PM USA is focused on responsibly manufacturing and marketing its brands to adult tobacco consumers in a financially disciplined way. In 2008, PM USA's retail cigarette share grew 0.1 share point to 50.7 percent.
U.S. cigarette industry volume declined about 4% in 2008. Nevertheless, the cigarette industry accounted for an estimated $70 billion in consumer expenditures in 2008 and had an estimated industry profit pool of $9 billion in pre-tax income.
Our cigarette product portfolio is led by Marlboro. It is the number one cigarette brand in every state and the number one cigarette brand for men and women across all adult age groups. In 2008 Marlboro's share was larger than the next 17 competitive cigarette brands combined. It was also larger than our two largest competitors, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard, combined. In 2008, Marlboro gained 0.6 retail share points versus 2007 growing to 41.6 percent, making it both the nation's largest and fastest growing cigarette brand.
PM USA also has other strong cigarette brands in its portfolio, including Parliament, Virginia Slims, Basic and L&M. These brands have areas of regional strength and PM USA continues to support them with smart and focused investment spending. Although they perform better in certain areas across the country, Parliament, Virginia Slims and Basic are still among the nation's best-selling cigarette brands.
PM USA also manufactures and markets Marlboro Snus, a spit-free, tobacco pouch product designed for adult smokers who are interested in smokeless tobacco alternatives to cigarettes.
PM USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Altria Group, Inc., a Virginia corporation whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MO). PM USA provides Altria Group with value over the long-term by focusing on Altria Group's four goals to:
- Invest in Leadership
- Align with Society
- Satisfy Adult Consumers
- Create Substantial Value for Shareholders
Beginning in the first quarter of 2009, Altria's reporting segments are Cigarettes, manufactured by PM USA; Smokeless Products, manufactured by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company and PM USA; Cigars, manufactured by John Middleton Co.; Wine, produced by St. Michelle Wine Estates; and Financial Services, provided by Philip Morris Capital Corporation. Please view
Altria's quarterly earnings release for current financial information.
