Meet the Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stock That Has Doubled the S&P 500's Returns This Year

Altria (MO), the tobacco giant, has outperformed the S&P 500 by 28% to 13% year-to-date through October 12, 2026. With a 5.8% dividend yield and 57 consecutive years of dividend increases (Dividend King status), Altria appeals primarily to income investors. While declining smoking rates pose a long-term challenge, the company's pricing power and focus on earnings-per-share growth help sustain its dividend. Altria is expanding into smokeless nicotine products but lags competitors like Philip Morris International.