MO

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) is one of America's largest tobacco companies, tracing its origins back to 1822 when Philip Morris was founded in London as a tobacco shop. The company established its American operations in 1902 and grew to become the dominant force in the U.S. cigarette market through aggressive marketing and brand building, particularly with its flagship Marlboro brand. After decades of expansion and diversification into various consumer products, Altria spun off its international tobacco operations in 2008 and food businesses to focus exclusively on the U.S. tobacco market. Today, the company operates as a holding company based in Richmond, Virginia, controlling some of the most recognizable tobacco brands in America while simultaneously investing in smoke-free alternatives as traditional cigarette consumption continues to decline.