BAT(BTI) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]