Altria Group, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend of $0.64 Per Share and Announces New Share Repurchase Program.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2003

The Board of Directors of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) today declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.64 per common share, payable on April 9, 2003, to stockholders of record as of March 14, 2003. The ex-dividend date is March 12, 2003.

Separately, the company's Board of Directors announced a new one-year share repurchase program of up to $3.0 billion. The company expects to complete its current three-year $10 billion share repurchase program in the first quarter of 2003. That program was announced in February 2001. The new program will begin after the current program is completed and will run through February 2004.

"We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value through both dividends and share repurchases over the long term," said Louis C. Camilleri, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "Today's action by the board reflects a prudent approach that provides flexibility to respond to changing developments, including the possible adoption of the Administration's proposal to end the double taxation of dividends."

Altria Group, Inc. is the parent company of Kraft Foods Inc., with approximately 84% ownership of outstanding Kraft common shares, Philip Morris Capital Corporation, Philip Morris International Inc. and Philip Morris USA Inc. In addition, Altria Group, Inc. has a 36% economic interest in SABMiller plc, the world's second-largest brewer. The brand portfolio of Altria Group, Inc.'s consumer packaged goods companies includes such well-known names as Kraft, Jacobs, L&M, Marlboro, Maxwell House, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Parliament, Philadelphia, Post and Virginia Slims. Altria Group, Inc. recorded 2002 net revenues of approximately $80 billion.

For more information about Altria Group, Inc., please visit the company's web site at www.altria.com.