** Shares of Marlboro maker Altria MO.N up 1.5% at $59.11 in early trade

** Co beats estimates for Q1 sales and profit, helped by rising demand for its smoking alternatives, such as on! nicotine pouches and NJOY vapes

** However, flags an $873 million impairment at its e-cigarette business, where shipments dropped 70% amid a patent dispute

** Co also reiterates its annual adjusted EPS forecast of a 2% to 5% increase, compared with rebased figures for 2024

** Up to last close, stock has risen ~11% YTD

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)

((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))