Altria Group Inc. Reports Solid Quarter

Be careful in comparing to last years results as the full effect of the Phillip Morris international (NYSE:PM) spin from Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) is not seperated yet from most financial sites.

2008 FULL YEAR RESULTS

- Altria’s 2008 adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations up 10% to $1.65 versus $1.50 in 2007

-PM USA’s 2008 adjusted operating companies income up 2.5% versus 2007 to $5.0 billion

-PM USA’s 2008 reported operating companies income up 7.9% versus 2007 to $4.9 billion

-Marlboro delivers strong retail share gains, up 0.6 share points versus 2007 to 41.6%

2008 FOURTH-QUARTER RESULTS

- PM USA’s 2008 fourth-quarter adjusted operating companies income increased 4.8% versus the fourth quarter of 2007

- PM USA’s 2008 fourth-quarter reported operating companies income increased 3.5% versus the fourth quarter of 2007

- Marlboro delivers strong retail share gains, up 0.4 share points versus the fourth quarter of 2007 to 41.6%

2009 FULL YEAR EARNINGS PER SHARE GUIDANCE

Altria forecasts 2009 adjusted full year diluted earnings per share from continuing operations will increase to a range of $1.70 to $1.75. This represents a 3% to 6% growth rate from an adjusted base of $1.65 per share in 2008.