Altria Group

MO

Market cap $116B

MO and PM advance their smoke-free strategies as each leverages pricing, innovation and cost discipline in a shifting tobacco market.

Seasoned investors know it, but some traders might have to learn this lesson the hard way.

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $MO #Altria--Altria Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend of $1.06 Per Share.

Shifting from higher-risk assets to consistent income sources is a natural progression for retirees.

Long-term bond yields continue to rise. But investors looking for income can still find plenty of attractive opportunities with dividend-paying stocks that have healthy yields. “23 stocks pay huge dividends. They should be a better bet than treasuries.” —Barron's Weekly reported in October, 2024. Steven Wieting, strategist at Citi Wealth, told Barron's a growing dividend is a tangible-benefit for shareholders and a hallmark of companies with strong balance-sheets. “Nobody can fake a dividend," he-said.

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.

It's been a highly profitable business for many years. Although its foundational product continues to decline in popularity, it's pivoting to next-generation offerings.

After a 35-year career in the finance industry, including two decades as an institutional stockbroker at Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley, I developed an institutional perspective on dividend-focused investing.

After spinning off its cable network business, Comcast could unlock additional value through further acquisitions and divestitures. There's more to like about Altria besides its high dividend yield, as success tapping into the smokeless market could lead to valuation expansion.

MO faces pressure as the U.S. cigarette market shrinks, testing Marlboro's ability to hold share and sustain profitability.