Share research

British American Tobacco (FY Results): in-line, guidance unchanged

Strong pricing largely offset falling tobacco volumes. Oral products are driving New Category growth, but vaping still looks challenged.
British American Tobacco share research

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British American Tobacco’s underlying revenue grew by 2.1% to £25.6bn in 2025, in line with guidance. New category growth was 7.0% led by modern oral products. Combustible revenue grew in all regions except Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Underlying operating profit grew by 2.3% to £11.3bn. Free cash flow fell 48.8% to $4.0bn, impacted by a $2.6bn payment in respect of healthcare-related settlements in Canada. Underlying net debt was $31.4bn.

2026 guidance points to the lower end of medium-term targets, which are 3-5% for revenue and 4-6% for underlying operating profit.

The 2025 dividend has been raised 2% to 245.04p, to be paid in four instalments. There’s been no changes to the planned £1.3bn buyback programme for this year.

The shares were down 1.5% in early trading

Our view

HL view to follow.

British American Tobacco key facts

All ratios are sourced from LSEG Datastream, based on previous day’s closing values. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn’t be looked at on their own – it’s important to understand the big picture.

This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by LSEG. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.

This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment. No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment.

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Written by
Derren Nathan
Derren Nathan
Head of Equity Research

Derren leads our Equity Research team with more than 15 years of experience in his field. Thriving in a passionate environment, Derren finds motivation in intellectual challenges and exploring diverse ideas within his writing.

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Article history
Published: 12th February 2026