Altria Leads 7 Dividend Kings Set to Hike Payouts in August as BofA Trims Stake
Altria (MO) is set to announce its 56th straight annual dividend increase in August, one of seven Dividend Kings doing so. Meanwhile, Bank of America (BAC) cut its stake in the tobacco giant by 5.2% in Q1.
Altria (MO) is set to announce its 56th consecutive annual dividend increase in August, one of seven Dividend Kings doing so. Bank of America (BAC) trimmed its Altria stake by 5.2% in Q1.
- Altria (MO) will announce its 56th year of dividend growth in August, one of seven Dividend Kings[Seeking Alpha]
- Bank of America (BAC) cut its Altria position by 823,167 shares in Q1, leaving 15,099,821 shares — a 5.2% reduction[MarketBeat]
- Post-sale, BofA still holds roughly 0.90% of Altria, valued at about $996.4 million[MarketBeat]
- Altria directors sold a combined 7,790 shares on May 26, worth about $563,000[MarketBeat]
- Institutions hold 57.41% of Altria; insiders own 0.10%[MarketBeat]
- Bank of America (BAC) last traded at $61.95 (July 31, 2026 close), up 0.36% from the prior close of $61.73
Altria Group (MO), the parent of Marlboro, is set to announce its 56th consecutive annual dividend increase in August, making it one of seven Dividend Kings raising payouts this month[Seeking Alpha]. Meanwhile, Bank of America (BAC) disclosed in a recent SEC filing that it trimmed its Altria stake by 5.2% during the first quarter[MarketBeat]. As of the July 31, 2026 close, BAC shares stood at $61.95, up 0.36% (+$0.22) from the prior close of $61.73, with an opening print of $61.54, a high of $62.24, and a low of $61.54. With U.S. markets closed for the weekend, the quote reflects the last session's close with no live trading activity.
Dividend Kings Line Up August Increases
Seeking Alpha notes that Altria, which owns the Marlboro brand, will mark its 56th year of dividend growth in August[Seeking Alpha] — extending a streak that has spanned more than half a century. The report identifies Altria as one of seven Dividend Kings set to announce annual payout increases this month. Dividend Kings are companies that have raised dividends for at least 50 consecutive years, a rare cohort on U.S. exchanges and a benchmark for dividend reliability.
The piece is the latest in the author's series forecasting annual dividend hikes. In the disclosure, the author states they hold no stock, options, or similar derivatives in any company mentioned and have no plans to initiate such positions within 72 hours[Seeking Alpha]. Seeking Alpha's disclaimer also stresses that past performance does not guarantee future results, the article is not investment advice, and analyst views do not represent the platform's overall stance[Seeking Alpha].
Bank of America Trims Altria Stake in Q1
According to MarketBeat, Bank of America (BAC) reduced its position in Altria (NYSE:MO) by 5.2% during Q1 2026[MarketBeat]. In its latest SEC filing, the bank disclosed it holds 15,099,821 shares after selling 823,167. As of the most recent quarter-end, BofA owned approximately 0.90% of Altria, valued at $996,437,000[MarketBeat].
MarketBeat's report also highlights recent hedge fund activity in Altria. Darwin Wealth Management LLC opened a new position in Q2 worth $27,000; Navalign LLC initiated a stake of roughly $28,000 in Q4; Creative Capital Management Investments LLC started a position of about $29,000 in Q4; Hughes Financial Services LLC boosted its holding by 62.9% in Q4, adding 197 shares to reach 510 shares valued at $29,000; and Miller Capital Partners Inc. established a new position worth $29,000 in Q4[MarketBeat]. The report notes that institutional investors hold 57.41% of Altria[MarketBeat].
Insider Sales in May and Analyst Rating Moves
On the insider trading front, Altria director Ellen R. Strahlman sold 2,000 shares on Tuesday, May 26, at an average price of $72.56, for a total of $145,120. Following the transaction, the director held 25,102 shares worth $1,821,401.12, a 7.38% reduction in her position[MarketBeat]. On the same day, director Ennis Debra J. Kelly sold 5,790 shares at an average price of $72.25, totaling $418,327.50. After the sale, she held 73,809 shares worth approximately $5,332,700.25, a 7.27% reduction[MarketBeat]. Insiders collectively own 0.10% of Altria[MarketBeat].
On the analyst front, UBS Group raised its Altria price target from $76.00 to $79.00 on Tuesday, July 7, with a "Buy" rating[MarketBeat]. Wall Street Zen downgraded Altria from "Buy" to "Hold" on Sunday, June 21[MarketBeat]. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, meanwhile, lifted its price target from $60.00 to $66.00[MarketBeat].
Market Context and Weekend Trading Status
U.S. markets are closed for the weekend, with no live trading as of 11:00 AM Beijing time on August 2, 2026 (11:00 PM ET on August 1). Bank of America (BAC) last traded at its July 31, 2026 close of $61.95, up 0.36% (+$0.22) from the prior close of $61.73, with an opening of $61.54, a high of $62.24, and a low of $61.54[MarketBeat]. Quotes remain static during the closure, with no pre-market or intraday updates.
Altria's upcoming August dividend announcement marks its 56th consecutive year of payout growth[Seeking Alpha]. As one of seven Dividend Kings raising payouts this month, its dividend policy remains a key focus for the market. At the same time, BofA's Q1 trim and recent hedge fund entries or additions paint a mixed picture of Altria's shifting shareholder base[MarketBeat].
Sources
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, trading advice, or any guarantee of returns.
