Better Buy: Altria Group vs. Philip Morris

Altria Group (NYSE: MO) and Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) have a lot in common. Both share a common ancestry, with Altria having spun off Philip Morris nearly 10 years ago. Both benefit from selling the top cigarette brand in the world, Marlboro. Both have also collaborated with each other on alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Yet these stocks are very different from each other, and smart investors understand that one might have substantial advantages over the other when it comes to being the ideal stock for new investment.

With that in mind, you'll find more information here about Altria and Philip Morris to help you decide which one makes more sense for your portfolio right now.

Altria and Philip Morris have seen their shares move in opposite directions recently. Philip Morris has put in a solid performance, with its share price rising 16% over the past year. Altria, however, has lost more than 6% since September 2016, and even its healthy dividend yield hasn't been enough to give the stock a positive total return for the period.

Source: Fool.com