British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI ) has been trading at depressed valuations for years. During that time, the business kept churning out higher and higher free cash flows, yet the market has dismissed it because it has been Analyst's Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BATS either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have n ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 1.8%, adjusted gross profit rose by 3%, and adjusted profit from operations grew by 1.9%, with adjusted diluted EPS increasing by 1.7% [10][24][47] - The company anticipates full-year revenue at the top end of the 1% to 2% guidance, maintaining APFO guidance of 1.5% to 2.5% [10][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Smokeless products now account for 18.2% of Group revenue, up 70 basis points from last year, with 1.4 million new smokeless consumers added [4] - New categories revenue increased by 2.4%, driven by modern oral growth of over 40% and heated products rising by more than 3%, while vapor declined by 13% [11][12] - Combustibles revenue increased by 0.8%, with volume decline offset by strong pricing, leading to a gross profit increase of 2.4% [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., revenue grew by 3.7%, with combustibles driving the growth, while modern oral revenue increased by 3.9% [16][17] - The AME region saw revenue rise by 3.5%, with combustibles up nearly 3% due to strong volumes in Brazil and Turkey [17] - APMEA experienced a total revenue decline of 4.8%, with combustibles down 7.9%, impacted by regulatory headwinds in Bangladesh and Australia [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-category strategy to leverage consumer trends towards new categories, with significant investments in modern oral and heated products [28][30] - The introduction of the "Fit to Win" program aims to simplify operations and enhance digital decision-making, targeting £500 million in annualized savings by 2028 [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to revenue and profit growth in the U.S., highlighting the importance of regulatory affairs and enforcement for smokeless alternatives [6][41] - The company remains optimistic about the long-term growth potential of modern oral products, especially in emerging markets [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has increased its 2025 share buyback program by £200 million to £1.1 billion, reflecting strong cash generation and commitment to shareholder returns [4][25] - The company has delivered nearly £900 million in productivity savings since 2023 and aims to exceed £1.2 billion by year-end [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the early performance of GloHilo in Japan and its rollout plans? - Management reported positive feedback from Japanese consumers, with a tailored product offering leading to early market share gains. The rollout will focus on high-profit pools through the end of the year [52][54] Question: What is the current momentum for VeloPlus in the U.S.? - VeloPlus is maintaining strong momentum with high retention rates and increasing market share, despite competitive pressures [57][58] Question: Can you clarify the Fit to Win program's costs and savings? - The program will have some costs in 2025, with a target of £500 million in annualized savings by 2028, which will be reinvested into growth initiatives [61][62] Question: What is the outlook for the vape business in the AME region? - The vape business is facing challenges in Canada due to regulations, but there is potential for growth as the market transitions to closed systems [66][70] Question: How is the company addressing the illegal vapor market in the U.S.? - Management noted a 40% reduction in illegal vapor shipments, with ongoing efforts to enforce regulations and improve market conditions [74][76] Question: What is the impact of the duty drawback on U.S. business? - The duty drawback is positively impacting the top line, but the company is also seeing growth from improved market share and pricing strategies [97][100] Question: Is there capacity to meet the expected growth in VeloPlus? - The company is well-equipped to handle the growth in VeloPlus, with no anticipated capacity shortages [102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 1.8%, adjusted gross profit rose by 3%, and adjusted profit from operations grew by 1.9% [8][24] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 1.7% [21] - The company anticipates full-year revenue at the top end of the 1% to 2% guidance [8][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Smokeless products now account for 18.2% of group revenue, up 70 basis points year-over-year, with 1.4 million new smokeless consumers added [3] - New categories revenue increased by 2.4%, driven by modern oral growth of over 40% and heated products growth of more than 3% [9] - Combustibles revenue increased by 0.8%, with volume decline offset by strong pricing [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., combustibles revenue grew by 3.8%, marking a return to revenue and profit growth for the first time since 2022 [13] - The AME region saw revenue rise by 3.5%, with combustibles up nearly 3% [15] - APMEA region experienced a total revenue decline of 4.8%, with combustibles down 7.9% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on quality growth and balancing top and bottom line delivery, with a strong emphasis on cash generation [4][6] - A multi-category strategy is being pursued to capitalize on consumer trends towards new categories [26] - The introduction of the "Fit to Win" program aims to simplify operations and enhance agility, targeting £500 million in annualized savings by 2028 [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the pathway ahead, highlighting the transformation of the nicotine industry and the company's readiness to benefit from these changes [26] - The company remains optimistic about regulatory developments in the U.S. that could improve the market for smokeless products [40] - Future growth is expected to be driven by continued strength in the U.S. and the rollout of new products [24][45] Other Important Information - The company has increased its 2025 share buyback program by £200 million to £1.1 billion [3][23] - The company has delivered nearly £900 million in productivity savings since 2023 and aims to exceed £1.2 billion by year-end [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the early performance of the GloHilo launch in Japan? - Feedback from consumers has been positive, with competitive offers tailored for the Japanese market [53][54] Question: What is the momentum for VeloPlus in the U.S.? - VeloPlus is maintaining strong momentum with a high retention rate of 70% and increasing market share [56] Question: Can you clarify the Fit to Win program's costs? - There will be some costs in 2025, but these are included in the guidance, with £500 million in annualized savings targeted by 2028 [60] Question: What is the performance of the vape business in the AME region? - The vape business has faced challenges in Canada due to regulations, but there is potential for growth as the market transitions to closed systems [68] Question: How is the company addressing the illegal vapor market in the U.S.? - The company is seeing a 40% reduction in illicit vapor shipments, and there is optimism about regulatory enforcement improving the market [72][74]

Financial Performance - HY25 total revenue reached £12567 million, a 18% increase compared to HY24 at constant rates[32] - New Category revenue grew by 24% to £1689 million[32] - Adjusted profit from operations increased by 19% to £5435 million, adjusted for Canada[32] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 17% to 1621 pence, adjusted for Canada[32] New Categories - Smokeless products represent 182% of Group revenue, an increase of 70bps[28] - New Category contribution margin increased by 28 percentage points to 106%[28] - Velo Plus experienced strong volume share gains, up 87 percentage points from November 2024 to May 2025[89] Regional Performance - The U S saw a return to revenue and profit growth, driven by combustibles recovery and Velo Plus momentum[30, 46] - In the U S , Velo revenue grew by 384%[46] - Combustibles revenue in the U S increased by 38%[46] - APMEA was impacted by combustibles fiscal and regulatory headwinds, with a revenue decrease of 48%[52] Strategic Initiatives - The company increased its share buy-back program to £11 billion for FY25[28, 30] - The company is targeting >£12 billion in productivity savings from 2023-2025[59] - The company is aiming to generate >£50 billion in free cash flow by the end of 2030[69]

Core Viewpoint - British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE: BTI) is recognized as the "second-best" tobacco company globally, with strong brand recognition and significant market shares, although it does not hold the top position like Marlboro [1]. Company Overview - British American Tobacco has a diverse portfolio that includes next-generation products such as heat-not-burn and vapes, indicating a strategic shift towards modern tobacco alternatives [1]. Market Position - The company maintains a competitive stance in the tobacco industry, leveraging its well-known brands to capture substantial market shares, although it is positioned behind Marlboro in terms of overall market leadership [1].

Core Insights - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring strong businesses when they are undervalued, emphasizing the importance of quality and price in investment decisions [1] - The portfolio has evolved over time, transitioning from Canadian dividend payers to a diverse range of industries including technology, payments, and emerging markets [1] - The current emphasis is on large tech companies with extensive user bases and content libraries, highlighting the potential for cross-selling opportunities [1] Investment Philosophy - The valuation approach prioritizes EBIT plus R&D investments, reflecting a belief in the long-term potential of certain R&D initiatives [1] - The historical annual return from February 2019 to October 2024 was 11.4% CAGR, which is below the market's 15.18% CAGR, indicating a need for improved performance in the future [1] - The investment philosophy discourages traditional "Buy" and "Sell" recommendations, advocating for a focus on exceptional businesses at fair prices, with a preference for "Strong Buy" and "Strong Sell" classifications [1] Future Outlook - The belief is that expanded knowledge and principles learned will facilitate better performance and lower portfolio turnover in the future [1] - The strategy suggests that most profits will come from holding existing investments rather than frequent trading [1] - A "Hold" position may be initiated for high-quality businesses if their pricing is not favorable, indicating a flexible approach to investment management [1]

Group 1 - Sensor Unlimited is part of the investing group Envision Early Retirement, which focuses on generating high income and growth through dynamic asset allocation [2] - The group offers two model portfolios: one for short-term survival and withdrawal, and another for aggressive long-term growth [2] - Monthly updates on holdings, tax discussions, and ticker critiques are provided to members [2] Group 2 - Sensor Unlimited has a PhD in financial economics and has spent the last decade covering the mortgage market, commercial market, and banking industry [3] - The focus areas include asset allocation and ETFs related to the overall market, bonds, banking and financial sectors, and housing markets [3]

No, investors are all over British American Tobacco because of its growth in new nicotine categories such as vaping, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn cigarettes. Nicotine pouches are on fire at the moment, a category that is seeing rapid global adoption. The company's Velo brand has an estimated 30% market share of nicotine pouches globally in its key markets, with United States revenue growing in the triple digits at the moment and hitting an estimated 12% market share in the country. As investors have ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Company and Industry Analysis - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock, option, or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance from the analyst [2]. - The article does not provide any specific recommendations or advice on investment suitability for individual investors [4].

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies has initiated coverage on several leading companies in the tobacco industry, providing a mix of ratings including three "Buy" ratings, one "Hold" rating, and one "Underperform" rating, highlighting the sector's stable growth potential and defensive asset characteristics [1][2] Company Summaries - Philip Morris International (PM.US) received a "Buy" rating, with expectations of high single-digit (HSD) growth in EBITDA driven by its leadership in heated tobacco and oral nicotine pouch segments, despite its stock price being above the industry average [1] - Altria (MO.US) was assigned an "Underperform" rating with a target price of $50, facing risks of high single-digit (HSD) sales decline in combustible tobacco and challenges from consumer price pressures, although its traditional oral nicotine market position partially offsets growth potential in modern oral products [1] - Imperial Brands (IMBBY.US) also received a "Buy" rating, noting improvements in combustible tobacco market share and successful execution of its smoke-free product strategy, particularly in the U.S. modern oral product sector [2] - Japan Tobacco (JAPAY.US) was given a "Hold" rating, with attractive strategic positioning in emerging markets and healthy core combustible tobacco business, supported by global flagship brand growth in developed markets [2] - British American Tobacco (BTI.US) is highlighted as a preferred choice in the tobacco sector, with Philip Morris International also achieving the highest quantitative score on the Seeking Alpha platform, indicating strong market recognition [2]