MO

Altria (MO) declined 2.23% to close at $74.37, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.52% loss. Despite a 10.44% gain over the past month, the stock faces upcoming earnings on October 29, 2026, with forecasted EPS of $1.51 (+4.14% YoY) and revenue of $5.3 billion (+0.98% YoY). The company holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with a Forward P/E of 13.41, though the Tobacco industry ranks in the bottom 31% of all industries.

Altria Group (MO), the largest U.S. tobacco company, demonstrated strong dividend performance over the past decade. A $100 monthly investment ($12,000 principal) generated approximately $4,800 in dividends while growing to $13,800.

With a 5.9% forward dividend yield and 57 consecutive years of annual dividend increases (Dividend King status), Altria maintains a cheap valuation at 13x forward earnings. The company offsets declining smoking rates through price increases, cost cuts, share buybacks, and expansion into smoke-free products, with expectations to generate $5 billion in smoke-free revenue by 2028.

The article examines five high-yield dividend stocks with yields ranging from 5.88% to 16.72%. Featured stocks include Altria Group (5.93% yield, 57-year dividend streak), AGNC Investment (16.72% yield but at risk from rising rates), Energy Transfer (6.57% yield, 19 consecutive quarters of increases), Pfizer (6.06% yield, 352 consecutive quarterly dividends), and Realty Income (5.88% yield, 116 consecutive quarters of increases). While these stocks offer steady income, investors should be aware of sector-specific risks including interest rate sensitivity and commercial real estate headwinds.

Altria (MO) gained 1.78% to $75.16, outperforming a declining market on October 16, 2026. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with an upcoming earnings report on October 29 expected to show EPS of $1.51 (+4.14% YoY) and revenue of $5.3 billion (+0.98% YoY). However, the Tobacco industry ranks in the bottom 30% of sectors, and MO's PEG ratio of 2.63 exceeds the industry average of 2.15.

Altria (MO) closed at $73.13, up 2.19% on the trading day, outperforming the S&P 500. The company is expected to report earnings on October 29, 2026, with analysts projecting $1.5 EPS (up 3.45% YoY) and $5.31B in revenue (up 1.03% YoY).

Altria holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with a Forward P/E of 12.61, trading at a discount to its industry average. However, the Tobacco industry ranks in the bottom 27% of industries.

Altria Group (MO) has been heavily searched on Zacks.com lately. The stock returned +2.5% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500's +2.1% gain.

Altria holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating with stable earnings estimates showing +4.6% growth for the current fiscal year and +3.1% for the next year. Revenue growth is modest at +2.1% for the current year. The company trades at par with peers with a C valuation grade, suggesting it may outperform the broader market in the near term.

Altria (MO) closed at $69.38, up 1.21%, outperforming the S&P 500's daily loss. The company is forecasted to report Q3 EPS of $1.5 (up 3.45% YoY) with revenue of $5.33 billion (up 1.49% YoY) on October 29, 2026.

Full-year estimates project EPS of $5.67 and revenue of $20.63 billion. Altria holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 12.08, trading at a discount to its industry average.

Altria (MO) declined 1.76% to $67.51 in the latest session, underperforming the broader market. The tobacco company is expected to report earnings on October 29, 2026, with projected EPS of $1.5 (up 3.45% YoY) and revenue of $5.33 billion (up 1.49% YoY). However, Altria holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating with no estimate revisions over the past month, and trades at a Forward P/E of 12.11, below its industry average of 13.1.

Altria (MO) is trending among investors but faces headwinds according to Zacks analysis. The stock has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past month (-1.2% vs -0.4%).

While earnings estimates remain stable with modest growth projections (4.6% for current fiscal year, 3% for next year), Altria received a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating, suggesting it may underperform the broader market in the near term. The company trades at par with peers based on valuation metrics.

Altria and Philip Morris take divergent approaches to the tobacco industry's transition. Altria relies heavily on U.S. cigarette dominance with Marlboro commanding 59.6% premium market share, while gradually expanding smoke-free products.

Philip Morris pursues global diversification with smoke-free products representing 42% of revenues across 109 markets. Philip Morris shows stronger growth prospects with 11.1% projected 2026 EPS growth versus Altria's 4.6%, earning a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) compared to Altria's #3 (Hold).

Darling Ingredients (DAR) is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on Oct. 29 with revenues projected at $1.8B (+14% YoY) and EPS of $1.89. Strong feed demand, collagen sales, and renewable fuel shipments should support results, though weather challenges and sales timing shifts to Q4 may impact the quarter. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 with a negative Earnings ESP of -10.05%, suggesting limited odds of an earnings beat.

Zacks analysts recommend five low-beta, high-yielding stocks with Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) ratings as defensive plays amid market volatility in October 2026. The recommended stocks—Sun Life Financial, Coca-Cola, Altria, Keurig Dr Pepper, and MetLife—are positioned to weather concerns over AI sustainability, elevated crude oil prices, and persistent inflation.

Among three Dividend Kings—Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Altria—analyst recommends buying Coca-Cola and Altria while avoiding PepsiCo. Coca-Cola's asset-light model and diversification provide reliable income, while Altria's expansion into smoke-free products offers growth potential. PepsiCo's asset-heavy beverage business and struggling packaged foods segment face more significant near-term challenges despite attractive valuation.