The Financial Resources of the Tobacco Industry The fact that any industry could afford to pay out hundreds of billions of dollars is astonishing, and demonstrates the unbelievable profitability of tobacco. But are they buying their way out of trouble? Many in the public health community believe that this industry should be destroyed in its current form because of irresponsible actions in the past. But ultimately, bankruptcy for the industry would mean that only a few of the states would be paid and most of the potential pay off would be eaten up by lawyers and bankruptcy fees.