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Altria Group Inc. is an American multinational company operating in the consumer non-cyclical sector, formed after the corporate restructuring of Philip Morris Companies Inc.
The company’s core business is focused on the manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. As a result, Altria became known as one of the leading producers of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and heated tobacco products in the United States.
With a diverse portfolio of globally recognized brands, Altria’s operations are organized into the following business segments:
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Combustible Tobacco Products: Featuring the iconic Marlboro brand, the U.S. market leader, along with other brands such as L&M, Chesterfield, and Parliament.
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Oral Tobacco Products: Includes moist smokeless tobacco and modern oral nicotine products, highlighted by brands like Copenhagen and Skoal.
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Nicotine Alternatives: Altria invests in reduced-risk products (RRPs), including electronic vapor devices like IQOS, and tobacco-free nicotine products.
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Alcoholic Beverages: The company holds an equity stake in AB InBev, one of the world’s largest brewers, offering exposure to the alcoholic beverage market.
Altria employs approximately 7,100 people and operates through a network of subsidiaries and strategic partnerships to distribute its products across key markets.
While Altria’s operations are predominantly U.S.-focused, it also maintains an international presence through partnerships and strategic investments.
The company is affected by several market forces, including increasing regulatory pressures, changing consumer preferences, and growing competition from non-combustible nicotine alternatives. It also faces public health scrutiny, which has led to a greater emphasis on corporate responsibility, sustainability, and harm reduction.
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Altria operates through an integrated structure covering manufacturing, distribution, and commercialization. It maintains production facilities across the United States and invests continuously in research and development to drive innovation.
Altria is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker MO.
History and Founding of Altria Group Inc.
Altria Group’s history dates back to 1985, when Philip Morris Companies Inc. restructured its corporate organization to focus on tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
Philip Morris itself originated in 1847, when entrepreneur Philip Morris opened a tobacco shop in London.
In its early years, Altria faced growing regulatory challenges, particularly in relation to advertising and cigarette marketing. Still, the company managed to solidify its market leadership in the U.S., especially through the Marlboro brand, which became a dominant force in the tobacco industry by the mid-20th century.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Altria expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and investments in smokeless tobacco and oral nicotine products.
In 2008, Altria completed the spin-off of Philip Morris International (PMI), shifting its focus exclusively to the U.S. market.
The company had already gone public through an initial public offering (IPO) on the NYSE, which helped strengthen its capital base and operational independence.
Between 2020 and 2024, Altria has made significant investments in reduced-risk products, such as electronic cigarettes and vaporization systems, aligning with global trends in tobacco harm reduction and shifting consumer demand.
Additional Information
The Company Altria Group Inc. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 97.76 Billions, having an equity of $ -2.60 Billions.
With a total of 7.100 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Consumer/Non-Cyclical and categorized in industry of Smoke.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 20.17 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 8.87 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 11.02, a P/BV ratio of -37.66 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of MO was at 7.08%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker MO.
