$MO

The article highlights five US-listed dividend stocks and says each recently raised or reaffirmed full-year guidance, emphasizing free-cash-flow coverage over headline yield. It cites Verizon (VZ) Q2 2026 EPS and raised FY26 guidance, Altria (MO) raised FY26 EPS guidance, Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) higher distribution and payout ratio, Realty Income (O) raised AFFO guidance, and Amgen (AMGN) raised FY26 guidance and Q2 cash flow.

The U.S. International Trade Commission vacated an administrative law judge’s ruling that a Juul vape patent was invalid, according to the article. The decision revives Juul’s case against Altria’s NJOY business, tied to claim construction issues. The outcome could affect enforcement of the patent dispute between the companies.

Altria Group (MO) is up about 12.8% YTD, slightly ahead of the S&P 500, supported by smoke-free product growth, disciplined pricing, and portfolio management despite falling cigarette volumes. In Q2 2026, adjusted EPS rose 2.8% to $1.48. Forward P/E is 11.24. Cigarette volume fell 3.2% YoY; oral revenues declined 5.3%.

Denver sued nine tobacco manufacturers and one distributor in state court, seeking compensation for cleanup and “continuing harms” from cigarette butt litter, citing non-biodegradable filters. The complaint names Philip Morris USA, Altria, R.J. Reynolds, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco and others, alleging littering is a foreseeable consequence of product design and marketing.

Altria Group (MO) reported Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.48, below the $1.50 expected, on net revenue of about $6.11B. Net earnings fell 3.4% to $2.3B. Marlboro volume dropped 7.4% and On! fell 4.2%, leading Altria to narrow FY adjusted EPS guidance to $5.61-$5.72. The article cites a $74 valuation target and 6.5% dividend yield.

The article says SoFi (SOFI) fell below $16 after quarterly results. It reported revenue up 41% Y/Y to $1.21B, record loan originations of $14.8B, and raised full-year net revenue guidance to $4.75B-$4.85B. It also notes ARM (ARM) rose after earnings, with Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.45 and revenue up 22.9% Y/Y to $1.29B.

At 24/7 Wall St., five high-yield dividend stocks are highlighted as “August bargains” after dips tied to earnings misses or weaker guidance. Altria (MO) yields 6.24%, with Q2 2026 adjusted EPS $1.48 vs $1.50-$1.54. Comcast (CMCSA) yields 5.58% and has a $4.6B Q2 free cash flow. Pfizer (PFE) yields 6.77%, with Q2 2026 adjusted EPS 77c on $15.03B revenue. UBS and Rosenblatt rate MO and CMCSA “Buy” with $79 and $31 targets.

Altria’s Q2 results drew a negative market reaction despite revenue meeting Wall Street expectations and rising slightly year over year, according to the company. Management cited investments in smoke-free brands on! PLUS and Cowboy Cut and strength in traditional tobacco. Margins fell and non-GAAP EPS missed consensus, with CEO Salvatore Mancuso citing consumer economic pressure and competition. Altria shares were $68.48 after the report.

The U.S. FDA authorized marketing of four new flavored nicotine pouch products from brand “on!” and raised the total recently approved to 30. The FDA also previously cleared ZYN for 20 products with a “Modified Risk Tobacco Product” claim. Philip Morris makes ZYN and Altria makes “on!”. Health groups cite youth use and addiction risks; FDA says MRTP status does not mean risk-free.

The FDA authorized marketing of four On Plus nicotine pouch products made by Helix Innovations, a subsidiary of Altria. The FDA said the review was under a September pilot program and that the pouches have lower levels of most harmful and potentially harmful constituents versus other oral and smokeless products. Altria reported first-half 2026 net revenues up 1.6% to $11.5 billion.