Should I buy Altria stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Altria's market performance for over three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users across the United States rely on us to interpret market trends and identify top investment opportunities. Our insights are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical guidelines, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Altria.

What is Altria?

How much is Altria stock?

The price of Altria stock is rising this week. As of today, Altria (MO) trades at $59.31 per share, up $0.16 (+0.27%) over the past 24 hours and showing strong weekly gains near its 52-week high.

The company boasts a market capitalization of $99.9 billion, with an average daily trading volume of 10.3 million shares over the last three months.

Altria offers investors an attractive combination of steady income and stability within the consumer defensive sector, with its robust dividend and relatively low volatility.

Our full analysis on Altria stock

Our review of Altria Group’s latest quarterly results, alongside a thorough assessment of the stock’s three-year trajectory, draws on in-depth analysis across financial metrics, technical tape readings, sector trends, and relative peer positioning—blended through advanced proprietary models. The result is a data-driven, forward-looking perspective on a defensive stalwart navigating sectoral reinvention. So, why might Altria stock once again become a compelling strategic entry point into the consumer defensive sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Altria (NYSE: MO) has delivered an impressive rebound in its share price over the past year, advancing from 52-week lows near $43 to recently test the $60 threshold—approaching levels not seen since early 2022. This robust recovery is particularly noteworthy given the sector-wide volume headwinds impacting traditional tobacco. Key positive drivers include:

• Resilient dividend appeal: With an annual yield now at 6.88%, MO stands out as one of the market’s most reliable income generators, attracting capital during uncertain macroeconomic cycles.
• Strategic execution: Altria’s commitment to capital discipline—demonstrated by $326 million in Q1 2025 share repurchases and a 4.1% dividend increase over the past year—reinforces shareholder confidence.
• Macro backdrop: In an environment shaped by volatile interest rates and consumer uncertainty, defensive stocks with stable cash flows—like Altria—are regaining market favor, as evidenced by strong relative performance versus the S&P 500 Consumer Defensive sector.

Recent events, notably the reaffirmation of 2025 full-year adjusted EPS guidance (up to 5% YoY growth), underscore management’s operational discipline. Furthermore, ongoing innovation in reduced-risk products signals adaptability to both regulatory change and shifting consumer preferences.

Technical Analysis

From a technical vantage point, Altria is signaling burgeoning momentum rarely seen in recent cycles:

• Bullish Alignment Above Moving Averages: MO’s current price ($59.31) stands comfortably above the 20-, 50-, 100- and 200-day moving averages, confirming sustained uptrend structure since late 2024.
• Support and Resistance Configuration: The nearest well-defined support zones ($58.99, $57.60, $54.90) offer a technical cushion, while resistance at $59.32–$60.03 sets a pivotal breakout area. A decisive close above $60 could catalyze a new leg up.
• Oscillator Readings:
• RSI (14) at 61.3 indicates balanced momentum—not overbought, preserving further upside.
• MACD (0.60) and CCI (121.8) suggest mild short-term consolidation, often preceding continuation in mature uptrends.
• ADX (15.86)—indicative of trend formation, with room for strengthening.

Taken together, Altria’s technical set-up points to a stock consolidating just beneath yearly highs, with short- and medium-term momentum positioned for a potential bullish breakout should market catalysts align.

Fundamental Analysis

Altria’s fundamental story combines steady income with prudent strategic evolution, reinforcing the case for risk-aware capital.

• Revenue and Profitability: Q1 2025 showcased $4.52 billion in revenues net of excise taxes—a moderate YoY decline, largely mitigated by robust pricing power. Notably, adjusted EPS grew 6% YoY to $1.23, highlighting effective margin management even amidst volume contraction (-13.7% in cigarettes).
• Cash Generation and Capital Returns: With a payout ratio near 80% and ongoing share buybacks, Altria reliably returns surplus cash to shareholders—a core attribute in today’s yield-hungry landscape.
• Valuation: Trading at a P/E of 9.95 and forward P/E of 11.07, MO is attractively valued against both consumer defensive peers and the broader market. The PEG and price/sales ratios further reinforce that the current price level embeds conservative growth assumptions, offering a margin of safety.
• Structural Strengths:
• Market leadership: Marlboro’s 41% U.S. share provides pricing power and brand stickiness.
• Diversification: Strategic stakes in Anheuser-Busch InBev (8%) and Cronos (41%) enrich the earnings profile and grant exposure to ancillary growth.
• Innovation: Rapid scaling of oral nicotine pouches and new e-vapor offerings all support the “beyond smoking” vision.

The company’s proactive transformation, targeted investments, and resilient cash flow architecture justify renewed investor interest in an evolving legacy business.

Volume and Liquidity

Altria maintains a robust and liquid trading profile, signaling strong institutional and retail engagement:

• Average Daily Volume: With over 10 million shares exchanging hands daily, MO ensures ample liquidity for both strategic and tactical positioning.
• Float Structure: The sizable float supports efficient price discovery and reduces the risk of gapping, fostering confidence for larger capital allocations.
• Market Confidence: Persistent volume near resistance levels often precedes meaningful technical breakouts, indicating the market is closely monitoring the stock’s next move.

Such sustained trading activity not only reflects investor confidence in Altria’s direction but also enhances the opportunity for dynamic valuation rerates as new catalysts emerge.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Multiple high-visibility growth levers and operational initiatives position Altria as more than just a dividend play—establishing credible pathways for total return:

• Product Innovation and Category Expansion:
• Launch and scale-up of smoke-free alternatives, notably on! oral nicotine pouches and acquisition of NJOY e-vapor, plant seeds for long-term revenue stability.
• Joint venture with Japan Tobacco in heated tobacco, opening global partnership synergies.
• Pricing Power Supports Earnings Resilience:
• Ability to increase product prices—even amid volume pressures—demonstrates brand loyalty and pricing flexibility that few competitors can replicate.
• Capital Discipline:
• Regular dividend growth and accelerating share repurchases offer a recurring upside catalyst for shareholder returns, with nearly $700 million in repurchase firepower for the remainder of 2025.
• Operational Efficiency:
• The “Optimize & Accelerate” initiative is driving cost-out and margin expansion—necessary tools for navigating a shifting regulatory and consumer landscape.
• Favorable Macro, Regulatory, and Consumption Trends:
• Defensive consumer staples, especially those with durable cash flows and low beta (Altria: 0.58), outperform during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty.
• Should pending U.S. regulatory actions clarify the compliance pathway for reduced-risk products, Altria may stand to benefit from a first-mover advantage anchored by deep distribution and brand portfolio strength.
• ESG Movement and Transformation Narrative:
• Altria’s transition to reduced-risk categories aligns with increasing investor interest in responsible transformation and attractive ESG ratings over time.

These catalysts collectively establish a multi-year runway for return—from yield and buybacks, to product innovation and cost management.

Investment Strategies

Altria’s current technical, fundamental, and strategic landscape lends itself to a variety of investment approaches:

• Short-Term Entry
• Entry near established support ($58.99–$57.60) provides a defined risk/reward setup, especially as the stock trades just below a significant resistance zone.
• Await confirmation of a breakout above $60 for position add-ons, capitalizing on momentum if technical triggers align.
• Medium-Term Positioning
• Participation ahead of scheduled catalysts (completion of the $674 million repurchase program, expanded smoke-free launches) may offer outsized return potential if new initiatives deliver as expected.
• Investors can consider averaging in while the stock consolidates, capturing both potential capital appreciation and robust dividend income.
• Long-Term Allocation
• For income-oriented and defensive portfolios, initiating or expanding positions at current valuation—sub-10x P/E with a 6.88% yield—may offer an optimal blend of downside protection, cash flow, and exposure to a sector in active transformation.
• The continued pivot to smoke-free, balanced with world-class brand equity, augurs well for compounding returns over multiple cycles.

Strategically, the convergence of technical support, favorable valuation, and visible corporate catalysts marks Altria as a high-conviction holding for a range of investment horizons.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Altria?

Summing up, Altria stands at a critical inflection point combining classic defensive strengths—robust dividend yield, strong moat, and reliable cash flows—with an increasingly credible transformation strategy. The stock’s healthy technical posture, compelling valuation (under 10x P/E), and rising momentum into mid-2025 all indicate that the fundamentals justify renewed investor interest.

With decisive capital allocation, a clear path toward next-generation product leadership, and sturdy operational execution, Altria provides a balanced risk-reward profile—especially appealing in volatile or uncertain markets. The resilient trading volume and supportive float further enhance the stock’s outlook, while near-term catalysts offer further upside potential.

Altogether, this unique confluence of income generation, valuation support, and strategic evolution suggests that Altria currently seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking durable growth and yield at an attractive entry point within the consumer defensive sector. Investors looking for a blend of resilient cash flow, upside from transformation, and participation in a sector adapting resiliently to change will find Altria well-positioned as we approach 2025.

How to buy Altria stock in United States?

Buying Altria Group (MO) stock online is both straightforward and secure when using a regulated U.S. broker. Investors today can choose between two main approaches: buying Altria shares outright (“spot buying”) for long-term ownership, or trading via Contracts for Difference (CFDs) to speculate on price movements—with or without leverage. Both options are widely accessible on reputable platforms, with strong protections for your funds and personal data. Below, we explore each method in detail to help you find the approach that matches your goals. For a broker comparison and a review of their specific fees and services, see the table further down this page.

Spot Buying

A cash (spot) purchase of Altria stock means you buy real shares directly on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming a full shareholder. This method is preferred for investors looking for long-term growth and dividend income, as you receive both price appreciation and Altria’s generous dividend (currently 6.88% yield). Typically, U.S. brokers charge either a flat commission per order (around $4 – $7) or zero commission, depending on the platform.

Example

Suppose Altria’s share price is $59.31. With a $1,000 investment, and a $5 brokerage fee, you can buy approximately 16 shares ($59.31 × 16 = $948.96, plus $5 commission totals about $953.96, leaving a small cash balance). Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now valued at $1,100. Result: +$100 gross gain, a return of +10% on your invested amount (before selling fees or taxes).

Trading via CFDs

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading allows you to speculate on Altria’s share price movements without owning the underlying shares. CFDs can be traded with leverage—meaning you only need to deposit a fraction of the position’s value, but your exposure (and potential gains/losses) are amplified. CFD trading typically incurs costs such as the spread (the small difference between buy/sell prices) and overnight financing fees when holding a position open for more than a day.

Example

You open a CFD position on Altria stock with $1,000, using 5× leverage. This gives you $5,000 in market exposure. Gain scenario: If Altria’s stock rises by 8%, your leveraged position gains 8% x 5 = 40%. Result: +$400 gain on your original $1,000 deposit (excluding spread and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare the fees, trading conditions, and protection terms each broker offers—especially since costs and available features can vary widely. The right method—spot buying for long-term returns and dividends, or CFD trading for short-term speculation and leverage—depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. For side-by-side broker comparisons and further guidance, consult the comparator tool further down the page.

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Our 7 tips for buying Altria stock

The latest news about Altria

Altria’s Q1 2025 adjusted EPS rose 6% year-over-year, supporting management’s affirmed strong full-year guidance. The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.23 per share in the first quarter, surpassing analyst expectations and demonstrating its continued ability to generate steady profits despite ongoing industry headwinds. Management reasserted its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $5.30 to $5.45, reflecting 2% to 5% growth over 2024. This commitment to delivering on financial objectives offers reassurance to U.S. investors seeking stable returns in an uncertain macroeconomic environment.

Dividend yield remains exceptionally high at 6.88%, backed by robust cash flow and a consistent shareholder payout policy. Altria’s annual dividend of $4.08 per share, with a payout ratio near 80% of adjusted earnings, underlines management’s priority to reward investors. The most recent dividend increase (4.1% from August 2023 to August 2024) and the ongoing $1 billion share repurchase program (with $674 million still authorized) reinforce the stock’s appeal as an income-generating asset, highly relevant for U.S. retirees and income-focused portfolios.

Altria is accelerating its transition to smoke-free products, expanding the “on!” brand and leveraging NJOY and Japan Tobacco partnerships. Despite declines in its traditional cigarette segment, the company is investing strategically in next-generation products—namely oral nicotine pouches and e-vapor. The oral tobacco business grew net revenues slightly (up 0.5% year-over-year), and integration of NJOY’s e-vapor portfolio alongside a heated tobacco venture with Japan Tobacco positions Altria to benefit from evolving consumer preferences in the United States. These moves align closely with regulatory trends and public health directives, giving the company a constructive outlook.

Technical analysis shows Altria trading above all major moving averages and near its 52-week high, indicating short-term strength. The stock price closed at $59.31, remaining above its 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages, which suggests bullish momentum and attracts technical investors interested in positive trends. While the Relative Strength Index is in neutral territory, indicating further upside potential without being overbought, traders should note that some shorter-term technical signals (such as MACD and CCI) urge caution as the stock approaches its resistance zone near $60.

Marlboro’s market leadership and strong pricing power are enabling margin expansion, partially offsetting U.S. cigarette volume declines. Although cigarette volumes were down sharply (Altria’s shipments fell 13.7% in Q1), higher prices and a dominant market share—Marlboro holds over 41% of the U.S. cigarette market—have allowed the company to lift operating income margins in its smokeable products segment to a record 64.4%. This pricing resiliency, combined with operational efficiency improvements, supports current profitability and future investment capacity, helping reduce the impact of ongoing industry challenges on Altria’s U.S. operations.

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.