Altria Group (NYSE:MO) is a leading American tobacco company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. The company’s core business centers on the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and related products for adult consumers in the United States. Altria operates through a portfolio of iconic brands, leveraging a widespread distribution network to serve customers nationwide.
Among its most recognized offerings is the Marlboro cigarette brand, which has maintained a prominent market position for decades. Beyond cigarettes, Altria’s product line includes smokeless tobacco brands such as Copenhagen and Skoal, as well as Black & Mild cigars. In recent years, the company has diversified into next-generation products, including e-vapor devices and oral nicotine pouches, marketed through its Nu Mark subsidiary.
Originally incorporated in 1985 as Philip Morris Companies Inc., the organization adopted the Altria Group name in 2003 to reflect its broadened consumer goods aspirations. In the mid-2000s, Altria completed spin-offs of Kraft Foods and Philip Morris International, allowing each entity to pursue distinct strategic paths. Throughout its history, Altria has emphasized responsible marketing practices and invested in research aimed at reducing the health impact of its products for adult smokers.
Altria Group is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William G. “Bill” Gifford, under whose direction the company continues to reshape its product portfolio and invest in adult consumer-focused innovations. With operations primarily in the United States, Altria remains focused on leveraging its scale, brand equity, and regulatory expertise to navigate an evolving industry landscape.
