CHICAGO (S&P Global Ratings) Sept. 13, 2016--S&P Global Ratings said today that it assigned its 'A-' issue level rating to Richmond, Va.-based Altria Group Inc.'s proposed senior unsecured notes, which Altria will draw from its shelf registration statement filed Oct. 30, 2014. We expect Altria will use proceeds from the debt offering to satisfy the cash tender offer announced today for its 9.95% senior unsecured notes due 2038 and 10.2% senior unsecured notes due 2039, and for other general corporate purposes, including voluntary contributions to pension plans. Altria's primary operating subsidiary, Philip Morris USA Inc., which accounts for the majority of group profitability, will guarantee the proposed notes. We expect the transaction, which includes a meaningful call premium on the
