Altria (MO) is participating in today's rally, and at $74.33 is at its highest level in almost two months. That said, I believe the defensive stocks are going to continue to underperform in the near term.
So after you read this note, I'm going to sell 500 of my 3,000 Altria shares for a 9% profit. We don't stand to qualify for another 80-cent dividend for another month, and management was talking down the prospects of splitting up the company anytime soon at last week's investor meeting.
I want you readers to understand my thought process: This trade is also driven by some forward-looking portfolio management. At this point, I'd rather have some cash on the sidelines to build up my new Citrix Systems (CTXS) position and initiate a stake in the eventual replacement for Bausch & Lomb BOL. This trade will leave me with a 4.6% position in Altria.
Regards,
James J. Cramer
DISCLOSURE: At the time of publication, Cramer was long Altria, Citrix Systems and Bausch & Lomb.
Send email to james.cramer@thestreet.com.