1275283--2/19/2010--REYNOLDS_AMERICAN

related topics

{condition, economic, financial}

{product, liability, claim}

{operation, natural, condition}

{debt, indebtedness, cash}

{tax, income, asset}

{capital, credit, financial}

{cost, contract, operation}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

The verdict and order in the case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, while not final, could subject RJR Tobacco to additional, substantial marketing restrictions as well as significant financial burdens, which would negatively impact the results of operations, cash flows and the financial position of RJR Tobacco and, consequently, of RAI. RJR Tobacco s overall retail market share of cigarettes has declined in recent years and may continue to decline; if RJR Tobacco is not able to continue to grow market share of its growth brands, or develop, produce or market new alternative tobacco products profitably, results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RJR Tobacco and, consequently, of RAI could be adversely impacted. RJR Tobacco is dependent on the U.S. cigarette market, which it expects to continue to decline, negatively impacting revenue. RJR Tobacco s contract manufacturing agreements with BAT may end in 2014. In the U.S., tobacco products are subject to substantial and increasing regulation and taxation, which has a negative effect on revenue and profitability. RAI s operating subsidiaries are subject to significant limitations on advertising and marketing of tobacco products, which could harm the value of their existing brands or their ability to launch new brands, thus negatively impacting revenue. The regulation of tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration may adversely affect RAI s sales and operating profit. RJR Tobacco s and Conwood s volumes, market share and profitability may be adversely affected by competitive actions and pricing pressures in the marketplace. Increases in commodity prices will increase costs and may reduce profitability. Certain of RAI s operating subsidiaries may be required to write-down intangible assets, including goodwill, due to impairment, thus reducing operating profit. Changes in financial market conditions could result in higher costs and decreased profitability. Adverse changes in liquidity in the financial markets could result in additional realized or unrealized losses on investments. RAI s access to cash could be impacted by adverse changes in the financial markets and bankruptcy of financial institutions. Increases in pension expense or pension funding may reduce RAI s profitability and cash flow. RJR Tobacco relies on outside suppliers to manage certain non-core business processes. Any interruption in these services could negatively affect the operations of RJR Tobacco and harm its reputation and consequently the operations and reputation of RAI. RAI s operating subsidiaries rely on a limited number of suppliers for direct materials. An interruption in service from any of these suppliers could adversely affect the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI. Certain of RAI s operating subsidiaries face a customer concentration risk. The loss of this customer would result in a decline in revenue and have an adverse effect on cash flows. Fire, violent weather conditions and other disasters may adversely affect the operations of RAI s operating subsidiaries. The agreement relating to RAI s credit facility contains restrictive covenants that limit the flexibility of RAI and its subsidiaries. Breach of those covenants will result in a default under the agreement relating to the facility. RAI has substantial long-term debt, which could adversely affect its financial position and its ability to obtain financing in the future and react to changes in its business. The ability of RAI to access the debt capital markets could be impaired if the credit rating of its debt securities falls below investment grade. B W s significant equity interest in RAI could be determinative in matters submitted to a vote by RAI shareholders, resulting in RAI taking actions that RAI s other shareholders do not support. B W also has influence over RAI by virtue of the governance agreement, which requires B W s approval before RAI takes certain actions. Under the governance agreement, B W is entitled to nominate certain persons to RAI s Board, and the approvals of the majority of such persons is required before certain actions may be taken, even though such persons represent less than a majority of the entire Board. In addition, certain provisions of RAI s articles of incorporation may create conflicts of interest between RAI and certain of these persons. B W s significant ownership interest in RAI, and RAI s shareholder rights plan, classified board of directors and other anti-takeover defenses could deter acquisition proposals and make it difficult for a third party to acquire control of RAI without the cooperation of B W. This could have a negative effect on the price of RAI common stock.

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1275283--2/19/2010--REYNOLDS_AMERICAN_INC