Despite both companies owning the world's leading cigarette in the Marlboro brand, Philip Morris International (PM) has drastically underperformed in the stock market compared to sister company Altria Group (MO). Because Philip Morris sells exclusively outside of the United States, earnings and dividend growth have been suppressed over the past five years due to a strong US dollar. That unfavorable currency exchange is now reversing as the dollar has come down from its highs. As a result, Philip Morris has finished 2017 on a high note, and is forecasting robust earnings growth in 2018. Meanwhile, the massive implementation of reduced risk product iQOS continues. The recent trade conflict between China and the United States has created market volatility that has pushed shares back under $100. This is a good opportunity to accumulate shares before earnings start to take off.
source: Memegenerator.net
