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22nd Century (XXII)
NASDAQ:XXII

22nd Century (XXII) AI Stock Analysis

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XXII

22nd Century

(NASDAQ:XXII)

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Neutral 44 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:44Neutral
Price Target:
$7.50
▲(886.84% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by weak financial performance (declining revenue, large losses, and negative cash flow). Technicals also remain bearish with the stock trading well below major moving averages, despite near-oversold momentum readings. Earnings call updates provide some offset via improved balance sheet positioning and a higher-margin strategy shift, but profitability and execution timing remain uncertain.
Positive Factors
Debt-free balance sheet
Becoming debt-free materially lowers fixed financing costs and interest burden, increasing operational flexibility and runway. This durable improvement reduces bankruptcy risk, supports continued product investment and distribution expansion, and strengthens ability to pursue strategic initiatives over 2–6 months.
Regulatory moat via MRTP status
Holding the only FDA-authorized combustible MRTP and filing a renewal creates a structural regulatory barrier and differentiation. This exclusivity supports retailer acceptance and consumer credibility, underpinning long-term demand and pricing power for VLN products versus competitors over several quarters.
Shift to higher-margin branded VLN products
Moving from CMO volume to higher-margin branded VLN products and expanding distribution (~1,500 stores) is a durable margin-improvement lever. If execution sustains, this structural change can lift gross margins and support a path to breakeven as branded unit economics scale over the next several quarters.
Negative Factors
Declining revenue and deep negative margins
Persistent revenue decline and materially negative gross and net margins indicate the business is not yet generating sustainable operating profits. Over months, continued negative margins erode cash, hinder reinvestment, and make achieving a reliable path to profitability and positive unit economics more uncertain.
Negative operating cash flow
Ongoing negative operating cash flow signals structural cash burn that limits reinvestment and growth without external financing. Even with one-time settlements, continued negative cash generation increases dependency on financing, potentially diluting equity or restricting marketing and distribution scaling over the medium term.
Very weak returns and low equity buffer
Extremely negative ROE and a shallow equity base mean shareholder capital is generating poor returns and offer limited shock absorption. This structural fragility raises solvency risk if operating losses persist and reduces the firm's ability to fund setbacks without raising costly external capital over the coming quarters.

22nd Century (XXII) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

22nd Century Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description22nd Century Group, Inc., an agricultural biotechnology company, focuses on tobacco harm reduction, reduced nicotine tobacco, and enhancing health and wellness through plant science for the life science and consumer products industries. It develops very low nicotine content tobacco and cigarette products under the VLN King and VLN Menthol King names; and SPECTRUM research cigarettes for use in independent clinical studies. The company has collaboration with Keygene N.V. to develop hemp/cannabis plants for exceptional cannabinoid profiles and other superior agronomic traits for medical, therapeutic, and agricultural uses, as well as other applications. 22nd Century Group, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.
How the Company Makes Money22nd Century generates revenue through multiple channels, including the sale of its proprietary reduced nicotine tobacco products, which are marketed as a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes. The company also earns revenue from licensing agreements related to its genetic engineering technology, which allows other companies to produce modified plants. Additionally, 22nd Century has entered into strategic partnerships with major tobacco companies to develop and commercialize its products, further enhancing its revenue potential. The company may also benefit from grants and funding aimed at public health initiatives related to smoking cessation.

22nd Century Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 04, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted significant strategic progress and financial improvements, such as becoming debt-free and expanding higher-margin branded products. However, the company continues to face challenges with ongoing losses and a decline in revenue. While the balance sheet has strengthened, the timeline to profitability remains uncertain. The sentiment is cautiously optimistic with notable achievements but balanced by current financial challenges.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Debt-Free and Improved Balance Sheet
The company has significantly improved its balance sheet, becoming debt-free and is now funded with cash resources that have not been available over the past two years.
Expansion of VLN Products
VLN and Partner VLN products are now available in approximately 1,500 stores across 21 states, with store display resets being implemented, and the company has continued to expand its brand and product availability.
Insurance Settlement Boost
The company received a $9.5 million insurance settlement from the Dorchester business interruption claim, which improved cash on hand and strengthened the balance sheet.
Strategic Shift to Higher Margin Products
The company has shifted its strategy away from low-margin CMO business to focus on higher-margin branded products, which is expected to drive future profitability.
Positive Product Reviews
The VLN products have received excellent reviews on taste and smoking experience, indicating strong consumer acceptance.
Negative Updates
Continued Losses
The company reported a gross profit loss of $1.1 million in Q3 2025, an increase from the $0.6 million loss in Q2 2025, due to lower volume and transition costs.
Net Revenue Decline
Net revenue decreased slightly to $4 million in Q3 2025 from $4.1 million in Q2 2025.
Uncertainty in Profitability Timeline
While the company aims for EBITDA breakeven by Q2 2026, the absence of rate of sale metrics creates uncertainty around this target.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter of 2025, 22nd Century Group's call highlighted significant advancements and strategic shifts aimed at enhancing profitability and market presence. The company closed the quarter with $4.8 million in cash, bolstered by an additional $9.5 million from an insurance settlement post-quarter, bringing total assets to $32.4 million. It achieved a debt-free status, repaying its senior secured credit facility, thus improving its liabilities to $11.3 million. Despite a net revenue dip to $4 million and a gross profit loss of $1.1 million, the focus is on transitioning from low-margin CMO business to higher-margin branded products, aiming for a breakeven target of 500,000 cartons annually. The company, now poised for growth, has executed cost-structure improvements in its manufacturing operations and expanded its VLN product distribution to approximately 1,500 stores across 21 states. The strategic emphasis on very low nicotine (VLN) products and natural style cigarettes is set to drive future profitability, with anticipated improvements in the fourth quarter and throughout 2026.

22nd Century Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials remain weak: declining revenue (-10.66% TTM) and deeply negative margins (gross -16.03%, net -41.95%) point to ongoing losses and operational strain. Balance sheet leverage has improved (debt-to-equity 0.43 TTM), but returns remain severely negative (ROE -170.04%) and cash flow is still negative, limiting financial stability.
Income Statement
25
Negative
The income statement reveals significant challenges for 22nd Century. The company has experienced declining revenue, with a negative revenue growth rate of -10.66% in the TTM. Margins are deeply negative, with a gross profit margin of -16.03% and a net profit margin of -41.95%, indicating substantial losses. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also negative, reflecting operational inefficiencies. Overall, the income statement suggests a struggling financial performance with no immediate signs of profitability.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The balance sheet shows a mixed picture. The debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.43 in the TTM from 2.15 in the previous year, indicating better leverage management. However, the return on equity is significantly negative at -170.04%, reflecting poor returns for shareholders. The equity ratio stands at 8.44%, suggesting a low proportion of equity financing. While debt levels are manageable, the negative equity and returns highlight financial instability.
Cash Flow
30
Negative
Cash flow analysis indicates ongoing cash flow challenges. The operating cash flow is negative, and the free cash flow growth rate is slightly positive at 6.68%, but this is from a negative base. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, suggesting cash flow issues relative to net losses. The free cash flow to net income ratio is close to 1, indicating that free cash flow is largely in line with net losses. Overall, cash flow remains a concern with limited improvement.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue10.36M11.88M32.20M40.50M30.95M28.11M
Gross Profit-3.56M-2.40M-8.70M1.85M1.49M1.44M
EBITDA-11.78M-12.11M-40.41M-32.89M-31.00M-18.07M
Net Income-6.80M-15.16M-140.78M-59.80M-32.61M-19.71M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets32.37M21.67M27.50M114.65M75.95M51.69M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.85M4.42M2.06M20.40M48.74M22.34M
Total Debt1.18M8.62M16.38M4.65M2.34M786.00K
Total Liabilities11.26M17.66M35.91M18.68M9.88M7.58M
Stockholders Equity21.10M4.01M-8.41M95.97M66.07M44.11M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-14.98M-14.51M-60.60M-56.14M-23.91M-16.14M
Operating Cash Flow-14.87M-14.35M-54.99M-51.71M-22.84M-15.62M
Investing Cash Flow130.00K-139.00K16.82M22.58M-27.73M16.47M
Financing Cash Flow14.24M16.85M37.21M30.82M50.88M-304.00K

22nd Century Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price0.76
Price Trends
50DMA
13.38
Negative
100DMA
18.15
Negative
200DMA
92.71
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.54
Positive
RSI
27.66
Positive
STOCH
7.46
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For XXII, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 0.76 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 11.89, below the 50-day MA of 13.38, and below the 200-day MA of 92.71, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.54 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 27.66 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 7.46 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for XXII.

22nd Century Risk Analysis

22nd Century disclosed 39 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. 22nd Century reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

22nd Century Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$1.41B12.757.72%6.15%3.01%-7.14%
69
Neutral
$2.31B42.6622.54%0.28%6.71%8.16%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
52
Neutral
$210.83M-5.69-254.99%-20.13%-88.66%
44
Neutral
$3.92M>-0.01-133.50%-34.81%99.30%
44
Neutral
$2.22M-240.32%-78.46%83.71%
39
Underperform
$247.77K-0.01-68.63%-88.85%68.28%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
XXII
22nd Century
7.69
-1,375.77
-99.44%
UVV
Universal
56.59
7.01
14.13%
TPB
Turning Point Brands
121.15
59.39
96.17%
GNLN
Greenlane Holdings
1.48
-1,041.02
-99.86%
KAVL
Kaival Brands Innovations Group
0.02
-1.38
-98.71%
ISPR
Ispire Technology, Inc.
3.68
-0.92
-20.00%

22nd Century Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and ComplianceStock Split
22nd Century Announces 1-for-15 Reverse Stock Split
Neutral
Jan 22, 2026

On January 22, 2026, 22nd Century Group, Inc. filed a Certificate of Amendment in Nevada to implement a 1-for-15 reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding common shares, a corporate action aimed solely at restoring and maintaining compliance with Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements. The reverse split will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on January 26, 2026, after which the company’s shares will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis under the existing ticker “XXII” but with a new CUSIP, reducing the outstanding common shares from about 7.65 million to roughly 510,000 while leaving the 500 million authorized share count, par value, and stockholders’ proportional ownership and voting power largely unchanged, aside from minor rounding effects and corresponding adjustments to outstanding options, warrants and preferred shares.

The most recent analyst rating on (XXII) stock is a Sell with a $0.76 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 22nd Century stock, see the XXII Stock Forecast page.

Delistings and Listing ChangesRegulatory Filings and ComplianceStock Split
22nd Century Updates Agreements to Meet Nasdaq Rules
Neutral
Dec 17, 2025

On December 17, 2205, 22nd Century Group, Inc. amended its agreements with holders of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rules and streamline securities offerings. The amendment includes changes to stockholder approval deadlines, adjustments to conversion pricing, and provisions enabling future stock split and securities issuance. These updates aim to enhance operational flexibility and investor protections, while positioning the company for regulatory compliance and improved market opportunities.

The most recent analyst rating on (XXII) stock is a Hold with a $1.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 22nd Century stock, see the XXII Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresPrivate Placements and Financing
22nd Century Signs $25M Sales Agreement for Expansion
Positive
Nov 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, 22nd Century Group, Inc. entered into a Sales Agreement with Needham & Company, LLC to issue and sell shares of common stock up to $25 million, intending to use the proceeds for corporate purposes including the expansion of its VLN® products. The company also reported its third quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting a significant balance sheet improvement with no outstanding debt and a $9.5 million insurance settlement. The company is expanding its market reach with VLN® products, increasing store counts, and securing new distribution agreements, positioning itself for future growth in the tobacco industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (XXII) stock is a Sell with a $1.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 22nd Century stock, see the XXII Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 28, 2026