses, net of income taxes, of $164 million and $344 million, respectively, and during the year ended December 31, 2005 resulted in a gain, net of income taxes, of $369 million. These gains and losses were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) within currency translation adjustments.

 

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, milk, sugar and cocoa. In general, commodity forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase exception under U.S. GAAP, and are therefore not subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 133. In addition, commodity futures and options are also used to hedge the price of certain commodities, including milk, coffee, cocoa, wheat, corn, sugar, soybean oil, natural gas and heating oil. For qualifying contracts, 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 December 31, 2006 and 2005. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, Kraft had net long commodity positions of $533 million and $521 million, respectively.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, ineffectiveness related to fair value hedges and cash flow hedges was not material. Altria Group, Inc. is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next twenty-three months. At December 31, 2006, Altria Group, Inc. estimates that an insignificant amount of derivative gains, 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.

 

Derivative gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) are a result of qualifying hedging activity. Transfers of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses) to earnings are offset by the corresponding gains or losses on the underlying hedged item. Hedging activity affected accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses), net of income taxes, during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, as follows (in millions):

 

     2006

    2005

    2004

 

Gain (loss) as of January 1

   $ 24     $ (14 )   $ (83 )

Derivative (gains) losses transferred to earnings

     (35 )     (95 )     86  

Change in fair value

     24       133       (17 )
    


 


 


Gain (loss) as of December 31

   $ 13     $ 24     $ (14 )
    


 


 


 

53


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Credit exposure and credit risk

 

Altria Group, Inc. is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. Altria Group, Inc. does not anticipate nonperformance within its consumer products businesses. However, see Note 8. Finance Assets, net regarding certain aircraft and other leases.

 

Fair value

 

The aggregate fair value, based on market quotes, of Altria Group, Inc.’s total debt at December 31, 2006, was $19.2 billion, as compared with its carrying value of $18.7 billion. The aggregate fair value, based on market quotes, of Altria Group, Inc.’s total debt at December 31, 2005, was $24.6 billion, as compared with its carrying value of $23.9 billion.

 

The fair value, based on market quotes, of Altria Group, Inc.’s equity investment in SABMiller at December 31, 2006, was $9.9 billion, as compared with its carrying value of $3.7 billion. The fair value, based on market quotes, of Altria Group, Inc.’s equity investment in SABMiller at December 31, 2005, was $7.8 billion, as compared with its carrying value of $3.4 billion.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements,” which will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of this statement will not have a material impact on Altria Group, Inc.’s financial statements.

 

See Notes 9 and 10 for additional disclosures of fair value for short-term borrowings and long-term debt.

 

Note 19. 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

 

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 or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring 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, (iv) class action suits alleging that the uses of the terms “Lights” and

 

54


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

“Ultra Lights” constitute deceptive and unfair trade practices, common law fraud, or violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), and (v) other tobacco-related litigation described below. Damages claimed in some of the tobacco-related litigation range into the billions of dollars. Plaintiffs’ theories of recovery and the defenses raised in pending smoking and health, health care cost recovery and Lights/Ultra Lights cases are discussed below.

 

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 December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and a page-reference to further discussions of each type of case.

 

Type of Case


 

Number of Cases
Pending as of
December 31,

2006


  Number of Cases
Pending as of
December 31,
2005


  Number of Cases
Pending as of
December 31,
2004


  Page
References


Individual Smoking and

Health Cases (1)

  196   228   222   67

Smoking and Health Class

Actions and Aggregated

Claims Litigation (2)

  10   9   9   67 - 68

Health Care Cost Recovery

Actions

  5   4   10   68 - 74

Lights/Ultra Lights Class

Actions

  20   24   21   75 -77

Tobacco Price Cases

  2   2   2   77

Cigarette Contraband Cases

  0   0   2   78

Asbestos Contribution Cases

  0   1   1    

 

  (1) Does not include 2,624 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. Also, does not include nine individual smoking and health cases brought against certain retailers that are indemnitees of PM USA.

 

  (2)

Includes as one case the aggregated claims of 928 individuals (of which 583 individuals have claims against PM USA) that are proposed to be tried in a single proceeding in West Virginia. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has ruled that the United States Constitution does not preclude a trial in two phases in this case. Issues related to defendants’ conduct, plaintiffs’ entitlement to punitive damages and a punitive damages

 

55


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

 

multiplier, if any, would be determined in the first phase. The second phase would consist of individual trials to determine liability, if any, and compensatory damages.

 

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 133 individual smoking and health cases as of December 31, 2006 (Argentina (57), Australia (2), Brazil (57), Chile (6), France (1), Italy (5), the Philippines (1), Poland (1), Scotland (1), and Spain (2)), compared with approximately 132 such cases on December 31, 2005, and approximately 121 such cases on December 31, 2004. In addition, in Italy, 23 cases are pending in the Italian equivalent of small claims court where damages are limited to €2,000 per case, and three cases are pending in Finland and one in Israel against defendants that are indemnitees of a subsidiary of PMI.

 

In addition, as of December 31, 2006, there were two smoking and health putative class actions pending outside the United States against PMI in Brazil (1) and Israel (1) compared with three such cases on December 31, 2005, and three such cases on December 31, 2004. Three health care cost recovery actions are pending in Israel (1), Canada (1) and France (1), against PMI or its affiliates, and two Lights/Ultra Lights class actions are pending in Israel.

 

Pending and Upcoming Trials

 

As of December 31, 2006, six individual smoking and health cases against PM USA are scheduled for trial in 2007. Trial in an individual smoking and health case in California (Whiteley) began on January 22, 2007. Cases against other tobacco companies are also scheduled for trial through the end of 2007. Trial dates are subject to change.

 

Recent Trial Results

 

Since January 1999, verdicts have been returned in 45 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 28 of the 45 cases. These 28 cases were tried in California (4), Florida (9), Mississippi (1), Missouri (2), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New York (3), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), Rhode Island (1), Tennessee (2), and West Virginia (1). Plaintiffs’ appeals or post-trial motions challenging the verdicts are pending in California, the District of Columbia, Florida and Missouri. 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.

 

In July 2005, a jury in Tennessee returned a verdict in favor of PM USA in a case in which plaintiffs had challenged PM USA’s retail promotional and merchandising programs under the Robinson-Patman Act.

 

Of the 17 cases in which verdicts were returned in favor of plaintiffs, eight have reached final resolution. A verdict against defendants in a health care cost recovery case has been reversed and all claims were dismissed with prejudice. In addition, a verdict against defendants in a purported Lights class action in Illinois has been reversed and the case has been dismissed with prejudice. After exhausting all appeals, PM USA has paid six judgments totaling $71,476,238, and interest totaling $33,799,281.

 

The chart below lists the verdicts and post-trial developments in 12 cases that have gone to trial since January 1999 in which verdicts were returned in favor of plaintiffs.

 

56


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


August 2006    District of Columbia/United States of America    Health Care Cost Recovery    Finding that defendants, including ALG and PM USA, violated the civil provisions of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). No monetary damages assessed, but court made specific findings and issued injunctions. See Federal Government’s Lawsuit, below.    Defendants filed notices of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals in September and the Department of Justice filed its notice of appeal in October. In October 2006, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals stayed implementation of the trial court’s remedies order pending its review of the decision. See Federal Government’s Lawsuit, below.

 

57


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


March 2005   

New York/

Rose

   Individual Smoking and Health    $3.42 million in compensatory damages against two defendants, including PM USA, and $17.1 million in punitive damages against PM USA.    PM USA’s appeal is pending.
October 2004   

Florida/

Arnitz

   Individual Smoking and Health    $240,000 against PM USA.    In July 2006, the Florida District Court of Appeals affirmed the verdict. In September 2006, the appellate court denied PM USA’s motion for rehearing. PM USA then filed a motion to stay the issuance of the mandate with the appellate court. In October 2006, the appellate court denied this motion and the mandate was issued. PM USA has paid $1.1 million in judgment, interest, costs and attorneys’ fees. In December 2006, the Florida Supreme Court rejected PM USA’s petition for discretionary review.

 

58


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

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 including PM USA, jointly and severally, to fund a 10-year smoking cessation program.    In June 2004, the state trial court entered judgment in the amount of the verdict of $590 million, plus prejudgment interest accruing from the date the suit commenced. As of December 31, 2006, the amount of prejudgment interest was approximately $437 million. PM USA’s share of the verdict and prejudgment interest has not been allocated. Defendants, including PM USA, have appealed. See Scott Class Action below.
November 2003   

Missouri/

Thompson

   Individual Smoking and Health    $2.1 million in compensatory damages against all defendants, including $837,403 against PM USA.    In August 2006, a Missouri appellate court denied PM USA’s appeal. In September 2006, the appellate court rejected defendants’ motion to transfer the case to the Missouri Supreme Court. In October 2006, defendants filed an application for transfer to the Missouri Supreme Court, which was denied in December 2006. In January 2007, PM USA paid $1.1 million in judgment and interest to the plaintiff.

 

59


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


March 2003   

Illinois/

Price

   Lights/Ultra Lights Class Action    $7.1005 billion in compensatory damages and $3 billion in punitive damages against PM USA.    In December 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment in favor of the plaintiffs and remanded the case to the trial court with instructions to dismiss the case against PM USA. In May 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court rejected the plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing. In November 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ petition for writ of certiorari and in December 2006, the trial court dismissed the case with prejudice. See the discussion of the Price case under the heading “Lights/Ultra Lights Cases.”
October 2002   

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. In April 2006, the California Court of Appeal affirmed the $28 million punitive damage award. See discussion (1) below of recent action by the California Supreme Court.

 

60


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


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. In January 2007, defendants petitioned the trial court to set aside the jury’s verdict and dismiss plaintiffs’ punitive damages claim. If a judgment is entered in this case, PM USA intends to appeal.

 

61


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


March 2002   

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. In May 2006, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed the compensatory damages verdict, reversed the award of punitive damages and remanded the case to the trial court for a second trial to determine the amount of punitive damages, if any. In June 2006, plaintiff petitioned the Oregon Supreme Court to review the portion of the Court of Appeals’ decision reversing and remanding the case for a new trial on punitive damages. In October 2006, the Oregon Supreme Court announced that it would hold this petition in abeyance until the United States Supreme Court decides the Williams case discussed below.

 

62


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


July 2000   

Florida/

Engle

   Smoking and Health Class Action    $145 billion in punitive damages against all defendants, including $74 billion against PM USA.    In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court ordered that the punitive damages award be vacated, that the class approved by the trial court be decertified, that certain Phase I trial court findings be allowed to stand as against the defendants in individual actions that individual former class members may bring within one year of the issuance of the mandate, compensatory damage awards totaling approximately $6.9 million to two individual class members be reinstated and that a third former class member’s claim was barred by the statute of limitations. In December 2006, the Florida Supreme Court denied all motions by the parties for rehearing but issued a revised opinion. In January 2007, the Florida Supreme Court issued the mandate from its revised December opinion and defendants filed a motion with the Florida Third District Court of Appeal requesting the court’s review of legal errors previously raised but not ruled upon. See “Engle Class Action” below.

 

63


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

Date


  

Location of

Court/Name

of

Plaintiff


  

Type of Case


  

Verdict


  

Post-Trial Developments


March 2000   

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 plaintiff’s negligent design claims, and reversed and remanded for a new trial on plaintiff’s fraud-related claims. In May 2006, plaintiff filed an amended consolidated complaint. In September 2006, the trial court granted plaintiff’s motion for a preferential trial date and trial began on January 22, 2007.
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.    See discussion (2) below.

 

  (1) In August 2006, the California Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ petition to overturn the trial court’s reduction of the punitive damage award and granted PM USA’s petition for review challenging the punitive damage award. The court granted review of the case on a “grant and hold” basis under which further action by the court is deferred pending the United States Supreme Court’s decision on punitive damages in the Williams case.

 

  (2)

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 connection with 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 2003 State Farm decision by the United States Supreme Court, which limited punitive damages. In June 2004, the Oregon Court of Appeals reinstated the $79.5 million punitive damages award. In February 2006, the

 

64


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

 

Oregon Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals’ decision. Following this decision, PM USA recorded an additional provision of approximately $20 million in interest charges related to this case. The Oregon Supreme Court granted PM USA’s motion to stay the issuance of the appellate judgment pending the filing of, and action on, its petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. The United States Supreme Court granted PM USA’s petition for writ of certiorari in May 2006 and oral argument was heard on October 31, 2006.

 

In addition to the cases discussed above, in October 2003, a three-judge appellate panel 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 appealed. In December 2004, the three-judge panel’s decision was vacated by an en banc panel of the appellate court, which upheld the trial court’s dismissal of the case. The case is currently on appeal to the Superior Court.

 

With respect to certain adverse verdicts and judicial decisions currently on appeal, excluding amounts relating to the Engle case, as of December 31, 2006, PM USA has posted various forms of security totaling approximately $194 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.

 

Engle Class Action

 

In July 2000, in the second phase of the Engle 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 the Engle 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 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 December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 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.

 

In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court ordered that the punitive damages award be vacated, that the class approved by the trial court be decertified, and that members of the decertified class could file individual actions against defendants within one year of issuance of the mandate. The court further declared the following Phase I findings are entitled to res judicata effect in such individual actions brought within one year of the issuance of the mandate: (i) that smoking

 

65


ALTRIA GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


 

causes various diseases; (ii) that nicotine in cigarettes is addictive; (iii) that defendants’ cigarettes were defective and unreasonably dangerous; (iv) that defendants concealed or omitted material information not otherwise known or available knowing that the material was false or misleading or failed to disclose a material fact concerning the health effects or addictive nature of smoking; (v) that all defendants agreed to misrepresent information regarding the health effects or addictive nature of cigarettes with the intention of causing the public to rely on this information to their detriment; (vi) that defendants agreed to conceal or omit information regarding the health effects of cigarettes or their addictive nature with the intention that smokers would rely on the information to their detriment; (vii) that all defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that were defective; and (viii) that all defendants were negligent. The court also reinstated compensatory damage awards totaling approximately $6.9 million to two individual plaintiffs and found that a third plaintiff’s claim was barred by the statute of limitations. It is too early to predict how many members of the decertified class will file individual claims in the prescribed time period.

 

In August 2006, PM USA sought rehearing from the Florida Supreme Court on parts of its July 2006 opinion, including the ruling (described above) that certain jury findings have res judicata effect in subsequent individual trials timely brought by Engle class members. The rehearing motion also asked, among other things, that legal errors that were raised but not expressly ruled upon in the Third District Court of Appeal or in the Florida Supreme Court now be addressed. Plaintiffs also filed a motion for rehearing in August 2006 seeking clarification of the applicability of the statute of limitations to non-members of the decertified class. In December 2006, the Florida Supreme Court refused to revise its July 2006 ruling, except that it revised the set of Phase I findings entitled to res judicata effect by excluding finding (v) listed above (relating to agreement to misrepresent information), and added the finding that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that, at the time of sale or supply, did not conform to the representations of fact made by defendants. On January 11, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court issued the mandate from its revised opinion. On January 12, 2007, defendants filed a motion with the Florida Third District Court of Appeal requesting that the court address legal errors that the defendants raised previously that were not addressed in the appellate court’s original decision in May 2003.

 

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 December 31, 2006, the amount of prejudgment interest was approximately $437 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

 

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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. The defendants’ appeal is pending.

 

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, nuisance, 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. 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 allegedly 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 57 smoking and health class actions involving PM USA in Arkansas (1), the District of Columbia (2), Florida (2), 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 (1). A class remains certified in the Scott class action discussed above.

 

A smoking and health class action is pending in Brazil. Plaintiff is a consumer organization, the Smoker Health Defense Association (ADESF), which filed a claim against Souza Cruz, S.A. and Philip Morris Marketing, S.A. (now Philip Morris Brasil Industria e Commercio Ltda.) at the 19th Civil Court of São Paulo. Trial and appellate courts found that the action could proceed as a class under the Brazilian Consumer Defense Code. Philip Morris Brasil Industria e Commercio Ltda. appealed this decision and this appeal is pending before the Supreme Federal Court in Brazil. In addition, in February 2004, the trial court awarded the equivalent of approximately R$1,000 (with the current exchange rate, approximately U.S. $450) per smoker per full year of smoking for moral damages plus interest at the rate of 1% per month, as of the date of the ruling. The court order contemplates a second stage of the case in which individuals are to file their claims. Material damages, if any, will be assessed in this second phase.

 

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Defendants have appealed this decision to the São Paulo Court of Appeals, and execution of the judgment has been stayed until the appeal is resolved.

 

Caronia Class Action

 

In January 2006, plaintiffs brought this putative class action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on behalf of New York residents who: are age 50 or older; have smoked the Marlboro brand for 20 pack-years or more; and have neither been diagnosed with lung cancer nor are under examination by a physician for suspected lung cancer. Plaintiffs seek the creation of a court-supervised program providing members of the purported class Low Dose CT Scanning in order to identify and diagnose lung cancer.

 

Espinosa Class Action

 

In December 2006, plaintiffs brought this putative class action against PM USA and other defendants in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on behalf of individuals from throughout Illinois and/or the United States who purchased cigarettes manufactured by certain defendants from 1996 through the date of any judgment in plaintiffs’ favor. Excluded from the purported class are any individuals who allege personal injury or health care costs. The complaint does not request specific damages and alleges, among other things, that defendants were negligent and violated the Illinois consumer fraud statute by certain defendants’ steadily and purposefully increasing the nicotine level and absorption of their cigarettes into the human body in brands most popular with young people and minorities. On January 12, 2007, PM USA removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

 

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.

 

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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 plaintiffs benefit 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.

 

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.

 

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 addition, a $17.8 million verdict against defendants (including $6.8 million against PM USA) was reversed in a health care cost recovery case in New York, and all claims were dismissed with prejudice in February 2005 (Blue Cross/Blue Shield). 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, remains pending without a trial date.

 

Individuals and associations have also sued in purported class actions or as private attorneys general under the Medicare As Secondary Payer statute to recover from defendants Medicare expenditures allegedly incurred for the treatment of smoking-related diseases. Cases brought in New York (Mason), Florida (Glover) and Massachusetts (United Seniors Association) have been dismissed by federal courts, and plaintiffs’ appeal in United Seniors Association is pending.

 

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. All of these 36 cases have been dismissed; the two cases brought by the Republic of Panama and the Brazilian State of São Paulo remain pending on appeal. In addition to the cases brought in the United States, health care cost recovery actions have also been brought against tobacco industry participants, including PM USA, PMI and certain PMI subsidiaries in Israel (1), the Marshall Islands (1 dismissed), Canada (1), and France (1 dismissed, but subject to possible further appeal), and other entities have stated that they are considering filing such actions. In September 2005, in the case in Canada, the Canadian Supreme Court ruled that legislation passed in British Columbia permitting the lawsuit is constitutional, and, as a result, the case which had previously been dismissed by the trial court was permitted to proceed. PM USA and other defendants’ challenge to the British Columbian court’s exercise of jurisdiction was rejected by the Court of Appeals

 

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of British Columbia and defendants have sought leave to appeal the issue to the Supreme Court of Canada. Several other provinces in Canada have enacted similar legislation.

 

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 under the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust discussed below), subject to adjustments for several factors, including inflation, market share and industry volume: 2007, $8.4 billion 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.

 

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.

 

Possible Adjustments in MSA Payments for 2003 and 2004

 

Pursuant to the provisions of the MSA, domestic tobacco product manufacturers, including PM USA, who are original signatories to the MSA (“OPMs”), are participating in proceedings that may result in downward adjustments to the amounts paid by the OPMs and the other MSA-participating manufacturers to the states and territories that are parties to the MSA for the years 2003 and 2004. The proceedings are based on the collective loss of market share in each of 2003 and 2004 by all manufacturers who are subject to the payment obligations and marketing restrictions of the MSA to non-participating manufacturers (“NPMs”) who are not subject to such obligations and restrictions.

 

In these proceedings, an independent economic consulting firm jointly selected by the MSA parties is required to determine whether the disadvantages of the MSA were a “significant factor” contributing to the collective loss of market share for the year in question. If the firm determines that the disadvantages of the MSA were such a “significant factor,” each state may avoid a downward adjustment to its share of the OPMs’ annual payments for that year by establishing that it diligently enforced a qualifying escrow statute during the entirety of that year. Any potential downward adjustment would then be reallocated to those states that do not establish such diligent enforcement. PM USA believes that the MSA’s arbitration clause requires a state to submit its claim to have diligently enforced a qualifying escrow statute to binding arbitration before a panel of three former federal judges in the manner provided for in the MSA. A number of states have taken the position that this claim should be decided in state court on a state-by-state basis.

 

In March of 2006, an independent economic consulting firm determined that the disadvantages of the MSA were a significant factor contributing to the participating manufacturers’ collective loss of market share for the year 2003. On January 16, 2007, this same firm issued a Proposed

 

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Determination that the disadvantages of the MSA were a significant factor contributing to the participating manufacturers’ collective loss of market share in 2004. Under the MSA, this Proposed Determination is subject to change and the parties to the proceeding have an opportunity to comment on it. The firm will issue its Final Determination in February 2007. Following the economic consulting firm’s determination with respect to 2003, thirty-eight states filed declaratory judgment actions in state courts seeking a declaration that the state diligently enforced its escrow statute during 2003. The OPMs and other MSA-participating manufacturers have responded to these actions by filing motions to compel arbitration in accordance with the terms of the MSA, including filing motions to compel arbitration in eleven MSA states and territories that have not filed declaratory judgment actions.

 

The issue of what forum will determine the states’ diligent enforcement claims, and the availability and the precise amount of any NPM Adjustment for either 2003 or 2004 will not be finally determined until late 2007 or thereafter. There is no certainty that the OPMs and other MSA-participating manufacturers will ultimately receive any adjustment as a result of these proceedings. If the OPMs do receive such an adjustment, the adjustment would likely be applied as a credit against future MSA payments and would be allocated among the OPMs pursuant to the MSA’s provisions for allocation of the NPM Adjustment among the OPMs.

 

National Grower Settlement Trust

 

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. To that end, in 1999, four of the major domestic tobacco product manufacturers, including PM USA, established the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust (“NTGST”), a trust fund to provide aid to tobacco growers and quota holders. The trust was to be funded by these four manufacturers over 12 years with payments, prior to application of various adjustments, scheduled to total $5.15 billion. Provisions of the NTGST allowed for offsets to the extent that industry-funded payments were made for the benefit of growers or quota holders as part of a legislated end to the federal tobacco quota and price support program.

 

In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (“FETRA”) was signed into law. FETRA 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 buy-out, which is estimated at approximately $9.5 billion, is being paid over 10 years by manufacturers and importers of each kind of tobacco product. The cost is being allocated based on the relative market shares of manufacturers and importers of each kind of tobacco product. The quota buy-out payments offset already scheduled payments to the NTGST. FETRA also obligated manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to cover any losses (up to $500 million) that the government incurred on the disposition of tobacco pool stock accumulated under the previous tobacco price support program. PM USA has paid $138 million for its share of the tobacco pool stock losses. ALG does not currently anticipate that the quota buy-out will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results in 2007 and beyond.

 

Other MSA-Related Litigation

 

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

 

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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 2004, 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. In March 2005, the trial court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the case. Plaintiffs have appealed.

 

Several actions are currently pending challenging the legality of various provisions of the MSA under various theories. Neither ALG nor PM USA is a party in these actions. 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 and constitutional law. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has held that plaintiffs have stated a claim for relief on antitrust grounds. In September 2004, the trial court denied plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily enjoin the MSA and certain related New York statutes on the grounds that the plaintiffs were unlikely to prove their allegations, but the court issued a preliminary injunction against an amendment repealing the “allocable share” provision of the New York Escrow Statute pending further discovery. The parties’ motions for summary judgment are pending. Additionally, in a separate proceeding pending in New York federal court, plaintiffs seek to enjoin the statutes enacted by New York and 30 other states in connection with the MSA on the grounds that the statutes violate the federal antitrust laws and the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. In September 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that plaintiffs have stated a claim for relief and that the New York federal court had jurisdiction over the 30 defendant Attorneys General from states other than New York and, in October 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied the Attorneys Generals’ petition for writ of certiorari. In May 2006, the district court denied plaintiffs’ motion for an injunction against enforcement of the Escrow Statute’s “complementary legislation” based on an inability to prove the facts alleged. Plaintiffs have appealed. In March 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed a Louisiana trial court’s dismissal of federal constitutional challenges to certain provisions of the MSA. As a result, the case will proceed to trial in federal court beginning in June 2007. Similar lawsuits are pending in other states on similar antitrust, Commerce Clause and/or other constitutional theories, including Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee. A similar proceeding has been brought under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement in the United Nations. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently affirmed the dismissal of an action in Kentucky. Plaintiff in that case has petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for rehearing en banc. In addition, appeals of cases raising similar constitutional and antitrust challenges to the MSA are currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second, Sixth and Tenth Circuits.

 

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 civil provisions of RICO. Trial of the case ended in June 2005. The lawsuit sought 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

 

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various federal health care programs, including Medicare, military and veterans’ health benefits programs, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The complaint alleged that such costs total more than $20 billion annually. It also sought what it alleged 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 the civil provisions of RICO.

 

The government alleged 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 February 2005, a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit held that disgorgement is not a remedy available to the government under the civil provisions of RICO and entered summary judgment in favor of defendants with respect to the disgorgement claim. In April 2005, the Court of Appeals denied the government’s motion for rehearing. In July 2005, the government petitioned the United States Supreme Court for further review of the Court of Appeals’ ruling that disgorgement is not an available remedy, and in October 2005, the Supreme Court denied the petition.

 

In June 2005, the government filed with the trial court its proposed final judgment seeking remedies of approximately $14 billion, including $10 billion over a five-year period to fund a national smoking cessation program and $4 billion over a ten-year period to fund a public education and counter-marketing campaign. Further, the government’s proposed remedy would have required defendants to pay additional monies to these programs if targeted reductions in the smoking rate of those under 21 are not achieved according to a prescribed timetable. The government’s proposed remedies also included a series of measures and restrictions applicable to cigarette business operations – including, but not limited to, restrictions on advertising and marketing, potential measures with respect to certain price promotional activities and research and development, disclosure requirements for certain confidential data and implementation of a monitoring system with potentially broad powers over cigarette operations.

 

In August 2006, the federal trial court entered judgment in favor of the government. The court held that certain defendants, including ALG and PM USA, violated RICO and engaged in 7 of the 8 “sub-schemes” to defraud that the government had alleged. Specifically, the court found that:

 

• defendants falsely denied, distorted and minimized the significant adverse health consequences of smoking;

 

• defendants hid from the public that cigarette smoking and nicotine are addictive;

 

• defendants falsely denied that they control the level of nicotine delivered to create and sustain addiction;

 

• defendants falsely marketed and promoted “low tar/light” cigarettes as less harmful than full-flavor cigarettes;

 

• defendants falsely denied that they intentionally marketed to youth;

 

• defendants publicly and falsely denied that ETS is hazardous to non-smokers; and

 

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• defendants suppressed scientific research.

 

The court did not impose monetary penalties on the defendants, but ordered the following relief: (i) an injunction against “committing any act of racketeering” relating to the manufacturing, marketing, promotion, health consequences or sale of cigarettes in the United States; (ii) an injunction against participating directly or indirectly in the management or control of the Council for Tobacco Research, the Tobacco Institute, or the Center for Indoor Air Research, or any successor or affiliated entities of each; (iii) an injunction against “making, or causing to be made in any way, any material false, misleading, or deceptive statement or representation or engaging in any public relations or marketing endeavor that is disseminated to the United States public and that misrepresents or suppresses information concerning cigarettes”; (iv) an injunction against conveying any express or implied health message through the use of descriptors on cigarette packaging or in cigarette advertising or promotional material, including “lights,” “ultra lights” and “low tar,” which the court found could cause consumers to believe a cigarette brand is less hazardous than another brand; (v) the issuance of “corrective statements” in various media regarding the adverse health effects of smoking, the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine, the lack of any significant health benefit from smoking “low tar” or “light” cigarettes, defendants’ manipulation of cigarette design to insure optimum nicotine delivery and the adverse health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; (vi) the disclosure on defendants’ public document websites and in the Minnesota document repository of all documents produced to the government in the lawsuit or produced in any future court or administrative action concerning smoking and health until 2021, with certain additional requirements as to documents withheld from production under a claim of privilege or confidentiality; (vii) the disclosure of disaggregated marketing data to the government in the same form and on the same schedule as defendants now follow in disclosing such data to the Federal Trade Commission, for a period of ten years; (viii) certain restrictions on the sale or transfer by defendants of any cigarette brands, brand names, formulas or cigarette businesses within the United States; and (ix) payment of the government’s costs in bringing the action.

 

In September 2006, defendants filed notices of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In September 2006, the trial court denied defendants’ motion to stay the judgment pending defendants’ appeals, and defendants then filed an emergency motion with the Court of Appeals to stay enforcement of the judgment pending their appeals. In October, the government filed a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeals. In October 2006, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals granted defendants’ motion and stayed the trial court’s judgment pending its review of the decision.

 

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Lights/Ultra Lights Cases

 

Overview

 

Plaintiffs in these class actions (some of which have not been certified as such), allege, among other things, that the uses of the terms “Lights” and/or “Ultra Lights” constitute deceptive and unfair trade practices, common law fraud, or RICO violations, and seek injunctive and equitable relief, including restitution and, in certain cases, punitive damages. 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, including Marlboro Lights, Marlboro Ultra Lights, Virginia Slims Lights and Superslims, Merit Lights and Cambridge Lights. Defenses raised in these cases include lack of misrepresentation, lack of causation, injury, and damages, the statute of limitations, express preemption by the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and implied preemption by the policies and directives of the Federal Trade Commission, non-liability under state statutory provisions exempting conduct that complies with federal regulatory directives, and the First Amendment. Twenty cases are pending in Arkansas (2), Delaware (1), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (1), Louisiana (1), Maine (1), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (1), Missouri (1), New Hampshire (1), New Mexico (1), New Jersey (1), New York (1), Oregon (1), Tennessee (1), Washington (1), and West Virginia (2). In addition, there are two cases pending in Israel. Other entities have stated that they are considering filing such actions against ALG, PMI, and PM USA.

 

To date, trial courts in Arizona, Oregon and Washington have refused to certify a class, an appellate court in Florida has overturned class certification by a trial court, the Ohio Supreme Court has overturned class certifications in two cases, and the Supreme Court of Illinois has overturned a judgment in favor of a plaintiff class in the Price case, which is discussed below. Intermediate appellate courts in Oregon and Washington have denied plaintiffs’ motions for interlocutory review of the trial courts’ refusals to certify a class, and plaintiffs in the Oregon case failed to appeal by the deadline for doing so. Plaintiffs in the case in Washington have sought further review. Plaintiffs in the Florida case have petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for further review, and the Supreme Court has ordered briefing on whether its Engle opinion should not control the decision in that case.

 

Trial courts have certified classes against PM USA in Massachusetts (Aspinall), Minnesota (Curtis), Missouri (Craft) and New York (Schwab). PM USA has appealed or otherwise challenged these class certification orders. Developments in these cases include:

 

    Aspinall: In August 2004, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the class certification order. In April 2006, plaintiffs filed a motion to redefine the class to include all persons who after November 25, 1994 purchased packs or cartons of Marlboro Lights cigarettes in Massachusetts that displayed the legend “Lower Tar & Nicotine” (the original class definition did not include a reference to lower tar and nicotine). In August 2006, the trial court denied PM USA’s motion for summary judgment based on the state consumer protection statutory exemption and federal preemption. On motion of the parties, the trial court has subsequently reported its decision to deny summary judgment to the appeals court for review and the trial court proceedings are stayed pending completion of the appellate review.

 

   

Curtis: In April 2005, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied PM USA’s petition for interlocutory review of the trial court’s class certification order. In September 2005, PM

 

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USA removed Curtis to federal court based on the Eighth Circuit’s decision in Watson, which upheld the removal of a Lights case to federal court based on the federal officer jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission. In February 2006, the federal court denied plaintiff’s motion to remand the case to state court. The case is now pending in federal court. The case has been stayed pending the outcome of Dahl v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., which was argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in December 2006.

 

    Craft: In August 2005, a Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the class certification order. In September 2005, PM USA removed Craft to federal court based on the Eighth Circuit’s decision in Watson. In March 2006, the federal trial court granted plaintiffs’ motion and remanded the case to the Missouri state trial court. In May 2006, the Missouri Supreme Court declined to review the trial court’s class certification decision.

 

    Schwab: In September 2005, the trial court granted in part defendants’ motion for partial summary judgment dismissing plaintiffs’ claims for equitable relief and denied a number of plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment. In November 2005, the trial court ruled that the plaintiffs would be permitted to calculate damages on an aggregate basis and use “fluid recovery” theories to allocate them among class members. In September 2006, the trial court denied defendants’ summary judgment motions and granted plaintiffs’ motion for certification of a nationwide class of all United States residents that purchased cigarettes in the United States that were labeled “light” or “lights” from the first date defendants began selling such cigarettes until the date trial commences. The court also declined to certify the order for interlocutory appeal, declined to stay the case and ordered jury selection to begin in January 2007, with trial scheduled to begin immediately after the jury is impaneled. In October 2006, a single judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted PM USA’s petition for a temporary stay of pre-trial and trial proceedings pending disposition of the petitions for stay and interlocutory review by a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals. In November 2006, the Second Circuit granted interlocutory review of the trial court’s class certification order and stayed the case before the trial court pending the appeal.

 

In addition to these cases, in December 2005, in the Miner case pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, plaintiffs moved for certification of a class composed of individuals who purchased Marlboro Lights or Cambridge Lights brands in Arkansas, California, Colorado, and Michigan. In December 2005, defendants filed a motion to stay plaintiffs’ motion for class certification until the court rules on PM USA’s pending motion to transfer venue to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. This motion was granted in January 2006. PM USA’s motion for summary judgment based on preemption and the Arkansas statutory exemption is pending. Following the filing of this motion, plaintiffs moved to voluntarily dismiss Miner without prejudice, which PM USA opposed. The court then stayed the case pending the United States Supreme Court’s decision on a petition for writ of certiorari in the Watson case. In January 2007, the United States Supreme Court granted the petition for writ of certiorari. In addition, plaintiffs’ motions for class certification are pending in cases in Kansas, New Jersey, New Mexico and Tennessee.

 

The Price Case

 

Trial in the Price case commenced in state court in Illinois 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

 

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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 sheets of ALG.) The judge’s order also required 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 on the note, which are due in April 2008, 2009 and 2010. 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. In December 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment in favor of the plaintiffs and remanded the case to the trial court with instructions that the case be dismissed. In May 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing. In June 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court ordered the return to PM USA of approximately $2.2 billion being held in escrow to secure the appeal bond in the case and terminated PM USA’s obligations to pay administrative fees to the Madison County Clerk. In November 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ petition for writ of certiorari and in December 2006 the Circuit Court of Madison County entered final judgment in favor of PM USA and dismissed the case with prejudice. In December 2006, the pre-existing 7.0%, $6 billion long-term note from ALG to PM USA that was in escrow pending the outcome of plaintiffs’ petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court was returned to PM USA.

 

Certain Other Tobacco-Related Litigation

 

Tobacco Price Cases: As of December 31, 2006, two cases were pending in Kansas and New Mexico in which plaintiffs allege that defendants, including PM USA and PMI, 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. In February 2005, the New Mexico Court of Appeals affirmed the class certification decision. In June 2006, defendants’ motion for summary judgment was granted in the New Mexico case. Plaintiffs in the New Mexico case have appealed.

 

Wholesale Leaders CasesIn June 2003, certain wholesale distributors of cigarettes filed suit in Tennessee against PM USA seeking to enjoin the PM USA “2003 Wholesale Leaders” (“WL”) program that became available to 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 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. In January 2004, Tennessee filed a motion to dismiss its complaint, and its complaint was dismissed without prejudice in March 2004. In August 2005, the trial court granted PM USA’s motion for summary judgment, dismissed the case, and dissolved the preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs appealed, and, in April

 

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2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit heard oral argument on plaintiffs’ appeal. A decision by the Court of Appeals is pending.

 

Cigarette Contraband Cases: In May 2000 and August 2001, various departments of Colombia and the European Community and 10 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. In February 2002, the federal district court granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the actions. In January 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissals of the 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. It is possible that future litigation related to cigarette contraband issues may be brought.

 

Cases Under the California Business and Professions Code: In June 1997 and July 1998, two suits (Brown and Daniels) 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 (Daniels), 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 was denied. In March 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion to decertify the class based on a recent change in California law, which, in two July 2006 opinions, the California Supreme Court ruled applicable to pending cases. Plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration of the order that decertified the class was denied, and plaintiffs have appealed. In September 2006, an intermediate appellate court affirmed the trial court’s order decertifying the class in Brown. In November 2006, the California Supreme Court accepted review of the appellate court’s decision.

 

In May 2004, a lawsuit (Gurevitch) was filed in California state court on behalf of a purported class of all California residents who purchased the Merit brand of cigarettes since July 2000 to the present alleging that defendants, including PM USA, 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 2005, defendants’ motion to dismiss was granted; however, plaintiffs’ motion for leave to amend the complaint was also granted, and plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in September 2005. In October 2005, the court stayed this action pending the California Supreme Court’s rulings on two cases not involving PM USA. On July 24, 2006, the California Supreme Court issued rulings in the two cases and held that a recent change in California law known as Proposition 64, which limits the ability to bring a lawsuit to only those plaintiffs who have “suffered injury in fact” and “lost money or property” as a result of defendant’s alleged statutory violations, properly applies to pending cases. In

 

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September 2006, the stay was lifted and defendants filed their demurrer to plaintiffs’ amended complaint.

 

Certain Other Actions

 

IRS Challenges to PMCC LeasesThe IRS concluded its examination of ALG’s consolidated tax returns for the years 1996 through 1999, and issued a final Revenue Agent’s Report (“RAR”) on March 15, 2006. The RAR disallowed benefits pertaining to certain PMCC leveraged lease transactions for the years 1996 through 1999. Altria Group, Inc. has agreed with all conclusions of the RAR, with the exception of the disallowance of benefits pertaining to several PMCC leveraged lease transactions for the years 1996 through 1999. PMCC will continue to assert its position regarding these leveraged lease transactions and contest approximately $150 million of tax and net interest assessed and paid with regard to them. The IRS may in the future challenge and disallow more of PMCC’s leveraged leases based on recent Revenue Rulings, a recent IRS Notice and subsequent case law addressing specific types of leveraged leases (lease-in/lease-out (“LILO”) and sale-in/lease-out (“SILO”) transactions). PMCC believes that the position and supporting case law described in the RAR, 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 ALG intend to vigorously defend against any challenges based on that position through litigation. In this regard, on October 16, 2006, PMCC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to claim refunds for a portion of these tax payments and associated interest. However, should PMCC’s position not be upheld, PMCC may have to accelerate the payment of significant amounts of federal income tax and significantly lower its earnings to reflect the recalculation of the income from the affected leveraged leases, which could have a material effect on the earnings and cash flows of Altria Group, Inc. in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year. PMCC considered this matter in its adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48 and FASB Staff Position No. FAS 13-2.

 


 

It is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Although PM USA has historically been able to obtain required bonds or relief from bonding requirements in order to prevent plaintiffs from seeking to collect judgments while adverse verdicts have been appealed, there remains a risk that such relief may not be obtainable in all cases. This risk has been substantially reduced given that 40 states now limit the dollar amount of bonds or require no bond at all.

 

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 19. Contingencies: (i) management has not concluded that it is probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related cases; (ii) management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending tobacco-related cases; and (iii) accordingly, management has not provided any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any.

 

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It is possible that Altria Group, Inc.’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position could be materially affected in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of certain pending litigation. Nevertheless, although litigation is subject to uncertainty, management believes the litigation environment has substantially improved. 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.

 

Third-Party Guarantees

 

At December 31, 2006, Altria Group, Inc.’s third-party guarantees, which are primarily related to excise taxes, and acquisition and divestiture activities, approximated $305 million, of which $286 million have no specified expiration dates. The remainder expire through 2023, with $1 million expiring during 2007. 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 $38 million on its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006, 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.

 

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Note 20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

 

     2006 Quarters

     1st

   2nd

    3rd

   4th

     (in millions, except per share data)

Net revenues

   $ 24,355    $ 25,769     $ 25,885    $ 25,398
    

  


 

  

Gross profit

   $ 7,894    $ 8,481     $ 8,391    $ 8,078
    

  


 

  

Net earnings

   $ 3,477    $ 2,711     $ 2,875    $ 2,959
    

  


 

  

Per share data:

                            

Basic EPS

   $ 1.67    $ 1.30     $ 1.38    $ 1.41
    

  


 

  

Diluted EPS

   $ 1.65    $ 1.29     $ 1.36    $ 1.40
    

  


 

  

Dividends declared

   $ 0.80    $ 0.80     $ 0.86    $ 0.86
    

  


 

  

Market price    - high

   $ 77.37    $ 74.39     $ 85.00    $ 86.45

- low

   $ 70.55    $ 68.36     $ 72.61    $ 75.45
     2005 Quarters

     1st

   2nd

    3rd

   4th

     (in millions, except per share data)

Net revenues

   $ 23,618    $ 24,784     $ 24,962    $ 24,490
    

  


 

  

Gross profit

   $ 7,791    $ 8,191     $ 8,224    $ 7,950
    

  


 

  

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ 2,584    $ 2,912     $ 2,883    $ 2,289

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

     12      (245 )             
    

  


 

  

Net earnings

   $ 2,596    $ 2,667     $ 2,883    $ 2,289
    

  


 

  

Per share data:

                            

Basic EPS:

                            

Continuing operations

   $ 1.25    $ 1.41     $ 1.39    $ 1.10

Discontinued operations

     0.01      (0.12 )             
    

  


 

  

Net earnings

   $ 1.26    $ 1.29     $ 1.39    $ 1.10
    

  


 

  

Diluted EPS:

                            

Continuing operations

   $ 1.24    $ 1.40     $ 1.38    $ 1.09

Discontinued operations

     0.01      (0.12 )             
    

  


 

  

Net earnings

   $ 1.25    $ 1.28     $ 1.38    $ 1.09
    

  


 

  

Dividends declared

   $ 0.73    $ 0.73     $ 0.80    $ 0.80
    

  


 

  

Market price    - high

   $ 68.50    $ 69.68     $ 74.04    $ 78.68

- low

   $ 60.40    $ 62.70     $ 63.60    $ 68.60

 

Basic and diluted EPS are computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not agree to the total for the year.

 

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During 2006 and 2005, Altria Group, Inc. recorded the following pre-tax charges or (gains) in earnings from continuing operations:

 

     2006 Quarters

 
     1st

    2nd

   3rd

    4th

 
     (in millions)  

International tobacco Italian antitrust charge

   $ 61     $ -    $ -     $ -  

Provision for airline industry exposure

             103                 

Losses (gains) on sales of businesses

     3       8      3       (619 )

Gain on redemption of United Biscuits investment

                    (251 )        

Asset impairment and exit costs

     204       279      193       504  
    


 

  


 


     $ 268     $ 390    $ (55 )   $ (115 )
    


 

  


 


     2005 Quarters

 
     1st

    2nd

   3rd

    4th

 
     (in millions)  

Domestic tobacco headquarters relocation charges

   $ 1     $ 2    $ -     $ 1  

Domestic tobacco loss on U.S. tobacco pool

                    138          

Domestic tobacco quota buy-out

                    (115 )        

Provision for airline industry exposure

                    200          

(Gains) losses on sales of businesses

     (116 )     1              7  

Asset impairment and exit costs

     171       70      61       316  
    


 

  


 


     $ 56     $ 73    $ 284     $ 324  
    


 

  


 


 

As discussed in Note 14. Income Taxes, Altria Group, Inc. and Kraft have each recognized income tax benefits in the consolidated statements of earnings during 2006 and 2005 as a result of various tax events.

 

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Note 21. Subsequent Event:

 

On January 31, 2007, the Board of Directors announced that Altria Group, Inc. plans to spin off all of its remaining interest (89.0%) in Kraft on a pro rata basis to Altria Group, Inc. stockholders in a tax-free transaction. The distribution of all the Kraft shares owned by Altria Group, Inc. will be made on March 30, 2007 (“Distribution Date”), to Altria Group, Inc. stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2007. Based on the number of shares of Altria Group, Inc. outstanding at December 31, 2006, the distribution ratio would be approximately 0.7 shares of Kraft for every share of Altria Group, Inc. common stock outstanding. Altria Group, Inc. stockholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of Kraft. Prior to the distribution, Altria Group, Inc. will convert its Class B shares of Kraft common stock, which carry ten votes per share, into Class A shares of Kraft, which carry one vote per share. Following the distribution, only Class A common shares of Kraft will be outstanding and Altria Group, Inc. will not own any shares of Kraft. Altria Group, Inc. intends to adjust its current dividend so that its shareholders who retain their Altria Group, Inc. and Kraft shares will receive, in the aggregate, the same dividend dollars as before the transaction. As in the past, all decisions regarding future dividend increases will be made independently by the Altria Group, Inc. Board of Directors and the Kraft Board of Directors, for their respective companies.

 

Stock Compensation

 

Holders of Altria Group, Inc. stock options will be treated as stockholders and will, accordingly, have their stock awards split into two instruments. Holders of Altria Group, Inc. stock options will receive the following stock options, which, immediately after the spin-off, will have an aggregate intrinsic value equal to the intrinsic value of the pre-spin Altria Group, Inc. options:

 

    a new Kraft option to acquire the number of shares of Kraft Class A common stock equal to the product of (a) the number of Altria Group, Inc. options held by such person on the Distribution Date and (b) the approximate distribution ratio of 0.7 mentioned above; and

 

    an adjusted Altria Group, Inc. option for the same number of shares of Altria Group, Inc. common stock with a reduced exercise price.

 

Holders of Altria Group, Inc. restricted stock or stock rights awarded prior to January 31, 2007, will retain their existing award and will receive restricted stock or stock rights of Kraft Class A common stock. The amount of Kraft restricted stock or stock rights awarded to such holders will be calculated using the same formula set forth above with respect to new Kraft options. All of the restricted stock and stock rights will not vest until the completion of the original restriction period (typically, three years from the date of the original grant). Recipients of Altria Group, Inc. stock rights awarded on January 31, 2007, will not receive restricted stock or stock rights of Kraft. Rather, they will receive additional stock rights of Altria Group, Inc. to preserve the intrinsic value of the original award.

 

To the extent that employees of the remaining Altria Group, Inc. receive Kraft stock options, Altria Group, Inc. will reimburse Kraft in cash for the Black-Scholes fair value of the stock options to be received. To the extent that Kraft employees hold Altria Group, Inc. stock options, Kraft will reimburse Altria Group, Inc. in cash for the Black-Scholes fair value of the stock options. To the extent that holders of Altria Group, Inc. stock rights receive Kraft stock rights, Altria Group, Inc. will pay to Kraft the fair value of the Kraft stock rights less the value of projected

 

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forfeitures. Based upon the number of Altria Group, Inc. stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2006, the net amount of these reimbursements would be a payment of approximately $133 million from Kraft to Altria Group, Inc. However, this estimate is subject to change as stock awards vest (in the case of restricted stock) or are exercised (in the case of stock options) prior to the record date for the distribution.

 

Other Matters

 

Kraft is currently included in the Altria Group, Inc. consolidated federal income tax return, and federal income tax contingencies are recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet of ALG (the parent company). Prior to the distribution of Kraft shares, ALG will reimburse Kraft in cash for these liabilities, which are approximately $300 million, plus interest.

 

A subsidiary of ALG currently provides Kraft with certain services at cost plus a 5% management fee. After the Distribution Date, Kraft will undertake these activities, and services provided to Kraft will cease in 2007. All intercompany accounts will be settled in cash.

 

Altria Group, Inc. currently estimates that, if the distribution had occurred on December 31, 2006, it would have resulted in a net decrease to Altria Group, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity of approximately $27 billion.

 

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