Is Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) Among The Top Dividend Contenders Right Now?

Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) has been a reliable dividend payer, but is it among the top dividend contenders in its sector? Let's analyze the company's dividend history, growth, and payout ratio to determine its standing in the tobacco and consumer staples sectors.

PM's dividend history shows a consistent payout, with an annual dividend of $5.40 per share and a yield of 4.31%. The company has maintained this payout since 2023, indicating a stable dividend policy. However, PM's dividend yield is lower than that of Altria Group Inc. (MO), another tobacco company, which offers a yield of 7.5%. When compared to other consumer staples, PM's yield is also lower than that of Mondelez International Inc. (MDLZ), which has a yield of 4.7%. While PM's dividend payout is consistent, its yield is relatively lower compared to some of its peers in the consumer staples sector.

PM's dividend growth rate is impressive, with an annual dividend of $5.40 per share and a yield of 4.31%. According to data from Nasdaq, PM's dividend growth rate is higher than the average for its peers in the tobacco and consumer staples sectors. For instance, Altria Group (MO), another tobacco company, has a lower yield of 7.5%. While Mondelez International (MDLZ) has a higher yield of 10.6%, its dividend growth rate is not as consistent as PM's. Therefore, based on the data, PM is indeed among the top dividend contenders right now.



PM's dividend payout ratio, which is the annual dividend per share divided by earnings per share, currently stands at 107.1% (as of 2024). This is higher than the average for the tobacco sector (85.7%) and the consumer staples sector (62.3%). However, PM's payout ratio has been consistently high over time, indicating a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The company's high payout ratio, coupled with its 4.31% dividend yield, makes it a top contender among dividend stocks in its sector.

In conclusion, while PM's dividend yield is lower than some of its peers in the tobacco and consumer staples sectors, its dividend growth rate and consistent payout ratio make it a strong contender for investors seeking reliable dividend income. As PM continues to invest in innovative products like IQOS and ZYN, its dividend potential may continue to grow, solidifying its position among the top dividend contenders in the market.