Meet the Dirt Cheap 6.4%-Yielding Dividend Stock That's Beating the Market in 2026

Altria Group has outperformed the S&P 500 in 2026 with 24% total returns, driven by better-than-expected earnings and renewed confidence in the tobacco industry's smokefree pivot. However, the stock has pulled back to the mid-$60s following Q2 earnings that showed slowing revenue growth and declining earnings. While trading at a cheap valuation with a 6.4% dividend yield, the company faces long-term risks if its smokeless product strategy fails to offset declining cigarette consumption.

09/06/2026, 4:05 PM • The Motley Fool

I've Been Wrong About Philip Morris International Stock for 5 Years. Here's Why I'm Finally Changing My Mind.

The author reverses his 5-year bearish stance on Philip Morris International after the company successfully pivoted from declining cigarettes to higher-margin smoke-free products. Smoke-free products now represent 42% of revenue (up from 24% in 2020), with strong growth in IQOS heated tobacco and ZYN nicotine pouches. Q2 results beat expectations with 10.4% revenue growth and 15.2% EPS growth. However, at current valuations near $192, the stock is no longer considered cheap despite the improved business fundamentals.

09/01/2026, 12:35 PM • The Motley Fool

Better Consumer Staples ETF: the iShares IYK vs. First Trust's Food and Beverage-Focused FTXG

The iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) emerges as the superior choice compared to First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) for most investors seeking defensive equity exposure. IYK offers broader sector diversification across consumer staples, healthcare, and basic materials with a lower 0.38% expense ratio, larger asset base ($1.4B), and stronger five-year returns ($1,364 vs $1,063 on $1,000 invested). FTXG provides a narrower food and beverage focus that may appeal only to investors seeking specialized sector exposure.

08/29/2026, 5:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Alphabet Is Facing Thousands of Lawsuits. History Says This Is What May Happen

Alphabet faces thousands of lawsuits alleging YouTube causes addictive behavior and harms users, particularly minors. However, historical precedent from major corporate legal battles (tobacco, antitrust cases) suggests the company's strong financial position should allow it to weather these challenges without catastrophic consequences. Despite legal risks reducing future earnings, Alphabet's valuation and growth prospects remain attractive.

08/15/2026, 11:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Is iShares US Consumer Staples ETF a Better Buy Than Invesco Food & Beverage?

The iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) outperforms the Invesco Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ) across multiple metrics, including a lower 0.38% expense ratio versus 0.61%, higher 2.6% dividend yield versus 1.3%, and superior 1-year returns of 8.9% versus -1.0%. With 53 diversified holdings across consumer staples, healthcare, and materials versus PBJ's 31 food and beverage-focused companies, IYK offers broader sector exposure and better long-term performance.

08/11/2026, 3:29 PM • The Motley Fool

Can Turning Point Brands Defend a "Dr. Pepper"‑Size Share After the FDA's Nicotine Pouch Decision?

Turning Point Brands derives over 40% of its sales from fast-growing nicotine pouches through its Fre and ALP product lines. As the FDA makes regulatory decisions on nicotine pouches and major tobacco companies enter the market, upcoming earnings will reveal whether TPB can maintain its competitive position in this expanding niche.

08/09/2026, 11:34 AM • The Motley Fool

Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Better Buy: Fidelity's FSTA or iShares' IYK?

Fidelity's FSTA ETF offers a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to iShares' IYK at 0.38%, while delivering stronger five-year returns ($1,401 vs $1,370 on $1,000 invested). FSTA holds 104 stocks with pure consumer staples focus, whereas IYK holds 53 stocks with broader diversification including healthcare and basic materials. For most long-term investors, FSTA's lower costs and better performance make it the more practical choice, though IYK appeals to those seeking higher dividend yield (2.5% vs 2.2%) and sector diversification.

07/31/2026, 10:01 AM • The Motley Fool

1 Brilliant Dividend ETF to Build Long-Term Passive Income

The Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) is highlighted as an excellent choice for building passive income, offering a 2.6% dividend yield and 13.3% annualized returns since 2016. The fund combines high-yield blue-chip stocks like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble with growth-oriented megacap tech holdings, while maintaining a low 0.15% expense ratio and affordable $62 share price.

07/23/2026, 8:30 AM • The Motley Fool

3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Paying 5% or More That Are Worth Buying Now

The article highlights three high-yield dividend stocks with strong track records: Altria Group (MO) with a 5.91% yield and 57 years of consecutive dividend increases, Realty Income (O) offering 5.12% monthly dividends with 32 years of growth since going public, and Pfizer (PFE) yielding 7.12% despite post-COVID challenges. Each stock is positioned as a reliable income generator with potential for steady long-term returns.

07/12/2026, 3:25 AM • The Motley Fool

Altria vs. Turning Point Brands: Which Tobacco Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two tobacco stocks with contrasting profiles: Altria, a legacy giant generating $9.1B in free cash flow with a 5.82% dividend yield but facing declining smoking rates, and Turning Point Brands, a smaller player experiencing 28% revenue growth driven by nicotine pouches and accessories. Despite Turning Point's higher growth potential, Altria is recommended as the better buy due to its superior dividend yield and lower valuation metrics.

07/09/2026, 1:07 PM • The Motley Fool

Altria vs. Philip Morris International: Tobacco Still Makes a Great Stock. Which Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares Altria Group and Philip Morris International as investment options in 2026. Altria dominates the U.S. market with strong dividends (5.83% yield) and lower valuation (P/E 15.2x) but faces declining smoking rates and sluggish growth. Philip Morris International offers global diversification, higher growth (6.6% revenue growth expected), and a strong smoke-free product portfolio, but trades at a premium valuation (P/E 25.67x). The author recommends Altria for 2026 due to its strong dividend and moderate valuation despite slower growth prospects.

07/06/2026, 2:21 PM • The Motley Fool

Forget the SpaceX IPO: 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks to Build Your Portfolio Around

The article advises against investing in SpaceX following its IPO at an expensive 113x revenue valuation while unprofitable. Instead, it recommends three dividend stocks: Realty Income (REIT with 5.2% yield and 135 consecutive dividend raises), Williams Companies (midstream pipeline operator with 3.5% yield and 10-year payout growth streak), and Philip Morris International (tobacco company with 3.2% yield and consistent annual dividend increases despite declining smoking rates).

06/15/2026, 2:26 PM • The Motley Fool

First Trust (FTXG) Vs. iShares (IYK): Is a Food & Beverage Focus the Better ETF Option for Investors?

A comparison of two defensive equity ETFs reveals that iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) outperforms First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) with lower expenses (0.38% vs 0.60%), higher 5-year returns ($1,364 vs $955 on $1,000 invested), and broader sector exposure. While FTXG offers a niche food and beverage focus, IYK's superior performance and lower costs make it the more attractive option for conservative investors.

06/10/2026, 6:29 PM • The Motley Fool

Market Crash: 3 Stocks I'd Buy Without Hesitation

The article recommends three resilient blue-chip stocks to buy during market downturns: Walmart, a retail giant with 53 consecutive years of dividend increases; Realty Income, a REIT with 98.9% occupancy and monthly dividends; and Philip Morris International, a tobacco company transitioning to smoke-free products with strong growth prospects.

05/26/2026, 6:10 AM • The Motley Fool

3 Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

The article recommends three dividend stocks positioned to become Dividend Kings: Mastercard benefits from global payment digitalization with 14 years of consecutive dividend growth averaging 10-15% annually; Microsoft has 24 years of dividend growth with over 10% annual increases and room to raise payouts further; Philip Morris International has diversified into smoke-free products with 18 years of consecutive dividend growth and potential for mid-single-digit future growth.

05/22/2026, 9:30 PM • The Motley Fool