RPT-Czech Philip Morris net falls, below forecast

...dropped to 
1.65 billion crowns ($78.95 million) in 2006 from 3.05 billion 
in 2005, below market expectations. 
    Four analysts surveyed by Reuters had on average expected 
unconsolidated net profit of 2.3 billion crowns. 
    The company said in a published invitation to an April 24 
annual general meeting that consolidated net profit fell to 1.91 
billion last year from 2.74 billion in 2005, below market 
forecast of 2.1 billion. 
    Philip Morris, a part of the U.S.-based Altria Group , 
did not release any revenue figures nor any comment on the 
results. 
    Profits at Philip Morris, a leader on the Czech market, have 
been under pressure due to rising excise taxes and rising 
competition. Its shares closed 1.54 percent lower at 10,428 
crowns on Thursday, ahead of the results. The stock has lost 39 
percent over the past year.