<div id="subtitle">Philip Morris International Inc. expected to report cigarette sales rising abroad</div><div><p>Cigarette maker Philip Morris International Inc., which sells Marlboros and other U.S. brands abroad, reports its fourth-quarter results before the stock market opens Thursday.</p><p>WHAT TO WATCH FOR: While the weak economy, higher prices and health concerns have dampened demand for cigarettes, declines are less stark outside the U.S.</p><p>Analysts are looking for Philip Morris International's sales volumes to rise, which could indicate emerging markets are starting to recover.</p><p>With offices in Lausanne, Switzerland, and New York, the company — which sells L&M, Parliament and Virginia Slims abroad, as well as Marlboros — could see boosts from higher pricing in parts of Europe, Canada and Japan.</p><p>In recent quarters, though, Philip Morris International's earnings have been hindered as the stronger dollar shrank the profit it earned in other currencies.</p><p>When the dollar is strong, companies that sell goods internationally and must convert revenue from foreign currencies usually take a hit in the dollar value of that revenue unless they raise prices abroad. That effect is particularly strong for Philip Morris International, because all its business is overseas.</p><p>WHY IT MATTERS: Philip Morris International is the world's second-biggest cigarette company after the state-controlled China National Tobacco Corp.</p><p>Altria Group Inc. in Richmond, Va., owner of Philip Morris USA, spun off Philip Morris International in 2008. Altria is the largest U.S. cigarette seller.</p><p>WHAT'S EXPECTED: Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect Philip Morris International to earn 78 cents per share on revenue of $6.49 billion.</p><p>LAST YEAR'S QUARTER: Philip Morris International reported profit of 71 cents per share on revenue of $6.12 billion.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=68752975&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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