Philip Morris Intl Option Alert: Fri $130 Calls Sweep (19) near the Ask: 249 vs 2933 OI; Earnings 4/23 Before Open 

Philip Morris Intl Option Alert: Fri $130 Calls Sweep (19) near the Ask: 249 @ $23.8 vs 2933 OI; Earnings 4/23 Before Open Ref=$153.74

Philip Morris Intl Option Alert: Fri $130 Calls Sweep (31) near the Ask: 296 vs 2933 OI; Earnings 4/23 Before Open 

Philip Morris Intl Option Alert: Fri $130 Calls Sweep (31) near the Ask: 296 @ $23.701 vs 2933 OI; Earnings 4/23 Before Open Ref=$153.65

Philip Morris Intl Option Alert: Sep 19 $140 Calls at the Ask: 600 vs 546 OI; Earnings 4/23 Before Open 

Philip Morris Intl Option Alert: Sep 19 $140 Calls at the Ask: 600 @ $18.4 vs 546 OI; Earnings 4/23 Before Open Ref=$152.29

Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:PM) Stock

Philip Morris Intl

Created from the international operations of Altria in 2008, Philip Morris International sells cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heatsticks, vapes, and oral nicotine offerings primarily outside of the US. With the 2023 acquisition of Swedish Match, a leading manufacturer of traditional oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches primarily in the US and Scandinavia, PMI has not only diversified away from smokeable products but also gained a toehold into the US to sell its iQOS heated tobacco product.

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Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of over 3%.
Evergy
Evergy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVRG#NASDAQ">EVRG</a>) engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the U.S. It generates electricity through coal, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas and oil sources, as well as solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
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Evergy has raised its dividends consecutively for the last seven years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Nov. 7, the company's board increased the quarterly payout by 4% to $0.6675 per share, equal to an annual figure of $2.67 per share. The current dividend yield is 3.93%.
Evergy's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $5.85 billion. According to its most recent release on Feb. 27, it posted Q4 2024 revenues of $1.26 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion, while EPS of $0.35 came in below the consensus of $0.37.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Sempra
Sempra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRE#NYSE">SRE</a>) operates as an energy infrastructure company in the U.S. and internationally.
The company increased its dividends consecutively for the last 15 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Feb. 25, it raised the quarterly payout from $0.62 to $0.645 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $2.58 per share. The current yield on the dividend is 3.67%.
Sempra's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $13.19 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings announcement on Feb. 25, the company posted revenues of $3.76 billion and EPS of $1.50. Both figures came in below expectations.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/04/44812332/analyst-expectations-for-sempras-future">article by Benzinga</a> for 14 analysts' insights on Sempra.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Philip Morris
Philip Morris International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) operates as a tobacco company. The company offers cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.
Philip Morris has raised its dividends every year for the past 17 years. In the company&#8217;s most recent dividend hike announcement on Sept. 12, it increased the quarterly payout from $1.30 to $1.35 per share, equaling an annual figure of $5.40 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on March 6, the company maintained the payout at the same level. The current dividend yield on the stock is 3.37%.
The company&#8217;s annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $37.88 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 6, it posted revenues of $9.71 billion and EPS of $1.55, both above the consensus estimates.
Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of over 3% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44830336/how-kimberly-clark-txnm-energy-and-getty-realty-can-put-cash-in-your-pocket">article by Benzinga</a> for three more stocks offering high dividend yields.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

EVRG

Looking For Yields: Evergy, Sempra, And Philip Morris Are Consistent Moneymakers

Philip Morris Intl's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) short percent of float has fallen 32.56% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 8.98 million shares sold short, which is 0.58% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.49 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Philip Morris Intl Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744822828_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Philip Morris Intl has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Philip Morris Intl's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Philip Morris Intl's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.90%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

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How Is The Market Feeling About Philip Morris Intl?

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>UBS raised Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COOP#NASDAQ">COOP</a>) price target from $135 to $145. UBS analyst Douglas Harter maintained a Buy rating. Mr. Cooper shares closed at $114.39 on Tuesday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COOP/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup increased the price target for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) from $163 to $180. Citigroup analyst Simon Hales maintained a Buy rating. Philip Morris shares closed at $160.09 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Stifel cut Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAR#NASDAQ">MAR</a>) price target from $295 to $240. Stifel analyst Simon Yarmak maintained a Hold rating. Marriott shares closed at $222.58 on Tuesday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MAR/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Barclays raised the price target for Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBKR#NASDAQ">IBKR</a>) from $188 to $193. Barclays analyst Benjamin Budish maintained an Overweight rating. Interactive Brokers shares closed at $173.43 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IBKR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Keybanc cut the price target for Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEEV#NYSE">VEEV</a>) from $260 to $250. Keybanc analyst Sangita Jain maintained an Overweight rating. Veeva shares closed at $222.72 on Tuesday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VEEV/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan slashed Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NLY#NYSE">NLY</a>) price target from $21 to $19. JP Morgan analyst Richard Shane maintained an Overweight rating. Annaly Capital Management shares settled at $17.96 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NLY/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>B of A Securities cut Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>) price target from $630 to $560. B of A Securities analyst Vivek Arya maintained a Buy rating. Synopsys shares closed at $425.65 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SNPS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Canaccord Genuity slashed Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLNC#NASDAQ">FLNC</a>) price target from $14 to $10. Canaccord Genuity analyst George Gianarikas maintained a Buy rating. Fluence Energy shares closed at $3.6750 on Tuesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FLNC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co cut the price target for Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWC#NASDAQ">HWC</a>) from $73 to $69. Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Matt Olney maintained an Overweight rating. Hancock Whitney shares settled at $48.69 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>B of A Securities slashed NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) price target from $200 to $160. B of A Securities analyst Vivek Arya maintained a Buy rating. Nvidia shares closed at $112.20 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="603" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16093856/image-1-3-1024x603.png" alt="" class="wp-image-874446" style="width:586px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16093856/image-1-3-1024x603.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16093856/image-1-3-300x177.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16093856/image-1-3-768x452.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16093856/image-1-3.png 1097w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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News

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Markets

Analyst Ratings

COOP

FLNC

IBKR

NVDA

SNPS

VEEV

Nvidia To $160? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Wednesday

Citigroup analyst Simon Hales maintains Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $163 to $180.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Philip Morris Intl, Raises Price Target to $180

WIIM

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SMPL

Shares of several consumer staples stocks are trading higher. The sector may be moving up as investors gravitate towards more defensive assets following market-wide volatility and uncertainty.

Stifel analyst Matthew Smith maintains Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $160 to $168.

Stifel Maintains Buy on Philip Morris Intl, Raises Price Target to $168

BofA Securities analysts Bryan D. Spillane, Lisa K. Lewandowski and Peter T. Galbo have put forward on Tuesday their research findings on consumer staple companies in the face of a potential recession.
The analysts said consumer staples have historically outperformed the S&amp;P 500 in most recent recessions, suggesting a defensive edge.
However, the analysts warned that current conditions, such as lingering high prices and weak volume growth, may limit their resilience in a future downturn.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44695622/amazon-touts-ai-milestone-says-new-model-outshines-gpt-4o-in-real-time-speech" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Touts AI Milestone, Says New Model Outshines GPT-4o In Real-Time Speech</a>
Still, their limited exposure to new tariffs could make the sector more appealing than others, potentially helping sustain valuation multiples.
During recessions, the Consumer Staples sector stock prices are primarily influenced by earnings per share (EPS) rather than sales growth.
Analysis shows that forward EPS estimates account for over 90% of stock price movement across key subsectors like Beverages, Household &amp; Personal Care (HPC), Packaged Food, and Tobacco, with the correlation being the tightest Beverages and HPC.
The analysts noted that this highlights the critical importance of earnings strength when evaluating stock performance in uncertain economic conditions.
A review of six past recessions reveals that certain Consumer Staples stocks consistently outperformed the S&amp;P 500.
Campbell Soup Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPB#NYSE">CPB</a>), Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>), General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>), McCormick &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MKC#NYSE">MKC</a>), PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HRL#NYSE">HRL</a>) each posted a 100% success rate in outperforming the index during those downturns.
In the last four recessions with the most comprehensive data, McCormick, General Mills, and Church &amp; Dwight Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHD#NYSE">CHD</a>) delivered the strongest relative performance.
Top-performing Consumer Staples stocks in a potential downturn will likely share three traits: profit flexibility to offset revenue pressure and rising costs, strong U.S. manufacturing presence to limit tariff-related inflation, and solid balance sheets capable of sustaining share buybacks to boost earnings per share.
Analysts see McCormick, Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) as well-defended, with Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KDP#NASDAQ">KDP</a>), Molson Coors Beverage Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAP#NYSE">TAP</a>) and Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) in the next tier of potential outperformers.
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Analyst Color

This Beverage Maker, Tobacco Company And Packaged Food Giant Outshine In A Recession

Despite Wall Street continuing to tumble at the start of the second quarter of 2025, a small group of S&amp;P 500 stocks has remained nearly untouched by the chaos triggered by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">Donald Trump's tariff policies.</a>
Stocks that delivered standout gains in the first quarter have held their ground through the opening week of the second quarter, showing resilience as the broader market sank under pressure from tariffs and softening earnings outlooks.
The five best-performing S&amp;P 500 names in Q1 2025 — CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>), Newmont Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>), Cencora Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COR#NYSE">COR</a>) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) — have seen only minimal declines in recent days, defying a sharp 10% drop in the S&amp;P 500 index fueled by mounting trade tensions and concerns over recession. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterly Stars In A Cloudy Market</h3>
Let's break it down:
<ul>
<li>CVS Health soared 50.9% in Q1, posting its best quarterly gain since 1975. While the S&amp;P 500 dropped 10% in the first week of April, CVS is only down 5% in Q2.</li>
<li>Philip Morris jumped 31.9% last quarter, reaching multiple record highs and logging its second-best quarter since going public in 2008. PM is down 4.8% thus far in April.</li>
<li>Newmont rode the gold wave. With gold prices up 19%, the mining giant surged 29.7%, its strongest 3-month performance since early 2020. NEM fell 7.2% in Q2, yet showed a more contained drop than the broader market.</li>
<li>Cencora, formerly AmerisourceBergen, posted a 23.8% rise, and remains up 0.2% this month, dodging the tariff-driven downturn.</li>
<li>Vertex Pharmaceuticals climbed 21% in Q1, and has stayed flat so far in Q2, showing impressive stability in biotech.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">But How Much More Room To Run?</h3>
Despite their impressive runs, future gains may be limited. Analyst consensus shows only Newmont and CVS have potential upside of 25.8% and 13.2%, respectively, based on median price targets. 
For the others, the path forward looks far less compelling. With valuations already stretched and macroeconomic risks mounting — from renewed trade tensions to signs of weakening corporate margins — the potential for further gains could quickly evaporate if analysts begin slashing forecasts in the coming weeks.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Q1 2025 Price Change</th>
<th>YTD Price Change</th>
<th>Median Target Upside</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CVS Health (CVS)</td>
<td>+50.9%</td>
<td>+43.71%</td>
<td>+13.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Philip Morris (PM)</td>
<td>+31.9%</td>
<td>+26.02%</td>
<td>+2.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Newmont Corporation (NEM)</td>
<td>+29.7%</td>
<td>+21.77%</td>
<td>+25.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cencora Inc. (COR)</td>
<td>+23.8%</td>
<td>+23.78%</td>
<td>+0.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)</td>
<td>+21.0%</td>
<td>+19.20%</td>
<td>+6.66%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data as of April 7, 2025</figcaption></figure>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44667104/speculators-raise-wagers-on-fed-emergency-rate-cuts-as-theories-of-self-induced-crash-gather-pace">Emergency Fed Rate Cut Odds Spike As Trump Says &#8216;No Inflation,&#8217; Calls for Immediate Action</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Education

Econ #s

VRTX

These 5 S&P 500 Winners Held Strong In Q1 — Can The Rally Continue?

Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 1.12% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 16.54%. Currently, Philip Morris Intl has a market capitalization of $249.35 billion. 
Buying $1000 In PM: If an investor had bought $1000 of PM stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,116.77 today based on a price of $160.20 for PM at the time of writing.
<h3>Philip Morris Intl's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743691558_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

The S&amp;P 500 Index just finished a vicious <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/s-p-500">first quarter of 2025</a>.
The stock market index lost over 4.5% as investor sentiment, as indicated by the CNN Money Fear and Greed Index, languishes in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44601155/sp-500-settles-higher-ahead-of-tariff-day-fear-greed-index-remains-in-extreme-fear-zone">&#8220;Extreme Fear&#8221; category</a>. 
The widely held SPX fell into correction territory earlier this week, indicating a 10% drop from its recent high, before regaining some ground.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/03/44547975/sticky-inflation-weighs-on-markets-spy-qqq-tech-stocks-take-a-hit">Sticky Inflation Weighs On Markets — SPY, QQQ, Tech Stocks Take A Hit</a>
As one of the most widely used proxies for the SPX, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) fell 3.76% this year as of writing. However, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">in the ETF</a>, some stocks defied the trend:
<ul>
<li>CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) jumped 53.35% due to robust earnings growth in the last quarter. </li>
<li>Gold miner Newmont Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>) rose 26.21%, and </li>
<li>Philip Morris International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) spiked 29% as it shifted its focus to smoke-free products.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44597684/exclusive-marchs-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple-applovin-stock-rank">EXCLUSIVE &#8211; March&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Applovin Stock Rank?</a>
Markets are gearing up for even more turbulence as President Donald Trump unveiled a comprehensive slate of tariffs. Watch the stream below.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#x1f534;WATCH LIVE: Trump Speaks Live From The White House on Liberation Day &#x7C; April 2nd, 2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wgmKYg-zK9o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Investors worry that these tariffs, potentially imposed widely on trading partners from China to Mexico and Canada, will raise costs, restrict consumer purchases, and temper economic growth. 
With economic news, Federal Reserve actions, and geopolitical tensions front and center, the SPX continues on uncertain footing. 
Investors will closely monitor how the market responds to Trump&#8217;s tariff declaration and whether defensive sectors continue to outperform in an increasingly uncertain economic climate.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/04/44613351/chipotles-stock-is-sizzling-bill-ackman-loves-it-and-these-etfs-do-too">Chipotle&#8217;s Stock Is Sizzling—Bill Ackman Loves It And These ETFs Do Too</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

SPX Nosedives 4.5%: Can ETFs Like SPY Weather The Market Storm?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in PM usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 15 extraordinary options activities for Philip Morris Intl. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 26% leaning bullish and 53% bearish. Among these notable options, 13 are puts, totaling $944,250, and 2 are calls, amounting to $113,007.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $135.0 to $175.0 for Philip Morris Intl over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Philip Morris Intl's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Philip Morris Intl's significant trades, within a strike price range of $135.0 to $175.0, over the past month.
<h3>Philip Morris Intl Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742832933_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$110.1K</td>
<td align="right">220</td>
<td align="right">154</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$14.5</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$14.1</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$108.7K</td>
<td align="right">220</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$18.8</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$18.61</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$104.2K</td>
<td align="right">142</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$14.0</td>
<td>$13.7</td>
<td>$14.0</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$100.8K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$9.8</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$99.0K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">299</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Philip Morris Intl</h3>
Created from the international operations of Altria in 2008, Philip Morris International sells cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heatsticks, vapes, and oral nicotine offerings primarily outside of the US. With the 2023 acquisition of Swedish Match, a leading manufacturer of traditional oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches primarily in the US and Scandinavia, PMI has not only diversified away from smokeable products but also gained a toehold into the US to sell its iQOS heated tobacco product.
<h3>Where Is Philip Morris Intl Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,329,602, the price of PM is down -0.03% at $151.43. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 30 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Philip Morris Intl</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $175.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Overweight rating on Philip Morris Intl with a target price of $175. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Philip Morris Intl options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Smart Money Is Betting Big In Philip Morris Intl Options

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with PM, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 19 uncommon options trades for Philip Morris Intl.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 36% bullish and 42%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 14 are puts, for a total amount of $1,500,308, and 5 are calls, for a total amount of $261,660.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $140.0 and $170.0 for Philip Morris Intl, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Philip Morris Intl's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Philip Morris Intl's significant trades, within a strike price range of $140.0 to $170.0, over the past month.
<h3>Philip Morris Intl Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742400942_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.45</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$408.7K</td>
<td>702</td>
<td align="right">833</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$12.9</td>
<td>$12.7</td>
<td>$12.7</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$127.0K</td>
<td>691</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$100.6K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.67</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$100.5K</td>
<td>363</td>
<td align="right">188</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$14.1</td>
<td>$13.9</td>
<td>$14.04</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$99.8K</td>
<td>149</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Philip Morris Intl</h3>
Created from the international operations of Altria in 2008, Philip Morris International sells cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heatsticks, vapes, and oral nicotine offerings primarily outside of the US. With the 2023 acquisition of Swedish Match, a leading manufacturer of traditional oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches primarily in the US and Scandinavia, PMI has not only diversified away from smokeable products but also gained a toehold into the US to sell its iQOS heated tobacco product.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Philip Morris Intl, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Philip Morris Intl's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,119,755, with PM's price up by 0.38%, positioned at $154.43.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Philip Morris Intl</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $167.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Overweight rating on Philip Morris Intl with a target price of $175. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Philip Morris Intl, which currently sits at a price target of $160. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Philip Morris Intl, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Philip Morris Intl

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Philip Morris Intl. Our analysis of options history for Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) revealed 14 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 42% of traders were bullish, while 42% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $56,700, and 12 were calls, valued at $2,229,453.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $125.0 and $155.0 for Philip Morris Intl, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Philip Morris Intl's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Philip Morris Intl's significant trades, within a strike price range of $125.0 to $155.0, over the past month.
<h3>Philip Morris Intl Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742235365_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$1.1M</td>
<td>546</td>
<td>600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$9.98</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$227.9K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$198.3K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>515</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$196.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$181.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Philip Morris Intl</h3>
Created from the international operations of Altria in 2008, Philip Morris International sells cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heatsticks, vapes, and oral nicotine offerings primarily outside of the US. With the 2023 acquisition of Swedish Match, a leading manufacturer of traditional oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches primarily in the US and Scandinavia, PMI has not only diversified away from smokeable products but also gained a toehold into the US to sell its iQOS heated tobacco product.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Philip Morris Intl, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Philip Morris Intl's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,589,929, the price of PM is up by 2.19%, reaching $155.21.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 37 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Philip Morris Intl</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $167.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Overweight rating on Philip Morris Intl with a target price of $175. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Philip Morris Intl, which currently sits at a price target of $160. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Philip Morris Intl options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Philip Morris Intl's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) short percent of float has risen 77.42% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 17.14 million shares sold short, which is 1.1% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.2 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Philip Morris Intl Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741879816_0_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Philip Morris Intl has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Philip Morris Intl's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Philip Morris Intl's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.68%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

What Does the Market Think About Philip Morris Intl?

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Philip Morris Intl.
Looking at options history for Philip Morris Intl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 20% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 40% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $238,106 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $336,708.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $85.0 to $170.0 for Philip Morris Intl during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Philip Morris Intl options trades today is 1068.0 with a total volume of 324.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Philip Morris Intl's big money trades within a strike price range of $85.0 to $170.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Philip Morris Intl 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741280482_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$125.5K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$68.9</td>
<td>$68.2</td>
<td>$68.54</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$54.8K</td>
<td>8</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$68.9</td>
<td>$67.8</td>
<td>$68.37</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$54.6K</td>
<td>8</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$18.3</td>
<td>$18.0</td>
<td>$18.21</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>191</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$63.9</td>
<td>$63.2</td>
<td>$63.55</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$50.8K</td>
<td>8</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Philip Morris Intl</h3>
Created from the international operations of Altria in 2008, Philip Morris International sells cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heatsticks, vapes, and oral nicotine offerings primarily outside of the US. With the 2023 acquisition of Swedish Match, a leading manufacturer of traditional oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches primarily in the US and Scandinavia, PMI has not only diversified away from smokeable products but also gained a toehold into the US to sell its iQOS heated tobacco product.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Philip Morris Intl, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Philip Morris Intl</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,434,830, the PM's price is up by 0.01%, now at $153.16. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 48 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Philip Morris Intl</h3>
A total of 4 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $153.75.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel persists with their Buy rating on Philip Morris Intl, maintaining a target price of $160. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for Philip Morris Intl, targeting a price of $175. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from UBS keeps a Sell rating on Philip Morris Intl with a target price of $120. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Overweight rating for Philip Morris Intl, targeting a price of $160. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Philip Morris Intl options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

British American Tobacco (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTI#NYSE">BTI</a>), recognized as one of the top three tobacco companies globally by both market capitalization and net sales, has further entrenched itself in the cannabis industry, finalizing a strategic investment of C$124.6 million (approximately $86.8 million) in Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OGI#NASDAQ">OGI</a>), a leading Canadian licensed cannabis producer. The completion of this three-tranche investment cements BAT's role as a major stakeholder in Organigram and highlights the increasing convergence of the tobacco and cannabis sectors.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Strategic Move Amid Market Challenges</h3>
The investment, executed through BAT's wholly owned subsidiary BT DE Investments Inc., marks another significant foray by a major tobacco company into the cannabis industry. As traditional tobacco markets shrink due to declining smoking rates and regulatory pressures, companies like BAT, Philip Morris International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) and Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) are seeking diversification in alternative markets, with cannabis proving an attractive prospect.
According to Paolo De Luca, chief strategy officer at Organigram, "Opportunities in the space have only improved with cannabis valuations at historically weaker levels and many cannabis and hemp companies unable to access cost-efficient growth capital despite fundamentally strong businesses."
Read also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/02/43666635/zyn-changed-nicotine-forever-are-cannabis-pouches-the-next-big-thing">Zyn Changed Nicotine Forever &#8211; Are Cannabis Pouches The Next Big Thing?</a>
The injection of funds into Organigram is expected to accelerate the company's international expansion and product innovation efforts. The financing will primarily be allocated to a strategic investment pool known as &#8220;Jupiter,&#8221; designed to identify and support growth opportunities in the global cannabis market. Organigram has already deployed portions of this pool, including C$21 million invested in Germany's Sanity Group and C$2.7 million in U.S.-based Open Book Extracts.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Growing Footprint of Big Tobacco in Cannabis</h3>
BAT's move follows a growing pattern of investments by major tobacco firms in the cannabis sector:
<ul>
<li>Altria Group, the parent company of Marlboro, invested $1.8 billion in Canadian cannabis firm Cronos Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRON#NASDAQ">CRON</a>) in 2018, acquiring a 45% stake.</li>
<li>Philip Morris International agreed to purchase Israeli medical cannabis inhaler company Syqe Medical in 2023 for up to $650 million.</li>
<li>Imperial Brands invested £75 million ($96.4 million) in Auxly Cannabis Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBWTF#OTC">CBWTF</a>) and participated in funding Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies, a company focused on cannabis-based pharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>BAT led a $37.6M Series B funding round in Germany's Sanity Group, securing a minority stake in 2022.</li>
</ul>
These moves underscore the increasing alignment between the tobacco and cannabis industries, particularly as regulatory frameworks evolve and consumer preferences shift toward reduced-risk products.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Governance And Influence</h3>
As part of the investment agreement, BAT now holds a 30% stake in Organigram's common shares and a 100% stake in its non-voting preferred shares. This arrangement ensures that BAT maintains a level of control without surpassing regulatory thresholds that could trigger anti-competition concerns. Furthermore, BAT has secured the right to nominate up to 30% of Organigram's board of directors, giving it substantial influence over the company&#8217;s strategic direction.
Organigram's preferred shares, initially convertible on a one-to-one basis into common shares, are designed to increase in conversion rate by 7.5% per annum, a mechanism that allows BAT's economic stake in Organigram to grow over time.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Future Of Tobacco-Cannabis Collaborations</h3>
BAT's sustained commitment to cannabis signals that the tobacco industry sees long-term value in cannabis-related products. With global cannabis legalization gaining traction, particularly in Europe and parts of the U.S., these investments position tobacco giants to capture market share in a new, potentially lucrative industry.
As BAT and its competitors continue to navigate regulatory landscapes and consumer demand, the synergy between tobacco expertise and cannabis innovation will likely lead to the development of new product categories, including cannabis-infused vape products and medical formulations. The continued investment in companies like Organigram suggests that big tobacco is not just experimenting with cannabis, it&#8217;s preparing for a future in which cannabis products could rival traditional nicotine offerings.
Read next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/02/43985645/a-tale-of-two-trumps-clemency-for-some-death-for-others-in-his-drug-policy-approach">A Tale Of Two Trumps: Clemency For Some, Death For Others In His Drug Policy Approach</a>
Lead image via Shutterstock

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Philip Morris Intl

Unusual Options Activity for

Notizie

PARTENAIRE / CONTRIBUTEUR

BENZINGA MONDIAL

Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
12:16 PMMar 19, 2025	CALL	$130.00	Mar 21, 2025	-30	628	249	21	2933	SWEEP	BULLISH
12:16 PMMar 19, 2025	CALL	$130.00	Mar 21, 2025	-30	378	296	13	2933	SWEEP	BULLISH
10:37 AMMar 17, 2025	CALL	$140.00	Sep 19, 2025	152	600	600	110	546	TRADE	BULLISH