The short answer...NO they are not losing $$, tobacco sales are down but profits are up and in fact can afford to pay shareholders a dividend. Some also have share buyback progs in place:
Reynold’s America (RAI): dividend yield of 5.50%.
Altria (MO): dividend yield of 5.10%.
Philip Morris (PM): dividend yield of 3.40%.
Also have to understand, as mentioned by another poster, beyond a decade ago they began investing in other areas- real estate, oil, food, booze, insurance, etc. Some have also moved some of their holdings offshore for tax purposes.
I just want to know if anyone else knows if the major corporations are losing money due to the world's battle against cancer sticks. I myself have fell victim to these addictive demons and I'm sick of people dying, my clothes stinking, and everything about cigarettes. I have finally completely switched to vapor and hopefully will be done with them too. If anyone has any links verifying what I'm talking about I would love to keep track of this battle. Thank you and I will be trying to keep up with this topic. Have a blessed day!