Prosperitas Financial LLC Makes New Investment in Altria Group, Inc. $MO

Prosperitas Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO - Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 76,848 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $5,529,000. Altria Group comprises 1.8% of Prosperitas Financial LLC's investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest holding.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its position in Altria Group by 7.1% during the fourth quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 668,243 shares of the company's stock worth $38,531,000 after acquiring an additional 44,267 shares during the last quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Altria Group by 59.3% in the first quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 38,926 shares of the company's stock valued at $2,569,000 after purchasing an additional 14,490 shares during the last quarter. Rayburn West Financial Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the fourth quarter worth approximately $2,438,000. North Dakota State Investment Board bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the fourth quarter worth approximately $3,336,000. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 206.7% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 75,573 shares of the company's stock worth $4,358,000 after purchasing an additional 50,931 shares during the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Altria Group Trading Up 1.5%

NYSE MO opened at $68.68 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $54.70 and a 1-year high of $77.06. The company has a 50 day moving average of $70.10 and a 200-day moving average of $68.95. The company has a market cap of $114.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.49, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 0.46.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO - Get Free Report) last issued 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 company 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 company's quarterly revenue was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.44 earnings per share. Altria Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.610-5.720 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

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

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on MO. 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. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Altria Group from $68.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Friday, May 1st. Citigroup lifted their target price on Altria Group from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Friday, May 1st. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an "underperform" rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a "buy (b)" rating on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $70.11.

Altria Group News Summary

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

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.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.

Continue following MarketBeat

Add MarketBeat as your preferred source on Google to see our latest stories in your feed.

Add As Preferred Source