U.S. INDUSTRY LEADERS
In this section, you will learn:
Who are the current domestic industry leaders in terms of overall market share?
How has this scene changed over the past five years?
1999
(Standard & Poor Industry Profile estimates, 2000)
Rank Company Market Share
1 Philip Morris U.S.A. 49.8%
2 R.J. Reynolds 23.0%
3 Brown & Williamson  14.3%
4 Lorillard 9.1%
5 Other 2.6%

1995
(Standard & Poor Industry Profile, 1999)

Rank Compan Market Share
1 Philip Morris U.S.A. 46.1%
2 R.J. Reynolds 25.7%
3 Brown & Williamson  18.0%
4 Lorillard 8.0%
5 Other 2.2%
Little has changed on the U.S. tobacco scene since half a decade ago.  Philip Morris is still the clear market-share leader, and is showing no signs of letting up despite its recent legal problems.  Its ubiquitous Marlboro cigarette alone accounts for over a third of all U.S. cigarette sales.  Also filling the tobacco giant's coffers are these brands you've likely encountered on your trips to the grocery store: Virginia Slims, Parliament, Benson & Hedges, and Merit.  Although Philip Morris has indicated that it is willing to consider being regulated by the Food & Drug administration, look for the company to remain the industry leader for years to come.
(Source: Hoovers.com Company Capsules)

Philip Morris U.S.A. topped the domestic market in 1999.