Altria Group (MO)

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 06/06/12 -- In times of economic uncertainty investors look to companies with strong earnings and high dividends. The Cigarette Industry has been known to have some of the safest dividends in the market. During the last recession, which saw many companies slash dividends, cigarette companies dividends held strong. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Cigarettes Industry and provides equity research on Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) and Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.ParagonReport.com/MO

www.ParagonReport.com/PM

In the S&P 500 there are currently four cigarette companies (Altria Group, Reynolds American, Lorillard, and Phillip Morris International). The average dividend yield of these companies is nearly 5 percent, easily beating the S&P average dividend yield of 2.61 percent.

Tobacco companies continue to face taxation hikes across the U.S. as they are increasingly blamed for soaring healthcare costs. A recent proposed tax hike in California would see the excise tax jump to $1.87 per pack. Tobacco companies, such as Altria Group and Reynolds American, have spent in excess of $40 million on lobbying against the tax.

Paragon Report releases regular market updates on the Cigarettes Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.ParagonReport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Altria Group currently offers investors a dividend yield of around 5.08 percent. Nu Mark, an Altria company, announced its plans to introduce a new type of tobacco product in select stores in Virginia. VERVE discs are a tobacco-derived nicotine product designed to appeal to adult smokers interested in tobacco product alternatives to cigarettes. The product will be available at stores in June.

Philip Morris International currently offers investors a dividend yield of around 3.64 percent. The Minnesota Supreme Court recently ended a class action suit against Philip Morris USA in which smokers sought refunds for "lights" cigarettes they purchased. "The Minnesota Supreme Court properly dismissed this case as barred by the Tobacco Settlement Agreement," said Murray Garnick, Altria Client Services senior vice president and associate general counsel, speaking on behalf of Philip Morris USA.

Paragon Report provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: www.ParagonReport.com/disclaimer

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