British American Tobacco: Value Unlocked With Recent Sale, EPS Growth Ahead

Funtay NielsenIQ data show that UK cigarette industry retail sales fell just 1.8% from year-ago levels. That continues an improving trend over the last two years, though sales for Philip Morris International (PM) boasted an annual increase of 6.1% while British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI) sales dropped 4.7% YoY. Of course, tobacco companies continue to diversify their sales mix, including smokeless tobacco, while embarking on shareholder-friendly initiatives.  I reiterate a buy rating on BTI. With high  ...