Altria cuts profit forecast as smokers trade down to cheaper cigarettes

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The Marlboro maker has been hiking prices of its traditional products to offset volume declines as many consumers, wary of health risks, opt for new options like vapes or oral nicotine. But price increases have caused Altria to lose further ground to cheaper cigarettes such as USA Gold, as inflation-weary consumers try to conserve cash. Marlboro's retail share of the total cigarette category decreased by 0.3 share points compared to a year ago, the company said.