Trump seeking economic deal with China as fresh trade talks loom- WSJ
In a notable performance within the tobacco industry, Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO) stock has reached a 52-week high, touching $59.71. This peak reflects a robust upward trend for the company, which has delivered an impressive 44.16% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a healthy 7.02% dividend yield and trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 9.07, suggesting potential value for investors. Investors have shown increased confidence in Altria Group’s market position and its ability to navigate through regulatory challenges and shifting consumer habits. The company’s strategic investments and focus on innovation have contributed to this positive investor sentiment, reflected in its impressive 70.13% gross profit margin and "GREAT" financial health score. InvestingPro analysis reveals 16 additional key insights about Altria’s performance and outlook, available exclusively to subscribers.
In other recent news, Altria Group reported its fourth-quarter earnings for 2024, with earnings per share (EPS) aligning with analyst expectations at $1.29, while the company’s revenue of $5.11 billion surpassed forecasts of $5.04 billion. Altria has issued a new $1 billion share repurchase program and returned over $10.2 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share repurchases. The company also announced the issuance of $1 billion in new debt securities, divided between two series of senior unsecured notes, maturing in 2028 and 2035, respectively. Stifel analysts maintained a Buy rating on Altria’s stock, keeping a $60 price target, noting the company’s 9% EPS growth from the previous year.
Citi analyst Adam Spielman maintained a Neutral rating with a $52 price target on Altria shares following the company’s presentation at the CAGNY conference. Altria confirmed its full-year 2025 EPS guidance, projecting growth between 2% and 5%. The company highlighted growth in the US nicotine market and expressed optimism about potential regulatory improvements under the new US administration. Altria is reassessing its smoke-free goals due to challenges from the illicit e-vapor market, which represents over 60% of the category, impacting regulatory and market dynamics. The company is also preparing to introduce its heated tobacco product, Plume, to the market.
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