iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs Altria Group Inc — how do they compare? iShares MSCI South Korea ETF trades at $165.14, while Altria Group Inc trades at $71.75 (market cap $117.76B). The key difference: Altria Group Inc pays a 6.01% dividend while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF pays none, and Altria Group Inc is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares MSCI South Korea ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EWY | MO | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $219.20 | $74.55 |
52-Week Low | $70.65 | $54.72 |
Market Cap | — | $117.76B |
Enterprise Value | — | $138.83B |
Dividend Yield | — | 6.01% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EWY, the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, is trading at $166.48, down 5.93% amid significant volatility in South Korean equities. Technical indicators show a bearish trend with strong selling pressure, while the underlying Kospi Index has experienced sharp declines from recent highs. The ETF remains heavily concentrated in Samsung and SK Hynix, making it highly sensitive to semiconductor and AI market dynamics.
The outlook remains challenging with ongoing volatility in chip stocks and foreign investor selling. While long-term AI demand provides potential upside, current market conditions suggest continued pressure. Key risks include single-stock concentration and global tech sector volatility, requiring careful risk management for investors.
MO trades at $70.18, down 2.35% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including a 39.52% net margin and consistent dividend payments. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, while Q2 2026 estimates are $1.50 EPS. The stock holds a P/E of 14.72 and robust cash flow from operations of $9.29B in 2025, supporting its status as a Dividend King with over 50 years of increases.
Outlook remains stable due to high profitability and defensive appeal, but risks include declining smoking trends and regulatory pressures. Analysts are bullish with a $71.00 consensus target, offering a potential upside from current levels amid market volatility.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
EWY tracks the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, offering targeted exposure to large and mid-cap companies in South Korea. It is structurally centered on the global technology supply chain, industrials, and financial services, serving as a liquid tool for investors seeking a single-country view of this advanced, innovation-led economy.
Read more on EWY →Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Helix Innovations, and Philip Morris Capital, although the company plans to wind down Philip Morris Capital by the end of 2022. It holds a 10% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria holds the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the U.S. with a 43% share in 2020. Altria holds strategic investments in JUUL Labs (35% economic interest) and Cronos (42%).
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