Altria: The Rally Looks Ahead Of Underlying Earnings Growth

What happened: Altria Group ($MO) is rated a sell by a Seeking Alpha analyst ahead of its upcoming earnings report, with a fair value of $63.80. Key numbers: Fair value $63.80, about 11% below the current price. Earnings due in less than three weeks. Why it matters: The analyst says recent EPS growth came from tax refunds and discount brands rather than core Marlboro performance, so headline beats may mask underlying weakness. The dividend is called secure on strong free cash flow, but total return prospects are seen as unattractive at the current valuation.

Altria Group ($MO) is rated a sell by a Seeking Alpha analyst ahead of its upcoming earnings report, with a fair value of $63.80.

The analyst says recent EPS growth came from tax refunds and discount brands rather than core Marlboro performance, so headline beats may mask underlying weakness. The dividend is called secure on strong free cash flow, but total return prospects are seen as unattractive at the current valuation.