BUZZ-Altria dips after weak annual profit forecast on rising vape competition

** Shares of Marlboro maker Altria MO.N down ~2% at $51.34 premarket

** Co says its annual profit could be lower than analysts' estimates, citing rising competition for vape and consecutive declines in tobacco sales

** Expects annual adj. earnings per share in the range of $5.22 to $5.37, midpoint of which is below analysts' estimates of $5.35 - data compiled by LSEG

** Co's quarterly domestic cigarette shipment volume fell 8.8%, compared with 7.6% decline a year ago

** However, posts Q4 revenue, net of excise taxes, of $5.15 bln vs estimates of $5.05 bln

** Though quarterly adj. profit of $1.29 per share was in line with analysts' estimates, owing to rise in promotional expenses

** MO rose nearly 30% in 2024