One activist group claims that American tobacco companies will continue to thrive even after they pay the substantial fines imposed by the recent settlement as long as they continue to generate significant tax revenues for state and federal governments, that tobacco products produce an addicted customer base that will always be a source of substantial revenue, and that, due to "sin taxes" and standard income taxes, companies which sell tobacco products will remain some of the most heavily taxed businesses.

If the claims above are accurate, which of the following statements can validly be derived from them?

(A) There will be no further lawsuits filed against American tobacco companies.

(B) The activist group making the claim is anti-business.

(C) lf “sin taxes" are lifted, American tobacco companies will be unable to generate profits.

(D) lf American tobacco companies can afford to pay the fines imposed as part of the settlement, they will continue to thrive indefinitely.

(E) lf tobacco leaf blight affects the supply of tobacco to the major manufacturers, American tobacco companies will not be negatively affected.