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British American Tobacco PLC (BAT) operates in the Consumer Defensive sector, within the Tobacco industry, and was established through an agreement between the Imperial Tobacco Company of the United Kingdom and the American Tobacco Company of the United States. It is one of the world’s largest tobacco manufacturers, with a diversified presence across multiple segments of the tobacco and nicotine products market.
The company produces and markets cigarettes, heated tobacco, vaporizers, and oral nicotine products. Some of its most globally recognized brands include Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, and Kent, along with innovative reduced-risk products such as Vuse, Glo, and Velo.
With operations in more than 180 countries, BAT’s key markets include Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Its global structure comprises numerous subsidiaries, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers strategically located across major markets.
As part of its long-term market strategy, BAT has been diversifying its portfolio with a focus on Next Generation Products (NGPs)—including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and non-combustible nicotine alternatives. This initiative reflects the company’s broader transition toward a more sustainable business model within the tobacco and nicotine industry.
History and Founding of British American Tobacco PLC
British American Tobacco PLC (BAT) was founded in 1902 in the United Kingdom, following an agreement between the Imperial Tobacco Company (UK) and the American Tobacco Company (US). The partnership was formed to consolidate the global operations of both companies, facilitating expansion into new international markets and strengthening their presence beyond their domestic territories.
In its early years, BAT focused primarily on exporting cigarettes to emerging markets, establishing a production and distribution network across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Over subsequent decades, the company expanded rapidly, acquiring factories and consolidating its global footprint.
From the mid-20th century onward, BAT diversified its portfolio through acquisitions and the development of new brands. In 1999, the company acquired Rothmans International, adding prominent brands such as Rothmans, Dunhill, and Peter Stuyvesant to its lineup. Later, in 2017, BAT completed the acquisition of Reynolds American Inc., becoming the world’s largest publicly listed tobacco company.
In the following years, BAT intensified its investments in next-generation products—including vaporizers and heated tobacco—in response to evolving regulatory frameworks and shifting consumer preferences.
Today, British American Tobacco PLC remains one of the leading global tobacco and nicotine companies, maintaining its industry leadership through innovation, strategic diversification, and adaptation to global market transformations.
Additional Information
The Company British American Tobacco PLC (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 121.22 Billions, having an equity of $ 64.01 Billions.
With a total of 55.329 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Consumer/Non-Cyclical and categorized in industry of Smoke.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 66.70 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ -13.16 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of -9.21, a P/BV ratio of 1.89 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of BTI was at 5.41%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker BTI.
