Investors might want to bet on British American Tobacco (BTI) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Indi ...

Group 1 - The company is increasing its annual subscription price by 25% starting June 10th, encouraging current subscribers to lock in legacy pricing [1] - The focus of the investment group is on high return on equity and high free cash flow stocks that have a proven track record of compounding earnings at rates higher than the market [1] - The investment group provides in-depth research with 2-4 new high-quality investment ideas each month, which have historically earned returns well above benchmark levels [1] Group 2 - Thomas Lott leads the investment group Cash Flow Compounders, aiming to identify the best companies globally that are trading at attractive valuations [2] - The investment strategy is influenced by Graham and Dodd/Buffett style investing, focusing on high-quality equities at appealing valuations [2] - Thomas Lott has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, starting as a portfolio manager at a hedge fund in 2003, and holds an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management [2]

Core Insights - British American Tobacco (BAT) expects full year revenue growth of 1% to 2% and adjusted profit from operations growth of 1.5% to 2.5% for 2025, slightly ahead of previous guidance [4]. Group 1 - The company anticipates a return to revenue and profit growth in the U.S. for the first half of 2025 [4].

Core Viewpoint - High-yield dividend stocks are highlighted as a reliable source of income for investors, particularly in retirement, with a focus on companies that have a proven track record of consistent dividend payments [1][2]. Group 1: Company Summaries - **Realty Income**: Current yield is 5.6%, known for being one of the largest REITs globally, paying monthly dividends, and has raised dividends for 110 consecutive quarters, with a payout ratio of 75% of anticipated 2025 funds from operations [4][5]. - **Altria Group**: Current yield is 6.7%, recognized as a Dividend King with over 50 years of uninterrupted dividend increases, despite declining cigarette volumes, maintains a payout ratio around 80% of cash flow, and has a significant stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev [6][7][8]. - **British American Tobacco**: Current yield is 6.8%, operates globally with a focus on next-generation nicotine products, has a dividend payout ratio of 66% of cash flow, and has transitioned to a quarterly payment schedule [9][10]. - **Verizon Communications**: Current yield is 6.1%, a leader in the U.S. wireless market with 21 consecutive annual dividend increases, and a payout ratio of only 58% of 2025 earnings estimates [11][12]. - **Enbridge**: Current yield is 5.7%, operates extensive pipelines and utilities, has a strong dividend track record with 28 consecutive annual increases, and maintains a payout ratio of 60% to 70% of distributable cash flow [13][14].

Group 1 - Sensor Unlimited is part of the investing group Envision Early Retirement, which focuses on generating high income and growth with isolated risks through dynamic asset allocation [2] - The group offers two model portfolios: one for short-term survival/withdrawal and another for aggressive long-term growth, along with direct access for discussions, monthly updates, and tax discussions [2] - Sensor Unlimited has a PhD in financial economics and has spent the last decade covering the mortgage market, commercial market, and banking industry, with a focus on asset allocation and ETFs [3] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that past performance is not indicative of future results and does not provide specific investment recommendations [5]

Group 1 - The focus is on growth and dividend income as a strategy for retirement planning [1] - The portfolio is structured to generate monthly dividend income that grows through reinvestment and annual increases [1] Group 2 - The article expresses personal opinions and is not intended as investment advice [2][3] - It emphasizes the importance of conducting individual research before making investment decisions [2]

Group 1 - The article focuses on the Asia Value & Moat Stocks research service, which targets value investors looking for Asia-listed stocks with significant discrepancies between price and intrinsic value [1] - The service emphasizes deep value balance sheet bargains, such as net cash stocks and low price-to-book (P/B) stocks, as well as wide moat stocks that represent high-quality businesses [1] - The author provides a range of watch lists with monthly updates, specifically concentrating on investment opportunities in the Hong Kong market [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes a personal investment strategy focused on growth and dividend income, aiming for an easy retirement through a portfolio that generates monthly dividend income and benefits from reinvestment and annual increases [1]. Group 1 - The investment strategy is centered around compounding dividend income and growth [1]. - The portfolio is structured to provide monthly dividend income, which is expected to grow through reinvestment and yearly increases [1]. - The author has disclosed a beneficial long position in several stocks, including JEPQ, MO, BCX, BP, and XOM, through various means such as stock ownership and options [1].

Core Viewpoint - The stock market in 2025 has shifted towards value stocks, with British American Tobacco (BTI) showing resilience and a year-to-date increase of 17% in U.S. dollar terms, outperforming broader market indices [1][2]. Financial Performance - British American Tobacco offers a dividend yield of 7%, significantly higher than the market average, with potential for continued growth in dividend payouts [2]. - The company has maintained healthy free cash flow generation, exceeding $10 billion annually since 2020, with $11.9 billion generated last year and an expected cumulative free cash flow of $67 billion from 2024 to 2030 [4][5]. Market Dynamics - Despite a 5% decline in global cigarette volumes in 2024, British American Tobacco's combustibles segment reported flat organic revenue when adjusted for currency movements, indicating resilience in earnings [4]. - The company is investing in alternative nicotine products, such as pouches and vaping, to adapt to changing market conditions, with nicotine pouches generating around $6 billion in revenue last year [6][7]. Growth Opportunities - The smokeless segment has grown significantly, contributing billions in revenue annually, which is expected to offset declines in cigarette volumes and support free cash flow [8]. - The Vuse brand faces competitive pressure from illicit disposable vaping devices, but potential regulatory crackdowns could facilitate a return to growth for Vuse [7]. Capital Management - British American Tobacco has utilized its free cash flow to pay down debt and engage in share repurchases, reducing shares outstanding by 3.4% over the last four years, which aids in growing the dividend per share [11]. - The company is positioned to sustainably grow its dividend per share due to ample free cash flow accumulation [10][11].

Group 1 - The focus is on growth and dividend income as a strategy for retirement planning [1] - The portfolio is structured to generate monthly dividend income that grows through reinvestment and annual increases [1] - The author holds long positions in several companies including STWD, PFE, SLB, MO, and GOOGL [1]