Richmond, Virginia-based Philip Morris USA raised the price on Marlboro, Basic and L&M last Friday by reducing the off-invoice promotional discount given to wholesalers by 9-cents a pack, according to Reuters.  PM USA last cut the off-invoice promotional discount on Marlboro and three other brands in September 2007.  A Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. report called the wholesale price increase “a clear signal to both competition and the investment community that it intends to remain profit focused.”

PM USA, a subsidiary of Altria Group Inc., produces numerous cigarette brands including Marlboro, Alpine, Basic, Benson & Hedges, Bristol, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Commander, Dave’s, English Ovals, L&M, Lark, Merit, Parliament, Players, Saratoga and Virginia Slims.