Altria has a large dividend yield, a strong dividend history, and a somewhat problematic business.If you are looking to set yourself up with a lifetime of income, Altria (MO -1.92%) and its 6.4% dividend yield are probably on your investment short list. Given the long history of regular dividend increases on offer, that makes total sense. But there are some things you need to consider before you buy this consumer staples maker. It may not be as safe an investment as you think.What does Altria do?Altria make ...

This night vision video of a hot air balloon landing in a Lithuanian field, escalating tensions in a region already on the brink, even shutting down an airport over the weekend. But it's not carrying any passengers. Instead, large boxes of smuggled cigarettes, according to Lithuanian border officials.They say Bellar Russian smugglers have been sending balloons with contraband into Lithuania for years, but 18,000 packs of cigarettes have been confiscated just over the weekend. Saturday night, the balloons br ...

Balloons used to smuggle cigarettes shut Lithuanian airport https://t.co/egOidFy9Ly ...

Meet The Startup That Makes Quitting Cigarettes, Vaping And Zyn Cool https://t.co/qGkvr35HT6 https://t.co/qGkvr35HT6 ...

This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Convenience retailers prove year after year that growth through acquisition is one of their top priorities. Although organic growth can ingrain a retailer into a community from the moment the shovels hit the dirt, buying stores immediately plants a brand into an area and is the fastest means of achieving new-store growth. The industry is well aware of the acquisition ...

One of the world's biggest tobacco companies is doubling down on cheap cigarettes https://t.co/tx5eJhAyd3 ...

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc has announced an 8.9% increase in its regular quarterly dividend, raising the annualized payout to $5.88 per share, with the new quarterly dividend of $1.47 payable on October 20 [1][2] - Since becoming a standalone public company in 2008, Philip Morris has raised its dividend every year, with a cumulative increase of 219.6%, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of about 7.1% [2] - The company has lifted its adjusted earnings per share forecast for fiscal 2025 to a range of $7.43 to $7.56, and expects organic net revenue growth of 6% to 8% for 2025 [3] Financial Projections - Philip Morris anticipates a 1% decline in international cigarette and heated tobacco unit volumes (excluding China and the U.S.) in 2025, while projecting its own total shipment volumes to grow around 1% [4] - The growth in total shipment volumes is expected to be driven by a 12% to 14% increase in smoke-free products, which will partially offset an anticipated ~2% decline in cigarette volumes [4] - For the third quarter, the company has guided to adjusted EPS of $2.08 to $2.13 [4] Market Performance - PM shares were trading higher by 2.81% to $166.30 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Altria is highlighted as a strong dividend stock with a yield of 6.3%, supported by a solid financial history and recent stock price appreciation, making it an attractive investment option despite concerns about its tobacco business [1][2][4]. Group 1: Dividend Performance - Altria's forward dividend is $4.24, and it has increased its dividend 55 times over the past 55 years, totaling $32 billion in dividends paid from 2020 to 2024 [1][3]. - The company has also repurchased $8 billion of its shares during the same period, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [3]. Group 2: Stock Price and Market Comparison - Altria's share price has risen 27% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500, which is up 10% [2]. - In contrast, competitors like Pfizer and Dow have seen declines in their stock prices, with Pfizer down 8% and Dow down 37% this year [3]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In the latest quarter, Altria reported a revenue decline of 6% to $5.3 billion, but its adjusted diluted EPS increased by 6% to $1.23, with guidance for a 2% to 5% increase in EPS for the full year [4]. - The company's performance is attributed to its traditional tobacco business, which remains profitable despite market challenges [4]. Group 4: Economic Resilience - Altria's dividend is considered safe, as consumers typically do not reduce cigarette consumption during economic downturns, suggesting stability in its revenue stream [5]. - The potential economic risks, such as increased tariffs and inflation, may further solidify Altria's position as a preferred stock for investors seeking reliable dividends [6][7].

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Company Overview - Startup aims to make quitting cigarettes, vaping, and Zyn "cool" [1] Industry Focus - Targets the cessation of nicotine products like cigarettes, vapes, and Zyn [1]