Johnson Financial Group Inc. Makes New Investment in Altria Group, Inc. $MO

Johnson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 177,491 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $12,956,000. Altria Group makes up approximately 0.4% of Johnson Financial Group Inc.’s portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest holding.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of MO. Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. PA bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Navalign LLC bought a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Hughes Financial Services LLC raised its position in Altria Group by 62.9% in the 4th quarter. Hughes Financial Services LLC now owns 510 shares of the company’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Miller Capital Partners Inc. acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of MO stock opened at $65.87 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $109.99 billion, a PE ratio of 13.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 0.46. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $70.20 and a 200-day moving average of $68.81. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $54.70 and a one year high of $77.06.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 30th. The company reported $1.48 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.50 by ($0.02). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 315.29% and a net margin of 33.99%.The firm had revenue of $5.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.35 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.44 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Altria Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.610-5.720 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. Morgan Stanley set a $71.00 price objective on Altria Group in a research report on Friday, May 1st. Citigroup boosted their target price on Altria Group from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, May 1st. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Altria Group from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an “underperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, May 27th. Wall Street Zen lowered Altria Group from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Sunday, June 21st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $77.00 price objective on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Altria Group presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $70.11.

Insider Buying and Selling at Altria Group

In other news, Director Ellen R. Strahlman sold 2,000 shares of Altria Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.56, for a total transaction of $145,120.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 25,102 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,821,401.12. This trade represents a 7.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Ennis Debra J. Kelly sold 5,790 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.25, for a total transaction of $418,327.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 73,809 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $5,332,700.25. This trade represents a 7.27% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.10% of the company’s stock.

About Altria Group

Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company’s operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country.

Altria’s principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S.