Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC Makes New Investment in Altria Group, Inc. $MO

Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO - Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 393,180 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $28,290,000.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. PA purchased a new position in Altria Group during the second quarter worth $26,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Navalign LLC purchased a new position in Altria Group in the fourth quarter valued at about $28,000. Hughes Financial Services LLC grew its stake in Altria Group by 62.9% in the fourth quarter. Hughes Financial Services LLC now owns 510 shares of the company's stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Miller Capital Partners Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. 57.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Altria Group Price Performance

Altria Group stock opened at $68.68 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $54.70 and a fifty-two week high of $77.06. The company's 50-day moving average is $70.10 and its 200-day moving average is $68.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $114.68 billion, a PE ratio of 14.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 0.46.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The company reported $1.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.50 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $5.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.35 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 33.99% and a negative return on equity of 315.29%. The business's revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.44 earnings per share. Altria Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.610-5.720 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.67 EPS for the current year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.11 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 15th. This is a positive change from Altria Group's previous quarterly dividend of $1.06. This represents a $4.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.5%. Altria Group's payout ratio is 89.45%.

Key Headlines Impacting Altria Group

Here are the key news stories impacting Altria Group this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Altria raised its quarterly dividend 4.7% to $1.11 per share, payable October 9 to shareholders of record September 15. The increase reinforces Altria’s reputation as a high-yield income stock, with an annualized yield of approximately 6.5%, and may be supporting investor demand. Altria Increases Quarterly Dividend to $1.11 Per Share
• Positive Sentiment: The election of Steve Presley to Altria’s board adds a director with extensive consumer-products and business leadership experience. While not an immediate earnings catalyst, the appointment could support oversight and long-term strategic execution. Altria Announces Election of Steve Presley to Altria’s Board of Directors
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst commentary continues to focus on Altria’s valuation, dividend durability and efforts to expand beyond traditional cigarettes. The stock’s roughly 95% five-year gain highlights its strong performance, but also raises questions about how much future growth is already reflected in the price. Altria Stock Looks Reasonably Priced
• Negative Sentiment: The FDA authorized three new JUUL2 e-cigarette products, including flavored pods. The decision validates the regulated nicotine-vapor category but may intensify competition for Altria’s NJOY business and other reduced-risk products, potentially limiting market-share gains. FDA Allows Marketing of Juul’s New E-Cigarettes and Flavored Pods

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an "underperform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. UBS Group boosted their price target on Altria Group from $76.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. BTIG Research began coverage on Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. They set a "neutral" rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a "buy (b)" rating on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 14th. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Altria Group from $64.00 to $58.00 and set an "underweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 11th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $70.11.

Altria Group Profile

Altria Group, Inc NYSE: MO is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company's operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country.

Altria's principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S.

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