Altria Group (NYSE:MO) is one of the largest producers and marketers of tobacco products in the United States. Through its subsidiaries, the company manufactures and sells well-known cigarette brands such as Marlboro, as well as a variety of smokeless tobacco offerings. Altria also maintains a growing portfolio of non-combustible products, including e-vapor and heated tobacco, alongside its traditional combustible tobacco lines.
In addition to its tobacco operations, Altria holds a significant stake in the cannabis industry through an investment in Cronos Group, a global cannabinoid company. The company also owns Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, a producer and marketer of premium wines, which extends Altria’s reach into the beverage alcohol sector. These diversified interests reflect Altria’s strategic focus on broadening its product mix while continuing to generate cash flow from core tobacco operations.
Altria traces its roots to the Philip Morris tobacco business, which dates back to the mid-19th century. In 2003, the company changed its name from Philip Morris Companies Inc. to Altria Group, Inc. to better reflect a broader portfolio of consumer products. Over the years, Altria has navigated regulatory challenges, litigation, and shifts in consumer preferences by investing in smoke-free alternatives and expanding its product range.
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Altria serves adult consumers throughout the United States. The company is led by President and Chief Executive Officer William F. Gifford Jr. under the governance of an independent board of directors. Altria continues to pursue a balanced strategy of innovation, responsible marketing, and shareholder returns within the evolving regulatory landscape.
