Altria’s stock surges 6% as FDA approves on! Plus nicotine pouches
Altria has received a boost after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of its on! Plus nicotine pouches. The decision covers mint, tobacco and wintergreen flavors, marking a regulatory win for the company. Meanwhile, its stock has climbed 6% since the start of the year, outperforming the broader stock market.
The FDA’s approval came as Altria faced growing scrutiny over its product range. The green light for on! Plus pouches now allows the company to expand its smokeless offerings in key flavors.
On January 19, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC significantly increased its stake in Altria. The firm bought 29,001 additional shares, raising its total holdings by 33.8% to 114,851 shares. By the time U.S. markets reopened on January 25, 2026, the expanded position was worth roughly $7.59 million. Analysts have taken notice of Altria’s recent momentum. Goldman Sachs lifted its price target to $72 and kept a buy rating on the stock. UBS also upgraded the company to buy, setting a $63 target. Investors have been drawn to the stock’s high dividend yield, currently around 6.9%.
The FDA’s approval of on! Plus pouches strengthens Altria’s position in the nicotine market. With rising institutional interest and upgraded analyst ratings, the company’s stock has gained ground. The 6% year-to-date increase reflects growing confidence among investors.
