Altria Group (MO) is a core holding for many income focused investors, especially for those building a dividend growth portfolio. Rightfully so, after all the tobacco giant has a great dividend history and keeps growing, albeit being in a non-growth industry. Altria has increased its dividend 52 times in the past 49 years. It is a Dividend Achiever, a group of stocks with 10+ years of consecutive dividend increases. You can see all 261 Dividend Achievers here.
This year the company's earnings will grow substantially faster than in prior years due to the tax reform impact. Therefore the dividend growth rate will likely be higher this year as well: Altria's surprise dividend increase in early March is probably not the only raise income investors will get this year.
Altria continues to look like a compelling investment for income seekers, as well as for those aiming for total returns.
