Stocks For Dad
TMF 2Aruba's Stock For
Dad
Philip Morris Companies Inc. <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(NYSE: MO)") else Response.Write("(NYSE: MO)") end if %>
120 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10017
(212)
880-5000
Company
Snapshot
Hey, Dad!
Remember the day many years ago that you quit smoking, and everyone was so
proud of you? Well, to reward you on Father's Day for your kicking of that
nasty ol' habit, I've got a stock for you! It's Philip Morris!
Wait, Dad...put down that brick! Hear me out!
Yes, I know PHILIP MORRIS <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(NYSE: MO)") else Response.Write("(NYSE: MO)") end if %> makes cigarettes, but are you
aware of all the other things they do? I mean, we're talking major conglomerate
here. Sure, Philip Morris's operations include the world's largest tobacco
business, controlling more than 40% of the U.S. tobacco market, but I bet
you didn't know that it also has the world's 2nd largest food business.
Here's what we're hoping for: You see, Dad, you can't be telling me that
you don't approve of Philip Morris while you're spreading that Philadelphia
cream cheese on that onion bagel. Philip Morris owns Kraft, which makes that
cream cheese you so love. And what about that strawberry Jell-O that you're
going to enjoy for dessert? Yep, they own that, too. In fact, food accounts
for 50% of sales for Philip Morris.
Want to know what else they control? How about all your Post cereals (they
own all of General Foods!), and the Miller Beer in the fridge? And weren't
you planning to put some Bull's Eye barbecue sauce on those ribs tonight?
Yes, I know you're surprised. And these are just a few. Philip Morris is
the company behind Maxwell House, Minute Rice, Kool-Aid, Cool Whip, Claussen
Pickles, Miracle Whip, and even Oscar Mayer hot dogs. So you see, Dad, this
company is so much more than tobacco.
Of course, with all the fire tobacco companies have been under lately, I'm
not surprised that you were unimpressed by my pick. But now that Philip Morris
and RJR Nabisco have finally sat down at the negotiating table to work possible
concessions and agreements to settle lawsuits by some 20 states, we're hoping
that this will put to rest the current unease, and front page news on these
issues.
Here's what to look out for: Naturally, we will want to look out for any
unforeseen decisions regarding tobacco that could affect the near- term price
of this stock, but it seems to me that as the other subsidiaries continue
to flourish -- not to mention the tobacco sales outside of the U.S. -- Philip
Morris is actually undervalued. And, with the recent stock split that has
occurred, I think this is a fine time for you to jump in.
Also, look at how my Stock for
Mom has performed! And besides, don't be so concerned that Philip Morris
makes cigarettes... haven't you always told me that I "light up your life?"
; )
Happy Fathers Day!
Tony
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