Core Insights - Altria Group, Inc. achieved a 3.6% growth in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to $1.45 in Q3 2025, despite a 1.7% year-over-year decline in revenues to $5.25 billion, indicating resilience in earnings amid revenue challenges [1][8] Financial Performance - The adjusted operating companies income in the smokeable segment increased by 0.7%, driven by pricing gains and lower per-unit settlement charges, even as domestic cigarette shipment volumes fell over 8% [2] - Adjusted operating margins in smokeables expanded by 130 basis points to 64.4%, which helped mitigate the impact of lower shipment volumes [2] - The oral tobacco segment also saw adjusted margins improve by 240 basis points to 69.2%, despite a 4.3% decline in segment revenues [2] Share Repurchase Impact - Share repurchases significantly contributed to EPS growth, with the company buying back 1.9 million shares in the quarter and retiring a total of 12.3 million shares over the first nine months of the year [3][4] Comparison with Peers - In contrast, Philip Morris International Inc. reported a 17.3% year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS, supported by a 9.4% increase in net revenues, benefiting from strong pricing and rising volumes in smoke-free products [5] - Turning Point Brands, Inc. experienced a 31.2% growth in consolidated net sales and an 18.3% increase in net income, reflecting strong momentum in modern oral products [6] Valuation Metrics - Altria's shares have increased by 4.4% over the past month, while the industry average growth was 8.6% [7] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.65X, which is lower than the industry average of 14.52X [9] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Altria's 2025 EPS has increased by 1 cent to $5.44, while the estimate for 2026 has decreased by 1 cent to $5.56 [10]

Core Insights - Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide a means for investors to diversify portfolios and manage risks during economic downturns [1][2] - Consumer staples are identified as a resilient sector during recessions, historically outperforming other sectors [4][5] Investment Strategy - Long-term investors should prepare for volatility and consider exposure to defensive sectors, which can provide reliable passive income during recessions [3] - Allocating a portion of capital to defensive ETFs like the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) is recommended, especially as investors approach retirement [10][11] Sector Performance - Consumer staples have shown strong performance historically, with an average return of 14% in the 12 months preceding recessions and 10% in the 12 months following [6][5] - The sector has consistently outperformed others during recession periods since 1990, including notable economic downturns [5] ETF Details - The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) has a yield of 2.71% and a diversified investment across various consumer staples categories [7][8] - Top holdings in the fund include Walmart (11.05%), Costco Wholesale (9.33%), Procter & Gamble (8.18%), Coca-Cola (6.62%), and Philip Morris International (5.77%) [12]

Billionaire Kenneth Dart, the reclusive, Cayman Islands-based heir to his family’s eponymous plastic-cup fortune, made $4 billion from a contrarian bet on Big Tobacco. Now, he’s turned his attention to another vice. https://t.co/tvRlFPnqIF ...

India is set to introduce a new health and national security cess on machines used to produce a tobacco-related product, and amend the current compensation levy under the goods and services tax regime https://t.co/DX8w8a8xit ...

Core Insights - Companies with a strong history of dividend payments and increases are attractive to income-focused investors, with Philip Morris, Rexford Industrial Realty, and Agree Realty being notable examples [1] Philip Morris - Philip Morris International Inc. has raised its dividends for 17 consecutive years, with the latest increase on Sept. 19 raising the quarterly payout from $1.35 to $1.47 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $5.88 per share [3] - The current dividend yield for Philip Morris is 3.77% [3] - The company's annual revenue as of Sept. 30 is $39.99 billion, with Q3 2025 revenues reported at $10.85 billion and EPS of $2.24, both exceeding consensus estimates [3] Rexford Industrial Realty - Rexford Industrial Realty Inc. has increased its dividends for 12 consecutive years, with a recent 3% increase on Feb. 5 to $0.43 per share, equating to an annual figure of $1.72 per share [5] - The company maintained its dividend payout at the same level in the latest announcement on Oct. 13, with a current dividend yield of 4.21% [5] - The annual revenue as of Sept. 30 is $997.93 million, with Q3 2025 revenues of $246.76 million, which missed the consensus estimate of $249.71 million, while EPS of $0.60 exceeded the consensus of $0.42 [6] Agree Realty - Agree Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust focused on acquiring and developing properties leased to leading omnichannel retail tenants [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights eight dividend stocks that cater to various investment styles, emphasizing the importance of balancing current income with long-term growth in a diversified dividend strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Summaries - **American Express (AXP)**: Operates a closed-loop payments network with a yield of 0.87% and a payout ratio of 16%, indicating significant potential for dividend growth due to its affluent customer base and strong pricing power [3][4]. - **JPMorgan Chase (JPM)**: The largest U.S. bank by assets, offering a 2% yield and a 28% payout ratio, making it a solid choice for investors seeking both income and capital appreciation [5]. - **Costco (COST)**: Generates profit primarily from membership fees, with a low yield of 0.5% but a 27% payout ratio and a history of substantial special dividends, showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns [6][7]. - **S&P Global (SPGI)**: Provides essential financial market services with a yield of 0.8% and a 28% payout ratio, boasting a 52-year history of dividend increases, reflecting its strong market position [9]. - **AbbVie (ABBV)**: A biopharmaceutical company with a 3% yield and a remarkable 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, supported by a robust pipeline and strategic acquisitions [10]. - **Pfizer (PFE)**: A major pharmaceutical company with a high yield of 6.7% but a payout ratio near 98%, appealing to income-focused investors despite earnings volatility risks [11]. - **Philip Morris International (PM)**: Offers a 3.8% yield with a payout ratio of nearly 78%, focusing on smoke-free products to differentiate itself and provide growth opportunities [12][13]. - **Nvidia (NVDA)**: A technology company with a minimal yield of 0.02% but a low payout ratio of 1%, indicating strong potential for future dividend growth driven by substantial free cash flow [15].

Core Viewpoint - Altria Group's shares may have further room to decline before reaching deep-value territory, despite appearing undervalued based on low forward P/E and high dividend yield [1][9]. Financial Performance - Current stock price is $58.69 with a market cap of $99 billion, and a forward P/E ratio of 10.4, significantly lower than Philip Morris International's 18.5 [2][9]. - Altria's gross margin stands at 71.98% and the dividend yield is 7.02% [2]. Sales and Shipment Volumes - Marlboro-branded shipment volumes fell by 11.7%, indicating a potential shift of smokers to lower-priced brands or alternatives [4][5]. - Shipment volumes for smokeless tobacco brands Skoal and Copenhagen decreased by 17.1% and 12.4%, respectively, while on! nicotine pouch volumes only increased by 0.7% [6]. Market Reaction - Following a quarterly earnings release, Altria's shares dropped nearly 8% due to disappointing shipment volumes and weak guidance updates [7]. - Despite a slight recovery, shares remain at risk of further volatility [7]. Competitive Landscape - Altria's revenue from alternative products is only 14%, compared to 41% for Philip Morris and 18.2% for British American Tobacco, indicating a slower transition to smoke-free products [10][11]. - The current valuation of Altria may not expand unless significant changes occur in its sales volumes or product diversification strategies [12]. Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to wait for lower prices or significant changes in Altria's strategy before considering buying the stock [8][14]. - Potential catalysts for change could include breakthroughs in collaborations or mergers that enhance smoke-free product exposure [14].

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. is a leading multinational tobacco company with a market cap of approximately $243.6 billion, focusing on both traditional cigarettes and a growing range of smoke-free nicotine products [1][2] Company Overview - The company is classified as a "large-cap stock," indicating its significant scale and stability within the tobacco industry, bolstered by a strong brand portfolio, particularly Marlboro, which provides pricing leverage and competitive advantage [2] Stock Performance - PM stock is currently trading 16.2% below its 52-week high of $186.69, reached on June 16, and has declined 6.1% over the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 5.4% in the same period [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, PM shares have increased by 18.3% and 30% year-to-date (YTD), while the S&P 500 Index has risen 13.1% and 15.8% YTD [4] Market Trends - The stock experienced a strong bull run earlier in the year but has recently shown signs of weakness, falling below its 200-day moving average in October and dipping under its 50-day moving average by late July [5] - The surge in PM stock over the past year is attributed to the successful introduction of smoke-free products like ZYN nicotine pouches and IQOS heated-tobacco units, which have gained consumer traction and improved revenues and margins [6] Competitive Landscape - Philip Morris' competitor, Altria Group, has underperformed, with only 1.9% gains over the past year and a 12.2% increase YTD, while PM has a consensus rating of "Strong Buy" from analysts, with a mean price target suggesting a 19.7% upside potential [7]

Core Insights - Altria Group, Inc. and Philip Morris International Inc. are key players in the global tobacco industry, each with distinct strategies and strong brand portfolios [1][2] - The tobacco industry is transforming due to declining cigarette use, regulatory pressures, and consumer interest in smoke-free technologies, prompting both companies to innovate and restructure [2] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Altria holds a dominant position in the U.S. tobacco market with a 45.4% cigarette retail share and Marlboro's 59.6% share in the premium segment as of Q3 2025 [3] - The smokeable segment achieved a 64.4% adjusted operating companies income margin, indicating strong pricing power despite volume pressures [3] - Altria's strategy includes enhancing profitability while expanding into oral nicotine, heated tobacco, and e-vapor platforms, with on! shipments reaching 133.6 million cans year-to-date [4] - The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.9% to $1.06 per share, marking its 60th increase in 56 years, and expanded its share repurchase program to $2 billion through 2026 [5] - Domestic cigarette shipment volumes fell 8.2% in the quarter, and Marlboro's total-category share declined to 40.4%, highlighting ongoing challenges [6] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Philip Morris is focused on smoke-free products, which accounted for 41% of total net revenues and 42% of gross profit in Q3 2025, with smoke-free gross profit reaching a record $3.1 billion [7][8] - Shipments of IQOS increased by 15.5% to 40.8 billion units, maintaining a 76% global share of heated tobacco units [8] - Adjusted operating income rose 12.4% to $4.7 billion, with margins expanding to 43.1%, and adjusted EPS increased 17.3% to $2.24 [10] - Despite a 3.2% decline in cigarette shipment volumes, pricing strength lifted net revenues by 4.3% [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Altria's 2025 EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of around 6.3%, with the 2025 EPS estimate at $5.44 [12] - For Philip Morris, the 2025 EPS estimate implies a year-over-year growth of 14.3%, with the estimate at $7.51 [14] Stock Performance - Over the past year, Altria's shares gained 9.3%, while Philip Morris's shares advanced by 22.7% [16] - Altria trades at a forward P/E ratio of 10.57, while Philip Morris's forward P/E ratio stands at 18.9 [18] Investment Outlook - Philip Morris is viewed as the stronger growth story due to its shift towards smoke-free products and disciplined cost strategy, while Altria offers stability and consistent cash flows [20]

Market Overview - European stocks are showing mixed performance as investors digest regional economic news and await the European Central Bank's monetary policy meeting minutes [1] - The pan European Stoxx 600 was roughly flat at 574.11, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 decreased by 25.52 points or 0.26% to 9,666.05 [2] - Germany's DAX increased by 82.87 points or 0.35% to 23,778.10, and France's CAC 40 rose by 5.37 points or 0.07% to 8,101.80 [2] Company Performance - In the U.K. market, notable gainers included St. James' Place, Land Securities, Centrica, and Natwest Group [2] - Conversely, Imperial Brands fell by more than 3%, while other companies like Anglo American Plc and British American Tobacco saw losses between 1% to 1.7% [3] - In Germany, Deutsche Boerse climbed over 4%, with Siemens Energy gaining about 2.3% [3] - In France, Pernod Ricard gained nearly 2%, while companies like Hermes International and Kering showed weakness [4] Consumer Sentiment and Economic Indicators - A monthly survey indicated that German consumer confidence is expected to improve in December, despite deteriorating economic and income expectations [4] - The forward-looking consumer sentiment index improved to -23.2 from -24.1, slightly below the forecast of -23.6 [5] - The Eurozone Economic Sentiment Indicator increased to 97.0 in November from 96.8 in October, marking its highest level since April 2023 [5]