"Of the stocks that pay large dividends, the safest is probably the tobacco company Altria ( NYSE: MO). Its 6.3% yield is based on a forward dividend of $4.24. Over the last 55 years, its dividend has been up 55 times. The median age of Americans is 39 years. So far this year, Altria has offered another benefit, which is relatively unusual for high-yield stocks. The share price has risen 27% since the start of the year. The S&P 500 is 10% higher."
"In total Altria has paid out $32 billion in dividends over the fiscal years 2020-2024. It has also purchased $8 billion of its shares during the same period. In the most recently reported quarter, Altria's revenue was down 6% to $5.3 billion. However, its adjusted diluted EPS was up 6% to $1.23. It affirmed its guidance of a 2% to 5% increase in EPS for the full year."
Altria yields 6.3% based on a forward dividend of $4.24 and has increased its dividend 55 times over 55 years. The stock is up 27% year-to-date while the S&P 500 is up 10%, and megacap tech performance is mixed. Altria paid $32 billion in dividends and repurchased $8 billion of shares from 2020–2024. Recent quarter revenue declined 6% to $5.3 billion while adjusted diluted EPS rose 6% to $1.23, and management affirmed 2%–5% full-year EPS growth. Nearly all revenue comes from cigarettes, supporting defensive demand in economic downturns and a solid balance sheet.
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