Altria raises its profit outlook and expands buybacks by $1 billion

Altria ($MO) increased its 2026 adjusted EPS forecast to $5.66–5.74, implying growth of 4.5–6% from the previous year’s $5.42. It also announced a $1 billion expansion of its share-repurchase program, which is expected to run through December 2027. The additional authorization provides room for future purchases and is separate from the approximately $400 million spent buying back 5.9 million shares during the third quarter.

Third-quarter 2026 revenue rose 1% to $6.13 billion, while revenue after excise taxes increased 3.6% to $5.44 billion. GAAP EPS rose 7.1% to $1.51, and adjusted EPS increased 4.8% to $1.52. The higher outlook indicates confidence in underlying earnings growth, although it remains a forecast and excludes specified items that affect the company’s reported accounting profit.

Sources:

• SEC filing
• nasdaq.com