Gateway Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO – Free Report) by 373.0% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 27,798 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 21,921 shares during the quarter. Gateway Wealth Partners LLC’s holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,834,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Brighton Jones LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 64.7% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 17,702 shares of the company’s stock worth $926,000 after buying an additional 6,954 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in Altria Group by 86.3% in the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 6,361 shares of the company’s stock valued at $373,000 after buying an additional 2,946 shares during the period. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. boosted its position in Altria Group by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. now owns 9,630 shares of the company’s stock valued at $565,000 after buying an additional 618 shares during the period. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL purchased a new position in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $346,000. Finally, AXA S.A. acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter worth $5,752,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.41% of the company’s stock.
Key Altria Group News
Here are the key news stories impacting Altria Group this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Altria is being highlighted as a high-shareholder-yield stock. Its investment appeal includes a roughly 5.8% dividend yield, a long record of annual dividend increases, and a valuation of about 13 times forward earnings. 4 High Shareholder Yield Stocks to Buy Amid Rising Uncertainty
- Positive Sentiment: Analysts expect second-quarter sales and earnings growth, with pricing and continued momentum in nicotine pouches potentially offsetting declining cigarette volumes. The earnings release is scheduled for July 30, making expectations a near-term catalyst. Altria Q2 Earnings Coming Up: What Should Investors Expect?
- Positive Sentiment: Altria’s Marlboro leadership, recurring tobacco cash flows and more than 50 consecutive years of dividend increases are reinforcing its reputation as a defensive income stock. Its inclusion in Donald Trump’s disclosed portfolio may also be adding investor visibility and sentiment. Altria Group (MO): A Winner in President Trump’s Stock Portfolio?
- Neutral Sentiment: Additional previews focus on estimates for key second-quarter metrics rather than reporting new company results, so the stock remains exposed to an earnings-driven reaction on July 30. Curious About Altria Q2 Performance?
- Negative Sentiment: The principal operating concern remains falling cigarette volumes. Although pricing and oral nicotine growth may cushion the decline, weaker traditional tobacco consumption could limit longer-term growth and weigh on results if the offset is insufficient. Should You Buy Altria for Its 5.8% Dividend Yield Ahead of July 30 Earnings?
Altria Group Stock Up 2.7%
Altria Group (NYSE:MO – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 30th. The company reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $4.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.58 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 34.34% and a negative return on equity of 298.69%. The company’s revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.23 EPS. Altria Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.560-5.72 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Altria Group Announces Dividend
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 15th were paid a $1.06 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 15th. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.7%. Altria Group’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 88.70%.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
MO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Altria Group from $60.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 4th. BTIG Research assumed coverage on Altria Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 21st. They set a “neutral” rating for the company. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. Bank of America upped their price target on Altria Group from $72.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, April 10th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Altria Group from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an “underperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Altria Group has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $70.78.
Get Our Latest Report on Altria Group
Insiders Place Their Bets
In other Altria Group news, Director Ellen R. Strahlman sold 2,000 shares of Altria Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.56, for a total transaction of $145,120.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 25,102 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,821,401.12. The trade was a 7.38% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Ennis Debra J. Kelly sold 5,790 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.25, for a total value of $418,327.50. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 73,809 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,332,700.25. This represents a 7.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.
Altria Group Company Profile
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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