Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) is one of the largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products in the United States. Through its primary operating subsidiary, Philip Morris USA, Altria manufactures and sells some of the country’s best-known cigarette brands, including Marlboro. The company’s portfolio also spans cigars, pipe tobacco and accessories, positioning Altria as a diversified tobacco company with deep expertise in product development, distribution and marketing.
Beyond traditional cigarettes, Altria has expanded into smokeless tobacco and oral nicotine pouches through U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, maker of brands such as Copenhagen and Skoal, and through its ownership of John Middleton, which produces machine-made cigars. In response to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory dynamics, Altria has invested in smoke-free alternatives, including heated tobacco products and other next-generation offerings. These efforts reflect a strategic commitment to broadening product choices while maintaining a leading presence in core tobacco categories.
In addition to its tobacco operations, Altria has interests in the beverage and cannabis sectors. The company wholly owns Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, a producer and marketer of premium wines with distribution across North America and select international markets. Altria also holds a strategic stake in Cronos Group, a Canadian company focused on cannabis production and research. These investments provide Altria with exposure to adjacent consumer goods industries and support long-term growth initiatives beyond its traditional tobacco base.
Founded in 1919 as Philip Morris & Co., the company adopted the Altria name in 2003 to reflect its evolving business portfolio. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Altria primarily serves the U.S. market while leveraging its wine and cannabis interests for broader reach. The company’s executive leadership is headed by President and Chief Executive Officer Billy Gifford, supported by a board of directors with extensive experience in consumer products, regulatory affairs and corporate governance. Together, they guide Altria’s efforts to balance shareholder returns, regulatory compliance and product innovation in a dynamic marketplace.
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