UBS upgrades Altria Group to 'neutral' rating

UBS upgrades Marlboro maker Altria Group MO.N to "neutral" from "sell" rating, says crackdowns on illicit vapes will benefit cigarette volumes

Brokerage says increased customs inspections at the U.S. border are leading to more refusals or seizures of illicit vapour products by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Rapid growth of illicit vapes over the past five years is proving a significant headwind for tobacco companies - UBS

Brokerage raises PT to $59 from $47, a ~1.5% upside to stock's last close

Four of 15 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, eight "hold" and three "sell"; their median PT is $58.34 - LSEG

As of last close, stock up ~11.2% YTD