HighTower Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO – Free Report) by 4.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,814,522 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 109,662 shares during the quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC’s holdings in Altria Group were worth $162,285,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Altria Group during the second quarter valued at $27,000. Navalign LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. EMC Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Gould Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $39,000. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.
Insider Activity at Altria Group
In other Altria Group news, SVP Charles N. Whitaker sold 27,908 shares of Altria Group stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.57, for a total value of $1,885,743.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 180,869 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $12,221,318.33. This trade represents a 13.37% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.
Altria Group Price Performance
Altria Group (NYSE:MO – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 30th. The company reported $1.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $4.76 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.58 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 34.34% and a negative return on equity of 298.69%. Altria Group’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.23 EPS. Altria Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.560-5.72 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Altria Group Announces Dividend
The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 15th will be issued a $1.06 dividend. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 15th. Altria Group’s payout ratio is currently 88.70%.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $47.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an “underperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on shares of Altria Group from $60.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, May 4th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Altria Group from $72.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, April 10th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Altria Group from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on shares of Altria Group from $63.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a research note on Friday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Altria Group presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $69.33.
About Altria Group
Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company’s operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country.
Altria’s principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S.
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