Key Brands And Smokeless Boost RAI

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 07/24/2009

Reynolds American Inc. reported net sales of $2,250 million in the three months ending June 30, down from $2,339 million in the comparable 2008 period. But operating income increased 1.9 percent to $649 million, while net income was $377 million, up from $364 million in the second quarter of 2008. "I am extremely pleased with our strong performance in the second quarter," said Susan M. Ivey, RAI's chairman, president and CEO. "Our total-tobacco business model, growth strategies and focus on productivity are serving us well in this changing tobacco environment." Ivey noted that in the second quarter RAI's subsidiary R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. posted higher operating income, margin and total cigarette market share, with strong performance by its growth brands, Camel and Pall Mall. Conwood reported record moist snuff volume and market share, with its Grizzly brand capturing more than half of the total category growth. Ivey added that RAI's Santa Fe unit continued to gain volume and share with its Natural American Spirit brand. Enditem