Tobacco firm Reynolds American 4Q profit more than doubles on higher prices, lower legal costs

RICHMOND, Va. – Reynolds American Inc. says its fourth-quarter profit more than doubled as higher prices and lower legal expenses offset a decline in cigarette sales.

The nation’s second-biggest tobacco company said Tuesday it earned $292 million, or 54 cents per share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31. That’s up from $139 million, or 25 cents per share, in the year-ago period that included pension and trademark-related charges.

Adjusted earnings were 77 cents per share.

The Winston-Salem, N.C., maker of Camel and Pall Mall cigarettes said revenue excluding excise taxes fell about 2 per cent to $2.04 billion.

Analysts expected higher earnings of 81 cents per share on revenue of $2.07 billion.

Its R.J. Reynolds Tobacco subsidiary sold about 9 per cent fewer cigarettes. But Camel and Pall Mall both gained market share.

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