We believe that Kimberly-Clark stock (NYSE: KMB) is currently a better pick than the tobacco company, Altria stock (NYSE: MO), given its better valuation. The decision to invest often comes down to finding the best stocks within the scope of certain characteristics that suit an investment style.
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 is a popular stock among dividend investors with over 50 years of dividend increases and a strong share price performance the past 3 months, up double-digits. The NJOY acquisition has shown promise, with significant growth in shipment volume and market share, offsetting the decline in smokeable products. Despite risks from smokeable products, I expect management to continue expanding NJOY and rewarding investors with dividend increases for the foreseeable future.
MO has been handsomely rewarded for the US FDA marketing approval of NJOY's menthol-flavored e-cigarette products, with the acquisition highly accretive to its existing tobacco portfolio. The management has submitted NJOY ACE 2.0 device with access restriction technology, along with the resubmissions for blueberry and watermelon pod products that work exclusively with the 2.0 device. This is on top of the robust QoQ/ YoY growth in MO's oral tobacco pouches sale, on!, with H2'24 likely to bring forth similarly great numbers, attributed to Zyn's shortage.
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My previous bullish thesis about Altria aged well as the stock substantially outperformed the broader market over the last several months. I think that the major strength of this stock is its 7.92% forward dividend yield, which I consider very safe based on the company's robust financial performance. The company is likely to sustain its strong financial performance for longer, despite the secular decline in traditional cigarettes, due to its rapid expansion into new, thriving niches.
Altria Group has outperformed the market with a 28.2% total return this year, despite missing the latest earnings estimates. While the firm's smokable segment has not performed too well, the growth in the oral tobacco category and the firm's new NJOY product category indicates meaningful growth potential. Using a dividend discount model, MO's fair value is estimated well-above the current share price, indicating significant upside potential for investors.
Altria's sales fell by 5% last quarter, and things may not get better soon. The stock's payout ratio looks safe, but the company's earnings got a boost from a one-time gain on a sale.
Altria (MO) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.
Altria Group has seen a strong year with shares up over 26% in 2024, breaking the $50 barrier after years below. Despite risks and negative stigma, MO's Q2 results show a profitable business with strong margins and growth potential in non-combustible products. MO's high dividend yield of 7.68% and commitment to annual dividend increases make it an attractive investment for income-producing portfolios.