- Reuters
Altria tops first quarter sales on higher pricing, robust demand for smokeless alternatives
Like other tobacco giants, Altria has been revamping its portfolio of products to keep up with consumers switching from traditional tobacco products to vapes or other alternatives and as inflation-hit smokers switched to cheaper brands. The company's net revenue came in at $5.58 billion in the first quarter, topping analyst expectations of $4.71 billion, while profit on an adjusted basis came in line with expectations. Last year, Altria launched a lower-priced version of its flagship Marlboro brand and finalized its acquisition of e-cigarette startup NJOY Holdings, expanding its portfolio to include pod-based vapes.
- Reuters
Iraq hangs 11 convicted of terrorism in latest mass executions, security officials say
Iraq had hanged 11 militants sentenced to death on terrorism charges, local security officials said on Thursday. The executions were carried out on Monday at a prison in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya and all those executed were Iraqi nationals, said a prison police officer and a local security official. They said the 11 men were convicted of joining the Islamic State militant group and taking part in "terrorist actions".
- Evening Standard
FTSE 100 Live: Index surges on £31bn mining takeover move, US GDP in view, AstraZeneca surges
A £31 billion takeover pursuit and some robust blue-chip updates helped to boost the FTSE 100 index today. Anglo American, whose interests include De Beers and the giant Woodsmith polyhalite project in North Yorkshire, is the target of Australia’s BHP. Meanwhile, shares in Barclays, AstraZeneca and Unilever performed strongly after their first quarter updates.
