The Original Dow Jones Companies

Sugar Industry

The sugar industry has undergone significant transformations since its inclusion in the original Dow Jones companies. Gary Arndt explains that the Sugar Refineries Company, known as the Sugar Trust, was dissolved by the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890, leading to the creation of Domino Sugar, a brand still recognized today 1. This company, after several name changes and ownership transfers, is now operated by a cooperative of Florida sugar producers under the name ASR Group, retaining its historical roots.

The company was created in 1891 when the Sugar Refineries Company, also known as the Sugar Trust, was broken up by the Sherman Antitrust act of 1890.

--- Gary Arndt

Similarly, American Tobacco, another original Dow Jones company, experienced a breakup due to antitrust violations, leading to its assets being acquired by British American Tobacco in 1990 1.

   

Energy & Resources

The original Dow Jones companies also played pivotal roles in the energy and resources sectors. Gary Arndt highlights General Electric, founded by Thomas Edison, as a notable survivor from the 1896 list, which evolved into a vast conglomerate before its removal from the Dow Jones in 2018 2. Another example is Laclede Gas, which, despite name changes, remains one of the longest continuously traded stocks in the U.S.

If there's one company from the original 1896 list that you've heard of, it's General Electric.

--- Gary Arndt

Additionally, the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company was absorbed by U.S. Steel in 1907, illustrating the dynamic shifts within these industries over time 2.