U.S. tobacco giant Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) announced a 3.9% increase to its quarterly dividend, lifting the payout to $1.06 per share and bringing the annualized dividend to $4.24. Investment bank Stifel on August 21 maintained its “Buy” rating and raised its price target from $65 to $72. Backed by strong free cash flow, Altria expects to maintain mid-single-digit dividend growth going forward.

Unconfirmed documents and videos suggest QISI, maker of Geek Bar, has suspended operations for “rectification” through November. No official response has been issued.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York has approved and recognized the restructuring plan of Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., granting legal effect in the U.S. to its participation in a CA$32.5 billion (US$23.6 billion) tobacco litigation settlement. The case is considered one of the largest corporate restructurings in Canadian history and also involves Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Philip Morris International (PMI), and British American Tobacco (BAT).

Smoore International (06969) continued to decline after its earnings release, falling more than 6% in early trading today. As of press time, the stock was down 5.08% at HK$19.23, with a turnover of HK$466 million.

Jinlong Machinery & Electronics Co., Ltd. (300032.SZ) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Xingke Electronics (Dongguan) Co., Ltd., received on August 26, 2025, the renewed Tobacco Monopoly Production Enterprise License (for e-cigarette contract manufacturing) from the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration. The license is valid until July 31, 2026. While the renewal ensures the company can continue to operate its e-cigarette business legally within the permitted scope, the company also ca