Philip Morris International reported full-year 2025 results on February 6, with smoke-free products accounting for 41.5% of adjusted net revenues, up from 38.7% a year earlier. Total net revenues rose 7.3% to $40.65 billion, while shipment volumes increased 1.4%, widening the gap between revenue and volume growth. Cigarette shipments declined as smoke-free volumes rose 12.8%, driven by heated tobacco, oral nicotine and e-vapor products. Results were released alongside a 9:00 a.m. EST webcast.

The EPO Technical Board of Appeal 3.2.02 (T 1319/24) revoked VMR Products LLC’s EP3613453 “VAPORIZER” patent after finding that a 2012 YouTube video of the Innokin iTaste VV (D3) disclosed the claimed electrical contact arrangement. Opponents Nicoventures Trading Ltd (BAT subsidiary) and Philip Morris Products S.A. prevailed.

Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.

Drawing on BAT’s FY2025 results and earnings call, 2Firsts finds the company shifting from category expansion to competitive entrenchment across Vapour, Modern Oral, Heated Products and Combustibles. The strategy centers on connected devices, geographic customization and portfolio tiering. While structurally coherent, financial returns depend on consistent regulatory enforcement against illicit competitors, making policy execution a key variable for 2026 performance.