Should I buy Altria stock in 2025?

Why trust HelloSafe ?

At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of Altria for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the US trust us to decipher market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Altria.

What is Altria?

The Price of Altria Stock

The price of Altria stock is rising this week. Altria shares are currently trading at $59.28, up 0.18% over the past 24 hours and showing a slight decrease of 0.77% over the week. The company’s market capitalization stands at $99.67 billion, with an average 3-month trading volume of 8.98 million shares. Altria has a P/E ratio of 9.92, a robust dividend yield of 6.88%, and a low beta of 0.62, reflecting relatively limited volatility. This combination of strong yield and moderate risk makes Altria an appealing option for income-focused investors.

Our full analysis of Altria stock

Drawing on an exhaustive review of Altria’s latest quarterly financials and its robust share price history over the last three years, we leveraged a blend of financial ratios, technical indicators, comparative sector analysis, and proprietary data-mining algorithms to synthesize this uniquely actionable view. By weighing not just headline earnings but momentum cues and competitive intelligence, our experts offer a holistic perspective for investors evaluating this classic US dividend stock. So, why might Altria stock once again become a strategic entry point into the defensive consumer sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

Over the past year, Altria’s share price has risen sharply, advancing 29% to $59.28 per share as of July 2025. The stock continues to show resilience, with a modest gain of 0.18% in the last 24 hours, and only a slight weekly decline of 0.77%, indicating that consolidation is occurring in a controlled manner after a period of strong outperformance. Altria’s market capitalization stands at $99.67 billion, supported by a three-month average daily volume of 8.98 million shares—demonstrating solid trading interest and liquidity.

• Better-than-expected Q1 2025 earnings ($1.23 adjusted EPS beat consensus), even as headline revenue contracted.
• Strong brand power with Marlboro still dominating the US premium tobacco segment (holding 59.3%).
• Growing presence and volume momentum in alternative nicotine, as the ON! brand saw +18% volume growth in Q1.
• Recent upgrades from major analyst houses, with UBS raising its price target and neutralizing a previous Sell.

On the macro side, Altria is well-positioned as a defensive play during periods of economic uncertainty, with its products maintaining steady demand even in inflationary climates and amid sectoral shifts in consumer spending. The company’s robust balance sheet and enduring free cash flow generation add further stability for income-focused investors.

Technical analysis

Technical indicators confirm an encouraging backdrop for Altria. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers at 58.18, signaling fresh buying power without approaching overbought territory, while the MACD (0.11) remains in positive territory, hinting at persistent bullish momentum. All major moving averages — 20-day ($59.25), 50-day ($58.94), 100-day ($57.94), and 200-day ($55.31) — display clear buy signals and point to a constructive medium-term uptrend.

Key support has consolidated at $57.32, providing a technical safety net for recent gains, while immediate resistance stands at $60.91. The price action remains comfortably within the current 52-week trading range ($45.76 – $61.26), but with an upward bias underpinned by healthy technical breadth. Notably, a “Strong Buy” signal is indicated by the majority of moving average-based strategies (10 positive vs 2 neutral/negative), reinforcing short- to medium-term upside structure.

Fundamental analysis

Altria’s fundamentals remain exemplary for investors seeking stability and income. In Q1 2025, adjusted EPS rose 6% to $1.23, exceeding market expectations, and annualized dividend yield is an impressive 6.88% ($4.08 per share)—a key driver of Altria’s long-term investor appeal. Although net revenue dipped to $5.26 billion (down 5.7% year-over-year), this was largely due to external headwinds, and did not prevent the company from beating analysts’ top-line forecasts by over $600 million.

With a P/E ratio of 9.92, Altria trades at a marked discount to the broader US equity market and defensive sector peers, suggesting investors may be underestimating its resilience and future cash-flow prospects. The company boasts exceptionally strong gross margins (over 64% for fumables), and a robust operational model highlighted by consistent quarterly dividend outlays—$1.7 billion paid in Q1 alone.

• Unrivaled brand equity: Marlboro leads the US cigarettes market by a wide margin.
• Strategic innovation: The company continues investing in next-generation products (nicotine pouches, e-vapor) to future-proof its business.
• Market share defense: Despite external challenges, Altria maintains ~41% share of the total US cigarette market.
• Cash-flow and capital allocation: Buybacks and dividend growth reinforce shareholder value.

Volume and liquidity

Altria benefits from sustained and ample trading volumes. The stock’s three-month average daily volume of 8.98 million shares underscores deep liquidity—facilitating efficient entry and exit for investors of any size without major slippage or spreads. The sizable public float and institutional interest further support dynamic, responsive valuation and reduce the likelihood of erratic price swings.

High volume also reflects market confidence, particularly with major asset managers and ETFs seeking exposure to quality US consumer defensives through flagship brands. Moreover, the recent $326 million buyback of 5.7 million shares in Q1 2025 exemplifies proactive capital management and boosts per-share value.

Catalysts and positive outlook

• Product innovation: Expansion of ON! nicotine pouches (posting +18% volume in Q1) and a refreshed e-vapor pipeline designed to replace legacy NJOY products. Development in the reduced-risk segment positions Altria for growth even as legacy volume trends moderate.
• Market leadership: Marlboro’s premium dominance is untouched, and strategic focus on pricing power preserves margins in an inflationary environment.
• Dividend policy: Altria’s board remains committed to annual dividend increases, making it one of the most attractive income plays in the S&P 500.
• Regulatory resilience: Despite the ITC’s ruling on NJOY ACE, Altria has proven its ability to adapt and navigate evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Buyback momentum: Ongoing share repurchases support EPS growth, even in the face of moderate top-line headwinds.
• Analyst sentiment and technical signals: The weight of analyst upgrades and technical “Strong Buy” signals make a compelling case for coming appreciation.
• Updated guidance: Management has reaffirmed its adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 ($5.30–$5.45), with projected 2%–5% earnings growth this year, providing solid visibility.

The convergence of these drivers—product innovation, market dominance, and world-class capital returns—suggests meaningful upside in both the near and medium term.

Investment strategies

• Short-term traders may look to capitalize on technical pullbacks near the $57–58 support area, or preempt breakouts above $61 pending bullish volume confirmation and macro newsflows.
• Medium-term holders benefit from an exceptional risk/reward structure, as Altria is supported by consistent dividend income, a favorable valuation, and visible earnings growth through 2025 and 2026.
• Long-term investors are rewarded by the company’s enduring moat, best-in-class cash generation, and adaptability to shifting consumption patterns, especially as Altria pivots more fully into non-combustible products and alternative nicotine markets.

Positioning ahead of Q2 earnings and further regulatory clarity may offer enhanced entry points, while the yield and discount present flexibility in portfolio construction. The recent technical “Strong Buy” confirmation only strengthens the case for strategic exposure at current levels.

Is it the right time to buy Altria?

With a rare combination of visible cash flows, sector-leading yield, technical tailwinds, and a patient, innovation-minded management team, Altria seems to represent an excellent opportunity at current prices. The stock’s low P/E and high payout ratio continue to justify renewed interest from both institutional and retail investors seeking a blend of income and capital appreciation potential.

Key strengths—robust dividend, resilient market share, deep liquidity, and a proactive approach to product evolution—point to continued outperformance against defensive sector peers. The positive analyst recalibrations and unwavering technical support bolster the bullish thesis.

Anchored by a compelling capital return framework and new growth vectors, Altria may be entering a new bullish phase—one that both seasoned and newer investors would do well to monitor closely. The time appears especially ripe for those seeking stable returns with upside potential in a shifting market landscape.

How to buy Altria stock in the United States?

Buying Altria stock is simple and secure when using a regulated online broker. Retail investors can choose between spot (cash) buying, which means direct share ownership, or trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference) for leveraged exposure without owning shares. Both methods can be accessed online through top US brokers, with robust protections and user-friendly platforms. To help you find the best fit for your needs, a broker comparison is available further down the page.

Spot buying

A cash purchase of Altria stock means you buy real shares and become a part-owner, with the right to receive dividends and vote at shareholder meetings. US brokers typically charge a fixed commission per order, often around $5. This method suits investors aiming for long-term growth and dividend income.

Example of a Gain Scenario

If the Altria share price is $59.28 USD, you can buy around 16 shares with a $1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of around $5.

✔️ Gain scenario:

If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth $1,100.

Result: +$100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading lets you speculate on Altria shares' price movements without owning the stock. You can use leverage—often 5x or more—with typical costs including the spread (buy/sell difference) and daily overnight financing if held past market close. This approach magnifies both gains and risks, so managing exposure is important.

Gain Scenario for a Leveraged CFD Position

You open a CFD position on Altria shares, with 5x leverage.

This gives you a market exposure of $5,000.

Gain scenario:

If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: +$400 gain, on a bet of $1,000 (excluding fees).

Final advice

Before you buy Altria stock, always compare broker fees, commissions, and account terms to suit your goals. The right way to invest depends on whether you seek long-term ownership or prefer short-term trading with leverage. See our broker comparison further down the page to make an informed choice.

Our 7 tips for buying Altria stock

The latest news about Altria

Altria shares maintain technical "Strong Buy" signals across main moving averages as of July 3, 2025. Recent technical analysis confirms Altria is supported by a favorable RSI (58.18) and MACD (0.11) indicators, reflecting upward momentum. All major moving averages (20, 50, 100, and 200-day) remain in a buy position, reinforcing confidence among technical investors.

Altria outperformed analyst Q1 earnings expectations despite a challenging sales environment in the US. For the first quarter of 2025, Altria posted an adjusted EPS of $1.23, ahead of the $1.19 consensus and up 6% year-over-year. Net revenues of $5.26 billion were also above expectations, with profitability supported by cost discipline even as revenues declined compared to Q1 2024.

UBS upgraded Altria’s stock rating and raised its price target, boosting market sentiment among US investors. UBS shifted its recommendation from "Sell" to "Neutral" and increased its price objective to $59, reflecting improved earnings visibility and consistent cash returns to shareholders. This marks a constructive shift from institutional analysts in the US.

Altria’s ON! nicotine pouch brand demonstrated robust growth in the US market, strengthening its reduced-harm portfolio. In Q1, ON! volumes surged by 18%, confirming strong consumer adoption of smoke-free alternatives in the US. This growth aligns with the company’s strategic focus on next-generation products in response to regulatory shifts.

Altria confirmed its full-year 2025 guidance and maintained a high dividend payout attractive to US investors. The company reiterated its adjusted EPS target range of $5.30 to $5.45 (+2% to +5% growth) for 2025 and upheld its annual dividend, which currently yields 6.88%. This stability supports Altria’s role as a defensive income stock in US portfolios.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.