Altria Group Draws New Institutional Investment and Prepares 56th Consecutive Dividend Rise

First Nebraska Trust Co disclosed a new position in Altria Group, buying 19,921 shares worth about $1.3 million in the first quarter. The filing also noted that other large investors have increased stakes, including Vanguard Group Inc, State Street Corp, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc, Geode Capital Management LLC and Morgan Stanley, collectively holding billions of dollars in Altria stock.

Altria is slated to announce its 56th straight annual dividend increase in August, with analysts forecasting a 3.7‑4.7 % boost that would raise the payout to $4.40‑$4.44 per share. The move is part of the company’s shift toward non‑tobacco nicotine products and its goal of mid‑single‑digit earnings per share growth and continued dividend growth through 2028, despite a decline in cigarette sales.