Meet the Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stock That Has Doubled the S&P 500's Returns This Year
Altria is typically an income play, but the cigarette giant has shown some growth characteristics this year.
Altria, a renowned tobacco company with iconic brands like Marlboro, has been a leading provider of dividend stocks with one of the highest yields in the S&P 500. In 2026, Altria has shown a remarkable 28% increase, outperforming the S&P 500's 13% growth. Despite falling cigarette sales due to reduced smoking rates, Altria has maintained its dividend, which boasts a 57-year streak of increases, placing it among the top 25 companies with the longest dividend-hiking streaks.
Currently, the stock's yield is 5.8%, more than five times the return from an S&P 500 ETF, but still below its average over the past five years. Altria's business model, while facing challenges from declining smoking rates, offers some protection through brand loyalty. The company's focus on earnings per share (EPS) and potential ventures into smokeless nicotine products like nicotine pouches provide a pathway for future growth, making Altria an appealing option for investors seeking a solid income source.
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