Altria wins FDA approval for six new on! PLUS nicotine pouches amid dividend payouts
Altria has secured regulatory approval for six new variants of its on! PLUS nicotine pouches. The FDA’s marketing authorisation marks a key step for the company’s smokeless product line. Meanwhile, its shares are trading ex-dividend today, leading to a slight drop in price.
Today also saw unusual options activity, with over 129,000 call contracts traded on December 24, suggesting growing investor optimism.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently greenlit six additional flavours of Altria’s on! PLUS nicotine pouches. This decision expands the company’s portfolio in the non-combustible nicotine market.
On the financial side, Altria’s board confirmed a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share. Eligible shareholders will receive the payout on January 9, 2026. The dividend yield currently sits at around 1.8%.
Leadership changes are also on the horizon. Salvatore Mancuso will take over as CEO in May 2026, replacing the current chief executive. The transition comes as the company sets its 2025 earnings guidance between $5.35 and $5.45 per share.
Investor movements have been mixed. Vanguard increased its stake to nearly 160 million shares, while TigerOak Management raised its holdings by 43%. In contrast, Norden Group LLC slashed its position by nearly 73% in the third quarter.
Market analysts hold varied views on Altria’s prospects. The consensus rating stands at 'Hold,' with an average price target of $62.33—about 5-6% above the current share price of roughly $59. Individual forecasts range from Jefferies’ $47 ('Underperform') to Goldman Sachs’ $72 ('Buy').
The FDA’s approval of new on! PLUS variants strengthens Altria’s position in smokeless nicotine products. With a confirmed dividend payout, upcoming leadership change, and mixed analyst outlooks, the company faces both opportunities and investor scrutiny in 2025. The recent surge in call options signals rising bullish sentiment among traders.
