• Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights: Altria and Reynolds American 

Additional regulation of tobacco products by the U.S. Federal Government is now expected. . . .

The tobacco companies are losing product liability law suits. In late March 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal in the Boeken case; therefore, Altria paid the $50 million judgment, despite claiming the judgment was excessive. Altria also lost the Bullock case; however, a new trial is scheduled to revise the amount of initial punitive damages of $28 million.

Lastly, in March 2009, Altria lost the Williams case when the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the Altria's appeal . . .

As a result of these negative developments, the ratings on both domestic tobacco companies, Altria and Reynolds American, were lowered to a Sell.

Jump to full article »

As a result of these negative developments, the ratings on both domestic tobacco companies, Altria and Reynolds American, were lowered to a Sell.
Zacks. When was the last time there was a sell rating on tobacco stocks?