External Stakeholders

A stakeholder is someone who is affected by company action or affects company action. Here are some key stakeholders and what Altria Group and its companies try to do to meet their expectations of us as responsible businesses. We want to engage with individuals and groups who can help us continue to improve in these areas.

• Shareholders: We seek to create shareholder value by working hard and responsibly to achieve superior financial results.  In pursuing this goal, each company and its employees will be honest and accurate in measuring and reporting financial performance and will protect company assets, resources and reputation.
• Consumers: Our companies consistently strive to treat consumers fairly and honestly, to maintain product quality/integrity, to engage in responsible marketing and consumer information practices, and to address social/health issues related to their products.
• Business Partners: In all our business dealings, our companies strive to be honest and fair.  We seek to establish and maintain productive relationships with our business partners.  In our markets, we will vigorously compete, but do so fairly, complying with all laws protecting competition and the integrity of the marketplace.  
• Employees: We are committed to fostering workplaces that are safe and professional and that promote teamwork, diversity, personal development and trust.
• Governments: We are firmly committed to conducting business in compliance with the letter and spirit of the law, regulatory requirements and other accepted standards of business conduct, and to working with legislators and government officials.
• Communities: Through our businesses and corporate and employee contributions and volunteerism, we strive to enhance the communities where we live, work and on which we depend.
• Environment: Our companies are committed to reducing the environmental impact of their activities and promoting the sustainable use of the natural resources on which they depend, while providing quality products that meet the needs of consumers.

Altria Group and its companies also seek to engage with non-government organizations, critic groups and the public health community, who represent and influence the issues and concerns of our stakeholders.