Altria Stock Has Raised its Dividends for 51 Consecutive Years
Some investors don’t like so-called sin stocks. The idea of
investing in companies that make money from things like gambling, weapons, or
alcohol is off-putting for some. But those who don’t mind that aspect and want
to see a share price that rises and a high-yield dividend that grows
quarter-after-quarter might want to put tobacco giant Altria Group Inc
(NYSE:MO) on their radar.
Altria is the holding company behind venerable brands
including “Marlboro,” “Copenhagen,” and “Skoal.” It also owns a 35% stake in
JUUL Labs, Inc., the country’s leading e-vapor company, and an 80% interest in
Helix Innovations LLC, the maker of an oral tobacco-derived nicotine pouch.
(Source: “Corporate Profile,” Altria Group Inc, last accessed March 29, 2021.)
Altria Group is about more than just tobacco, though. The
company has complemented its tobacco business with the ownership of Michelle
Wine Estates and a 10.2% stake in beer company Anheuser Busch InBev SA
(NYSE:BUD). Altria also made a $1.8-billion strategic investment in Cronos
Group (NASDAQ:CRON), giving it a foothold in the legal cannabis industry.
That said, the vast majority of Altria Group Inc’s earnings
come from U.S. tobacco sales. Following the breakup of Phillip Morris
International Inc. (NYSE:PM) in 2008, Altria’s operations are based solely in
the U.S. while Phillip Morris owns the rights to brands elsewhere.
Wine sales have been contributing more and more to Altria’s
bottom line, and analysts believe the company’s recent acquisitions in the
vaping and cannabis sectors will lead to increased earnings in the
not-to-distant future.
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