Yahoo Finance·2025-11-04 00:30Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking high-yield and reliable dividend stocks, with Altria Group and Verizon Communications highlighted as strong options for income generation in challenging markets [1] Group 1: Altria Group (MO) - Altria offers a dividend yield of 6.8%, significantly higher than the consumer staples average of 1.8%, and has returned over $1.7 billion in Q3 and $5.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025 to shareholders through dividends [2][3] - The company's adjusted diluted EPS rose 3.6% year-over-year to $1.45 in Q3, driven by a disciplined pricing strategy and growth in its smoke-free products segment [3] - Altria has a 60-year track record of annual dividend increases, earning it the title of "Dividend King," and announced a 3.9% dividend increase in August [4] - On Wall Street, Altria stock is rated as a "Hold" by most analysts, with a potential upside of 27% over the next 12 months based on its high price target of $72 [5] Group 2: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon also boasts a dividend yield of 6.8% and has maintained uninterrupted dividend payouts for decades, raising its dividend for 19 consecutive years [6] - The company's forward payout ratio of approximately 57.3% indicates a balanced approach to returning cash to investors while allowing for reinvestment in operations and debt management [6]