Philip Morris Ranks #97 in WSJ’s ‘Best Companies for the Future’

Event summary

  • Philip Morris International (PMI) ranked #97 in the WSJ Leadership Institute’s inaugural ‘Best Companies for the Future’ list, trailing only Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in the Food Beverage & Tobacco category.
  • The ranking evaluates companies on AI readiness, innovation, talent readiness, financial fitness, resilience, and agility using 30 indicators from multiple external providers.
  • PMI’s smoke-free products accounted for 43% of its first-quarter 2026 total net revenues, with over 43 million legal-age consumers using them globally as of December 31, 2025.
  • The company has invested over $16 billion since 2008 in developing and commercializing smoke-free products.

The big picture

PMI’s inclusion in the WSJ ranking underscores its strategic pivot from traditional tobacco to smoke-free alternatives, aligning with broader industry trends toward harm reduction. The company’s focus on AI readiness, financial fitness, and agility reflects a broader shift in consumer goods toward technology-driven innovation. With significant investments in science and regulatory approvals, PMI is positioning itself as a leader in the nicotine alternatives market.

What we're watching

Regulatory Tailwinds
How FDA authorizations for IQOS and Swedish Match’s General snus could accelerate PMI’s smoke-free transition.
Market Penetration
The pace at which PMI can expand its smoke-free product portfolio beyond 105 markets to capture more of the global nicotine market.
Execution Risk
Whether PMI can sustain its investment in innovation and talent readiness amid evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures.