Altria Group Inc (MO): Is Philip Morris International Inc (PM) Destined for Greatness?

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) does enjoy some opportunities that its American peers don’t, but it also faces some drawbacks in countries that are even more progressive on anti-tobacco legislation than the United States. For example, Australia has mandated the elimination of packaging graphics, which eliminated Philip Morris’ brand strength in that country. Russia is also looking into stricter regulations, and other countries may follow in the near future.

Out of the many possible elements of its business that are ultimately out of its hands, one of the most frustrating must be the impact of currency fluctuations. Weaker international currencies, particularly in the euro, have significantly eroded the U.S.-based company’s growth rates in dollar terms. Philip Morris can fight back against regulations in the courts and halls of government of the countries it operates in, but there’s nothing it can do to change the tide of currency exchange rates, which are tilting against the eurozone (and toward the U.S.) as its long crisis drags on.

Putting the pieces together
Today, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) has some of the qualities that make up a great stock, but no stock is truly perfect. Digging deeper can help you uncover the answers you need to make a great buy — or to stay away from a stock that’s going nowhere.

The article Is Philip Morris International Destined for Greatness? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Alex Planes owns shares of Philip Morris. Add him on Google+ or follow him on Twitter, @TMFBiggles, for more insight into markets, history, and technology.The Motley Fool owns shares of Philip Morris International.

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