Investment Rating - The investment rating for the new tobacco industry is "Positive" and maintained [8] Core Insights - British American Tobacco achieved total revenue of £25.61 billion in FY2025, a year-on-year decrease of 1.0% (an increase of 2.1% year-on-year at constant exchange rates). Revenue from new tobacco products reached £3.62 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5.5% (7.0% at constant exchange rates), accounting for 14.1% of total revenue, an increase of 0.9 percentage points year-on-year. In H2 2025, revenue from new tobacco products was £1.97 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.6%, with a revenue share of 14.5% [2][6] Summary by Relevant Sections Traditional Tobacco Trends - The decline in traditional tobacco is evident, with a forecasted global cigarette volume decline of approximately 2% in 2026. New tobacco products are expected to be the core growth engine, with projected low double-digit growth in revenue for 2026 [6] Product Categories - **Heated Not Burned (HNB)**: Revenue for HNB products decreased by 0.7% year-on-year (an increase of 1.0% at constant exchange rates). The decline in cigarette sales was 3.7% year-on-year, primarily due to intensified market competition and resource allocation issues related to the early launch of Glo Hilo. Glo's global market share decreased by 1.5 percentage points to 14.9% [6] - **Oral Tobacco**: The modern oral tobacco segment saw a revenue increase of 47.4% year-on-year (48.0% at constant exchange rates). The market share for all oral products and new oral tobacco increased by 5.8 and 7.5 percentage points to 17.1% and 33.4%, respectively [6] - **Vaping Products**: Revenue from vaping products decreased by 10.4% year-on-year (8.6% at constant exchange rates). The decline in sales was 12.6% year-on-year, mainly due to illegal products in the U.S. and Canada, as well as regulatory changes in some European countries. Vuse maintained its global leadership with a market share increase of 0.6 percentage points to 38.8% [6] Investment Perspective - With the acceleration of the global new tobacco process, companies with core barriers or resource positioning in the industry present investment opportunities. Key focuses include four major international tobacco companies and two product categories (HNB and oral tobacco). Specific investment targets include Smoore International for HNB and vaping, and China National Tobacco for long-term positioning [6]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Smoore International (06969) is maintained as "Buy" [7] Core Views - The report highlights the gradual improvement in electronic cigarette regulations, emphasizing the bottom value of Smoore International as a compliant market leader poised to benefit from the changing supply landscape [2][3] - The report anticipates significant revenue growth for Smoore International, projecting revenues of HK$141.32 billion, HK$163.76 billion, and HK$195.88 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of +19.78%, +15.88%, and +19.62% [11] Summary by Sections Regulatory Environment - Recent regulatory developments include a comprehensive crackdown on illegal electronic cigarette activities, with the government emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and compliance in production and sales [2] - The National Tobacco Monopoly Administration has initiated measures to curb excessive competition and prevent overcapacity in the electronic cigarette industry [2] Market Performance - British American Tobacco's Hilo brand is expected to see positive growth, with new product launches in various countries contributing to revenue increases [3] - The report notes a recovery in the vaping segment, with improved sales for the Vuse brand in the U.S. due to enforcement actions against illegal products [4] Financial Highlights - Smoore International executed significant share buybacks totaling approximately HK$1.99 billion, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth prospects [5] - The forecasted net profit for Smoore International is projected to be HK$9.13 billion, HK$18.46 billion, and HK$26.75 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027, with respective growth rates of -29.94%, +102.23%, and +44.87% [11]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that British American Tobacco (BTI.US) is expected to see accelerated growth in its new tobacco business in the second half of 2025, benefiting from a favorable industry environment and product lifecycle expansion [1] - The HNB (Heated Not Burned) segment is showing positive feedback for new products, with a goal for global expansion in 2026, despite a slight decline in market share for the Glo brand in 2025 due to competition [1] - The Glo Hilo product has achieved a 1% market share in Japan and is gaining traction in Poland and Italy, with expectations for stabilization and recovery in market share by 2026 [1] Group 2 - The vaping segment continues to benefit from an improved market environment, with a projected revenue increase in the second half of 2025, following a 13% year-on-year decline in the first half [2] - The Vuse brand has seen a 0.1 percentage point increase in market share, particularly in the U.S. where it rose by 0.7 percentage points, despite some growth being impacted by illegal vaping products in Canada [2] - The new oral tobacco product Velo Plus is expected to drive significant growth in the U.S. market, with a projected increase in market share by 9.2 percentage points to 15.6% and a global market share increase of 5.9 percentage points to 31.8% [2] Group 3 - Traditional cigarette operations remain stable, with a slight decline in market share of 0.1 percentage points, but a positive outlook for the second half of 2025 driven by improved conditions in the U.S. market [3] - The company anticipates a revenue and adjusted operating profit growth of approximately 2% for the fiscal year 2025, with accelerated growth in new tobacco revenue expected to achieve double-digit growth in the second half [3] - The company plans to increase its share buyback program to £1.3 billion in 2026, up from £1.1 billion in 2025 [3]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the industry, indicating a positive outlook for investment opportunities in the new tobacco sector [4]. Core Insights - The new tobacco business of British American Tobacco is expected to accelerate growth in the second half of 2025, benefiting from a favorable industry environment [2]. - The global HNB (Heated Not Burned) industry is entering a new product lifecycle, with major brands actively engaging in market cultivation, leading to accelerated industry expansion [4]. - The Glo brand's market share is projected to stabilize and recover in 2026, primarily driven by the Glo Hilo product [4]. Summary by Sections HNB Market Performance - The Glo Hilo product has received positive feedback, with a market share of 1% in Japan and faster acquisition of market share in Poland and Italy [4]. - The overall revenue growth for 2025 is expected to be steady, influenced by competitive activities and resource reallocation [4]. E-Cigarette and New Products - The vaping market is benefiting from an improved market environment, with the Vuse brand gaining a 0.1 percentage point increase in market share, particularly in the U.S. where it rose by 0.7 percentage points [4]. - The Velo Plus product is driving significant growth in the U.S. market, achieving a 9.2 percentage point increase in market share to 15.6% [4]. Traditional Cigarette Business - The traditional cigarette business remains stable, with a slight decline in market share of 0.1 percentage points globally, but a 0.2 percentage point increase in the U.S. [4]. - The company anticipates a revenue growth of approximately 2% for the fiscal year 2025, with new tobacco revenue accelerating and expected to achieve double-digit growth in the second half of 2025 [4].

Summary of British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI) Conference Call - December 09, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: British American Tobacco (BAT) - **Date**: December 09, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Victoria Buxton (Group Head of Investor Relations), Tadeu Marocco (Chief Executive), Javed Iqbal (Interim Chief Financial Officer) Key Industry Insights - **Industry**: Global nicotine industry, particularly focusing on combustibles, modern oral products, and vapor categories - **Market Dynamics**: The industry is experiencing a transformation with adult smokers increasingly switching to new categories, particularly modern oral products and vapor Core Points and Arguments 1. **Revenue and Profit Growth**: BAT expects around 2% revenue and adjusted operating profit growth for the full year 2025, with positive momentum in the U.S. business driven by combustibles and VLO Plus performance [2][3] 2. **New Category Growth**: Anticipated acceleration in new category revenue growth to double digits in the second half of 2025, with mid-single-digit growth expected for the full year [2][3] 3. **Modern Oral Products**: Modern Oral is the fastest-growing category, with VLO gaining volume share up 590 basis points to 31.8% in key markets. The category is positioned as a lower-risk alternative to traditional cigarettes [4][5] 4. **FDA Support**: The FDA is recognized for its role in tobacco harm reduction, with a commitment to provide science-based information about nicotine products, which is expected to facilitate consumer transitions to reduced harm products [5][6] 5. **Velo Plus Performance**: Velo Plus has achieved significant growth, reaching a 21.9% volume share in October, up from 6.9% prior to its launch, and is driving triple-digit revenue growth in the U.S. [6][7] 6. **Heated Products**: The heated products segment is undergoing a transitional phase, with a new product, glo Halo, launched in Japan, aimed at capturing the premium segment [9][10] 7. **Vapor Category Recovery**: Vuse has regained volume and revenue growth in the U.S. after 18 months of decline, with a 50.4% value share, supported by increased federal enforcement against illicit products [11][12] 8. **Combustibles Performance**: The U.S. combustibles business is expected to deliver revenue and profit growth for the first time since 2022, with a decline in industry volume improving compared to previous years [15][16] 9. **Regulatory Challenges**: Significant regulatory headwinds in markets like Bangladesh and Australia are expected to impact overall revenue growth, with illicit trade accounting for over 85% of nicotine usage in these regions [16][17] 10. **Financial Discipline**: BAT maintains a strong cash generation profile, with operating cash conversion expected to exceed 95% in 2025 and a commitment to deleveraging [17][18] Additional Important Insights - **Market Exit Strategy**: BAT plans to exit underperforming markets like Mozambique and Cuba, which will impact organic growth figures [28][37] - **Investment in Innovation**: Continued investment in premium products and innovation is prioritized, with a focus on maintaining competitive advantages in the market [30][31] - **Future Guidance**: For 2026, BAT expects to achieve revenue growth at the lower end of its mid-term algorithm, with a focus on sustainable financial delivery and transformation [19][35] Conclusion - BAT is optimistic about its growth trajectory, particularly in the U.S. market, and is committed to delivering sustainable shareholder value through dividends and share buybacks while navigating regulatory challenges and market dynamics [18][47]

Investment Rating - Industry rating is maintained as "Outperform the Market" [7] Core Insights - British American Tobacco (BAT) is accelerating product and channel strategy adjustments, with high-end products entering travel retail channels for the first time [1] - In the first half of 2025, China's e-cigarette export value decreased, with the UK becoming the largest export destination, replacing the US [2][3] Summary by Sections Product and Channel Strategy - BAT is collaborating with Gebr. Heinemann to promote reusable high-end devices with eco-friendly designs, including features like a ClearView™ display and Bluetooth connectivity [1] - The focus is on expanding travel retail business, particularly in airport retail environments [1] Export Data - In the first half of 2025, the export value of e-cigarettes and similar devices from China was $1.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8.94%, while other nicotine products saw a 19.37% decrease [2] - The average export price for e-cigarettes was $3.68 per unit, with a June export price of $45.33 per kilogram [2] Regional Performance - The top five export destinations in the first half of 2025 accounted for 61.71% of total exports, with the UK taking the lead in June [3] - The US remains the largest market despite a 14.31% year-on-year decrease in export value [3] Market Recommendations - Suggested companies to focus on include Smoore International, Yinghe Technology, and others in the vaping supply chain [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the robust growth trend in the new tobacco industry, as evidenced by British American Tobacco's performance in the first half of 2025, particularly in the heated tobacco and new oral tobacco segments [1]. Group 1: Investment Recommendations - The global HNB (Heated Not Burned) industry is entering a new product lifecycle phase, with major brands actively engaging in market cultivation, leading to accelerated industry expansion [2]. - The vaping market faced challenges in the first half of 2025, with British American Tobacco's vaping business generating £737 million in revenue, a decrease of 15% year-on-year, primarily due to illegal products in the U.S. and Canada, as well as market dynamics in Europe and other regions [2]. - The company has exited markets like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to improve investment returns, while the U.S. has seen a clearance of illegal disposable brand inventories, which will take time to impact the market [2]. Group 2: Performance Analysis - The overall performance of HNB products remained stable, with British American Tobacco's HNB business achieving £444 million in revenue, a slight increase of 1% year-on-year, and heated stick sales reaching 10.1 billion units, up 2% [3]. - The introduction of Glo Hilo has helped expand market share in trial regions, with a 1.5 percentage point increase in Glo's market share in Sendai [3]. - The new oral tobacco segment has shown significant growth, with revenue reaching £470 million, a 38% increase year-on-year, and sales volume of 5 billion pouches, up 42% [3]. - The U.S. market for new oral tobacco has surged, with a 206% increase in sales, and the Velo brand capturing a market share of 17% by July 2025, making it the fastest-growing brand in this category [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the light industry sector [6][10]. Core Insights - Recent financial reports from major overseas tobacco companies for H1 2025 show overall stable performance, with new tobacco products continuing to drive growth. British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, and Japan Tobacco have all raised their annual forecasts [18]. Summary by Relevant Sections British American Tobacco (BAT) - For H1 2025, BAT reported revenues of £12.069 billion, a decrease of 2.2% year-on-year, with new tobacco products accounting for 13.7% of total revenue [2][19]. - The revenue from heated tobacco products was £440 million, showing a slight increase of 0.8%, while the revenue from new oral tobacco products surged by 38.1% to £470 million [20][21]. Philip Morris International (PMI) - PMI's Q2 2025 net revenue reached $10.14 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.1%, with smoke-free tobacco products making up 41.6% of total revenue [3][28]. - The global shipment of heated tobacco units was 38.8 billion, up 9.2% year-on-year, with IQOS market share in Japan increasing to 31.7% [29]. Japan Tobacco - Japan Tobacco reported Q2 2025 revenues of ¥907.6 billion, a 9.4% increase year-on-year, with heated tobacco product shipments rising by 31.2% [4][38]. - The company has adjusted its annual revenue growth forecast to 8.4% and operating profit growth to 14.6% [38]. Altria - Altria's Q2 2025 revenue was $6.1 billion, down 1.7% year-on-year, with oral tobacco product revenue increasing by 5.9% [5][12]. Market Overview - The light industry sector experienced a relative return of +0.16% last week, despite a decline of 1.59% in the overall sector [6][9]. - Furniture retail sales in June increased by 28.7% year-on-year, while building materials sales saw a decline of 8.9% [6][12]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on leading companies in the home furnishing sector, such as Oppein Home, Sophia, and Kuka Home, as well as in the paper and packaging sectors, highlighting Sun Paper and Yutong Technology as key investment opportunities [9][16].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" [2] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights that British American Tobacco's (BAT) new tobacco products are showing signs of profitability recovery, particularly the HNB product Hilo, which is expected to drive future earnings growth [2][3] - For the first half of 2025, BAT reported revenues of £12.069 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 2.2%, but a 1.8% increase when adjusted for fixed exchange rates. New tobacco product revenues remained stable at £1.651 billion, accounting for 13.7% of total revenue [2][3] - The adjusted gross margin for new tobacco products increased by 2.5 percentage points to 59.6%, which is 10 percentage points higher than traditional cigarettes, indicating a potential for continued profitability improvement [2][3] Summary by Sections Revenue Performance - In H1 2025, BAT's revenue from new tobacco products was £1.651 billion, with a stable year-on-year performance and a 2.4% increase when adjusted for fixed exchange rates. This segment accounted for 13.7% of total revenue, up 0.3 percentage points year-on-year [2] - The overall tobacco market is expected to see a 2% decline in sales volume globally in 2025, while BAT anticipates its own growth to be between 1% and 2%, with new tobacco products expected to achieve mid-single-digit growth [2] Product Performance - The vaping segment saw revenues of £740 million in H1 2025, down 15.3% year-on-year, with a volume of 250 million units sold, a decrease of 12.9%. The decline in the US was attributed to illegal disposable products and inventory disruptions, while the European market is recovering due to improved regulatory conditions [2][3] - The HNB segment generated £440 million in revenue, with a slight year-on-year increase of 0.8%. Sales volume was 10.1 billion units, up 1.6%. The APMEA region showed an 8.7% increase in HNB sales, driven by significant contributions from Japan and Kazakhstan [3] - The oral tobacco segment experienced a revenue increase of 38.1% year-on-year, reaching £470 million, with a global market share increase of 4.4 percentage points. The US market saw a remarkable revenue growth of 372% year-on-year, driven by the successful nationwide launch of Velo Plus [4] Market Outlook - The report emphasizes the potential for HNB products to continue driving growth, with a focus on product iteration and market expansion. Key companies to watch include Smoore International, China National Tobacco Corporation, and core suppliers like Xianhe Co. and Yingqu Technology [4]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight (Maintain)" [1] Core Insights - The report highlights the potential growth in the HNB (Heated Not Burned) market, particularly with the launch of Glo Hilo in Japan, which is expected to enhance sales performance and accelerate market penetration [4][5] - The report indicates that British American Tobacco's (BAT) revenue for the first half of 2025 is projected to grow by 1%-2%, driven by strong performance in the U.S. market despite an overall decline in industry retail sales [5] - The report emphasizes the importance of technological barriers in the HNB product segment, particularly in heating technology and flavoring processes, which are crucial for enhancing user experience [4] Industry Performance Over the Last Twelve Months - The industry has shown a relative return of 4.33% over the past month, 4.58% over the past three months, and 5.82% over the past twelve months compared to the CSI 300 index [2] - Absolute returns for the same periods are 4.83%, 2.59%, and 13.97% respectively [2] Related Research Reports - Previous reports include insights on the light industry manufacturing sector and the anticipated release of new products in the smart glasses market [3] - The report also references the performance outlook for British American Tobacco in the first half of 2025, focusing on new product launches and market strategies [5]