Shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO – Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Friday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The company traded as high as $79.81 and last traded at $78.08, with a volume of 1,170,371 shares. The stock had previously closed at $76.75.
The company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.51 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $5.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.31 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 33.99% and a negative return on equity of 315.29%. Altria Group’s quarterly revenue was up 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.45 earnings per share.
Altria Group Increases Dividend
The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 15th were given a $1.11 dividend. This is a boost from Altria Group’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.06. This represents a $4.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 15th. Altria Group’s dividend payout ratio is 93.67%.
Key Stories Impacting Altria Group
Here are the key news stories impacting Altria Group this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Q3 earnings and revenue topped expectations. Altria reported adjusted diluted EPS of $1.52, up from $1.45 a year earlier and ahead of the $1.51 consensus estimate. Net revenue, after excise taxes, increased 3.6% to $5.44 billion; reported gross revenue was approximately $6.13 billion. Altria stock performance and Q3 results
- Positive Sentiment: Management raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance. The improved outlook signals confidence that pricing increases and higher profits can offset pressure on cigarette volumes and support continued earnings growth. Altria raises FY26 outlook
- Positive Sentiment: Altria expanded its share-repurchase program. Additional buybacks could support EPS and return more capital to shareholders, reinforcing the company’s appeal to income-focused investors. Strong pricing lifted the smokeable-products business, while the discount segment gained customers amid economic pressure. Altria earnings beat and buybacks
- Neutral Sentiment: Investors remain focused on valuation and long-term growth. Commentary highlights that MO has produced substantial multiyear gains and still appears undervalued based on expected cash flows, but the stock’s proximity to its 12-month high raises the bar for future results. Options activity also suggests investors are positioning for further upside while managing risk. Altria valuation analysis
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
MO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Monday, October 12th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $76.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Altria Group from $64.00 to $58.00 and set an “underweight” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. They set a “neutral” rating for the company. Finally, Freedom Broker raised shares of Altria Group to a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $70.11.
Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Altria Group
Insider Transactions at Altria Group
In other Altria Group news, Director Kathryn McQuade acquired 1,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 9th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $67.62 per share, for a total transaction of $101,430.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 114,929 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,771,498.98. This trade represents a 1.32% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
Institutional Trading of Altria Group
Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MO. Balance Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. PA purchased a new position in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Co purchased a new position in Altria Group during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its position in Altria Group by 78.8% during the 1st quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 524 shares of the company’s stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 231 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Evolution Advisers Inc. increased its position in Altria Group by 110.9% during the 2nd quarter. Evolution Advisers Inc. now owns 578 shares of the company’s stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 304 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Altria Group Trading Up 1.5%
The company has a 50-day moving average of $70.23 and a 200-day moving average of $68.65. The company has a market capitalization of $130.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 0.42.
Altria Group Company Profile
Altria Group, Inc is a U.S.-based consumer products company focused primarily on tobacco, nicotine and related products. Through its operating companies, Altria sells cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, oral tobacco and nicotine products, and electronic vapor products.
Altria’s principal cigarette business is Philip Morris USA, whose portfolio includes Marlboro, Parliament and Virginia Slims. Its other major brands include Copenhagen and Skoal moist smokeless tobacco, Black & Mild cigars, on! nicotine pouches and NJOY electronic cigarettes.
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