NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 11/21/12 -- The Tobacco Industry has been known to hold some of the strongest dividends in the market. The average dividend yield of Altria Group, Reynolds American, Lorillard, and Phillip Morris International is approximately 5.0 percent, more than double the S&P 500's average dividend yield of 2.2 percent. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Cigarettes Industry and provides equity research on Lorillard Inc. (NYSE: LO) and Reynolds American, Inc. (NYSE: RAI).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.ParagonReport.com/LO
www.ParagonReport.com/RAI

Tobacco companies received a boost earlier this week after UBS Investment Research Nik Modi upgraded Altria's rating from "neutral" to "buy." Wells Fargo & Co. analyst Bonnie Herzog has recently predicted that the industry would see a second round of prices increases in 2012. In 2011, Altria Group, Reynolds American and Lorillard raised prices in July and December. Price increases are key for tobacco companies as it helps them generate more cash, which they return to investors in the form of dividend payouts and stock repurchase plans.

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.

Lorillard's Board of Directors has recently approved a 3-for-1 stock split in the form of a 200% stock dividend. Lorillard shareholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2012, will receive two additional shares of Lorillard stock for each share then owned. The company currently offers investors an annual dividend of $6.20 per share for a yield of roughly 5.2 percent.

Reynolds American's R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is the second-largest U.S. tobacco company. The company's brands include many of the best-selling cigarettes in the U.S.: Camel, Pall Mall, Winston, Kool, Doral and Salem. Reynolds American currently offers investors and annual dividend of $2.36 for a yield of roughly 5.6 percent.

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:
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