Group 1: Company Overview - Altria is a consumer products maker with a leading position in the cigarette industry, particularly with its Marlboro brand, which holds 42% of the U.S. cigarette market [2] - The company has a significant 8.5% dividend yield, which could generate substantial cash for investors [1][3] - Despite the high dividend yield, Altria's stock is down approximately 40% from its 2017 highs, indicating potential recovery opportunities [3] Group 2: Industry Challenges - The cigarette industry is facing long-term decline, with Altria producing 10% fewer cigarettes in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 [2] - Price increases have helped offset declines in cigarette production, but this may not be a sustainable long-term strategy [4] Group 3: Management Strategies - Altria has attempted to diversify its business by investing in vaping and marijuana companies, but these investments have resulted in significant write-offs [5] - The recent acquisition of NJOY, a vaping company, shows promise as it is further along in development compared to previous investments [6] - Management needs to effectively utilize cash generated from its cigarette business to build new growth avenues to ensure long-term viability [4][7] Group 4: Investment Considerations - Investing in Altria carries risks due to its reliance on a declining cash cow business, and past efforts to diversify have not been successful [7] - The potential for NJOY to be a turning point for Altria's business could make it an attractive investment, but this remains uncertain [6][7]

Altria Group, Inc. (MO) has effectively leveraged its pricing power and strategic pivot toward smoke-free products to navigate market uncertainties. These upsides have been helping this tobacco giant stay firm despite facing declining cigarette volumes.Harnessing Pricing PowerAltria's robust pricing strategy has been essential in maintaining stability amid industry challenges. While elevated prices may potentially discourage cigarette consumption, it is seen that smokers tend to absorb price increases owing ...

Depending on what happens in 2024, this might become one of the best stocks to own.Altria (MO -0.39%) is commonly regarded as a defensive stock. That is, when you want to play defense against a potential bear market, this is the type of stock you want to own.No one knows exactly where markets will head from here. But if you want to protect your nest egg, keep reading.Make sure you own Altria stock if this 1 thing happensIf a bear market hits, you'll want to own Altria stock. Of course, no one can predict wh ...

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – May 20, 2024 – Today, Zacks Equity Research Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) , Altria Group, Inc. (MO) and British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BTI) Industry: TobaccoLink: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2275240/3-tobacco-stocks-worth-watching-amid-industry-challengesThe Zacks Tobacco industry players have been witnessing soft cigarette sales volumes due to inflation, changing consumer habits, and stringent regulations. Increased costs of essential materials further rais ...

Altria business faces tough challenges, but it pays hefty dividends.The S&P 500 has gained more than 26% in the last year. However, it's important to remember that not all stocks benefit from a strong market.During this time, Altria Group (MO 0.28%) lost about 2%. Does this present a buying opportunity? Or should you sell the shares and invest that money elsewhere?To make that determination, it's time to better understand Altria's business and prospects. Declining businessAltria produces cigarettes, cigars, ...

High yields and a strong chance for steady payout raises in the years ahead make these great stocks to buy now.Investors looking to pad their passive income streams with high-yield dividend stocks have three excellent choices. If you have an extra $100 to invest, you could set yourself up with dividends from Realty Income (O -0.11%), Altria Group (MO 0.28%), or Pfizer (PFE -0.97%).All three of these dividend payers have long histories of steady annual dividend raises. Plus, they offer yields above 5% at rec ...

Altria has a huge yield and a struggling business. I'd rather own this other consumer staples company despite the troubles it's facing.I like to buy companies with long histories of dividend increases while they are offering historically high dividend yields. On the surface, that would suggest that I might want to buy Altria (MO 0.28%) and its huge 8.7% yield. No, thanks: I'd rather own Hormel Foods (HRL 0.61%) and its much lower 3.1% yield. Here's why.Altria's core business is shrinking fastAltria's bigges ...

Altria (MO) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.Over the past month, shares of this owner of Philip Morris USA, the nation's largest cigarette maker have returned +11.6%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5% change. During this period, the Zacks Tobacco industry, which Altria falls in, has gained 12.3%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's futu ...

Despite tumbling by more than 40%, these time-tested income stocks -- sporting an average yield of 7.57% -- are ripe for the picking by opportunistic investors.One of the greatest aspects about putting your money to work on Wall Street is there are countless ways to grow your wealth. Regardless of your risk tolerance or investment focus, there are thousands of individual companies and/or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that can meet your criteria.But among this endless sea of possible investment strategies, on ...

The clock is ticking faster for Altria to pivot its business model.Tobacco stocks have been phenomenal performers over the long term. They have strong profit margins and the consistent ability to raise prices, so shareholders who have held on for multiple decades have seen total returns (stock price appreciation plus dividends) that trounce the broad market by a wide margin.However, in the last 10 years, the largest tobacco companies have struggled. Altria Group (MO 0.43%), which controls the Marlboro brand ...