1 Reason to Buy Altria Stock Before Sept. 15

Altria (NYSE: MO) recently announced its 60th dividend increase in 56 years, raising its quarterly payout to $1.06 per share and solidifying its Dividend King status. With a current yield of approximately 6.16%, which is over five times the S&P 500 average, Altria remains a prominent choice for income-focused investors, further bolstered by its strong year-to-date stock performance.

Analysis

Altria (NYSE: MO) has reinforced its position as a premier income-oriented equity by announcing its 60th dividend increase in 56 years, raising its quarterly payout to $1.06 per share. This action solidifies its status as a "Dividend King" and provides a current dividend yield of approximately 6.16%, a figure more than five times the S&P 500's average of 1.2%. While attractive, the article notes this yield is slightly below the stock's decadal average, which aligns with its strong year-to-date price performance of 26% in 2025. This capital appreciation is presented as an exceptional return, not a baseline expectation. A key counterpoint is raised: despite its dividend credentials, Altria was not included in a prominent analyst team's list of top 10 stocks for growth, positioning the company as a stable income generator rather than a high-growth investment. The upcoming ex-dividend date of September 15 is a critical near-term catalyst for investors seeking to capture the next payout on October 10.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Income-focused investors should be aware of the September 15 ex-dividend date to capture the newly increased $1.06 quarterly payout, which represents a yield significantly above the market average.
• Given the strong 26% year-to-date stock appreciation, investors should assess whether to hold for continued income or trim positions, considering the article's view that such capital gains are not a recurring expectation.
• Evaluate Altria's fit within a portfolio as a stable, high-yield dividend generator rather than a high-growth asset, as highlighted by its omission from a prominent growth-oriented stock recommendation list.