The market had just started to stabilize post the Brexit turmoil when the slowing of manufacturing and the service sector coupled with soft jobs data in the month of August again sent it in a state of depression.

In this scenario it is prudent to hold on to stocks which give high returns as well as are strong in their fundamentals. In this respect the sinful stocks act as saviors for risk averting investors.

As the saying goes, hate the sin but not the sinner. Gambling, alcohol and tobacco stocks gain on the back of encouraging bad habits but they can actually yield generous returns for your portfolio. Though these stocks might not be in accordance with the accepted norms of right and wrong, these stocks can actually yield handsome returns for your portfolio.

Among sinful stocks, tobacco sector is showing some good signs at the moment. These Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stocks stand to benefit from the addictive nature of tobacco. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Smoking rates have, in general, been declining in the developed countries, while are on the rise in the developing ones. This figure is anticipated to grow, resulting into steady sales and attractive yields for investors.

Thus we have picked up 4 tobacco stocks which a sensible investor should keep holding in his portfolio. They have strong long term earnings per share growth rate, have low Beta score (which implies that it is less sensitive to the ongoing volatility in the market), and handsome dividend yields.

Altria Group Inc. (MO Quick QuoteMO - Free Report) : For the long term, Altria is anticipated to grow by 7.38%. Further, the stock has had a good run so far this year, gaining around 11.10%. The stock has a low beta score of 0.48, which implies that it is less sensitive to the ongoing volatility in the market.

Over the past 60 days, analysts have become increasingly bullish on the company, with major estimate revisions moving north for 2016 and 2017 earnings. The Marlboro owner fares well in the style score system, with a Momentum score of A.

The company reported better-than-expected results in the recently concluded second-quarter 2016. Altria’s top- and bottom-line improved year over year backed by higher shipments and retail share gains by its flagship brand, Marlboro. Earlier this month in an investor conference, management declared that its objective is to achieve adjusted earnings of 7% to 9% in the long term. It also stated its target of maximizing shareholders return and achieving an 80% dividend payout ratio with its cash. The stock carries a dividend yield of 3.56%.

Philip Morris International Inc.(PM Quick QuotePM - Free Report) : For the long term, Philip Morris is expected to grow by 8.85%. Moreover, the stock had a good run so far this year, gaining around 14.48%. The stock has a low beta score of 0.97. Over the past 60 days, analysts have become increasingly bullish on the company, with major estimate revisions moving north for 2016 and estimate moving by 2 cents to $4.51. For 2017 earnings are estimated to grow by 10.9%.

The stock carries a dividend yield of 4.18%. This tobacco maker fares well in the style score system with a Momentum score of A and a VGM Score of B.

Reynolds American Inc. : This stock has a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.93% and gained around 4% year to date. The stock has a Beta score as low as 0.36. Reynolds dividend yields almost 3.9% annually.

Additionally, Reynolds reported higher year-over-year earnings and sales in first-half 2016 backed by increased cigarette and moist snuff pricing. Its impressive brand portfolio of tobacco products helps in sustaining strong business momentum and generating decent profits. Further, the company invests consistently in innovation and brand building, which have helped it to maintain its leading position in the industry.

British American Tobacco plc. (BTI Quick QuoteBTI - Free Report) : This tobacco maker is anticipated to grow by 10.64% in the long run. Further, the stock has had a good run so far this year, gaining around 14.16%.

The stock has a low beta score of 0.98 and over the past 60 days, analysts have become increasingly bullish on the company, with major estimate revisions moving north for 2016 and estimate moving by 5 cents to $6.64. For 2017 earnings are expected to grow by 10.8%. The stock carries a dividend yield of 3.46%.

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