Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1][2]. Company Overview: Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (IMBBY) - IMBBY currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [3]. - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable outlook compared to the market [4]. Performance Metrics - Over the past week, IMBBY shares increased by 1.81%, while the Zacks Tobacco industry rose by 2.18% [6]. - In the last month, IMBBY's price change was 16.7%, matching the industry's performance [6]. - Over the past quarter, IMBBY shares have risen by 15.85%, and over the last year, they have gained 75.71%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which saw declines of -6.46% and gains of 11.69% respectively [7]. Trading Volume - IMBBY's average 20-day trading volume is 149,734 shares, which serves as a baseline for price-to-volume analysis [8]. Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for IMBBY has increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $4.09 to $4.18 [10]. - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards with no downward revisions [10]. Conclusion - Considering the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, IMBBY is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a potential candidate for near-term investment [12].

It's been one month since President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement, which featured a wave of tariff policies targeting just about every country around the world. During this time period, the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average each plummeted by as much as 11%. Although the capital markets have bounced back a bit, the future state of the economy very much remains a question mark. At the moment, growth stocks have lost their appeal and investors are seeking safer, more re ...

Group 1 - Altria reported mixed results for its first fiscal quarter of FY 2025, indicating challenges in its business operations [1] - The company is experiencing negative growth in its core tobacco segment, which is a significant concern for its overall performance [1] - New challenges have emerged in the alternative products category, further complicating the company's growth prospects [1]

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving Altria Group, Inc. and its officers or directors [1] Group 1: Legal Investigation - Pomerantz LLP is representing investors of Altria Group, Inc. in an investigation regarding claims of securities fraud [1] - Investors are encouraged to contact Pomerantz LLP for more information about the investigation [1] Group 2: Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - On April 2, 2025, Deutsche Bank downgraded Altria's stock rating from "Buy" to "Hold" due to regulatory uncertainties following a ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission [3] - Following the downgrade, Altria's stock price decreased by $1.67, or 2.84%, closing at $57.12 per share on the same day [3]

Company Overview - Altria Group is adapting to changing industry dynamics, focusing on expanding beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless product category due to rising health consciousness and government regulations [12] - Revenues from the oral product category are steadily increasing, driven by the growing popularity of reduced-risk products [12] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Altria has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, indicating a solid position in the market [13] - The company has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 4.5% for the current fiscal year [13] - Four analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.03 to $5.35 per share [13] Investment Potential - Altria's average earnings surprise stands at 1.3%, suggesting a potential for positive performance [13] - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, Altria is recommended as a potential pick for growth investors [14]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets experienced severe volatility in April, with the S&P 500 and Dow falling by 3.2% and 0.8%, respectively, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.9% [1] - The volatility was attributed to President Trump's tariffs and trade-related policies, with economists warning of a near-term recession as U.S. GDP contracted for the first time in three years in Q1 2025 [2] Economic Indicators - Better-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data for April and optimism regarding U.S. government trade negotiations are expected to boost confidence in equities [3] Investment Opportunities - Recommended stocks for investment in May include Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Sony Group Corp. (SONY), Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), and NatWest Group plc (NWG), all of which have shown double-digit returns in the past month and hold a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5] Company Analysis Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) - Focus on product innovation, e-commerce, and private label offerings has led to better-than-expected Q4 2024 results, with both revenue and earnings growing year over year [9] - SFM expects net sales to rise between 10.5% and 12.5% in 2025, with comparable store sales anticipated to increase by 4.5-6.5% [10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 13.4% and 30.7%, respectively, with a 5.2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [11] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Strong pricing power and an expanding smoke-free product portfolio are driving growth, with PM aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [13] - Anticipates positive volume growth for the fifth consecutive year, with an expected increase of 2%, and smoke-free products projected to grow by 12-14% [14] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a 4.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [15] Sony Group Corp. (SONY) - Growth is supported by strong performance in Game & Network Services, Music, and Financial Services, despite challenges in the Entertainment, Technology & Services unit [16] - Fiscal 2024 sales view raised to ¥13,200 billion from ¥12,710 billion, driven by momentum in Financial Services and G&NS units [17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 0.7% and 14.4%, respectively, with a 0.7% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [18] Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) - Focus on production growth through project execution and strategic acquisitions, including the merger with Kirkland Lake Gold [19][20] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 20.6% and 44.4%, respectively, with a 6.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [20] NatWest Group plc (NWG) - Provides a range of banking and financial services across various segments, including Retail Banking and Private Banking [21][22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 10.8% and 12.8%, respectively, with a 2.7% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [22]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 Index has recovered all losses from the tariff-related market turmoil, achieving a nine-day winning streak for the first time since November 2004 [1] - The index was previously down nearly 20% from its all-time high during the April turmoil but has since rebounded and is currently about 7% away from its peak recorded in February [2] Investment Recommendations - Five S&P 500 stocks are recommended for investment, all having provided over 20% returns year to date: Netflix Inc. (NFLX), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Newmont Corp. (NEM), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), and Exelon Corp. (EXC) [3][4] Company Insights Netflix Inc. (NFLX) - NFLX exceeded earnings estimates while maintaining healthy engagement levels despite trade and tariff challenges, reaffirming its 2025 guidance [8] - The launch of its Ad Suite in the U.S. is expected to drive subscriber and average revenue per user (ARPU) growth, with strong visibility in its business leading to positive earnings estimate revisions [9] - NFLX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 14% and 27.7%, respectively, with a 3.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [11] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - PM is experiencing strong pricing power and growth in its smoke-free product portfolio, aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [12] - The company anticipates a 2% increase in volume growth for the fifth consecutive year, with smoke-free products projected to grow by 12-14% [13] - PM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a 4.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [14] Newmont Corp. (NEM) - NEM is progressing with growth projects, including the Tanami expansion and the Ahafo North project, which is expected to commence commercial production in the second half of 2025 [15][16] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 0.1% and an earnings growth rate of 16.7% for the current year, with a significant 23.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [17] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is set to benefit from rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [18] - The company is investing in infrastructure upgrades to support the growing electric vehicle market, including off-road electrification initiatives [20] - CNP's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.4% and 8%, respectively, with a slight 0.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [21] Exelon Corp. (EXC) - EXC is focusing on strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, which will enhance service reliability and operational resilience [22] - The company is expected to see revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.3% and 6.8%, respectively, with a 0.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [23]

MOCKSVILLE, N.C., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 22nd Century Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XXII), a tobacco products company that is leading the fight against nicotine by offering smokers a choice about their nicotine consumption, will host a webcast on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 8:00 AM ET to discuss its 2025 first quarter results, which are to be reported in a press release at 6:00 AM ET the same day. During the webcast, Larry Firestone, chairman and chief executive officer, and Dan Otto, chief financial officer ...

Group 1: AT&T - AT&T reported strong first-quarter results, driven by significant postpaid phone and fiber net subscriber additions, and retained its full-year guidance [3][4] - The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.2775 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $1.11 per share and a dividend yield of 4.0% [4] - RBC Capital analyst raised the price target for AT&T stock to $30 from $28, noting that the company exceeded revenue expectations despite excluding $100 million of one-time EBITDA benefits [4][5] Group 2: Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International reported solid first-quarter results, driven by strong demand for smoke-free products, and offers a quarterly dividend of $1.35 per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $5.40 per share and a yield of nearly 3.2% [7][8] - Stifel analyst reaffirmed a buy rating on PM stock and increased the price target to $186 from $168, citing strong momentum from smoke-free product mix, pricing, and volume growth [8] - The company’s smoke-free products now account for over 40% of revenue and gross profit, supporting durable growth into 2025 and beyond [9] Group 3: Texas Instruments - Texas Instruments reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that surpassed Wall Street estimates, reflecting strong demand for analog chips, and provided better-than-expected guidance for the June quarter [13][14] - The company pays a quarterly dividend of $1.36 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $5.44 per share and a dividend yield of 3.3% [14] - Evercore analyst reiterated a buy rating on TXN stock with a price target of $248, expecting the company to deliver upside surprises through 2025 and into 2026 [14][16]

Core Viewpoint - The tobacco sector is experiencing a resurgence, driven by the growth of new-generation nicotine products rather than traditional cigarettes [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The tobacco sector had been neglected by investors due to volume declines and ESG investment mandates [1]. - New-generation nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, are leading the market recovery, with Philip Morris International (PM) capturing 42% of its net revenue from this category [2]. - Philip Morris International's stock has increased by 86% over the past 12 months, providing substantial returns for shareholders [2]. Group 2: Product Categories - Three major nicotine categories are replacing traditional cigarettes: electronic vaping, heat-not-burn tobacco, and nicotine pouches [3]. - Philip Morris International leads in the heat-not-burn category with its Iqos brand, which holds a 77% market share globally [4]. - The Zyn nicotine pouch brand is growing rapidly, with a 53% year-over-year increase in the U.S. and 182% internationally, excluding Nordic markets [5]. - The VeeV vaping devices are currently small in volume but are experiencing 100% year-over-year growth [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Philip Morris International is seeing stable volume from its traditional cigarette business, with a 1.1% year-over-year increase in volume in Q1 [7]. - The combustibles segment has shown gross profit growth of 6.6% year-over-year in 2024 and 5.3% in Q1 of 2025, contributing to earnings growth [7]. - Operating income reached a record $13.9 billion over the past 12 months, primarily due to stable volumes and pricing power [8]. - Free cash flow is expected to align with operating income as manufacturing investments for alternative nicotine brands are completed [8]. Group 4: Dividend Growth Potential - Philip Morris International's stock currently has a dividend yield of 3.1%, down from nearly 6% in late 2020 [12]. - The company has a dividend per share of $5.35 and free cash flow per share of $6.55, indicating the ability to sustain dividend growth despite current cash flow challenges [13]. - The company is projected to grow its dividend per share by 5% annually for the next four years, supported by increasing free cash flow [14]. - As free cash flow per share increases, the company will be positioned to consistently grow its dividend payouts, making it an attractive option for dividend-seeking investors [14].