Lodestar Private Asset Management LLC has reduced its holdings in **Philip Morris International Inc.** by **39.2%** during the second quarter of 2023. According to a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the firm now owns **1,350 shares** of the company’s stock, valued at approximately **$246,000** after selling **870 shares** in this period.
This adjustment is part of a broader trend among institutional investors regarding their stakes in the tobacco giant. Various hedge funds have made recent modifications to their holdings in Philip Morris. For instance, **PFS Partners LLC** increased its stake by **24.8%**, acquiring an additional **58 shares** to bring its total to **292 shares**, which are valued at **$53,000**. Similarly, **Perigon Wealth Management LLC** grew its position slightly by **0.4%**, owning **14,087 shares** valued at **$2.236 million** after adding **60 shares** last quarter.
Analysts Update Ratings and Price Targets
Analysts have also been active in reassessing their ratings and price targets for Philip Morris. Recently, **KGI Securities** initiated coverage with an “outperform” rating. Meanwhile, **JPMorgan Chase & Co.** raised its price target from **$175.00** to **$190.00**, maintaining an “overweight” rating. **Weiss Ratings** reiterated a “buy (b)” rating, and **Barclays** adjusted its price target downward from **$225.00** to **$220.00**, while still holding an “overweight” rating.
Overall, **eleven analysts** have assigned a “Buy” rating to the stock, with one issuing a “Hold” rating. Current data from **MarketBeat** indicates that the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy,” with an average target price of **$195.44**.
Stock Performance and Upcoming Dividend
On the trading floor, shares of **Philip Morris International** opened at **$160.51**. The stock has seen a **12-month low** of **$116.12** and a **high** of **$186.69**. As of now, the company has a market capitalization of approximately **$249.85 billion**, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of **30.52**, and a beta of **0.46**.
In addition to its trading performance, the company has recently announced a quarterly dividend of **$1.47 per share**, payable on **October 20, 2023**, to shareholders of record as of **October 3, 2023**. This marks an increase from the previous quarterly dividend of **$1.35**, representing an annualized dividend of **$5.88** and a yield of **3.7%**. Notably, the dividend payout ratio stands at **111.79%**, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Philip Morris International continues to adapt its business model, focusing on a smoke-free future and diversifying its product offerings beyond traditional tobacco. The company’s portfolio includes heat-not-burn and vapor products, primarily marketed under the **IQOS** and **ZYN** brands, in addition to consumer accessories like lighters.
For those interested in the latest movements and filings regarding Philip Morris International, further details can be found on **HoldingsChannel.com**, which offers insights into the latest **13F filings** and insider trades.
