Summary of Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the performance of major players in the tobacco industry, specifically British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) as they release their annual reports [1][2]. Key Points from British American Tobacco (BAT) - **H2 Revenue**: BAT reported H2 revenue of £13.54 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.1% [1]. - **New Products Revenue**: Revenue from new products reached £1.97 billion, up 10.6% year-on-year, accounting for 14.5% of total revenue, an increase of 1.4 percentage points [1]. - **HILO Impact**: The introduction of the HILO product line has contributed to an increase in average prices, with an optimistic outlook for 2026 [1][4]. Key Points from Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) - **Q4 Revenue**: JT reported Q4 revenue of ¥833.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.2% [1]. - **New Products Revenue**: Revenue from new products was ¥312 billion, up 34.5% year-on-year, representing 3.7% of total revenue, an increase of 0.7 percentage points [1]. - **PLOOM Market Share**: The market share for PLOOM in Japan was reported at 15.7% for Q4, showing a slowdown in growth compared to previous quarters [3]. Product Performance Insights - **HNB Segment**: The HNB (Heated Not Burned) segment saw a decline in revenue and sales volume, with a year-on-year decrease of 2.1% and 10.0% respectively. However, the high-end HILO series is helping to maintain price levels [2]. - **Vapor Products**: Revenue from vapor products reached £700 million in H2, with a significant increase of 54.8% year-on-year, driven by the launch of VELO PLUS in the U.S. [2]. - **Global Expansion**: JT is accelerating its global market expansion, with new product launches in 19 countries, including the AURA product line [3][4]. Competitive Landscape - **Increased Competition**: The competition in the market is intensifying, particularly with the introduction of new products like HILO, which has affected the growth rate of PLOOM [3]. - **Market Penetration**: The penetration rates for HNB products are expected to rise, with projections of 38.0%, 42.8%, and 46.4% for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 respectively [4]. Risks and Challenges - **Industry Risks**: Potential risks include intensified competition, regulatory changes, and the possibility that global penetration rates may not meet expectations [5].

Core Viewpoint - The latest analysis on British American Tobacco p.l.c. has shifted from Buy and Strong Buy ratings to a Sell recommendation due to concerns over low growth in the New Category and competition from Philip Morris [1]. Company Analysis - British American Tobacco has experienced a decline in growth prospects, particularly in its New Category segment, which is critical for future revenue generation [1]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, especially with Philip Morris making significant strides in market share and product innovation [1]. Industry Context - The tobacco industry is facing challenges related to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures, which are impacting growth trajectories for traditional tobacco companies [1].

Core Viewpoint - A potential U.S. move to block imports of certain disposable vapes could significantly reduce the unregulated e-cigarette market by up to one-third, although any impact is not expected before 2027 [1] Group 1: Market Impact - British American Tobacco (BAT) estimates that unregulated devices account for approximately 70% of U.S. e-cigarette sales, affecting both its vaping and traditional tobacco businesses [2] - CEO Tadeu Marroco indicated that a block could lead to a decline in market sales to below 50%, equating to a reduction of roughly one-third [4] - The long supply chain and large inventories for these devices may delay the impact of any potential import block [4] Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Developments - BAT has two active cases at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) aimed at blocking imports of unregulated devices [2] - An ITC judge previously ruled in favor of BAT in a patent dispute, recommending a general exclusion order to block disposable vapes that infringe its patents [3] - A full ITC determination is expected in March, followed by a 60-day presidential review [3] Group 3: Future Regulatory Changes - There is speculation that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may initiate a program to test new approaches to vapes, potentially including flavored options [5] - The FDA has been working to expedite or streamline its processes for new nicotine product applications after years of rejecting most [5]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 2.1%, adjusted profit rose by 3.4%, adjusted profit from operations grew by 2.3%, and adjusted diluted EPS was up by 3.4% [8][17] - The company delivered results at the top end of guidance, supported by accelerated momentum through the second half of the year [6][8] - Adjusted operating profit grew by nearly 10%, driven by operating leverage and efficiency gains in combustibles [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New categories revenue grew by 7%, driven by outstanding growth in Modern Oral, which was up strongly by 48%, while Heated Products increased by 1% [8][10] - Combustibles revenue grew by 1%, with volume decline more than offset by a robust price mix across markets [9][10] - Vapor revenue declined by nearly 9%, mainly due to continued illicit pressures in the U.S. and Canada [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., combustibles revenue increased by 4.6%, with a value share increase of 30 basis points [10][11] - New category revenue in the U.S. grew nearly 20%, driven by the success of VELO+, which delivered over 300% growth [10][11] - In AME, revenue grew over 3%, with combustibles up more than 2%, supported by strong delivery in Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a predominantly smokeless business by 2035, focusing on premium innovation and quality growth [20][21] - The Fit to Win program is expected to deliver GBP 600 million of annualized incremental savings by 2028, with a focus on optimizing processes and improving execution [15][16] - The company is committed to reinvesting savings to support further sustainable growth initiatives [15][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to the Midterm Algorithm in 2026, with expectations of 3%-5% revenue growth and 4%-6% adjusted profit from operations growth [18][19] - The company is optimistic about the growth potential in Modern Oral and the performance of VELO+ in the U.S. market [22][23] - Management acknowledged challenges in the APMEA region but expects stabilization in performance as regulatory headwinds lessen [13][14] Other Important Information - The company announced an increase in share buyback to GBP 1.3 billion for 2026 and a 2% increase in dividends [3][17] - The company has delivered GBP 1.2 billion in productivity savings since 2023, helping to offset inflationary pressures [15][14] - The company remains on track to generate more than GBP 50 billion in free cash flow by the end of 2030 [18][33] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Expectations for Modern Oral performance in the U.S. for fiscal 2026 - Management believes that the strong retention rate of VELO+ and increasing average daily consumption indicate continued growth potential in the U.S. market [39][40] Question: Factors that could improve performance guidance for 2026 - Management highlighted the potential for improved enforcement in the vapor category and the expected growth in new categories as key factors for better performance [46][49] Question: Insights on heated tobacco share progression in 2026 - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape but expressed confidence in the revamped product offerings, including glo HYLO, to strengthen market position [47][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 2.1%, adjusted profit rose by 3.4%, adjusted profit from operations grew by 2.3%, and adjusted diluted EPS was up by 3.4% [8][17] - The company delivered results at the top end of guidance, supported by accelerated momentum through the second half of the year [8][18] - Adjusted profit was impacted by nearly GBP 1.6 billion in amortization related to U.S.-acquired trademarks and a net credit of GBP 524 million from the Canadian combustible industry outlook [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New categories revenue grew by 7%, driven by Modern Oral, which was up by 48%, while Heated Products increased by 1% [8][10] - Vapor revenue declined by nearly 9%, primarily due to illicit pressures in the U.S. and Canada [8][10] - Combustible revenue grew by 1%, with volume decline offset by robust price mix across markets [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., combustibles revenue increased by 4.6%, with a value share increase of 30 basis points [10][11] - New category revenue in the U.S. grew nearly 20%, driven by VELO+, which delivered over 300% growth [10][11] - In AME, revenue grew over 3%, with combustibles up more than 2%, supported by strong delivery in Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a predominantly smokeless business by 2035, focusing on premium innovation and quality growth [20][21] - The Fit to Win program is expected to deliver GBP 600 million of annualized incremental savings by 2028, with GBP 500 million expected by 2027 [15][16] - The company is committed to reinvesting savings to support further sustainable growth initiatives [15][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to the Midterm Algorithm in 2026, with expectations of 3%-5% revenue growth and 4%-6% adjusted profit from operations growth [18][19] - The company anticipates stabilization in performance in APMEA and continued investment in premium innovations [19][54] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory improvements and enforcement in the vapor category, which is expected to support future growth [31][32] Other Important Information - The company announced a 2% increase in its dividend and a share buyback increase to GBP 1.3 billion for 2026 [17][18] - The operating margin remained broadly flat at 44%, successfully offsetting inflationary and FX pressures [14][15] - The company has a strong cash generation capability, aiming to deliver more than GBP 50 billion in free cash flow by 2030 [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Modern Oral performance in the U.S. for fiscal 2026 - Management believes that the strong retention rate of 70% for VELO+ indicates competitive potential for continued growth in the U.S. market [39][40] Question: Factors that could improve performance in 2026 - Management highlighted the expectation of less drag from Australia and continued investment in premium innovations as key factors for improved performance [45][52] Question: Which category offers the most growth potential - Management expressed that Modern Oral is the most exciting category due to its rapid growth and potential in emerging markets [58][59] Question: Concerns regarding the Australian market - Management acknowledged the challenges in Australia due to increasing illicit market share but noted that the drag will lessen over time [63][64]

Building a Smokeless World Tadeu Marroco – Chief Executive | Javed Iqbal – Interim Chief Financial Officer This presentation does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire or dispose of any BAT shares or other securities. This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements, including "forward-looking" statements made within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use ...

Core Viewpoint - British American Tobacco experienced a significant increase in pretax profit driven by the rising demand for vapor and other smokeless products [1] Company Summary - The company reported a notable growth in pretax profit, indicating strong performance in its product segments [1] - The demand for vapor and smokeless products continues to rise, suggesting a shift in consumer preferences towards these alternatives [1] Industry Summary - The overall market for vapor and smokeless products is expanding, reflecting changing trends in the tobacco industry [1] - The growth in this segment may indicate a broader industry shift away from traditional smoking products [1]

分组1 - The article discusses the author's long-term investment in British American Tobacco (BTI) since 2021, highlighting a personal investment strategy focused on dividend growth and value [1] - The author previously held positions in both Altria (MO) and BTI but has since shifted focus solely to BTI [1] 分组2 - The author has over 10 years of investment experience across various industries, including finance, logistics, oil, and pharmaceuticals, with a strong educational background in accounting and business administration [1]

Group 1 - The tobacco company has decided to extend the tenure of Jobin for up to two more years after evaluating various candidates for the role [1]