NEW YORK — Tobacco shares traded mixed on Friday amid a sagging market, the day after the sector saw sharp gains sparked by the Florida Supreme Court's dismissal of a $145 billion punitive damage verdict against Big Tobacco.

Reynolds American Inc. slipped the most, giving back $1.95, or nearly 1 percent, to trade at $117.78 on the New York Stock Exchange. The shares had gained 4 percent Thursday after the court's ruling.

Altria Group Inc., which rose 6 percent Thursday, dipped 30 cents to $77.45 on the Big Board. Morgan Stanley analyst David J. Adelman said the ruling opens the door for Altria to spin off its stake in Kraft, perhaps as early as late August.

American depositary shares of British American Tobacco PLC slipped 24 cents to $52.15 on the American Stock Exchange, as Vector Group Ltd. shares lost 9 cents to trade at $16.55 on the NYSE.

Some stocks continued to climb. Carolina Group, which is majority owned by Loews Corp., added 50 cents Friday, or nearly 1 percent, to trade at $54.49 _ having gained 5.5 percent Thursday. American depositary shares of Gallaher Group PLC rose 58 cents to $64.15 and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC climbed $1.30, or more than 2 percent, to $63.93 on the NYSE.

Merrill Lynch analyst Christine Farkas said Thursday's gains were "entirely appropriate" given the effect of the court's ruling on tobacco companies. The state Supreme Court upheld an appellate court ruling that the award, against tobacco companies for injuring smokers, was excessive.