Altria Group stock gains after guidance increase and buyback expansion

Altria Group, Inc. raised its 2026 earnings outlook on Thursday, October 29, after adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 4.8 percent in the third quarter. The company also authorized an additional 1 billion US dollars for its existing share repurchase program, according to Altria investor relations.

Net revenue rose 1.0 percent year over year to 6.132 billion US dollars. Revenue after excise taxes increased 3.6 percent to 5.441 billion US dollars, while reported diluted EPS advanced 7.1 percent to 1.51 US dollars. Adjusted diluted EPS reached 1.52 US dollars, compared with 1.45 US dollars a year earlier.

Smokeable products lead growth

The Smokeable Products segment supplied the main operating contribution. Adjusted operating companies income increased 3.9 percent to 3.072 billion US dollars, supported by pricing and higher refunds of taxes and duties paid on imported cigarettes. The adjusted margin rose 0.1 percentage point to 64.5 percent.

The segment's domestic cigarette shipment volume declined 2.9 percent, with Marlboro shipments down 6.4 percent. Discount cigarette shipments increased 40.5 percent, reflecting continued pressure on adult consumers' disposable income. Marlboro held 60.0 percent of the premium cigarette segment, up 0.3 percentage point from the prior year.

Oral tobacco products presented a weaker picture. Segment revenue was broadly stable at 688 million US dollars, but adjusted operating companies income fell 3.7 percent to 443 million US dollars. Domestic shipment volume declined 4.3 percent, while the on! brand's retail share of the oral tobacco category edged up to 8.3 percent.

Higher outlook and capital returns

Altria now expects 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of 5.66 to 5.74 US dollars, compared with its previous range of 5.61 to 5.72 US dollars. The new range implies growth of 4.5 to 6.0 percent from the 2025 adjusted base of 5.42 US dollars. The company said the outlook includes moderated e-vapor industry growth, macroeconomic uncertainty and continued investment in its product portfolio.

Altria repurchased 5.9 million shares for 400 million US dollars during the quarter. The expanded authorization now runs through December 31, 2027, although repurchases remain subject to market conditions and board discretion. The company also said its annualized dividend rate is 4.44 US dollars per share after a 4.7 percent increase announced in August.

Altria stock traded at 69.38 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 11:12:51 CET on Friday, October 30, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of Altria Group stock.

What investors watch next

The results reinforce Altria's near-term dependence on pricing and its established smokeable portfolio, while the falling oral tobacco shipments underline the execution challenge in smoke-free nicotine. The planned fourth-quarter expansion of on! PLUS, including new flavors in selected retail locations, will provide an early test of the company's product development strategy.

The broader market backdrop remains relevant for consumer-staples shares and nicotine companies. See current S&P 500 market reports.

More news and analyses on Altria Group stock are available in the company topic.