Philip Morris (PM)

Easily the most controversial idea for dividend stocks to watch on this list, if you’re ideologically agnostic, then Philip Morris deserves a long look. At first glance, the tobacco giant seems completely anachronistic. Let’s face it. In many parts of the world, government agencies have cracked down on public areas where smoking was previously allowed. Sports organizations have heavily discouraged tobacco advertising.

So, is that the gallows for the tobacco stalwart? Hardly. While “analog” smoking may be fading away in several western nations, “digital” smoking is on the rise. According to Grand View Research, the global e-cigarette and vape market size reached a valuation of $22.45 billion in 2022. Further, this sector may expand at a blistering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6% to 2030. At the forecast culmination point, the market could post revenue of $182.84 billion.

You know what’s really off the charts? Government agencies worldwide may eventually ban flavored e-cigarettes, which is the domain of small business. Big tobacco, on the other hand, may find exemptions with non-flavored tobacco-centric e-cigs. Cynical, yes, but that’s why Philip Morris’ forward yield of 5.53% is so enticing. $Philip Morris International(PM.US)$