Philip Morris International vs Altria

Philip Morris International and Altria are examined in this page, comparing business models, financial performance, and market context to help you understand their strategies and positioning. The approach is neutral, clear, and accessible for readers seeking context without implying guidance. Educational content, not financial advice.

About The Companies

Philip Morris International (PM)

Philip Morris International (PM) is a large global tobacco company (market cap ~$236.6bn) known for major cigarette brands and a strategic shift toward reduced‑risk, smoke‑free products such as heated tobacco and vapour devices. The firm offers predictable cash flow and historically strong margins, underpinned by established brands and broad geographic reach outside the US. Investors often watch PM for its transition execution — the pace of adoption of smoke‑free products, regulatory developments, and pricing power in key markets. Key risks include regulatory and litigation exposure, declining combustible cigarette volumes in many countries, currency and emerging‑market volatility, and ESG considerations. PM typically returns cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, but past performance is no guarantee of future returns. This is general educational information, not personalised investment advice; consider your objectives and suitability, and consult a financial adviser before making decisions.

Altria (MO)

Altria Group Inc. (MO) is one of the largest US tobacco companies, best known for its ownership of Philip Morris USA, a portfolio of smokeless and cigar businesses, a wine subsidiary and strategic investments in reduced‑risk product makers. With a market capitalisation of about $107.1 billion, Altria is notable for its long history of dividend payments and cash generation from cigarette sales, which remain a major profit driver despite declining smoking prevalence. Key considerations for investors include regulatory and litigation risk, excise taxes, shifting consumer preferences toward nicotine alternatives, and ESG-related pressures. The company has invested in vaping and cannabis ventures historically, reflecting a strategic interest in product diversification, though outcomes have varied. Dividends and yield often attract income-focused investors, but dividend levels are not guaranteed and can change. This summary is educational only—not personalised financial advice—and investors should weigh risks, long‑term trends and suitability before considering exposure.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

Metric

$234.97B

Market Cap

$98.57B

14.32%

Potential Profit

6.97%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

Philip Morris lifts dividend and reaffirms 2025 outlook, keeping investors focused on cash returns amid steady consumption trends.

Dividend boost: The board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.47 per share, underscoring management’s emphasis on returning cash to shareholders and supporting income-oriented investor demand.
Guidance reaffirmed: Management reiterated its 2025 full‑year reported diluted EPS forecast at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail conference, signaling confidence in near‑term revenue and margin assumptions despite macro and regulatory headwinds.
Product mix and strategy: Commentary this week reiterated focus on smoke‑free and oral nicotine growth (IQOS and ZYN) — a reminder that PMI’s shift away from combustible cigarettes continues to underpin long‑term margin support and steady cash flow generation.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Altria CEO Billy Gifford to retire, paving way for CFO Sal Mancuso to lead tobacco giant.

CEO succession signals continuity, with Mancuso's financial expertise poised to navigate shifting regulatory and market dynamics in smokeless and oral tobacco segments.
Ex-dividend date set for December 26 at $1.06 per share, reinforcing Altria's appeal as a high-yield Dividend King with 60 years of payout hikes.
Recent stock resilience shown in YTD gains of over 12%, bolstered by narrowed 2025 EPS guidance of $5.35-$5.45 and expanded $2B share repurchase through 2026.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Philip Morris lifts dividend and reaffirms 2025 outlook, keeping investors focused on cash returns amid steady consumption trends.

Dividend boost: The board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.47 per share, underscoring management’s emphasis on returning cash to shareholders and supporting income-oriented investor demand.
Guidance reaffirmed: Management reiterated its 2025 full‑year reported diluted EPS forecast at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail conference, signaling confidence in near‑term revenue and margin assumptions despite macro and regulatory headwinds.
Product mix and strategy: Commentary this week reiterated focus on smoke‑free and oral nicotine growth (IQOS and ZYN) — a reminder that PMI’s shift away from combustible cigarettes continues to underpin long‑term margin support and steady cash flow generation.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Altria CEO Billy Gifford to retire, paving way for CFO Sal Mancuso to lead tobacco giant.

CEO succession signals continuity, with Mancuso's financial expertise poised to navigate shifting regulatory and market dynamics in smokeless and oral tobacco segments.
Ex-dividend date set for December 26 at $1.06 per share, reinforcing Altria's appeal as a high-yield Dividend King with 60 years of payout hikes.
Recent stock resilience shown in YTD gains of over 12%, bolstered by narrowed 2025 EPS guidance of $5.35-$5.45 and expanded $2B share repurchase through 2026.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Sin Stocks

This carefully selected group of stocks represents leading companies in alcohol, tobacco, and gaming industries. These companies tend to perform steadily regardless of economic conditions, making them valuable additions to your portfolio during uncertain times.

Published: June 17, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Sin Stocks

Published: June 17, 2025

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