Article contentPhilip Morris International is a leading international consumer goods company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company’s current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, nicotine pouch and e-vapor products. Our smoke-free products are available for sale in over 100 markets, and as of June 30, 2025 PMI estimates the ...

STAMFORD, CT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) today released a new white paper, "Human Cognition: The Next Frontier?†, inviting leaders across business, policy, and academia to join a global conversation on the evolving role of human cognition as artificial intelligence transforms work, society, and the economy. The white paper explores how human capabilities such as - critical thinking, creativity and adaptability - are poised to become the "superskill†of the future, driving ...

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) has announced an expanded partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP and Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for the 2026 season and beyond, featuring the ZYN brand of nicotine pouches on Ferrari's Formula 1 liveries [1] - The partnership aims to innovate and challenge the status quo in the nicotine market, with a focus on smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes [1] - ZYN branding will debut on the Scuderia Ferrari HP car during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7, 2025 [1] Company Overview - PMI is a leading international consumer goods company focused on delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its product portfolio beyond tobacco and nicotine [1] - The company's product portfolio includes cigarettes and smoke-free products such as heat-not-burn, nicotine pouches, and e-vapor products, available in over 100 markets [1] - As of June 30, 2025, PMI estimates that over 41 million legal-age consumers globally use its smoke-free products, which accounted for 41% of the company's total net revenues in the first nine months of 2025 [1] Investment in Innovation - Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion in the development and commercialization of innovative smoke-free products aimed at reducing cigarette consumption [1] - The company has established world-class scientific assessment capabilities in areas such as toxicology, clinical research, and post-market studies [1] - PMI has received FDA authorizations for various products, including ZYN nicotine pouches and IQOS devices, marking significant milestones in the industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights eight dividend stocks that cater to various investment styles, emphasizing the importance of balancing current income with long-term growth in a diversified dividend strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Summaries - **American Express (AXP)**: Operates a closed-loop payments network with a yield of 0.87% and a payout ratio of 16%, indicating significant potential for dividend growth due to its affluent customer base and strong pricing power [3][4]. - **JPMorgan Chase (JPM)**: The largest U.S. bank by assets, offering a 2% yield and a 28% payout ratio, making it a solid choice for investors seeking both income and capital appreciation [5]. - **Costco (COST)**: Generates profit primarily from membership fees, with a low yield of 0.5% but a 27% payout ratio and a history of substantial special dividends, showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns [6][7]. - **S&P Global (SPGI)**: Provides essential financial market services with a yield of 0.8% and a 28% payout ratio, boasting a 52-year history of dividend increases, reflecting its strong market position [9]. - **AbbVie (ABBV)**: A biopharmaceutical company with a 3% yield and a remarkable 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, supported by a robust pipeline and strategic acquisitions [10]. - **Pfizer (PFE)**: A major pharmaceutical company with a high yield of 6.7% but a payout ratio near 98%, appealing to income-focused investors despite earnings volatility risks [11]. - **Philip Morris International (PM)**: Offers a 3.8% yield with a payout ratio of nearly 78%, focusing on smoke-free products to differentiate itself and provide growth opportunities [12][13]. - **Nvidia (NVDA)**: A technology company with a minimal yield of 0.02% but a low payout ratio of 1%, indicating strong potential for future dividend growth driven by substantial free cash flow [15].

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. is a leading multinational tobacco company with a market cap of approximately $243.6 billion, focusing on both traditional cigarettes and a growing range of smoke-free nicotine products [1][2] Company Overview - The company is classified as a "large-cap stock," indicating its significant scale and stability within the tobacco industry, bolstered by a strong brand portfolio, particularly Marlboro, which provides pricing leverage and competitive advantage [2] Stock Performance - PM stock is currently trading 16.2% below its 52-week high of $186.69, reached on June 16, and has declined 6.1% over the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 5.4% in the same period [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, PM shares have increased by 18.3% and 30% year-to-date (YTD), while the S&P 500 Index has risen 13.1% and 15.8% YTD [4] Market Trends - The stock experienced a strong bull run earlier in the year but has recently shown signs of weakness, falling below its 200-day moving average in October and dipping under its 50-day moving average by late July [5] - The surge in PM stock over the past year is attributed to the successful introduction of smoke-free products like ZYN nicotine pouches and IQOS heated-tobacco units, which have gained consumer traction and improved revenues and margins [6] Competitive Landscape - Philip Morris' competitor, Altria Group, has underperformed, with only 1.9% gains over the past year and a 12.2% increase YTD, while PM has a consensus rating of "Strong Buy" from analysts, with a mean price target suggesting a 19.7% upside potential [7]

Core Viewpoint - Philip Morris International Inc. is experiencing a positive stock performance driven by its shift towards smoke-free products and favorable pricing in its combustible tobacco business, despite underperforming the broader market over the past year [2][4]. Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, PM stock has increased by 13.3%, while the S&P 500 Index has risen by 18.5%. However, on a year-to-date basis, PM shares are up 22.7%, compared to the S&P 500's 15.1% increase [2]. - PM stock has outperformed the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which has seen a 5.5% decline over the past 52 weeks and a 3.3% dip year-to-date [3]. Business Transformation - The company's transition towards smoke-free products, such as the IQOS heated-tobacco system and ZYN nicotine pouches, is gaining global traction, contributing to investor confidence [4]. - Favorable pricing strategies in the combustible tobacco segment have also enhanced profit margins, further supporting the company's growth narrative [4]. Earnings Outlook - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts project PM's earnings per share (EPS) to grow by 14.2% year-over-year to $7.50. The company has a strong earnings surprise history, having exceeded consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5]. - The consensus rating among 15 analysts is a "Moderate Buy," with nine "Strong Buy" ratings, two "Moderate Buys," and four "Holds" [5]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Stifel has reiterated a "Buy" rating with a price target of $180 following strong Q3 results, maintaining optimism despite short-term inventory challenges [6]. - The mean price target for PM is $190.46, indicating a potential upside of 29%, while the highest target of $220 suggests a possible upside of 49% from the current price [7].

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) is recognized as one of the Best High Yield Stocks to buy in October [1] - The company is undergoing a significant business transformation towards smoke-free products, which now account for 39% of its projected 2024 revenue [2] - The recent acquisition of Swedish Match strengthens PM's position in the growing nicotine segment, while a lawsuit dismissal regarding ZYN pricing alleviates previous concerns [2] Financial Performance - PM's heat-not-burn product, IQOS, generated over $3 billion in net revenue and holds a 76% share of the global heat-not-burn market [3] - In Europe, adjusted IQOS sales volumes increased by 9.1%, and in Japan, they grew by 7.8%, raising its market share to 31.7% [3] Dividend Information - On September 19, PM announced an 8.9% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.47 per share, extending its dividend growth streak to 16 years [4] - The current dividend yield stands at 3.57%, with the stock going ex-dividend on October 3 [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses high yield stocks suitable for investment in October, emphasizing the importance of dividend investing and the need for careful selection to avoid yield traps [1][2] Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Dividend investing is a long-term strategy that has historically outperformed during economic downturns [1] - Investors should focus on dividend durability and reliability rather than just high yields to avoid unsustainable dividend traps [2] - A dividend capture strategy allows investors to buy stocks just before dividends are paid and sell shortly after, focusing on dividend income [2] Group 2: Selected Stocks for Dividend Capture Strategy - Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) has an ex-dividend date of October 1, with a dividend yield of 8.03% and a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, consistent over ten years [8][10] - Sempra (NYSE:SRE) also has an ex-dividend date of October 1, offering a dividend yield of 2.91% with a quarterly dividend of $0.645, having increased its payout by 4% earlier this year [11][12] - Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) has an ex-dividend date of October 3, with a dividend yield of 3.57% and a recent increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.47 per share, marking 16 years of dividend growth [14][16]

Core Insights - The survey indicates strong global support for smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, with 78% of respondents agreeing that adult smokers should have access to better options [2][3] - There is significant concern (76%) that public health decisions are influenced more by ideology than by scientific evidence [3][6] - Countries that adopt smoke-free products have experienced declines in cigarette sales and smoking rates, highlighting the demand for evidence-based policies [4] Group 1: Public Support for Smoke-Free Alternatives - 80% of adults believe that smokers should have access to smoke-free options [1] - 74% of respondents think that encouraging smokers to switch to these products can improve public health [2] - 78% of respondents want their governments to consider scientific evidence regarding smoke-free alternatives before imposing restrictions [3] Group 2: Concerns Over Public Health Policies - 76% of respondents are concerned that decisions are made based on ideology rather than science [3][6] - 58% agree that it is wrong for governments to ban less harmful alternatives while allowing cigarette sales [6] - 61% believe it is a public health failure that 29% of the global adult population lives in countries where smoke-free alternatives are banned [6] Group 3: Market Access and Regulatory Environment - Over 190 million smokers in more than 20 countries lack legal access to smoke-free products, despite the availability of harmful cigarettes [5] - 82% of legal-age smokers in countries with bans on smoke-free products want the opportunity to purchase them legally [6] - The survey highlights a strong desire for governments to adopt policies that align with scientific findings, particularly in countries with existing bans [3][6] Group 4: Company Position and Investment - Philip Morris International has invested over $14 billion since 2008 in developing smoke-free products, aiming to end cigarette sales [8] - As of June 30, 2025, smoke-free products accounted for 41% of PMI's total net revenues [8] - PMI's smoke-free products are available in 97 markets, with over 41 million legal-age consumers using them [8]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is expected to experience volatility due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which have led to increased oil prices and concerns about a broader regional conflict [1] - Uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions amid these geopolitical risks is adding further pressure to the market [1] Investment Strategy - A curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a strategy to navigate the uncertain market conditions [2] - Low-beta stocks such as VirTra Inc. (VTSI), Franco-Nevada Corporation (FNV), Elbit Systems Ltd (ESLT), and Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [2] Stock Characteristics - Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility compared to the market, with a beta of 1 indicating movement in line with the market, greater than 1 indicating higher volatility, and less than 1 indicating lower volatility [3][4] - Stocks with a beta between 0 and 0.6 are screened for lower volatility, alongside other criteria such as positive price movement over the last month, average trading volume greater than 50,000, a price of at least $5, and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5][6] Company Insights - **VirTra Inc. (VTSI)**: The company is benefiting from the U.S. Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) project, which enhances training for soldiers and positions VirTra favorably for military contracts [7][9] - **Franco-Nevada Corporation (FNV)**: Recently invested $1.05 billion in a royalty on the Côté Gold Mine, which is expected to close by Q2 2025, indicating strong revenue potential from significant gold resources [9][10] - **Elbit Systems Ltd (ESLT)**: The company has a substantial backlog of $23.1 billion, with 66% of its contracts coming from international markets, reflecting strong global demand for defense solutions [9][11] - **Philip Morris International Inc. (PM)**: Transitioning from traditional cigarettes to smoke-free products like IQOS and ZYN, while focusing on shareholder returns and cost-cutting measures [12]