NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Oct 7, 2011) - Stocks throughout the cigarette industry are exceptionally volatile of late. While traditional cigarette companies are facing heightened FDA regulation, non-traditional tobacco products and smoking cessation products are facing less criticism. The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the Cigarette Industry and provides investment 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.bedfordreport.com/MO ]

[ www.bedfordreport.com/PM ]

Bay Area anti-tobacco advocates have begun lobbying elected officials to urge the federal government to ban the use of menthol in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Menthol flavoring makes cigarettes more palatable to new smokers, increases the smoking rate among African-Americans and may make it harder for some people to quit, public health advocates say.

Meanwhile, cigarette makers continue to clash with regulators in federal court over new graphic labels and advertising that use pictures of rotting teeth and diseased lungs to warn consumers about the risks of smoking. The tobacco industry asked Judge Richard Leon last month for a temporary injunction to block the US Food and Drug Administration's requirement for the labels, pending a final decision on whether the labels are constitutional.

The Bedford Report releases stock research on the Cigarette 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.bedfordreport.com ] and get exclusive access to our numerous analyst reports and industry newsletters.

With increasing regulatory pressures companies in the sector are looking to transition into different smokeless tobacco products. Revenue for smokeless products grew 11 percent in 2010. Presently, Altria offers smokeless tobacco products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands. Though chewing tobacco has been associated with various oral ailments, it is considered by some to be less hazardous than smoking and isn't as tightly regulated.

Especially important in Philip Morris' second quarter were large gains in cigarette shipments of 7.5 percent to Asia, including Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Thailand, and the favorable impact of acquiring Fortune Tobacco Co. in the Philippines.

The Bedford 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 Bedford Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. The Bedford 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 [ http://www.bedfordreport.com/disclaimer ].