Altria vs Pernod Ricard (MO vs RI.PA)

Altria (MO) vs Pernod Ricard (RI.PA) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Altria (MO) and Pernod Ricard (RI.PA) compete in consumer staples. Here are Altria and Pernod Ricard side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Altria or Pernod Ricard.

Altria vs Pernod Ricard: the figures

Altria and Pernod Ricard figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Altria or Pernod Ricard figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Altria and Pernod Ricard

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Altria keeps 39.3 as net profit and Pernod Ricard keeps 12.8.
2. Growth: Altria grew sales +3.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against -13.2% for Pernod Ricard.
3. Debt: Pernod Ricard owes 4.1x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Altria owes 1.7x its EBITDA.

Altria or Pernod Ricard: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Altria is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Pernod Ricard pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Altria has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Pernod Ricard trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Altria nor Pernod Ricard wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Altria and Pernod Ricard make money

Altria (MO)

Altria sells tobacco products only in the United States. Its largest segment is smokeable products, led by Marlboro cigarettes and Black & Mild cigars. Oral tobacco includes Copenhagen, Skoal and on! nicotine pouches, and it also sells NJOY e-vapor products. It holds an equity stake in AB InBev as well. Full Altria analysis.

Pernod Ricard (RI.PA)

Pernod Ricard makes and sells spirits and wine: Absolut vodka, Jameson and Chivas Regal whisky, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Malibu and Ricard. It reports by region: Americas, Europe, and Asia-Rest of World, the largest, where China and India are key markets. It sells to distributors, retailers, bars and duty-free shops. Full Pernod Ricard analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Altria vs Pernod Ricard

Is Altria or Pernod Ricard the better stock?

Choosing between Altria and Pernod Ricard depends on what you are looking for. Altria is growing faster right now, and Pernod Ricard trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Altria or Pernod Ricard: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Altria or Pernod Ricard?

As of November 4, 2026, Pernod Ricard yields 6.89% and Altria yields 5.77%. Also check how much of their profit Altria and Pernod Ricard pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Altria or Pernod Ricard?

On P/E, Altria (16.1x) is more expensive than Pernod Ricard (14.7x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Altria and Pernod Ricard?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Altria and Pernod Ricard, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Altria or Pernod Ricard.

More comparisons with Altria or Pernod Ricard

• Colgate-Palmolive vs Altria
• Mondelez vs Altria
• Hershey vs Altria
• Colgate-Palmolive vs Pernod Ricard

More companies like Altria and Pernod Ricard: consumer staples stocks. Educational content about Altria and Pernod Ricard, not investment advice.