Critical Review: Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) and Electronic Cigarettes International Group (OTCMKTS:ECIG)

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) and Electronic Cigarettes International Group (OTCMKTS:ECIG) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations and risk.

Profitability

This table compares Philip Morris International and Electronic Cigarettes International Group’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Philip Morris International	11.61%	-142.02%	17.81%
Electronic Cigarettes International Group	N/A	N/A	N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Philip Morris International and Electronic Cigarettes International Group”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Philip Morris International	$93.86 billion	3.04	$11.35 billion	$7.11	25.74
Electronic Cigarettes International Group	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Philip Morris International has higher revenue and earnings than Electronic Cigarettes International Group.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

78.6% of Philip Morris International shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Philip Morris International shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Philip Morris International and Electronic Cigarettes International Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Philip Morris International	0	2	10	0	2.83
Electronic Cigarettes International Group	0	0	0	0	0.00

Philip Morris International presently has a consensus price target of $192.88, suggesting a potential upside of 5.39%. Given Philip Morris International’s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Philip Morris International is more favorable than Electronic Cigarettes International Group.

Summary

Philip Morris International beats Electronic Cigarettes International Group on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Philip Morris International

Philip Morris International Inc. operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. It also offers wellness and healthcare products. Philip Morris International Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

About Electronic Cigarettes International Group

Electronic Cigarettes International Group Ltd. engages in the marketing and distribution of vaping products and electronic cigarettes. Its brand portfolio include VAPESTICK, FIN, Victory, GreenStix, VIP, E-CIG, and Pro Vapor. The company was founded by Marc Hardgrove on May 19, 2004 and is headquartered in Golden, CO.