22nd Century shares surge 19.69% after-hours after reporting debt-free status, $9.5M insurance settlement, and VLN expansion.

22nd Century Group surged 19.69% in after-hours trading following its Q3 2025 earnings report, which highlighted a debt-free balance sheet, a $9.5 million non-dilutive insurance settlement, and rapid expansion of VLN® product distribution to 1,500 stores across 21 states. The company also announced a $25 million at-the-market equity program to fund growth initiatives and unveiled its first-ever net revenue of $209,000 from VLN® sales. Management emphasized a strategic pivot to high-margin branded products, alignment with the FDA’s low-nicotine mandate, and partnerships with retailers like Circle K and Murphy USA. These developments, coupled with improved financial flexibility and regulatory support, positioned the stock for a strong after-hours rally, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s pivot to tobacco harm reduction and scalable growth potential.