Philip Morris International is the better long-term investment compared to Altria in 2026, according to an analysis by The Motley Fool. Altria reported fiscal 2025 revenue of nearly $20.1 billion, a decline of roughly 1.5%, with net income of close to $6.9 billion and a net margin of approximately 34%. Philip Morris International posted revenue of approximately $40.6 billion, growth of nearly 7.3%, net income of roughly $11.3 billion, and a net margin of approximately 27.9%. Altria offers a higher dividend yield of 5.73% versus Philip Morris's 3.22%, but Philip Morris's international reach and focus on smoke-free products like Iqos and ZYN are seen as more resilient amid declining U.S. smoking rates. Both companies carry significant debt, with Altria's debt-to-equity ratio at roughly -7.3x and Philip Morris's at close to -4.9x, and face regulatory and litigation risks.
Altria GroupAltria's revenue declined 1.5% and it is seen as less resilient due to declining U.S. smoking rates, making it a worse investment compared to Philip Morris.
Philip Morris International IncPhilip Morris posted 7.3% revenue growth and is preferred for its international reach and smoke-free products like Iqos and ZYN.