Shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO – Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of “Hold” from the eleven ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $65.8750.
Several research firms have weighed in on MO. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. UBS Group upped their target price on Altria Group from $67.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, March 9th. Citigroup upped their target price on Altria Group from $57.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Bank of America upped their target price on Altria Group from $72.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, April 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Altria Group from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 30th.
Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO
Altria Group Stock Performance
Altria Group (NYSE:MO – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.32 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $5.02 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 29.84% and a negative return on equity of 287.61%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down .5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.30 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Altria Group will post 5.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Altria Group Announces Dividend
The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 25th will be paid a $1.06 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 25th. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.5%. Altria Group’s dividend payout ratio is presently 103.16%.
Insider Activity at Altria Group
In other news, SVP Charles N. Whitaker sold 27,908 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.57, for a total value of $1,885,743.56. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 180,869 shares in the company, valued at $12,221,318.33. This represents a 13.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Altria Group
A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its holdings in Altria Group by 8.6% in the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 488,706 shares of the company’s stock worth $28,198,000 after purchasing an additional 38,878 shares during the period. Lane Brothers & Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth about $251,000. Fund Advisors of America Inc FL acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth about $715,000. Winthrop Partners WNY LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth about $334,000. Finally, Nalls Sherbakoff Group LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth about $48,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds 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 rolling out its on! PLUS nicotine pouches nationwide under the FDA’s new fast‑track pilot program — a meaningful step in expanding beyond cigarettes into oral nicotine, which could support future revenue diversification. Altria’s on! PLUS Fast Track Launch Tests Smoke Free Growth Story
- Positive Sentiment: Bank of America raised its price target (to $73) and lifted EPS estimates for Altria, reiterating a Buy — analyst revisions like this can lend support to the stock and signal improved near‑term earnings expectations. Altria (MO) Gets Target Hike from BofA as EPS Estimates Move Higher
- Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary highlights a recent pullback after a strong run (multi‑month gains and solid 1‑year TSR); analysts are reassessing valuation after the rally — this explains part of today’s price weakness as investors consider whether momentum is pausing. Assessing Altria Group (MO) Valuation After Recent Share Pullback And Mixed Short Term Returns
- Neutral Sentiment: Brief market reports note the stock dipped while the broader market gained — useful as a near‑term read on trader flows but not new fundamental news. Altria (MO) Stock Dips While Market Gains: Key Facts
- Negative Sentiment: Independent commentary comparing Altria to Philip Morris warns about dividend risk and business divergence, suggesting some investors may view Altria’s yield as less secure or its growth prospects as more constrained — a potential headwind for valuation and income‑oriented buyers. Altria vs. Philip Morris: One Dividend Is a Trap — Here’s Which One to Avoid
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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