Cigarette makers resort to raising prices periodically to make up for declining sales.
Cigarette makers fight back with lobbying efforts and smokeless products.
The consumer staples sector has emerged as a clear leader for the typically defensive season.
The industry is offsetting revenue declines by cutting costs, boosting prices and diversifying into smokeless tobacco products like snuff.
Aetna is downgraded to 'neutral,' and Zynga is initiated with an 'underperform.'
The CDC takes its gloves off and goes after Big Tobacco.
Higher cigarette pricing and a dominant position in the smokeless tobacco industry are key growth drivers.
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