What changed
2026-07-31 17:36 UTC → 2026-08-02 08:32 UTC ·
added
removed
In early July 2026 Altria Group highlighted a 5.8 % dividend yield while noting a decline in U.S. cigarette sales. By Group’s second‑quarter 2026 results, released at the end of the month July, confirmed the company released its second‑quarter results, reporting net revenues earlier guidance range of $5.61‑$5.72 for full‑year adjusted diluted EPS. Net revenues for Q2 were $6.11 billion, a marginal modest 0.1 % year‑over‑year rise, increase, and an upward revision to its full‑year adjusted diluted EPS outlook ($5.61‑$5.72). Altria the company returned nearly $3.9 billion to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks. repurchases. Institutional investors increased their stakes, with ownership continued to rise: Arkadios Wealth Advisors and Gateway Wealth Partners adding added shares, and other firms while First Nebraska Trust disclosed a new purchase of roughly 19,900 shares. Larger managers such as Brighton Jones, Sivia Capital, Schnieders Capital, Gamco Investors and Weiss Asset Management taking or expanding positions. Insider sales by two directors were disclosed. The quarter’s earnings per share of $1.48 missed analysts’ $1.50 estimate. Premium Marlboro shipments fell 7.4 % while discount cigarette volumes rose 67.3 %, Vanguard, State Street, Charles Schwab, Geode Capital and shipments Morgan Stanley also expanded their positions, collectively holding billions of the On! nicotine‑pouch line declined 4.2 %. dollars in Altria stock. The company attributed weaker demand to macro‑economic uncertainty and higher living costs linked firm is set to the Middle East conflict. CEO Sal Mancuso highlighted strong demand for the On Plus line, now announce its 56th consecutive annual dividend increase in 120,000 U.S. stores, August, with new flavors and nicotine strengths slated for later in analysts projecting a 3.7‑4.7 % rise that would lift the year. payout to $4.40‑$4.44 per share. This dividend growth aligns with Altria’s strategic shift toward non‑tobacco nicotine products and its target of mid‑single‑digit EPS growth through 2028, even as cigarette sales decline. For the first half, half of 2026, adjusted diluted EPS grew 4.9 % and net revenues rose 1.6 % to $11.5 billion.