Zacks.com users have recently been watching Altria (MO) quite a bit. Thus, it is worth knowing the facts that could determine the stock's prospects.
Altria (NYSE: MO) recently reported its Q4 results, with revenues and earnings slightly ahead of the street estimates. The company reported revenue of $5.11 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.29 per share, compared to the consensus estimates of $5.05 billion and $1.28, respectively.
Altria (MO 1.19%) and Kraft Heinz (KHC -1.88%) are blue chip consumer staples giants that for a time were parts of the same company. Altria, the domestic tobacco giant formerly known as Philip Morris USA, bought Kraft Foods in the 1980s and owned it until its spin-off in 2007.
Cigarette maker Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) now has the best yield of any stock in the S&P 500 at 8%.
Altria Group is a strong buy due to its robust earnings, dividend growth, and undervaluation compared to peers like Philip Morris. Despite a recent 9.35% decline, MO's solid Q4 performance and future EPS growth make the current retracement a buying opportunity. MO's ability to grow EPS and dividends, coupled with a high dividend yield of 7.81%, makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
Altria Group, Inc. exceeded analysts' expectations for Q4 2024 but continues to struggle with declining market share and volumes, particularly in cigarettes. Despite launching a $1 billion share buyback program, the company faces challenges in its smoke-free strategy and overall market competitiveness. Revenue from smokeable and oral tobacco products saw modest growth, but market share and shipment volumes for key brands like Marlboro and Copenhagen declined.
Consumer staples stocks like TSN, OLLI and MO, are a safe bet during times of market volatility.
Altria (NYSE:MO) reported earnings on Thursday that beat analyst expectations, but the tobacco giant was hit with a one-two punch on its next-generation products portfolio.
Altria Group (NYSE:MO ) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript January 30, 2025 9:00 AM ET Company Participants Mac Livingston - Vice President of Investor Relations Billy Gifford - CEO and Director Sal Mancuso - Executive VP and CFO Conference Call Participants Matt Smith - Stifel Financial Corp. Bonnie Herzog - Goldman Sachs Faham Baig - UBS Gaurav Jain - Barclays Eric Serotta - Morgan Stanley Emma Rumney - Reuters Operator Good day. And welcome to the Altria Group 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings Conference Call.
Altria Group (MO -3.00%), a leading player in the tobacco industry, released its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 30. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.29 slightly outperformed the analysts' consensus estimate of $1.28, while revenues (net of excise taxes) amounted to $5.11 billion, surpassing the forecasted $5.05 billion by about 1%.
Altria's Q4 results reflect increased earnings on higher operating income. Management expects earnings growth in 2025.
Altria Group reported a double beat in Q4, driven by strong growth from its on! brand, showcasing its robust business model despite a declining smoker base. The tobacco giant's 8% dividend yield and low valuation make it an attractive investment, even with modest earnings growth projections. Altria's focus on price increases and margin growth has led to a 9% EPS increase in Q4, highlighting its ability to convert minor revenue gains into significant profit increases.