Altria Q1 2026 Adjusted EPS $1.32 Beats Consensus by 7 Cents
Altria reports Q1 2026 net revenues of $5.4 billion (+3.2% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $1.32, exceeding consensus by 7 cents. Full-year adjusted EPS guidance reaffirmed at $5.56–$5.72.
- Altria reports Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.32, beating consensus by 7 cents, with net revenues up 3.2% YoY
- The company reaffirms full-year EPS guidance of $5.56–$5.72, citing moderate e-vapor growth and macroeconomic headwinds
Altria Group reported Q1 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.32, exceeding Wall Street consensus by 7 cents, according to an SEC 8-K filing dated April 30, 2026.
Q1 2026 Results at a Glance
Altria's first-quarter net revenues reached $5.4 billion (approximately $5.4 billion), a 3.2% increase versus the prior-year period, driven primarily by higher cigarette segment sales. Net revenues excluding excise taxes climbed 5.3% to $4.8 billion. Adjusted EPS rose 7.3% to $1.32 from $1.23 in the year-ago quarter. Diluted GAAP EPS surged to $1.30 from $0.63, a gain exceeding 100%, reflecting a favorable year-over-year comparison after the prior year included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $873 million related to the e-vapor segment.
- Net revenues: $5.4 billion, +3.2% YoY
- Net revenues excluding excise taxes: $4.8 billion, +5.3% YoY
- Adjusted EPS: $1.32, beats consensus of $1.25 by 7 cents
- GAAP diluted EPS: $1.30 versus $0.63 YoY, +100%+ growth
- Q1 share repurchases: $280 million, 4.5 million shares at average price of $62.33
- Q1 dividend payments: $1.8 billion
2026 Full-Year Outlook
Altria reaffirmed its 2026 full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $5.56–$5.72, representing 2.5–5.5% growth versus the 2025 baseline of $5.42. CEO Billy Gifford noted that strong first-quarter results suggest more balanced EPS growth between the first and second halves of the year. The company's outlook factors in moderating e-vapor market growth and macroeconomic uncertainty. NJOY ACE is not expected to return to the U.S. market during 2026, amid ongoing regulatory actions.
Market Reception
Reuters reported that Altria's quarterly earnings exceeded Wall Street expectations. StreetInsider noted the adjusted EPS beat of 7 cents. GuruFocus highlighted valuation discussions following the earnings beat. Specific post-announcement stock price movement figures were not disclosed in the filing or available wire reports.
Segment Performance
- Smokable products (cigarettes): Net revenue growth drove overall earnings gains, as noted in the filing. Segment-specific revenue figures not disclosed.
- Oral tobacco: The on! brand performed competitively in a challenging market. on! PLUS was rolled out nationally. Segment-specific revenue figures not disclosed.
- E-vapor (NJOY): NJOY ACE faces a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban and sales suspension order, preventing 2026 re-entry. Segment-specific revenue figures not disclosed.
This article was auto-generated from the SEC 8-K filing and third-party news reports for rapid dissemination of key data following the announcement. Investors are advised to review the official company filing prior to making trading decisions.
MOFrequently Asked Questions
Why do Altria's adjusted EPS and GAAP EPS differ?
GAAP EPS is calculated under standard accounting principles. Adjusted EPS excludes one-time charges such as goodwill impairments and litigation costs. In Q1 2026, Altria reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.30 and adjusted EPS of $1.32. The prior-year Q1 included an $873 million non-cash impairment related to e-vapor, which depressed GAAP EPS to $0.63.
Why can't Altria sell NJOY ACE?
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued an import ban and sales suspension order for NJOY ACE. Altria does not expect the product to return to the U.S. market during 2026.
How much did Altria return to shareholders in Q1?
The company paid $1.8 billion in dividends and repurchased 4.5 million shares for $280 million at an average price of $62.33. A $2 billion share buyback authorization remains active through December 31, 2026, with $1.06 billion remaining under the current program.
What is Altria's 2026 earnings outlook?
Altria projects full-year 2026 adjusted EPS of $5.56–$5.72, representing 2.5–5.5% growth versus the 2025 baseline of $5.42. This outlook incorporates moderating e-vapor market growth and macroeconomic uncertainty.
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