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Altria (NYSE: MO) and Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) said they are no longer in talks for an all-stock merger, which would have reunited the two cigarette makers after more than a decade apart.

Why it matters: It reflects tobacco industry tumult over the Trump administration's proposal to ban flavored vaping products, although the two companies still plan to launch a joint, FDA-approved, "heat-not-burn" vaping product called IQOS.

The bottom line: The deal's death raises new questions about if either company will make a distressed takeover play for Juul, whose newly-installed CEO K.C. Crosthwaite previously led IQOS for Altria (which already holds a 35% Juul stake).

Tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris ditch merger plans

The move comes amid concerns of a proposed ban on vaping products.

The words "Phillip Morris International" written on the side of its headquarters

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Altria (NYSE: MO) and Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) said they are no longer in talks for an all-stock merger, which would have reunited the two cigarette makers after more than a decade apart.Why it matters: It reflects tobacco industry tumult over the Trump administration&#x27;s proposal to ban flavored vaping products, although the two companies still plan to launch a joint, FDA-approved, &quot;heat-not-burn&quot; vaping product called IQOS.

The U.S. faces a range of health care flashpoints — unaffordable drugs, opioids, vaping — as we debate whether to adopt universal care. For now, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, but Republicans want to issue it a final death blow.

Tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris ditch merger plans

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