Claris Financial LLC Has $916,000 Stake in Altria Group, Inc. $MO

Claris Financial LLC increased its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) by 257.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 13,884 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 9,995 shares during the quarter. Claris Financial LLC’s holdings in Altria Group were worth $916,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of MO. Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Navalign LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group in the fourth quarter valued at about $28,000. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group in the fourth quarter worth about $29,000. Hughes Financial Services LLC raised its position 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 Altria Group in the fourth quarter worth about $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the company’s stock.

Altria Group Stock Up 2.7%

Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $74.87 on Wednesday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $54.70 and a 12-month high of $77.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $125.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $71.91 and a 200 day simple moving average of $68.09.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 30th. The company reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $4.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.58 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 34.34% and a negative return on equity of 298.69%. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.23 earnings per share. Altria Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.560-5.72 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.7 earnings per share for the current year.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 10th. Investors of record on Monday, June 15th were issued a dividend of $1.06 per share. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 15th. Altria Group’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 88.70%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have weighed in on MO. Morgan Stanley set a $71.00 price objective on Altria Group in a report on Friday, May 1st. Wall Street Zen cut Altria Group from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Sunday, June 21st. Barclays raised their target price on Altria Group from $63.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a research report on Friday, May 15th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Altria Group from $68.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, May 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 14th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $70.78.

Insider Buying and Selling at Altria Group

In other news, Director Ennis Debra J. Kelly sold 5,790 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.25, for a total transaction of $418,327.50. Following the sale, the director owned 73,809 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,332,700.25. This represents a 7.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Ellen R. Strahlman sold 2,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.56, for a total value of $145,120.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 25,102 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,821,401.12. This trade represents a 7.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 0.10% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about Altria Group

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

• Positive Sentiment: Altria is being highlighted as a high-shareholder-yield stock. Its investment appeal includes a roughly 5.8% dividend yield, a long record of annual dividend increases, and a valuation of about 13 times forward earnings. 4 High Shareholder Yield Stocks to Buy Amid Rising Uncertainty
• Positive Sentiment: Analysts expect second-quarter sales and earnings growth, with pricing and continued momentum in nicotine pouches potentially offsetting declining cigarette volumes. The earnings release is scheduled for July 30, making expectations a near-term catalyst. Altria Q2 Earnings Coming Up: What Should Investors Expect?
• Positive Sentiment: Altria’s Marlboro leadership, recurring tobacco cash flows and more than 50 consecutive years of dividend increases are reinforcing its reputation as a defensive income stock. Its inclusion in Donald Trump’s disclosed portfolio may also be adding investor visibility and sentiment. Altria Group (MO): A Winner in President Trump’s Stock Portfolio?
• Neutral Sentiment: Additional previews focus on estimates for key second-quarter metrics rather than reporting new company results, so the stock remains exposed to an earnings-driven reaction on July 30. Curious About Altria Q2 Performance?
• Negative Sentiment: The principal operating concern remains falling cigarette volumes. Although pricing and oral nicotine growth may cushion the decline, weaker traditional tobacco consumption could limit longer-term growth and weigh on results if the offset is insufficient. Should You Buy Altria for Its 5.8% Dividend Yield Ahead of July 30 Earnings?

About Altria Group

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.