British American Tobacco (BATS) News Today

British American Tobacco p.l.c. (LSE: BATS) shares have increased modestly as investors weigh stronger U.S. smokeless-product momentum and supportive broker commentary against weaker results in Malaysia and ongoing litigation risk.

• Positive Sentiment: BAT reaffirmed its 2026 outlook and said smokeless products remain the main growth engine. Velo nicotine pouches are delivering momentum in the U.S., helping support expectations for improved revenue and profit growth. British American Tobacco Reaffirms 2026 Outlook as Smokeless Products Continue to Drive Growth
• Positive Sentiment: The company reportedly raised its annual profit-growth target, with Velo’s U.S. performance providing evidence that its reduced-risk portfolio can offset declines in traditional cigarettes. BAT lifts annual profit growth target as Velo drives US momentum
• Positive Sentiment: Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its “buy” rating and set a GBX 5,100 price target, implying further upside from recent trading levels and reinforcing analyst confidence in BAT’s earnings transition. Deutsche Bank broker commentary
• Neutral Sentiment: BAT reported quarterly EPS of GBX 203.60, alongside a 16.33% return on equity and 30.23% net margin. The figures provide a profitability update, although the available report does not include comparisons with analyst forecasts or the prior-year period. British American Tobacco quarterly earnings
• Negative Sentiment: BAT Malaysia reported lower second-quarter earnings and profit, highlighting continued pressure in at least one operating market and potentially tempering the group’s overall growth profile. BAT Malaysia posts lower profit in 2Q26
• Negative Sentiment: A U.S. appeals court ruled that BAT must face class-action litigation concerning cigarette labels, creating potential legal costs and uncertainty. BAT must face class-action litigation over cigarette labels
• Negative Sentiment: A valuation indicator cited by Yahoo Finance’s earnings preview estimates roughly 38% downside, signaling that some models view BAT as expensive despite the company’s operational progress. Earnings To Watch: British American Tobacco PLC Q2 2026