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Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.Whil ...

Shares of Philip Morris (PM) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 7% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $165 in the previous session. Philip Morris has gained 35.6% since the start of the year compared to the 6.6% move for the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the 26.7% return for the Zacks Tobacco industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of ...

Core Viewpoint - Philip Morris International Inc. is expected to show growth in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue estimates around $9 billion, reflecting a 1.8% increase year-over-year [1]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly earnings is $1.61 per share, indicating a 7.3% increase from the previous year [2]. - The company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise average of 4% [2]. Smoke-Free Product Performance - Smoke-free products contributed 40% to the company's net revenues in Q4 2024, showcasing the success of its IQOS device and other innovations like IQOS ILUMA, ZYN nicotine pouches, and VEEV ONE e-vapor [3]. - The estimated revenue from smoke-free products for Q1 2025 is $3,576.89 million, up from $3,296 million in the same quarter last year [4]. Cost Management and Strategic Initiatives - Philip Morris has implemented cost-saving measures and strategic initiatives that have positively impacted its margins [4]. Currency Impact and Regulatory Challenges - The company anticipates a 4-cent unfavorable impact on adjusted EPS due to volatile currency movements [5]. - Strict government regulations, including mandatory precautionary labels and self-critical advertisements, are challenges that may affect cigarette consumption [5]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Philip Morris, with a Zacks Rank of 3 and an Earnings ESP of -1.83% [6].

In its upcoming report, Philip Morris (PM) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $1.61 per share, reflecting an increase of 7.3% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $8.95 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.8%.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has undergone an upward revision of 2.2% in the past 30 days, bringing it to its present level. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial ...

Core Insights - The Zacks Tobacco industry is transitioning towards smoke-free alternatives due to increasing consumer health awareness and stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes [1][5][6] - Major companies like Philip Morris International, Altria Group, and Turning Point Brands are heavily investing in reduced-risk products (RRPs) to leverage this trend [1][6] Industry Overview - The Zacks Tobacco industry encompasses companies that manufacture and sell cigarettes, cigars, snuffs, and nicotine-based products, including RRPs like e-cigarettes and vaping products [3] - Products in this industry are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which enforces permissible nicotine levels [4] Trends Impacting the Industry - There is a rising demand for smoke-free options driven by health concerns and government regulations aimed at reducing cigarette consumption [5] - Tobacco companies are focusing on innovations to enhance user experience and energy efficiency in RRPs, leading to significant revenue growth [6] Pricing Power and Sales Challenges - Tobacco companies maintain strong pricing power, allowing them to implement price increases despite declining cigarette sales volumes [7] - The industry faces challenges from inflation and regulatory restrictions, which are impacting cigarette sales and consumer behavior [8][9] Industry Performance - The Zacks Tobacco industry has outperformed the broader market, gaining 61.1% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 6.2% [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 14.37X, lower than the S&P 500's 19.88X [14] Company Highlights - **Philip Morris International**: Transitioning to a smoke-free future with a focus on RRPs like IQOS and ZYN, aiming for a majority smoke-free business by 2030. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its EPS is $7.18, with shares gaining 76.7% in the past year [15][17][16] - **Altria Group**: Focusing on smoke-free brands like NJOY and on!, while modernizing operations through its "Optimize and Accelerate" initiative. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its EPS is $5.31, with shares increasing by 40% in the past year [18][19] - **Turning Point Brands**: Experiencing growth through its core brands and modern oral nicotine products, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its EPS at $3.42 and shares soaring 115.8% in the past year [20][22]

Core Viewpoint - Philip Morris is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with the actual results being a significant factor influencing its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to be released on April 23, with a consensus EPS estimate of $1.61, reflecting a +7.3% change year-over-year. Revenues are projected to be $8.95 billion, up 1.8% from the previous year [3][2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.92% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [4]. However, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the consensus, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -1.83%, suggesting a bearish outlook on the company's earnings prospects [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3. Stocks with this combination have a nearly 70% success rate for positive surprises [8]. However, a negative Earnings ESP does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss [9]. Historical Performance - Philip Morris has a history of beating consensus EPS estimates, having done so in the last four quarters. In the most recent quarter, the company reported earnings of $1.55 per share against an expectation of $1.51, resulting in a surprise of +2.65% [12][13]. Conclusion - While Philip Morris does not currently appear to be a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider other factors when making investment decisions ahead of the earnings release [16].

Core Insights - The Zacks Tobacco industry is transitioning towards smoke-free alternatives due to increasing consumer health awareness and stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes [1][4] - Major companies like Philip Morris International, Altria Group, and Turning Point Brands are heavily investing in reduced-risk products (RRPs) to leverage this trend [1][4] Industry Overview - The Zacks Tobacco industry encompasses companies that manufacture and sell cigarettes, cigars, snuffs, and nicotine-based products, including RRPs like e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products [3] - Products are sold through various retail channels and are subject to strict regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [3] Trends Impacting the Industry - The demand for smoke-free options is rising, driven by health concerns and government regulations aimed at reducing cigarette consumption [4] - Tobacco companies are focusing on innovations in RRPs to enhance user experience and energy efficiency, leading to significant revenue growth in this segment [4] Pricing Power - Tobacco companies maintain strong pricing power, allowing them to implement price increases despite declining cigarette sales volumes [5] - The addictive nature of cigarettes results in consumer loyalty, making them less sensitive to price hikes [5] Challenges - The industry faces challenges in cigarette sales volumes due to inflation and changing consumer behavior towards smoke-free alternatives [6] - Regulatory restrictions on sales and advertising further impact traditional cigarette sales [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Tobacco industry ranks 90, placing it in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8] - The industry has outperformed the broader market, gaining 61.1% over the past year compared to 6.2% for the broader sector and 8.1% for the S&P 500 [10] Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.37X, lower than the S&P 500's 19.88X and the sector's 17.66X [13] Company Highlights - **Philip Morris International**: Transitioning to a smoke-free future with a focus on RRPs like IQOS and ZYN, aiming for a majority smoke-free business by 2030; shares have gained 76.7% in the past year [16][17] - **Altria Group**: Focusing on smoke-free brands and modernizing operations through its "Optimize and Accelerate" initiative; shares have surged 40% in the past year [19] - **Turning Point Brands**: Experiencing growth through core brands and modern oral nicotine products; shares have skyrocketed 115.8% in the past year [22][23]

Group 1: Dividend Overview - Dividend-paying stocks provide a passive income stream and are generally less volatile, making them attractive in the current market landscape [1][8] - High-yield stocks, such as Verizon Communications, Philip Morris, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, are highlighted as potential investment options [2] Group 2: Philip Morris (PM) - Philip Morris shares have seen a 14% growth in EPS and a 7% increase in sales, driven by strong demand and innovations in its smoke-free business [4] - The smoke-free products exceeded 40 billion units for the first time in FY24, with net revenues increasing by 14.2% and gross profit rising by 18.7% [5] - The current dividend yield for PM is 3.5%, and the company is recognized as a member of the elite Dividend Kings group [5] Group 3: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon is a leading telecommunications company in the U.S., providing various services to consumers and businesses [7] - The company's earnings outlook has improved, with analysts raising EPS expectations, and it has strong cash generation, making it appealing to income-focused investors [9] - Verizon's FY24 free cash flow is projected at $19.8 billion, reflecting a 6% year-over-year growth, with a current dividend yield of 6.3% [10] Group 4: Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) - Walgreens Boots Alliance is a retail drugstore chain, and analysts have recently become bullish on its EPS outlook, resulting in a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [12] - The stock's annual yield has risen to approximately 9.3%, significantly higher than the market average, despite past weak performance [14] - WBA shares have bounced back in 2025, gaining nearly 15% and showing relative strength compared to the S&P 500 [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience of Philip Morris International, S&P Global, and Walmart as investment options amidst market volatility and tariff concerns, suggesting that investors should focus on dividend growth stocks that are insulated from economic downturns [1][2]. Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International (PMI) was spun off from Altria in 2008, allowing it to focus on its overseas business while Altria dealt with domestic challenges [3]. - From 2008 to 2024, PMI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew at a compound annual rate of 4.4%, driven by price increases and cost-cutting measures, alongside a shift towards smoke-free products [4]. - PMI has consistently raised its dividend since the split, currently offering a forward yield of 3.6% with a trailing payout ratio of 88%, indicating potential for future increases [5]. - Analysts project adjusted EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, with a reasonable valuation at 21 times forward earnings [5]. S&P Global - S&P Global provides essential financial data and analytics services to approximately 80% of Fortune 500 companies, utilizing AI-driven tools to enhance its offerings [6]. - The company is insulated from tariffs as it offers services rather than physical goods, making its services more valuable in turbulent markets [7]. - Despite a temporary slowdown in its credit ratings business due to high interest rates, S&P Global is expected to recover as rates decline [7]. - The company has a forward yield of 0.9% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, with a low trailing payout ratio of 29% [8]. - Analysts anticipate EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 12% in 2026, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26, indicating it is not overly expensive [8]. Walmart - Walmart serves 270 million customers weekly across 10,750 stores and online marketplaces in 19 countries, providing it with significant scale to mitigate tariff impacts [9]. - Many of Walmart's suppliers pre-shipped products to the U.S. before tariffs were implemented, and the company can negotiate lower prices or adjust retail prices to manage costs [10]. - Walmart has a forward yield of 1.1% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, maintaining a low payout ratio of 34% [11]. - Analysts expect adjusted EPS growth of 5% in fiscal 2026 and 12% in fiscal 2027, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 31, suggesting that its core strengths may justify the higher valuation [11].