Altria (NYSE: MO) was once considered a stable dividend play for conservative investors. It's the largest tobacco company in America, it generates steady earnings growth, and it's raised its dividend every year since it spun off its overseas business as Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) in 2008.

But over the past five years, Altria's stock has declined 20%. Even after reinvesting its dividends, it only generated a total return of 16%. The S&P 500 index rose 54% and produced a total return of 68% during the same period. Let's see why Altria woefully underperformed the market -- and if it's the right time to buy, sell, or hold its stock.

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Source Fool.com