Altria

Altria Group, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on the development, manufacture, and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, it is one of the largest tobacco producers in the world and a component of the S&P 500. The company traces its origins to Philip Morris Companies, Inc., the successor to the U.S. business of Philip Morris & Co., Ltd. In 2003, Philip Morris Companies adopted the name Altria Group, Inc. after reorganizing to separate its tobacco businesses from other assets; Kraft Foods later became a standalone company in 2007.

Altria operates primarily through its tobacco businesses, which include Philip Morris USA, maker of Marlboro and other cigarette brands, and the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, which includes Copenhagen and Skoal. It also owns John Middleton, a producer of cigars. In addition, Altria has held a significant minority stake in Juul Labs, a company focused on electronic nicotine delivery systems, a relationship that began in 2018. The company has pursued various non-tobacco ventures and strategic investments over the years, while maintaining tobacco as its core business.

The company’s products are subject to regulation by federal and state authorities, and Altria has faced litigation and regulatory scrutiny related to advertising practices, youth access, and public health concerns. Altria is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MO and is considered one of the leading players in the global tobacco industry.