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.

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 appr...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

PM

Metric

MO

$273.59B

Market Cap

$105.72B

-1.84%

Potential Profit

-0.84%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

Philip Morris Ramps Up U.S. Push with New Business Units and $20B+ Investments to Accelerate Smoke-Free Shift.

New PMI U.S. unit under Stacey Kennedy targets ZYN expansion and IQOS rollout, bolstering supply chains and capturing rising demand for reduced-risk alternatives.
PMI International, led by Frederic de Wilde, drives multicategory smoke-free strategy outside the U.S., balancing combustibles decline with harm reduction gains.
Experts urged FDA's TPSAC on January 22 to approve ZYN as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product, building on prior authorizations to enhance market positioning.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Altria's Stock Powers Through Seven Straight Gains on FDA Green Light Momentum.

FDA Marketing Granted Orders for six on! oral nicotine pouches unlock new growth avenues, easing pressures from declining cigarette volumes.
UBS upgrades to Buy with $63 target, betting the worst of volume erosion is over as industry trends stabilize in 2026.
Stock surged over 10% across the prior six sessions, with Friday's 0.42% pop to $61.84 reflecting broad market optimism.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Philip Morris Ramps Up U.S. Push with New Business Units and $20B+ Investments to Accelerate Smoke-Free Shift.

New PMI U.S. unit under Stacey Kennedy targets ZYN expansion and IQOS rollout, bolstering supply chains and capturing rising demand for reduced-risk alternatives.
PMI International, led by Frederic de Wilde, drives multicategory smoke-free strategy outside the U.S., balancing combustibles decline with harm reduction gains.
Experts urged FDA's TPSAC on January 22 to approve ZYN as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product, building on prior authorizations to enhance market positioning.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Altria's Stock Powers Through Seven Straight Gains on FDA Green Light Momentum.

FDA Marketing Granted Orders for six on! oral nicotine pouches unlock new growth avenues, easing pressures from declining cigarette volumes.
UBS upgrades to Buy with $63 target, betting the worst of volume erosion is over as industry trends stabilize in 2026.
Stock surged over 10% across the prior six sessions, with Friday's 0.42% pop to $61.84 reflecting broad market optimism.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

Philip Morris International

PM

Pros

Philip Morris International (PM) operates internationally, exposing it to markets where cigarette consumption declines slower or even grows, aiding revenue stability.
PM has a strong focus on smoke-free and next-generation tobacco products like IQOS, positioning it for future growth in reduced-risk categories.
The company has delivered superior long-term shareholder returns (over 184% in 10 years) compared to U.S.-only peers, reflecting effective execution and growth.

Considerations

Philip Morris International’s stock trades at a premium valuation with high Price-to-Earnings and Price-to-Book ratios, potentially limiting near-term upside.
PM exhibits higher stock price volatility compared to Altria, indicating greater investment risk due to international market exposure and regulatory challenges.
Geopolitical and foreign regulatory risks in diverse international markets can impact PM’s earnings unpredictably, increasing operational complexity.

Altria

MO

Pros

Altria Group dominates the U.S. tobacco market with strong brand presence and cash flow generation from traditional cigarettes.
It offers a high dividend yield around 7.4%, making it attractive for income-focused investors seeking steady payouts.
Altria has strategic investments in related sectors such as cannabis and beverage companies, supporting diversification beyond tobacco.

Considerations

Altria’s U.S.-centric business limits growth potential compared to international peers like PM, facing a mature, declining cigarette market domestically.
The firm’s 10-year total shareholder returns have been weaker than Philip Morris, reflecting slower growth and market contraction in the U.S.
Regulatory and litigation risks remain significant in the U.S. tobacco industry, posing ongoing headwinds to Altria’s profitability and reputation.

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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.

Philip Morris International (PM) Next Earnings Date

Philip Morris International's next earnings date is expected on February 5, 2026, covering the Q4 2025 results. Some sources indicate a possible release on February 6, 2026, reflecting minor variations in analyst estimates based on historical patterns. This report will provide key insights into full-year 2025 performance ahead of the company's typical early-February cadence.

Altria (MO) Next Earnings Date

Altria Group (MO) is scheduled to report its next earnings on January 29, 2026 before market open, covering the Q4 2025 and full-year 2025 results. This earnings announcement will include the company's financial performance for the fourth quarter and complete fiscal year 2025. The earnings conference call is set for 9:00 AM ET on that date, where management will discuss results and provide forward guidance. Analysts are currently projecting an EPS of approximately $1.31 for the quarter.

Philip Morris International (PM) Next Earnings Date

Philip Morris International's next earnings date is expected on February 5, 2026, covering the Q4 2025 results. Some sources indicate a possible release on February 6, 2026, reflecting minor variations in analyst estimates based on historical patterns. This report will provide key insights into full-year 2025 performance ahead of the company's typical early-February cadence.

Altria (MO) Next Earnings Date

Altria Group (MO) is scheduled to report its next earnings on January 29, 2026 before market open, covering the Q4 2025 and full-year 2025 results. This earnings announcement will include the company's financial performance for the fourth quarter and complete fiscal year 2025. The earnings conference call is set for 9:00 AM ET on that date, where management will discuss results and provide forward guidance. Analysts are currently projecting an EPS of approximately $1.31 for the quarter.

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

Explore Basket

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

Explore Basket

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Comparison Snapshot

Why It's Moving

Philip Morris Ramps Up U.S. Push with New Business Units and $20B+ Investments to Accelerate Smoke-Free Shift.

Altria's Stock Powers Through Seven Straight Gains on FDA Green Light Momentum.

Philip Morris Ramps Up U.S. Push with New Business Units and $20B+ Investments to Accelerate Smoke-Free Shift.

Altria's Stock Powers Through Seven Straight Gains on FDA Green Light Momentum.