Altria (MO) Shows Interest in Marijuana Producer Cronos (CRON) Group
One of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products, Altria Group has initiated talks with Canadian cannabis producer Cronos for a likely takeover, as it seeks to diversify its business beyond traditional tobacco smokers.
According to Marijuana Business Daily, the total demand for marijuana including both legal and black-market sales is estimated to be around $52.5 billion, while the e-cigarette market is expected to grow to $6.6 billion in the US in 2018.
Cigarette sales in the US are on a continuous decline over the last few years, largely owing to older smokers dying and very few young people taking up smoking. This has resulted cigarette smoking in U.S. falling to its lowest point in recorded history, but marijuana and e-cigarettes have opened up a new horizon for cigarette makers like Altria to explore.
That being said, Cronos has not confirmed any deal nor there is any certainty it will do so. However, shares of Cronos rose as much as 23% as the news hit the market, pushing Cronos Group's market cap close to $2 billion.
The news comes as Altria is also eyeing a significant minority stake in e-cigarette company, Juul, in-line with its diversification strategy.
MO in -4.61% downward trend, falling for three consecutive days on June 01, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where MO declined for three days, in of 260 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on June 17, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on MO as a result. In of 81 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for MO turned negative on May 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at .
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MO advanced for three days, in of 379 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
MO may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In of 285 cases where MO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are .
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 65, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.000) is normal, around the industry mean (19.515). P/E Ratio (14.430) is within average values for comparable stocks, (20.129). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.582) is also within normal values, averaging (1.936). Dividend Yield (0.061) settles around the average of (0.045) among similar stocks. MO's P/S Ratio (5.695) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.007).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
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General Information
a holding company which produces and markets tobacco products
Industry Tobacco
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