As governor, Bush took a stand to limit liabilities imposed in lawsuits against gun manufacturers, HMO's and other businesses. Because tobacco is also a legal product, we believe Bush would support similar limits on cash damages awarded to plaintiffs in lawsuits filed against tobacco companies. |
I attribute it to innovative marketing, rebellion by the people, you tell them not to smoke they're going to do it anyway, and a faster resilience by the industry. |
My initial reaction is no, it will not bankrupt the companies. Florida passed a law that if companies have to post a bond to pay huge punitive damages, it's capped. But that law has not been tested. |
The volume was stronger than we were looking for. |
We continue to expect Heinz to divest non-core assets, to generate strong cash flow, to deliver improving margins and eventually to sell or partner the business. |