5 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now

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1. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)

Beta: 0.52

Dividend Yield: 5.88%

Ex. Dividend Date: June 15, 2026

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) is one of the 10 safest dividend stocks to buy right now.

On May 21, 2026, Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) subsidiary U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) announced a strategic consolidation to modernize its manufacturing footprint. The company will shift all production from its Tennessee facility to a new facility on an existing campus in Kentucky. The Nashville plant will wind down gradually, with operations expected to conclude in early 2028. With this transition, the company intends to improve long-term operational efficiency alongside supply chain resilience. USSTC will encourage affected Nashville employees to apply for open roles in Kentucky and Virginia. The company also offers severance packages and outplacement support to those who choose not to relocate.

In an unrelated event on May 15, 2026, Barclays raised its price target on Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) from $63 to $64. Alongside this $1 rise in PT, the analyst kept an Underweight rating on the shares. The firm believes that the latest FDA guidance favors the tobacco sector, potentially spurring innovation. The growth in innovation is expected to be followed by an accelerated growth of next-generation products, which in turn will bring more changes to the stock ratings. Showcasing an incredible legacy of returning value to investors, Altria has raised its dividend sixty times in fifty-seven years.

Founded in 1919, Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), is a leading manufacturer of tobacco, nicotine, and alternative products. Headquartered in Virginia, the company manages a premier brand portfolio anchored by Marlboro cigarettes.

While we acknowledge the potential of MO to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MO and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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