We firmly believe in preventing underage tobacco use, and while many have made significant progress on this front, there is much more to be done. Our tobacco companies support organizations seeking to help reduce underage tobacco use. The scope of our companies' efforts may surprise you.

Our tobacco companies recognize that consumers, and society as a whole, expect them to communicate openly and honestly about the health risks associated with their products – and they do this in a variety of ways. These efforts include sharing research with the scientific and public health community and connecting adult smokers who have decided to quit with information that could help them succeed.

Marlboro is the largest-selling cigarette brand in the United States, but there is a reason why you may rarely see advertising for the brand in places other than a retail store. Our companies are committed to responsibly marketing their products to adults who use them. Learn how they connect with adult tobacco users while limiting exposure to unintended audiences.

Altria supported giving the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products and seeks to work constructively with the agency. Tobacco products and tobacco companies have been a source of considerable conflict and controversy. By continuing to support FDA regulation, we hope to provide leadership in helping resolve many of the issues related to our industry.

Altria Group’s total shareholder return for the five years ending December 31, 2012, was 84.2 percent, outperforming the S&P 500’s return of 8.6 percent over the same period. The company has increased its dividend 46 times in the last 44 years, and has increased its profitability primarily by its tobacco operating companies focusing on four strong premium brands, Marlboro, Copenhagen, Skoal and Black & Mild.*

*Dividends are declared and approved only at the discretion of the Board of Directors.