13 February 2025 - Press
Release/Preliminary Results
|

|
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
|
Preliminary results for the year
ended 31 December 2024
|
Building a Smokeless
World
|
Tadeu Marroco, Chief Executive
"We are committed to Building a
Smokeless World and becoming a predominantly Smokeless business by
2035. I am confident that we have the right strategy, science,
innovation, breadth of capabilities and people to achieve this
ambition and deliver long-term sustainable value for all our
stakeholders.
2024 was an investment year with
delivery in line with our guidance. We continued our transformation
this year, adding 3.6 million adult consumers (to a total of 29.1
million) of our Smokeless products, which now account for 17.5% of
Group revenue, an increase of 1.0 ppts vs FY23.
Our performance has accelerated in
the second half, driven by the phasing of New Categories innovation
and the benefits of investment in U.S. commercial actions, together
with the unwind of related wholesaler inventory
movements.
Our focus on Quality Growth
delivered better returns on more targeted investments across all
three New Categories, and our prioritisation and focus is already
transforming our business performance in Europe. We made further
progress on increasing profitability across New Categories, and I
am particularly pleased with our performance in Modern
Oral.
In the U.S., our targeted
investments have strengthened the business, despite a challenging
macro-economic backdrop and a growing presence of illicit
single-use vapour products. Through our commercial actions, we
started to improve our performance with sharper execution and
we are opening up untapped growth opportunities, particularly
related to Modern Oral. We have achieved another strong performance
in AME and APMEA, with their combined results delivering in line
with our mid-term algorithm.
We are making good progress and
while there is still more to do, I am certain that the investment
actions taken in 2024 are the right way forward for BAT. Our
foundations are strong and we will continue to reward shareholders
through our strong cash returns, including our progressive dividend
and sustainable share buy-back.
In 2025, while we expect
significant regulatory and fiscal headwinds in Bangladesh and
Australia to impact our combustibles performance, I am confident
that we will progressively build on our delivery as we shift from
investment to deployment and we remain committed to returning
to our mid-term guidance of 3-5% revenue and 4-6% adjusted profit
from operations* growth on a constant currency in 2026."
Summary
- Revenue down 5.2%,
driven by the sale of our businesses in Russia
and Belarus in September 2023 and translational FX
headwinds
- Organic revenue up
1.3% (at constant rates), driven by New
Categories revenue up 8.9%
- Total
combustibles organic revenue increased 0.1% (at constant rates), as organic price/mix of +5.3% was offset
by 5.2% lower volume
- Reported profit from
operations of £2,736m (2023: loss of £15,751m) with 2024 including a provision of £6.2 billion in respect
of the proposed settlement in Canada, while 2023 was negatively
impacted by one-off impairment charges largely in the
U.S.
- Adjusted organic profit
from operations up 1.4% (at constant
rates), driven by
AME and APMEA
- New Categories
contribution increased by £251 million on
an adjusted organic, constant FX basis, with category contribution
margin now at 7.1%, an
increase of 7.1 ppts on
2023
- Reported diluted EPS at
136.0p; adjusted organic diluted EPS up 3.6% (at constant rates)
- Free cash flow of £7,901
million; adjusted net debt / adjusted
EBITDA down 0.13x to 2.44x (down 0.3x at constant
rates)
- Dividend growth of 2.0% to
240.24p - with £900 million share buy-back planned in 2025
- Continued Sustainability
progress - launched OmniTM, a
major global initiative to help in making a Smokeless World a
reality
Performance highlights
|
Reported
|
|
Adjusted2
|
|
Adjusted2
Organic3
|
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Current
|
vs 2023
|
|
Current
|
vs 2023
|
|
vs 2023
|
|
rates
|
(current)
|
|
rates
|
(constant)
|
|
(constant)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cigarette and HP volume
share
|
|
+10
bps
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cigarette and HP value
share
|
|
-30
bps
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumers of Smokeless
products1
|
29.1m
|
+3.6m
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue (£m)
|
£25,867m
|
-5.2%
|
|
£25,867m
|
-0.5%
|
|
+1.3%
|
Revenue from New Categories
(£m)
|
£3,432m
|
+2.5%
|
|
£3,432m
|
+6.1%
|
|
+8.9%
|
Smokeless revenue as a % of total
revenue (%)
|
|
|
|
17.5%
|
+1.0
ppts
|
|
|
Profit from operations
(£m)
|
£2,736m
|
n/m
|
|
£11,890m
|
-0.2%
|
|
+1.4%
|
Adjusted gross profit growth
(%)
|
|
|
|
|
+0.5%
|
|
+2.2%
|
Category contribution - New
Categories (£m)
|
|
|
|
£249m
|
n/m
|
|
n/m
|
Category contribution margin - New
Categories (%)**
|
|
|
|
7.1%
|
+6.6
ppts
|
|
+7.1
ppts
|
Operating margin (%)
|
+10.6%
|
68.3
ppts
|
|
+46.0%
|
+10
bps
|
|
flat
|
Diluted earnings per share
(pence)
|
136.0p
|
n/m
|
|
362.5p
|
+1.7%
|
|
+3.6%
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities (£m)
|
£10,125m
|
-5.5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free cash pre-dividend
(£m)
|
|
|
|
£7,901m
|
-5.5%
|
|
|
Cash conversion (%)
|
+370%
|
+438
ppts
|
|
+101%
|
30
bps
|
|
|
Borrowings including lease
liabilities (£m)
|
£36,950m
|
-7.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net debt to adjusted
EBITDA ratio
|
|
|
|
2.44x
|
-0.13x
|
|
|
Dividend per share
(pence)
|
240.24
|
+2.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
The use of non-GAAP measures,
including adjusting items and constant currencies, are further
discussed from page 49, with reconciliation from the most comparable IFRS measure
provided.
Notes: 1. Internal estimate, see
page 43 for a
discussion on the revision to prior
estimates. 2. See page 29 for discussion on adjusting
items. 3. Organic measures exclude the performance of businesses
sold (including the Group's Russian and Belarusian businesses) or
acquired, or that have an enduring structural change impacting
performance that may significantly affect the users' understanding
of the Group's performance in the current and comparator periods to
ensure like-for-like assessment across all periods.
* Due to the
uncertainty around the timing of any settlement in Canada, the
Group will present certain measures excluding the profit earned
from ITCAN (except for New Categories) for 2025, with 2024
comparatives rebased accordingly. Please refer to page
18. ** measure presented
at constant rates only. n/m refers to movements that are not
meaningful as prior year was a loss.
Our medium-term growth algorithm
Soraya Benchikh, Chief Financial Officer
"I am delighted to present my
first full-year results as the Chief Financial Officer. I am
confident that we will deliver on our financial ambitions,
and I share the passion and conviction of our people to Build a
Smokeless World. I am also committed to ensuring our transformation
will maximise returns for our shareholders. In order to achieve
this, our key financial focus areas are:
- Fuelling our transformation by
maximising sustainable value from combustibles, using our scale and
efficiencies to release cash;
- Deploying capital in a
disciplined and targeted manner in the largest profit pools, with a
focus on return on investment;
- Strengthening our financial
position by reducing debt, providing us with greater financial
resilience;
- A balanced capital allocation
approach, prioritising our transformation while delivering a
progressive dividend; and
- Maintaining a sustainable
share buy-back programme.
We aim to drive performance using
KPIs across our business units - ensuring we create shareholder
value throughout the Group.
We are already seeing results and
expect to progressively improve our performance in 2025 and return
to our medium-term algorithm of 3-5% revenue and 4-6% adjusted
profit from operations growth* on a constant currency basis by
2026*.
Our algorithm is built around five
key pillars, with 2024 highlights below:
1. Drive quality revenue
growth
We are committed to maximising
sustainable value from our combustibles business while driving
growth in our New Categories through innovation and
premiumisation.
- Revenue was down 5.2%, due to the sale of our businesses in Russia and
Belarus in 2023 and translational FX headwinds.
- Combustibles pricing
remained robust with Group organic price/mix of +5.3% in 2024.
However, excluding the impact of currency, our reported
combustibles revenue was down 1.6%. This was driven by lower
combustibles volume (down 9.0%) largely due to the impact of the
sale of our businesses in Russia and Belarus partway through 2023
and the challenging market in the U.S., where volume was 10.1%
lower. On an organic, constant rate basis, combustibles revenue was
largely in line with the prior year (marginally up
0.1%).
- New Categories organic
revenue was up 8.9% (at constant rates)
with revenue growth across all three regions.
2. Increase adjusted gross
profit
We are focused on continuing to
expand our adjusted gross profit through revenue growth management
and scale benefits.
- Total adjusted organic gross
profit at constant rates, grew by £396 million, an increase of 2.2%
compared to 2023.
- Our combustibles portfolio has
remained resilient, with adjusted organic gross profit marginally
higher (up 0.3% at constant
rates).
- Our New Categories
business is the main driver of Group growth, delivering improvement
in the last four years. This momentum continued in 2024 with an
increase in adjusted gross profit of 19.8% (on an organic basis at
constant rates), driven by volume growth, revenue growth management
and cost optimisation.
3. Accelerate New Category
contribution
We will continue to invest in our
transformation and focus on the right opportunities in key growth
areas - evaluating spend effectiveness to maximise returns, freeing
up resources for growth and incremental profit.
- In 2024, we increased New
Category contribution by £251 million (at organic constant rates),
with New Category contribution margin reaching 7.1%, up 7.1
ppts.
4. Generate sustainable adjusted
profit from operations growth
We are committed to disciplined
cost management and continue to explore opportunities to optimise
our footprint.
- Adjusted organic profit from operations was up 1.4% (at
constant rates) in 2024. This is supported by strict cost
management. In 2024, we delivered savings of £402 million to
largely offset the impact of 6.5% (or £387 million) inflation
on our cost base mainly due to higher leaf prices (impacted by
adverse weather conditions) and manufacturing costs (labour and
utilities). We have committed to deliver cost savings of over £1.2
billion in the three years to 2025 (with over 70% delivered to
date) and an additional £2 billion from 2026 to 2030.
5. Deliver in excess of
£50 billion of free cash flow (2024-2030)
BAT is a highly cash generative
company. We have delivered 100% operating cash conversion over the
last five years, with 101% conversion in 2024, well ahead of our
90% target. In 2024, the Group generated £7.9 billion of free cash
flow before dividends.
In 2025, we will face challenges
including FII GLO repayments and potential settlement payments in
connection with ITCAN's outstanding litigation in Canada. Excluding
those items, we expect BAT to generate over £8 billion of average
annual free cash flow, growing at least in line with adjusted
profit from operations.
We have returned £28 billion to
shareholders over the last five years, through our progressive
dividend and sustainable share buy-back, starting with £0.7 billion
in 2024 with a further £0.9 billion committed for 2025. We have
continued to reduce our leverage and closed the year within our
target range, with an adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of
2.44x, or 2.75x excluding the provision for cash, cash equivalents
and investments held at fair value in Canada."
2025 Outlook
- Global tobacco industry volume
expected to be down c.2%.
- c.1% revenue growth (at
constant rates), as we navigate increased excise and VAT in
Bangladesh and new tobacco regulations in Australia.
- 1.5-2.5% adjusted profit
from operations growth (adjusted for Canada, at constant rates)*,
including an expected c.1.5% transactional FX headwind.
- Performance expected to be
second half weighted as we deploy our innovations throughout the
year.
- Net finance costs*
expected to be around £1.8 billion (adjusted for
Canada).
- The impact of
translational foreign exchange is expected to be broadly flat on
full year adjusted profit from operations growth.
- Operating cash flow
conversion in excess of 90%, with gross capital expenditure in 2025
of approximately £650 million.
- Continue to deleverage
(adjusted for Canada) to our 2.0-2.5x adjusted net debt/adjusted
EBITDA corridor by 2026.
- Commitment to dividend
growth in sterling terms and £900 million share
buy-back.
* Due to the
uncertainty around the timing of any settlement in Canada, the
Group will present certain measures excluding the profit earned
from ITCAN (except for New Categories) for 2025, with 2024
comparatives rebased accordingly. Please refer to page
18.
Group Operating Review
Total Group volume and revenue
Prior year data is provided in the
tables on pages 48 and 50.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Volume
|
|
Revenue
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
|
Current
|
Exchange
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
Unit
|
vs
2023
|
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,432
|
+2.5%
|
119
|
3,551
|
+6.1%
|
|
3,551
|
+8.9%
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
616
|
-5.9%
|
|
-5.9%
|
|
1,721
|
-5.1%
|
44
|
1,765
|
-2.6%
|
|
1,765
|
-2.5%
|
Heated Products (sticks
bn)
|
20.9
|
-11.6%
|
|
-0.3%
|
|
921
|
-7.6%
|
51
|
972
|
-2.5%
|
|
972
|
+5.8%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
8.3
|
+55.0%
|
|
+56.1%
|
|
790
|
+46.6%
|
24
|
814
|
+51.0%
|
|
814
|
+53.2%
|
Traditional Oral (stick eq
bn)
|
6.1
|
-8.2%
|
|
-8.2%
|
|
1,092
|
-6.0%
|
31
|
1,123
|
-3.4%
|
|
1,123
|
-3.4%
|
Total Smokeless
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,524
|
+0.3%
|
150
|
4,674
|
+3.6%
|
|
4,674
|
+5.7%
|
Cigarettes (sticks bn)
|
505
|
-8.9%
|
|
-5.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTP incl RYO/MYO (stick eq
bn)
|
13
|
-11.2%
|
|
-11.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Combustibles
|
518
|
-9.0%
|
|
-5.2%
|
|
20,685
|
-6.4%
|
1,063
|
21,748
|
-1.6%
|
|
21,748
|
+0.1%
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
658
|
-1.0%
|
71
|
729
|
+9.7%
|
|
729
|
+10.1%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,867
|
-5.2%
|
1,284
|
27,151
|
-0.5%
|
|
27,151
|
+1.3%
|
Cigarettes and HP (sticks
bn)
|
526
|
-9.0%
|
|
-4.8%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
Movement in Revenue
The following chart is in
£m
Reported revenue decreased by 5.2%
to £25,867 million, largely due to:
- The sale of
the Group's businesses in Russia and Belarus partway through 2023,
with £479 million revenue included in the prior year;
and
- A translational foreign
exchange headwind of 4.7%.
Excluding such items, on an
organic, constant rates basis, revenue from our New Categories was
up 8.9%, with combustibles marginally higher (up 0.1%) as price/mix
of +5.3% was largely offset by a 5.2% decline in volume, which was
impacted by the supply chain disruption in Sudan and market exits
(in West Africa).
Global duty paid industry
cigarette volume was estimated to be down by c.2%.
In our Top markets, Group
cigarette volume share was up 20 bps, with value share 20 bps lower
vs 2023.
The following analysis is on an
organic, constant currency basis, which we believe reflects the
operational performance of the Group:
- In the U.S., revenue was
down 3.4% as cigarette pricing and New Categories growth of 4.6%
were more than offset by 10.1% lower cigarette volume. The
cigarette industry volume was 8.4% lower (on a sales to wholesaler
basis) due to the continued macro-economic pressures on consumer
spending, with a growth in the deep-discounted category (in which
the Group is not present) and lack of
enforcement against illicit single-use Vapour products.
Our New Categories revenue in the
U.S. was driven by:
- Vapour, the Group
maintained leadership in value share (of closed system consumables,
including single-use Vapour products in tracked channels) despite a
decline of 2.0 ppts to 50.2%. The growth of illicit single-use
Vapour products continues to negatively impact the legal market
with industry volumes in rechargeable closed systems down c. 9%.
Consequently, our Vapour revenue was 0.8% lower than 2023 as
price/mix (+2.9%) was more than offset by consumables volume which
was down 3.7%; and
- Modern Oral, as volume
grew 234%, with
volume share up 2.1 ppts to 6.6%, delivering higher
revenue, which was up 232%, driven by the traction of our
refreshed Velo brand expression and Grizzly Modern Oral
roll-out;
- In AME, revenue grew 4.9%,
driven by combustibles (up 3.6%, underpinned by a robust price/mix
of +5.7%) and New Categories which were up 11.9% (driven by Modern
Oral despite a decline in Vapour revenue in Canada where a lack of
enforcement of illegal single-use products following the flavour
ban in the province of Québec has impacted volumes); and
- In APMEA, revenue was up
5.4%, as growth in Saudi Arabia, Japan, Nigeria and Pakistan more
than offset the impact of lower volume in Bangladesh, Australia and
Sudan (with the latter driven by the supply chain disruption due to
the ongoing conflict in that country).
On an organic, constant rate
basis, Group revenue was up 1.3% to £27,151 million (2023: £26,804
million).
Please refer to pages
7 to 9 for a further discussion on the
performance by category and pages 10 to 12 for discussion on regional
performance.
Group Operating Review
Continued
Profit from operations, operating margin and category
contribution
Reconciliation of Profit from
Operations and Operating Margin, to adjusted profit from operations
at constant rates of exchange
Further details and prior year
data are provided in the table on page 53.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Reported
|
|
Adj.
|
Exchange
|
Adjusted
|
|
Adjusted
Organic
|
Current
|
|
|
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
Profit from Operations (PfO)
|
2,736
|
n/m
|
|
9,154
|
549
|
12,439
|
-0.2%
|
|
12,439
|
+1.4%
|
Operating Margin
|
10.6%
|
68.3
ppts
|
|
|
|
45.8%
|
10
bps
|
|
45.8%
|
flat
|
PfO delivered by
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Categories contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
251
|
n/m
|
|
251
|
n/m
|
Rest of the Business
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,188
|
-2.1%
|
|
12,188
|
-0.7%
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
n/m refers to movements that are
not meaningful
Movement in Profit/(loss) from
Operations
The following chart is in
£m
Profit from operations and operating margin
Profit from operations was a
profit of £2.7 billion compared to a loss in 2023 of £15.8 billion.
The improvement was due to:
- A net decrease in
amortisation, depreciation and impairment charges of
£25,513 million. In 2024, such charges were
£3,101 million, as the U.S. combustible brands commenced
amortisation from 1 January 2024 (£1,427 million) with an
impairment charge of £646 million in respect of Camel Snus. In
2023, this was a total charge of £28,614 million, which
included impairment charges of £22,992 million in respect of
certain acquired U.S. brands and £4,614 million which included
the impairment of U.S. goodwill;
- Charges in respect of the
anticipated settlement in Canada (£6,203 million), including £2,456
million in respect of cash and cash equivalents and investments
held at fair value, on the Group's balance sheet at 31 December
2024;
- A charge of £449 million
following the conclusion of an excise assessment in
Romania;
- Impairment of fixed assets
of £149 million in respect of the Group's head office in London and
the Group's intention to seek an orderly exit from Cuba (discussed
on page 20);
- A translational foreign
exchange headwind of 4.4% due to the
relative strength of sterling against the Group's operating
currencies; and
- 6.5% (or
£387 million) inflation on our cost base (mainly related to
leaf and manufacturing costs), while absorbing a £136 million
transactional foreign exchange headwind.
In September 2023, the Group
completed the sale of its businesses in Russia and Belarus. These
businesses contributed £193 million to the Group's financial
performance in 2023 (£nil in 2024), thereby acting as a headwind to
the comparative performance of 2024. The Group also recognised a
charge of £353 million relating to the sale that did not repeat in
2024.
Our Group operating margin was
10.6% in 2024, compared to -57.7% in 2023, largely due to the
amortisation and impairment charges referred to above.
The following analysis is on an
organic, adjusted constant rate basis, which we believe reflects
the operational performance of the Group:
- In the U.S., adjusted
profit from operations was down 3.5% to £6,580 million, largely due
to the impact of lower combustibles volume and commercial
initiatives;
- In AME, adjusted profit
from operations increased 7.5%, driven by Türkiye, Germany,
Romania, the UK, the Nordics, Switzerland and Italy, which more
than offset reductions in Canada; and
- In APMEA, adjusted profit
from operations increased by 7.5%, driven by Japan, Indonesia,
Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and asset sales in West Africa, including
as related to the Group's exit from Mali. These more than offset a
decline in Australia and the impact of supply chain disruptions in
Sudan.
In aggregate, adjusted organic
profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was up 1.4%
with adjusted organic operating margin flat at constant rates
of exchange.
For a full discussion on the
performance by region, please see pages 10 to 12.
Group Operating Review
Continued
Earnings per share
The following chart is in pence
per share
Note:
The abbreviation "PFO" relates to
Profit from Operations. NFC and Hybrid referred to above relates to
Net Finance Costs (NFC) and Hybrid bonds. Please refer to
page 13.
* In 2023, the Group
reported a loss for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33,
the impact of share options would be antidilutive and is therefore
excluded, for 2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share, calculated in accordance with IFRS. For remuneration
purposes, and reflective of the Group's positive earnings on an
adjusted basis, Management included the dilutive effect of
share options in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per
share.
Basic earnings per share were
136.7p compared to a loss of 646.6p in 2023, driven by:
- The net reduction in
non-cash amortisation and impairment charges in respect of goodwill
and trademarks, partly offset by the other items in profit from
operations discussed on page 4;
- A gain of
£1,361 million recognised in respect of the partial sale of
the Group's investment in ITC Ltd. (ITC) (see page
32); and
- A net credit of £590 million
related to the debt liability management exercise undertaken in the
first half of 2024 (see page 32).
Basic and diluted earnings per
share also benefited from a reduction in the number of shares, as
the Group bought back and cancelled 27,392,429 shares as part of
the £700 million share buy-back programme.
Before adjusting items and
including the dilutive effect of employee share schemes, adjusted
diluted earnings per share decreased by 3.5% to 362.5p (2023:
375.6p). On a constant translational foreign exchange basis,
adjusted diluted earnings per share were 1.7% higher at 381.9p,
being an increase of 3.6% on an adjusted, organic basis. For a full
reconciliation of diluted earnings per share to adjusted diluted
earnings per share, at constant rates, and adjusted diluted organic
earnings per share, at constant rates, please see page
56.
Cash/Capital allocation
The Group continues to be highly
cash generative, delivering another year of operating cash
conversion in excess of our 90% guidance at 101%. We continued to
make good progress in deleveraging the Group, reaching our
narrowed 2.0-2.5x adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA range,
with a leverage ratio of 2.44x in 2024.
Liquidity remains strong with
average centrally managed debt maturity close to 10 years, and a
fixed debt profile of 78%. Our medium-term rating target remains
Baa1, BBB+ and BBB+, with a current rating of Baa1 (stable
outlook), BBB+ (stable outlook), BBB+ (stable outlook), from
Moody's, S&P and Fitch, respectively. The Group expects gross
capital expenditure in 2025 of approximately £650 million,
mainly related to the ongoing investments in the Group's
operational infrastructure, including the expansion of our New
Categories portfolio and enhancements to our Modern Oral
capacity.
Our active capital allocation
framework considers the continued investment in our transformation,
the macro environment, and potential future litigation and
regulatory outcomes.
We continue to expect to deliver
in excess of £50 billion of free cash flow before dividends
between 2024 and 2030.
We understand the importance of
cash returns to shareholders, and remain committed to our
progressive dividend based upon 65% of long-term sustainable
earnings. Furthermore, in March 2024, we completed the monetisation
of a portion of our ITC stake, lowering our holding from 29.02% (31
December 2023) to 25.45% at 31 December 2024 and enabling the
initiation of a sustainable share buy-back, starting with £700
million in 2024 and £900 million in 2025.
However, we are aware of and
recognise future uncertainty surrounding a number of ongoing
litigation and regulatory challenges:
- with respect to the Franked
Investment Income Group Litigation Order (described on page
40): we have agreed to
repay £0.8 billion to HMRC (being the difference between the
amounts received (£0.9 billion net of tax) plus accrued interest,
and the amount determined in the July 2021 judgment (£0.3
billion)). This will be paid in instalments. £50 million was paid
in 2024, while £479 million will be paid in 2025, £222 million in
2026 and £43 million in 2027 (as previously disclosed). We continue
to believe we have strong evidence-based arguments to support our
remaining claim; and
- in Canada, where, as described
on page 18,
during 2024, the court-appointed mediator's and monitors' plans of
compromise and arrangement for ITCAN and other tobacco companies to
settle all claims and litigation relating to tobacco in Canada (the
Proposed Plans) were filed and subsequently approved by the
requisite majorities of the creditors. Under the Proposed Plans, if
ultimately approved by the Court and then implemented,
substantially all of the cash, cash equivalents and investments
held at fair value on the balance sheet in Canada would be paid as
part of the settlement together with further payments in future
years based upon the performance of the tobacco companies excluding
their New Categories portfolios. At 31 December 2024, ITCAN had a
balance of £2,072 million related to restricted cash and cash
equivalents and £437 million related to restricted investments held
at fair value. Excluding such balances and the adjusted
EBITDA earned in Canada from our assessment of leverage would
increase our ratio of adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA to
2.75x.
Group Operating Review
Continued
Sustainability performance update
We seek to take a leading role in
tackling some of the biggest global challenges in sustainability.
We aim to do so by responsibly Building a Smokeless World, reducing
our use of natural resources, and delivering our climate goals as
we transition to A Better Tomorrow™. We strive to create a
meaningful impact in the communities where we operate and inspire
all our employees to drive change. In 2024, we refined our
Sustainability Strategy to better address our material topics and
continue to deliver value to our stakeholders, focused on five
strategic impact areas: Tobacco Harm Reduction, Climate,
Nature, Circularity and Communities.
We have received a Triple-A rating from CDP for our 2024 disclosures on
Climate Change, Water Security and Forest, reflecting our
commitment to environmental transparency and action.
TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION (THR): To
migrate adult smokers from cigarettes to smokeless
products.
We continue to transform our
business and made significant progress on our goals. In 2024,
we launched Omni™, our evidence-based manifesto for change, which
captures our commitment and progress towards creating A Better
Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. We also
published our 'Commitment to Responsible Vaping Products' to tackle
pressing societal concerns such as underage access, product safety
and the enforcement of regulation1.
CLIMATE: To transition towards a
low-carbon economy.
Our 2030 near-term Science-Based
Targets (SBTs) are in line with a 1.5°C warming pathway and
underpinned by commitments across energy, waste, water and
nature.
During 2024, in line with our
climate transition efforts, we submitted Net Zero Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions targets for validation to the Science Based Targets
initiative (SBTi).
We continue to make progress
towards our Scope 1 and 2 emission reduction targets. Energy
reduction initiatives and increasing the use of renewable fuels
resulted in a 42.6% reduction in these emissions vs our 2020
baseline. We are making progress against our Scope 3 emissions
which reduced by 11% year-on-year. Our Supplier Enablement
programme has proven instrumental, guiding our suppliers to
decarbonise their own operations. By the end of 2024, 23.5%
of our suppliers of purchased goods and services by spend
had SBTs in place, and an additional 17.3% have committed to
setting them.
NATURE: To contribute to a Nature
Positive2 Future.
In line with the Science-Based
Targets Network (AR3T framework), we have adopted a mitigation
hierarchy for our nature commitments.
Our Global Leaf Agronomy
Development (GLAD) centre continues to promote the use of
agricultural technologies and practices. In Brazil, we introduced a
satellite monitoring system to detect potential deforestation or
conversion cases by tracking forest cover changes over time. Our
recently developed regenerative agriculture framework will be
piloted in 2025. It includes a methodology for
assessing and prioritising local risks and the monitoring of
progress on the regeneration of the farmland ecosystem.
We continue to prioritise water stewardship initiatives across our
own operations. We met our 2025 target for reduction in water
withdrawn two years early and continue to work on maintaining this
target, achieving a 47.4% reduction in 2024 (vs our 2017
baseline).
CIRCULARITY: To reduce
the use of virgin raw materials.
We continue to enhance our
material science and design capabilities to improve the circularity
of our products and packaging.
In 2024, we introduced and began
testing a set of ecodesign principles, which will provide insights
to support the reduction of our environmental impacts across the
product life cycle. In France, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and the UK,
we recently launched two variants of Velo cans that were certified
by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification for
using bio-plastic or Post-Consumer Resin plastic through a mass
balance approach3. Additionally in Nottinghamshire, UK,
we have partnered with a waste management company to pilot a
collection and recycling programme for used vapour
products.
COMMUNITIES: To support the
livelihoods and the resilience of our communities.
We continue to work with
stakeholders in communities where we operate, implementing
community-focused initiatives.
In 2024, our 'Living Income'
methodology was revised to better represent living costs in rural
areas and are in the process of co-creating action plans with
suppliers to target key income drivers for farmers.
We continued to work with the
Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) as a Supporter Member. This
gives us access to the Responsible Mineral Initiative and
RBA-approved auditors who conduct on-site labour audits of our
suppliers.
Across our own workforce, we
maintained our year-on-year consistency in compensating men and
women within 1% of each other, as well as Ethnically Diverse and
Non-ethnically Diverse groups (as defined on page
43) within 1% of one
another for performing the same work or work of equal
value.
1. bat.com/commitment-to-responsible-vaping-products.
2. According to The Nature Positive Initiative,
'Nature Positive' is a goal which refers to measurable outcomes
that contribute to halting and reversing nature loss with
significant benefits to society
(https://www.naturepositive.org/about/the-initiative)
3. 'Mass
balance' is a principle that matches inputs (such as plastic waste)
with outputs from a recycling or production process, to determine
the recycled content (source:
https://zerowasteeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rpa_2021_mass_balance_booklet-2.pdf).
Enquiries
For more information, please
contact
Investor Relations:
Victoria Buxton +44 (0)20 7845
2012
Amy Chamberlain +44 (0)20 7845
1124
John Harney+44 (0)20 7845
1263
BAT IR Team IR_Team@bat.com
|
Press Office:
+44 (0)20 7845 2888 |
@BATplc
BAT Media team
|
|
|
Webcast and Q&A
session:
BAT will hold a live webcast for
investors and analysts at 9.30am (GMT) on 13 February 2025,
hosted by Tadeu Marroco, Chief Executive, and Soraya Benchikh,
Chief Financial Officer. The presentation will be followed by a
Q&A session. The webcast and presentation slides will be
available to view on our website at www.bat.com/latestresults.
If you prefer to listen via conference call, please use the
following dial-in details (participant passcode: BAT FY
24).
Standard International: +44 (0) 33
0551 0200
|
SA (toll free): 0 800 980
512
|
UK (toll free): 0808 109
0701
|
U.S. (toll free): 866 571
0905
|
Video: Chief Executive and CFO's
take on Full-Year 2024 Results: To watch highlights of this year's
results, please visit: www.bat.com/highlights-video-fy24
Category Performance Review
Please see page
50 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
All references to volume share or
value share movement in the following discussion are compared to
2023. See page 42 for a discussion on the use of these measures.
Our products as sold in the U.S.,
including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject
to FDA regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to
these products without agency clearance.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Volume
|
|
Revenue
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
|
Current
|
Exchange
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
Unit
|
vs
2023
|
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,432
|
+2.5%
|
119
|
3,551
|
+6.1%
|
|
3,551
|
+8.9%
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
616
|
-5.9%
|
|
-5.9%
|
|
1,721
|
-5.1%
|
44
|
1,765
|
-2.6%
|
|
1,765
|
-2.5%
|
HP (sticks bn)
|
20.9
|
-11.6%
|
|
-0.3%
|
|
921
|
-7.6%
|
51
|
972
|
-2.5%
|
|
972
|
+5.8%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
8.3
|
+55.0%
|
|
+56.1%
|
|
790
|
+46.6%
|
24
|
814
|
+51.0%
|
|
814
|
+53.2%
|
New Categories contribution*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
251
|
n/m
|
|
251
|
n/m
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
*New Categories contribution is
presented above on adjusted and adjusted organic bases, in each
case at constant rates of exchange.
n/m refers to movements that are
not meaningful
Vapour - Maintained global value share* leadership, U.S. illicit
Vapour headwinds persist
- BAT maintained global
leadership in tracked channels with value
share of 40.0% in Top Vapour markets**, down 1.2 ppts vs 2023, with
strong gains in Europe more than offset by the
U.S. and Canada.
- Vapour
is the largest contributor to New Category usage, reaching
11.9 million adult consumers, adding 0.1 million in
2024.
- Our new range of
innovative products, which reached the market in Q4 2024, are
performing well, driven by key consumer-focused features, including
enhanced sensorials and a removable battery in many of our
single-use products.
- Four of the seven Top Vapour markets are
profitable (on a category contribution basis), driven by increased
scale and marketing spend effectiveness, as we continue to focus on
delivering Quality Growth.
Vapour volume declined 5.9% vs
2023, with revenue down 5.1% to £1,721 million, or down 2.5% on an
organic constant currency basis, driven by lack of enforcement of
illegal flavoured single-use Vapour products in the U.S. and the
impact of the flavour ban and current lack of enforcement on
illegally sold products in the province of Québec in
Canada.
In the U.S., the world's largest
Vapour market, the Group maintained leadership in value share
(of closed system consumables, including single-use Vapour products
in tracked channels) despite a decline of 2.0 ppts to 50.2%.
Revenue was down 0.8% on a constant currency basis, driven by
continued lack of enforcement of illegal flavoured and single-use
products. While we estimate illicit Vapour products to be almost
70% of the total U.S. Vapour market, we are encouraged
by:
- The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) increasing frequency of warning letters,
seizures and penalties;
- Implementation of Vapour directories in three states, with an
additional 11 states having passed Vapour directory and enforcement
legislation, with staggered implementation up to Q4 2025;
and
- Continued signs of illicit
products volume decline in Louisiana, the first state to implement
a Vapour directory and enforcement legislation in October 2023,
with Vuse Alto capturing the majority of the volume outflow back
into the legal segment.
Much more effective enforcement is
needed to drive a meaningful impact. This is why we have taken the
proactive step of filing two complaints with the U.S. International
Trade Commission. One of those complaints-based on patents-is
ongoing and under investigation. The other complaint-based on
unfair competition-was strategically withdrawn so we can re-file to
introduce new evidence that would increase the likelihood of a
favourable outcome.
In AME, our Vapour volume declined
by 11.5% and revenue was down 10.8%, (a decline of 8.6% on an
organic constant currency basis) largely due to Canada where a lack
of enforcement of illegal single-use products following the flavour
ban in the province of Québec has impacted
volumes. Vuse Go Reload, our new rechargeable
closed system, with enhanced sensorials, longer lasting battery and
device lock is performing well in Europe. The rechargeable closed system
segment began to return to growth at industry level in Europe. We
are well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum with global
leadership in the rechargeable closed segment, with value share of
59.9%.
Effective regulation and
enforcement of Vapour products will remain a key focus to unlock
the full potential of the category. In addition to the enforcement
issues in the U.S. and in the province of
Québec in Canada, we believe there is a lack of enforcement
regarding the 2ml tank liquid capacity limit in the UK, both of
which continue to negatively impact the legitimate
market.
Following the Mexican Government's
decision to ban the sale of Vapour products, Vuse will no longer be
sold in Mexico. We believe this decision is counter to the goal of
reducing smoking rates, a goal we share. Smokeless products,
including Vapour products, are associated with an accelerated
decline in smoking prevalence.
In APMEA, total Vapour consumables
volume grew strongly by 19.1%, with revenue up 19.6%, or 23.7% on
organic constant currency basis, driven by South Korea and New
Zealand.
* Based on
estimated value share in measured retail for Vapour (i.e., value
share of rechargeable closed systems consumables and disposables
sales in retail) in the Top Vapour markets.
** Top Vapour markets are
defined as the Top markets by Vapour industry revenue and account
for c.80% of global Vapour industry revenue in 2024. Top markets
are the U.S., Canada, France, the UK, Spain, Poland and Germany.
The Top markets were revised in 2024, with an increase in value
share in respect of 2023 to 41.2%. Also in 2024, the Group changed
from Marlin to Retail Scan Data for the U.S. Vapour market, with
the Group's Vapour value share in 2023 rebased to 52.1%.
Category Performance Review
Continued
Heated Products (HP) - Innovation pipeline starts to deliver
performance recovery
- glo volume declined 11.6%,
with revenue down 7.6% negatively impacted by the disposal of our
businesses in Russia and Belarus partway through 2023 and
translational foreign exchange. On an organic basis, volume
declined 0.3% with revenue up 5.8% at constant rates of
exchange.
- Industry HP category
volume growth of 12%, slowed from 13% in 2023, mainly due to slower
growth in key European markets.
- glo volume share in Top
markets* declined 40 bps to 16.7% vs 110 bps decline in
2023.
- Continued HP category
volume share gains in Poland and the Czech Republic, and
stabilisation in Italy, offset by heightened competitive activity
in Japan and South Korea.
- New innovations, glo Hyper
Pro and improved consumables are driving improved organic financial
performance.
- veo, our non-tobacco
consumables range, continues to outperform peers.
glo volume declined by 11.6% (down
0.3% on an organic basis). Reported revenue declined by 7.6% due to
the sale of our Russian and Belarusian businesses last year. On an
organic, constant rate basis, revenue grew 5.8%. glo continues to
show signs of category volume share improvement in Poland and the
Czech Republic and stabilisation in Italy. However, this was offset
by the highly competitive markets in Japan and South Korea and the
deprioritisation of the super-slim format in both markets, leading
to glo's HP category volume share in Top HP markets being down 40
bps to 16.7%.
In AME, volume was down 24.6%, or
excluding the sale of the Group's businesses in Russia and Belarus
in 2023, this was a decline of 0.4%. Reported revenue was
down 12.2%, or up 6.1% on an organic basis at constant rates of
exchange, due to growth in Germany, Poland and Italy.
In APMEA, volume declined 0.2%,
with revenue down 2.8%. However, on a constant currency basis this
was an increase of 5.6% driven by the strength of our innovations
and activation of our commercial plans in Japan.
Hyper Pro was introduced at the
end of 2023, and is now present across 29 markets. BAT was the
first to introduce a distinct EasyView screen with HeatBoost
technology for better performance. Due to this improvement and
coupled with the revamp of our consumables portfolio, glo is
starting to strengthen its position to compete in the premium
segment and contribute to accelerating growth.
veo, our first brand to launch a
non-tobacco consumables range, continues to strongly outperform
peers and is now in 20 markets.
*Top HP markets are defined as the
Top markets by HP industry revenue and account for c.80% of global
HP industry revenue in 2024. Top markets are Japan, South Korea,
Italy, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Czech
Republic. The Top markets were revised in 2024, with a
reduction in our volume share in respect of 2023 to 17%.
Modern Oral - Strong volume, revenue and profit growth;
continued leadership outside the U.S.
- Continued strong volume
growth of 55.0% driving revenue up 51.0% (at constant
rates).
- Modern Oral is the fastest
growing New Category, driven by adult consumer acquisition, up
54.2%, reaching 7.4 million users and increasing average daily
consumption in both established and expansion markets.
- AME leadership position
maintained, with volume share leadership in 21 European markets and
aggregate volume share at 64.7% in our six Top AME
markets*.
- Strong volume and revenue
growth in the U.S. driven by our refreshed Velo brand expression
and Grizzly Modern Oral.
Modern Oral volume was up 55.0%
and revenue up 46.6%, or 51.0% at constant rates, driving volume
share of the Total Oral category in Top markets up 2.0 ppts to
11.5% and our category volume share of Modern Oral up 1.3 ppts to
28.4%, driven by an increase in the highly competitive U.S.
market.
In the U.S., volume grew 234%,
with volume share up 2.1 ppts to 6.6%. Revenue was up 223% (or 232%
at constant rates), driven by the traction of our refreshed Velo
brand expression and Grizzly Modern Oral roll-out. While we
continue to await the outcome of our PMTA submission for our
successful European product, Velo 2.0, we are encouraged that we
have started to reinvigorate our performance in 2024.
In AME, we continue to be clear
category leaders where we maintained volume share leadership, which
was down 10 bps at 64.7%, with volume growth of 50.2% and revenue
growth of 40.3% (or 44.4% at constant rates). Our continued
momentum is driven by further geographic expansion and innovation,
following the launch of our fusion and sensations ranges, tailored
to meet the profiles of local consumer tastes and
preferences.
In APMEA, our volume grew 16.8%
and our revenue grew 5.7% (or 10.0% at constant rates), fuelled by
robust growth from Global Travel Retail and continued strong
Emerging Market volume performance in Pakistan (up 27.3%). Our
insights and foresights in these markets give us confidence in our
ability to unlock the Emerging Market opportunity for Modern Oral
going forward.
* Top Oral and
Modern Oral markets are defined as the Top markets by industry
revenue, being the U.S., Sweden,
Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Poland and the UK,
accounting for c. 90% of global Modern Oral industry revenue in
2024. The Top markets were revised in 2024, with a reduction in our
volume share in respect of 2023 to 27.1%.
Category Performance Review
Continued
Combustibles
- Group volume share up 20
bps in Top cigarette markets*, driven by increases in both APMEA
(up 40 bps) and AME (up 20 bps) with the U.S. remaining flat vs FY
2023.
- Group value share down 20
bps in Top cigarette markets*, as AME (flat) and APMEA (flat) were
more than offset by the U.S.,
down 30 bps.
- U.S. commercial plans
delivered sequential volume share growth in 2024 against continued
industry headwinds.
- Robust combustibles
pricing with a positive organic price/mix of +5.3%; AME and APMEA
continued to deliver strongly, with revenue up 3.6% and 3.5% on an
organic constant rate basis, respectively.
Group cigarette volume was down
8.9% (or down 5.0% on an organic basis) to 505 billion sticks
(2023: 555 billion sticks). This was higher than the industry
decline of c. 2% predominantly driven by market exits in 2023 and
supply chain disruptions in Sudan. Volume growth in Türkiye,
Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, Venezuela and Mexico was more than
offset by lower volume in the U.S., market exits (notably in
Africa), Sudan and Bangladesh with the U.S. impacted by the
continuing macro-economic headwinds and illicit single-use
Vapour products.
Total Group revenue from
combustibles declined 6.4% to £20,685 million (2023: £22,108
million), due to the lower volume and a translational foreign
exchange headwind of 4.8%. Revenue at constant rates of exchange
was down 1.6%.
Excluding the impact of the sale
of the Group's businesses in Russia and Belarus in 2023, revenue
was marginally higher (up 0.1% on constant currency basis). Strong
pricing, most notably in Bangladesh, Brazil and Türkiye
more than offset negative geographic mix (driven
by the U.S.), with an overall price/mix of +5.3%
on a constant currency basis.
In the U.S., volume was down
10.1%, above the U.S. industry decline of 8.4% (on a sales to
wholesaler basis) which continues to be negatively affected by
macro-economic pressures impacting consumer behaviour, with growth
in the deep-discounted category (in which the Group is not present)
and the increase of solus-usage of New Category products, driven by
the growth of illicit single-use Vapour products. Further:
- U.S. volume share was flat which
demonstrates that our previously announced commercial actions are working. Lucky
Strike remains the fastest growing cigarette brand in the market;
and
- U.S. premium volume share
was up 50 bps, driven by
Newport soft-pack and Natural American Spirit.
Outside the U.S., our combustibles
business continues to perform well.
In AME, revenue on an organic
constant currency basis was up 3.6% driven by volume growth in
Brazil, Türkiye and Mexico, being partly offset
by Canada where a proliferation of illicit single-use Vapour
products is impacting combustibles volume.
In APMEA, revenue on a constant
currency basis was up 3.5% driven by pricing in Pakistan, New
Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia
more than offsetting lower volume in Bangladesh and Australia and
the negative impact of the supply chain disruption in
Sudan.
In 2025, we expect significant
combustibles headwinds to impact performance, particularly in
Australia where new tobacco regulations come into effect in April
2025 and in Bangladesh following a substantial increase in excise
and VAT.
* Top cigarette
markets are defined as the Top cigarette markets by industry
revenue, being the U.S., Japan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany,
Pakistan, Mexico and Romania, accounting for c.60% of global
industry cigarettes revenue in 2024.
Traditional Oral
Group volume declined 8.2% to 6.1
billion stick equivalents. Total revenue was £1,092 million (2023:
£1,163 million), down 6.0% or 3.4% at constant rates. Continued
strong pricing in the U.S. drove Group price/mix of +4.8% at
constant rates of exchange. This was more than offset by the
reduction in volume in both the U.S. (down 8.9%) and AME (down
3.3%) in 2024. Group volume share was down 40 bps driven by the
U.S.
In the U.S. (which accounts for
97% of Group revenue from the category), revenue declined 3.4% at
constant rates of exchange, as pricing was insufficient to offset
the volume decline of 8.9%, driven by consumer switching into Modern
Oral.
Due to the ongoing U.S. market
dynamics, the Group has recognised an impairment charge of
£646 million in respect of the carrying value of Camel Snus.
This reflects the reduced sales as consumers switch to alternative
products including Modern Oral. Commencing 1 January 2025, Camel
Snus has been assigned a 20-year useful economic life and has
commenced amortisation from that date which approximates to
£23 million annually.
Beyond Nicotine
As consumers increasingly seek
products offering Wellbeing and Stimulation characteristics, our
venturing unit, Btomorrow Ventures (BTV), is partnering
to strengthen our positioning in this market.
BTV has completed 28 investments
since its launch in 2020, and continues to
invest in innovative, consumer-led brands, new
sciences and technologies, and
sustainability to support the Group's
transformational strategy for A Better Tomorrow™.
In 2024, BTV launched a
new £200 million fund, continuing its commitment
to minority investments, with a focus on the Wellbeing and
Stimulation space. This funding is in
addition to the original £150 million fund in 2020.
Throughout 2024, BTV has continued
to support its portfolio of companies with a number of follow-on
investment rounds and commercial partnerships with BAT, including
new investments in a U.S.-based adaptogens and nootropics beverage
company, Hop Wtr Inc., and a German AI-powered sustainable
packaging company, one.five.
The Group has continued to explore
Beyond Nicotine organically through our subsidiary, The Water
Street Collective Ltd, with a series of pilot launches of our own
functional shot brand, Ryde. This offers a scientifically
formulated range of Energy, Focus and Relax products in three
markets - Australia, Canada and the U.S.
Please see page
20 for more information
on our investments.
Regional Review
The performances of the regions
are discussed below. The following discussion is based upon the
Group's internal reporting structure.
All references to volume share or
value share movement in the following discussion are compared to FY
2023. See page 42 for a discussion on the use of this measure.
Our products as sold in the US,
including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject
to FDA regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to
these products without agency clearance.
United States (U.S.):
- We maintained Vapour value share leadership in tracked
channels at 50.2% (down 2.0 ppts vs 2023) - despite a decrease
in revenue by 3.5%, or 0.8% at constant rates of exchange, driven
by lower volume due to the continued impact of illicit single-use
Vapour products.
- Combustibles volume down 10.1%, driven by macro-economic
pressures continuing to impact consumer affordability
and the increase of solus-usage of New Category
products, driven by the growth of illicit single-use Vapour
products.
-
U.S. premium volume share up 50 bps, driven by performance of Newport
soft-pack and Natural American Spirit.
- Grizzly Modern Oral commenced national roll-out in 2024 -
achieving c.1% volume share of Modern Oral by December
2024.
Volume/Revenue
Please see page
51 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Volume
|
|
Revenue
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
Exchange
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
Unit
|
vs
2023
|
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,078
|
+1.8%
|
29
|
1,107
|
+4.6%
|
|
1,107
|
+4.6%
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
287
|
-3.7%
|
|
-3.7%
|
|
998
|
-3.5%
|
27
|
1,025
|
-0.8%
|
|
1,025
|
-0.8%
|
HP (sticks bn)
|
-
|
-%
|
|
-%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
-
|
-
|
-%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
1.0
|
+234%
|
|
+234%
|
|
80
|
+223%
|
2
|
82
|
+232%
|
|
82
|
+232%
|
Traditional Oral (stick eq
bn)
|
5.3
|
-8.9%
|
|
-8.9%
|
|
1,058
|
-6.1%
|
30
|
1,088
|
-3.4%
|
|
1,088
|
-3.4%
|
Total Smokeless
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,136
|
-2.2%
|
59
|
2,195
|
+0.5%
|
|
2,195
|
+0.5%
|
Total Combustibles
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
-10.1%
|
|
9,094
|
-6.7%
|
253
|
9,347
|
-4.1%
|
|
9,347
|
-4.1%
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
48
|
-25.3%
|
2
|
50
|
-22.7%
|
|
50
|
-22.7%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,278
|
-6.0%
|
314
|
11,592
|
-3.4%
|
|
11,592
|
-3.4%
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
See page 47 for a discussion on the
preparation of the U.S. financial information, initially based on
U.S. GAAP as the primary financial record and converted to IFRS for
the purpose of consolidation within the results of the
Group
Reported revenue decreased 6.0%,
including a foreign exchange headwind of 2.6%. Smokeless now
represents 18.9% of total revenue.
On a constant currency basis
(excluding translational foreign exchange), which we believe
reflects the operational performance, revenue declined 3.4%. This
was driven by:
- Vapour, where the U.S. is
the world's largest market, as the Group
maintained leadership in value share (of closed system consumables,
including single-use Vapour products in tracked channels) despite a
decline of 2.0 ppts to 50.2%. Revenue was down 0.8% driven by continued lack of enforcement of illegal
flavoured and single-use products. We estimate illicit Vapour
products to be almost 70% of the total U.S. Vapour market.
As explained on page 7, we are encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
actions, the implementation of Vapour directories and continued
signs of illicit products volume decline in Louisiana. However, we
believe much more effective enforcement is needed
to drive a meaningful impact;
- Modern Oral, as volume
grew 234%, with volume share up 2.1 ppts to 6.6%. Revenue was up
232%, driven by the traction of our
refreshed Velo brand expression and Grizzly Modern Oral
roll-out;
- Traditional Oral revenue
declined 3.4% as pricing was insufficient to offset the volume
decline (down 8.9%), negatively impacted by accelerated
cross-category switching, particularly to Modern Oral and reduced
consumption. Value share in Traditional Oral decreased 40 bps, with
volume share down 40 bps; and
- Combustibles, as
volume was down 10.1%, above the U.S. industry
decline of 8.4% (on a sales to wholesaler basis) which continues to
be negatively affected by macro-economic pressures impacting
consumer behaviour, with growth in the deep-discounted category (in
which the Group is not present) and the increase of solus-usage of
New Category products, driven by the growth of illicit single-use
Vapour products. Consequently, revenue was down 4.1% despite
higher price/mix (+6.0%). Our premium volume
share was up 50 bps, driven by Newport
soft-pack and Natural American Spirit. Our total volume
share was flat after a period of decline (which
demonstrates that our previously announced commercial actions are working), with
value share down 30 bps, having declined 60 bps in 2023.
Profit from operations and operating margin
Please see page
48 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Reported
|
|
Adj.
|
Exchange
|
Adjusted
|
|
Adjusted
Organic
|
Current
|
|
|
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
Profit from Operations
|
4,087
|
n/m
|
|
2,299
|
194
|
6,580
|
-3.5%
|
|
6,580
|
-3.5%
|
Operating Margin
|
36.2%
|
209.5
ppts
|
|
|
|
56.8%
|
-10
bps
|
|
56.8%
|
-10
bps
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
n/m refers to movements that are
not meaningful.
Reported profit from operations
increased to £4,087 million from a loss of £20,781 million, due to
the £4.3 billion impairment of goodwill and £23.0 billion
impairment of the carrying value of some of the Group's U.S.
acquired brands recognised in 2023. From 1 January 2024, the Group
commenced amortising Newport, Camel, Natural American Spirit and
Pall Mall over a period not exceeding 30 years. The non-cash charge
was £1.4 billion per year and was treated as an adjusting
item.
In 2024, the Group has recognised
a charge of £646 million in respect of Camel Snus, which will
be designated as a definite-lived brand (with an assumed life of 20
years) from 1 January 2025. Translational foreign exchange was a
headwind of 2.9%. Also in 2024, the Group recognised net income of
£132 million in connection with the settlement of historical
litigation in respect of the Fox River.
On a constant currency basis, and
excluding adjusting items (including amortisation and impairment
charges in both periods), adjusted profit from operations was down
3.5% to £6,580 million largely due to the impact of lower
combustibles volume and commercial initiatives.
Regional Review
Continued
Americas and Europe (AME):
- Resilient combustibles
performance driven by pricing, with financial performance
negatively impacted by the sale of the Russian and Belarusian
businesses partway through 2023.
- Multi-category region with
Smokeless now representing 19.1% of revenue.
- New Category revenue
growth of 3.5%, or 6.1% at constant rates of exchange (or 11.9% on
an organic constant rate basis).
- Combustibles volume share
up 20 bps and value share flat.
Volume/Revenue
Please see page
51 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Volume
|
|
Revenue
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
Exchange
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
Unit
|
vs
2023
|
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,730
|
+3.5%
|
45
|
1,775
|
+6.1%
|
|
1,775
|
+11.9%
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
276
|
-11.5%
|
|
-11.5%
|
|
611
|
-10.8%
|
14
|
625
|
-8.8%
|
|
625
|
-8.6%
|
HP (sticks bn)
|
8
|
-24.6%
|
|
-0.4%
|
|
443
|
-12.2%
|
10
|
453
|
-10.4%
|
|
453
|
+6.1%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
6.3
|
+50.2%
|
|
+51.4%
|
|
676
|
+40.3%
|
21
|
697
|
+44.4%
|
|
697
|
+46.8%
|
Traditional Oral (stick eq
bn)
|
0.8
|
-3.3%
|
|
-3.3%
|
|
34
|
-5.8%
|
1
|
35
|
-3.6%
|
|
35
|
-3.6%
|
Total Smokeless
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,764
|
+3.3%
|
46
|
1,810
|
+5.9%
|
|
1,810
|
+11.6%
|
Total Combustibles
|
249
|
-10.2%
|
|
-2.1%
|
|
7,039
|
-7.5%
|
447
|
7,486
|
-1.7%
|
|
7,486
|
+3.6%
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
438
|
-6.7%
|
30
|
468
|
+0.2%
|
|
468
|
+0.6%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,241
|
-5.6%
|
523
|
9,764
|
-0.3%
|
|
9,764
|
+4.9%
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
Reported revenue was down 5.6% at
current rates, negatively impacted by a £479 million drag on the
regional performance due to the timing of the sale of the Group's
businesses in Russia and Belarus partway through 2023 and a 5.3%
translational foreign exchange headwind. Smokeless now represents
19.1% of total revenue.
On a constant currency basis
(excluding translational foreign exchange), which we believe
reflects the operational performance, revenue was largely in line
with prior year (down 0.3%) but up 4.9% on an organic basis. This
organic performance was driven by:
- Higher revenue from
combustibles (up 3.6%), driven by volume growth in Brazil,
Türkiye and Mexico, being partly offset by Canada
where a proliferation of illicit single-use Vapour products
is impacting combustibles volume;
- Lower revenue in Vapour
(down 8.6%), driven by Canada where a lack of enforcement of
illegal single-use products following the flavour ban in the
province of Québec has impacted
volumes;
- A good revenue performance
in HP (up 6.1%) due to growth in Germany, Poland and Italy, with
regional volume being relatively stable (down 0.4%); and
- Modern Oral revenue growth
of 46.8%, driven by Sweden, the UK, Norway, Austria and Finland, as
we maintained volume share leadership in 21 markets, with total
volume share at 64.7% (down 10 bps compared to 2023).
Profit from operations and operating margin
Please see page
48 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Reported
|
|
Adj.
|
Exchange
|
Adjusted
|
|
Adjusted
Organic
|
Current
|
|
|
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
(Loss)/Profit from
Operations
|
(3,464)
|
-208%
|
|
6,784
|
192
|
3,512
|
+1.5%
|
|
3,512
|
+7.5%
|
Operating Margin
|
-37.5%
|
-70.1
ppts
|
|
|
|
36.0%
|
70
bps
|
|
36.0%
|
90
bps
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
Reported profit from operations
declined by 208.5%, including a translational foreign exchange
headwind of 5.5%. 2024 was negatively impacted by the sale of our
businesses in Russia and Belarus in September 2023. Further, both
years were impacted by a number of charges affecting comparability
of the regional result.
In 2024, this included total
charges of £6,203 million following the publication of a proposed
settlement of litigation in Canada (please see page
38), a charge of £449
million in respect of an excise assessment in Romania and
impairment of fixed assets of
£149 million (including the Group's head office in London and
recognising the Group's intention to seek an orderly exit from
Cuba). This compares to charges of £353 million (in 2023) related
to the sale of the Group's businesses in Russia and Belarus. 2023
was also affected by net credits of £120 million in Brazil, largely
related to the conclusion of historical VAT and excise tax
claims.
Excluding the impact of foreign
exchange, adjusting items and on an organic basis (which we believe
reflects the operational performance), adjusted profit from
operations was up 7.5% to £3,512 million, driven by an improved
operational performance in:
- Türkiye, where the
combustibles portfolio performed well with higher volume and
pricing;
- Germany, driven by our HP
portfolio;
- Romania, following
continued strong combustibles pricing and growth in New
Categories;
- the UK, driven by
continued growth in our New Categories portfolio; and
- the Nordics, Switzerland
and Italy, which all improved their New Categories financial
performance.
These were partly offset by a
decline in adjusted profit from operations from Canada, where
adjusted profit from operations declined to £539 million due to
lower combustibles volume and a lack of enforcement of illegal
single-use Vapour products following the flavour ban in the
province of Québec.
Regional Review
Continued
Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
(APMEA):
- Robust combustibles
performance led by pricing, which more than offset lower volume
(partly due to market exits, notably in Africa).
- New Category revenue
increased 1.0%, but was up 8.6% at constant rates of exchange,
driven by the growth of Vapour (in South Korea and New Zealand) and
HP in Japan.
- Combustibles value share
flat with volume share 40 bps higher.
Volume/Revenue
Please see page
51 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Volume
|
|
Revenue
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
Reported
|
|
Organic
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
Exchange
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
Unit
|
vs
2023
|
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
624
|
+1.0%
|
45
|
669
|
+8.6%
|
|
669
|
+8.6%
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
53
|
+19.1%
|
|
+19.1%
|
|
112
|
+19.6%
|
3
|
115
|
+23.7%
|
|
115
|
+23.7%
|
HP (sticks bn)
|
13
|
-0.2%
|
|
-0.2%
|
|
478
|
-2.8%
|
41
|
519
|
+5.6%
|
|
519
|
+5.6%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
1.0
|
+16.8%
|
|
+16.8%
|
|
34
|
+5.7%
|
1
|
35
|
+10.0%
|
|
35
|
+10.0%
|
Traditional Oral (stick eq
bn)
|
-
|
-%
|
|
-%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
-
|
-
|
-%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
Total Smokeless
|
|
|
|
|
|
624
|
+1.0%
|
45
|
669
|
+8.6%
|
|
669
|
+8.6%
|
Total Combustibles
|
222
|
-7.3%
|
|
-7.3%
|
|
4,552
|
-4.2%
|
363
|
4,915
|
+3.5%
|
|
4,915
|
+3.5%
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
172
|
+31.1%
|
39
|
211
|
+59.8%
|
|
211
|
+59.8%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,348
|
-2.7%
|
447
|
5,795
|
+5.4%
|
|
5,795
|
+5.4%
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
Reported revenue declined 2.7% due
to a translational foreign exchange headwind of 8.1% largely
related to the relative movement of sterling against the
Bangladeshi taka and Japanese yen.
Constant currency revenue was 5.4%
higher, driven by pricing in Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka, Kenya, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia more than offsetting lower
volume in Bangladesh and Australia and the negative impact of the
supply chain disruption in Sudan.
Smokeless now represents 11.7% of
total revenue.
On a constant currency basis
(excluding translational foreign exchange), which we believe
reflects the operational performance, New Categories increased by
8.6%, driven by growth in revenue from:
- Vapour, driven by South Korea and New Zealand;
- HP, driven by the strength
of our innovations and activation of our commercial plans in Japan;
and
- Modern Oral, fuelled by robust growth from Global Travel Retail and
continued strong Emerging Market volume performance
in Pakistan (up 27.3%). Our insights and foresights in
these markets give us confidence in our ability to unlock
the Emerging Market opportunity for Modern Oral going
forward.
Profit from operations and operating margin
Please see page
48 for a full
reconciliation to constant currency and organic metrics, including
prior year data.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Reported
|
|
Adj.
|
Exchange
|
Adjusted
|
|
Adjusted
Organic
|
Current
|
|
|
|
Constant
|
|
Constant
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
|
£m
|
vs
2023
|
Profit from Operations
|
2,113
|
+15.1%
|
|
71
|
163
|
2,347
|
+7.5%
|
|
2,347
|
+7.5%
|
Operating Margin
|
39.5%
|
6.1
ppts
|
|
|
|
40.5%
|
80
bps
|
|
40.5%
|
80
bps
|
Constant currency measures are
calculated based upon a re-translation, at the prior year's
exchange rates, of the current year's results of the Group and,
where applicable, its segments.
Profit from operations was 15.1%
higher, as the prior year was adversely affected by additional
charges (£75 million) related to the DOJ and OFAC resolutions of
investigations into suspicions of sanctions breaches described on
page 20. 2023 was
also negatively impacted by an impairment of goodwill in respect of
South Africa of £291 million due to the continued negative impact
of illicit trade. Similar charges in 2024 include the impairment of
goodwill in Malaysia of £39 million, following the change in
regulations regarding the sale of tobacco and Vapour
products.
Excluding adjusting items and a
translational foreign exchange headwind, the performance was driven
by:
- Japan, following the
volume growth and improved financial performance of our HP
portfolio;
- Sri Lanka, largely due to
pricing in combustibles as the economy recovers from the financial
crisis;
- Saudi Arabia, driven by
pricing of combustibles;
- Indonesia, where
combustibles volume grew; and
- Asset sales, including in
West Africa as the Group exited Mali.
These more than offset a decline
in Australia (driven by lower industry volume) and in Sudan, where
the Group was negatively impacted by the ongoing conflict leading
to supply chain disruptions.
Adjusted profit from operations at
constant rates of exchange (which excludes the impact of adjusting
items and translational foreign exchange) increased by
7.5%.
In 2025, we expect significant
combustibles headwinds to impact performance, particularly in
Australia where new tobacco regulations come into effect in April
2025 and in Bangladesh following a substantial increase in excise
and VAT.
Other Financial Information
Analysis of profit from operations (by segment) and diluted
earnings per share
Prior year data is provided in the
table on page 48.
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Reported
|
vs
2023
|
Adj
Items1
|
Adjusted
|
vs
2023
|
Exch.
|
Adjusted at
CC2
|
vs
2023
|
|
Adjusted Organic at
CC2
|
vs
2023
|
£m
|
%
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
|
£m
|
%
|
Profit from Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
4,087
|
n/m
|
2,299
|
6,386
|
-6.4%
|
194
|
6,580
|
-3.5%
|
|
6,580
|
-3.5%
|
AME
|
(3,464)
|
-208%
|
6,784
|
3,320
|
-4.0%
|
192
|
3,512
|
+1.5%
|
|
3,512
|
+7.5%
|
APMEA
|
2,113
|
+15.1%
|
71
|
2,184
|
0.0%
|
163
|
2,347
|
+7.5%
|
|
2,347
|
+7.5%
|
Total Region
|
2,736
|
n/m
|
9,154
|
11,890
|
-4.6%
|
549
|
12,439
|
-0.2%
|
|
12,439
|
+1.4%
|
Net finance costs
|
(1,098)
|
-42.1%
|
(491)
|
(1,589)
|
-11.7%
|
(27)
|
(1,616)
|
-10.2%
|
|
(1,616)
|
-11.2%
|
Associates and joint
ventures
|
1,900
|
+225%
|
(1,379)
|
521
|
-9.7%
|
20
|
541
|
-6.2%
|
|
541
|
-6.2%
|
Profit before tax
|
3,538
|
n/m
|
7,284
|
10,822
|
-3.7%
|
542
|
11,364
|
+1.1%
|
|
11,364
|
+3.0%
|
Taxation
|
(357)
|
-112%
|
(2,206)
|
(2,563)
|
-2.0%
|
(106)
|
(2,669)
|
+2.0%
|
|
(2,669)
|
+4.2%
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
(113)
|
-36.5%
|
(38)
|
(151)
|
-15.9%
|
(5)
|
(156)
|
-12.7%
|
|
(156)
|
-12.7%
|
Coupons relating to hybrid bonds
net of tax
|
(42)
|
-6.6%
|
-
|
(42)
|
-6.6%
|
-
|
(42)
|
-6.6%
|
|
(42)
|
-6.6%
|
Profit attributable to shareholders
|
3,026
|
n/m
|
5,040
|
8,066
|
-4.0%
|
431
|
8,497
|
+1.1%
|
|
8,497
|
+3.1%
|
Diluted number of shares
(m)
|
2,225
|
-0.2%
|
|
2,225
|
-0.5%
|
|
2,225
|
-0.5%
|
|
2,225
|
-0.5%
|
Diluted earnings per share
(pence)3
|
136.0
|
n/m
|
|
362.5
|
-3.5%
|
|
381.9
|
+1.7%
|
|
381.9
|
+3.6%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Adjusting items
represent certain items which the Group considers distinctive based
upon their size, nature or incidence.
2. CC: constant
currency - measures are calculated based on a re-translation, at
the prior year's exchange rates, of the current year's results of
the Group and, where applicable, its segments.
3. In 2023, the Group
reported a loss for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33,
the impact of share options would be antidilutive and are therefore
excluded, for 2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share, calculated in accordance with IFRS.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs were £1,098
million, compared to £1,895 million in 2023, a decrease of
42.1%.
The performance in 2024 was driven
by a net credit of £590 million related to the capped cash debt
tender offers, which targeted a series of low-priced, long-dated
GBP-, EUR- and USD-denominated bonds, under which the Group
repurchased bonds prior to their maturity in a principal amount of
£1.8 billion, including £15 million of accrued interest
partly offset by a fair value loss of £9 million (2023: £151
million) on debt-related derivatives and, including other costs of
£3 million, treated as an adjusting item.
2024 was impacted by a
translational foreign exchange tailwind of 1.5% (2023: marginal
headwind) due to the relative movement of sterling.
Our performance was also impacted
by a number of items that are not deemed to be in the normal course
of the Group's ongoing operations and have been treated as
adjusting items, including finance costs related to:
- The Franked Investment
Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO) of £61 million (2023: £60
million);
- A fair value loss of £19
million (2023: £nil ) on embedded derivatives related to
associates;
- A charge of £14 million in
relation to a tax case in Brazil;
- Interest charges of £8
million (2023: £16 million) in relation to a tax provision in the
Netherlands;
- Interest of £11 million on
a tax provision in Indonesia;
- A release of £25 million
of interest on tax provision in Canada in relation to a settlement
agreement with local authorities; and
- A further £11 million
interest charge recorded on government liability balances
accumulated during CCAA protection.
On an adjusted, constant currency
basis, net finance costs were £1,616 million, a decrease of 10.2%
(2023: £1,799 million). This was:
- Largely due to higher interest
income, driven by higher cash balances resulting from the sale of a
part of the ordinary shares held in the Group's main associate ITC,
higher interest rates on local deposits and an increase in interest
income in Canada (up £20 million to £110 million) due to the cash
build up in that market; and
- Lower interest expense driven by
a reduction in short term funding requirements in the year. The
Group's average cost of debt declined to 4.9% (compared to 5.2% in
2023) with the prior year including a fair value loss of
£151 million. Excluding this, the average cost of debt in 2024
was an increase of 0.1% compared to 4.8% in 2023.
Also in 2024, in line with IAS 33
Earnings Per Share, £42
million (2023: £45 million) has been recognised as a deduction to
EPS related to the perpetual hybrid bonds issued in 2021, as the
coupons paid on such instruments are recognised in equity rather
than as a charge to the income statement in net finance
costs.
For a full reconciliation of net
finance costs to adjusted net finance costs at constant rates, see
page 54.
All of the adjustments noted above
have been included in the adjusted earnings per share calculation
on page 32.
The Group has debt maturities of
around £3.3 billion annually in the next two years. Due to
higher interest rates, net finance costs are expected to increase
as debts are refinanced.
Other Financial Information
Continued
Results of associates and joint ventures
The Group's share of post-tax
results of associates and joint ventures increased from £585
million to £1,900 million.
This was driven by a credit of
£1,379 million in respect of:
- The sale by the Group
of 436,851,457 ordinary shares held in the Group's main associate, ITC Ltd
(ITC) in India, realising a gain of
£1,361 million. The sale represents 3.5% of ITC's ordinary shares.
The gain has been treated as an adjusting item; and
- A deemed gain of £18
million (2023: £40 million) on dilution of the Group's holding in
ITC as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares under ITC's
Employees Share Option Scheme, also treated as an adjusting
item.
Accordingly, the Group's share of
ITC has reduced from 29.02% (31 December 2023) to 25.45% at 31
December 2024.
The Group's share of ITC's
post-tax results was 11.5% lower at £545 million (2023: £616
million). The movements are partly due to the decrease in
shareholding as a result of the sale in our stake in ITC during the
year.
On 24 July 2023, ITC announced a
proposed demerger of its 'Hotels Business' under a scheme of
arrangement by which 60% of the newly incorporated entity would be
held directly by ITC's shareholders proportionate to their
shareholding in ITC. In January 2025, ITC Hotels Limited was listed
and commenced trading on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)
and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Group's direct stake in ITC
Hotels Limited is 15%.
In 2023, the Group recognised an
impairment charge of £34 million (net of tax) in respect of the
Group's investment in Organigram, treated as an adjusting item. In
2024, no further impairment was required.
Excluding these adjusting items
and the impact of translational foreign exchange, on an adjusted
constant currency basis, the Group's share of post-tax results from
associates and joint ventures was lower than in 2023, down 6.2% to
£541 million. Please refer to page 32 for discussion of the adjusting
items within the Group's share of post-tax results from associates
and joint ventures.
Taxation
The tax rate in the income
statement was 10.1% for 2024 (2023: 16.8%). The Group's tax rate is
affected by the impact of the adjusting items referred to on
pages 29 to 32 and
by the inclusion of the share of associates' and joint ventures'
post-tax profit in the Group's pre-tax results.
Excluding these, the Group's
underlying tax rate for subsidiaries reflected in the adjusted
earnings per share on page 36
was 24.9% for 2024 (2023: 24.5%). The marginal
increase in the underlying tax rate in 2024 largely reflects mix of
profits and changes in legislation, including the new Pillar Two
rules.
The Group has applied the
mandatory exception to recognising and disclosing information about
deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income
taxes in accordance with IAS12 Income Taxes.
A full reconciliation from
taxation on ordinary activities to the underlying tax rate is
provided on page 56.
On 15 December 2023, a further
judgment was issued regarding the Netherlands tax disputes for the
2003 - 2016 period. The disputes have a potential aggregate net
liability of £1,140 million. Having considered the judgment and the
Dutch judicial and international proceedings available to it, the
Group recognised a further adjusting charge of £70 million in 2023,
with a total provision of £144 million recognised by 31 December
2024. The findings of the December judgment have been appealed.
Appeal hearings took place in 2024, with the Court of Appeal
judgment expected in the first half of 2025.
Other Financial Information
Continued
Cash flow
|
For years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
10,125
|
10,714
|
-5.5%
|
Operating cash flow
conversion
|
101%
|
100%
|
|
Free cash flow - before payment of
dividends
|
7,901
|
8,360
|
-5.5%
|
Free cash flow - after payment of
dividends
|
2,688
|
3,305
|
-18.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
Borrowings (including lease
liabilities)
|
36,950
|
39,730
|
-7.0%
|
Adjusted net debt
|
30,583
|
33,940
|
-9.9%
|
In the Group's cash flow, prepared
in accordance with IFRS and presented on page 28, net
cash generated from operating activities declined by 5.5% to
£10,125 million (2023: £10,714 million). This was driven
by:
- The realisation, in 2023,
of tax credits in Brazil that did not repeat;
- Lower dividends received
from the Group's associates of £406 million (2023: £506 million),
mainly related to ITC, largely reflecting the reduced
shareholding;
- A payment of £390 million
in respect of an excise assessment in Romania; and
- Decreases in tax paid of
£1,854 million, compared to £2,622 million in 2023 as £700 million
(US$895 million) have been deferred in the U.S. from 2024 until
2025.
During 2024, the Group made the
final payment in respect of the settlement agreements with the DOJ
and OFAC in the amount of £267 million (2023: £262 million),
while also receiving £132 million following the successful
conclusion of litigation concerning the Fox River.
In 2024, other litigation payments
(mainly related to Engle
and other health-related claims in the U.S.) were higher at £147
million (2023: £73 million).
In 2023, the Group paid a one time
payment of £59 million to settle the investigation by the Nigerian
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
(FCCPC).
The Group made interim repayments
to HMRC of £50 million in both 2024 and 2023, and intends to
make further interim repayments in future periods in respect of the
Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO), as
described on page 40.
Operating cash conversion and free cash flow (before and
after dividends paid to shareholders)
The Group's operating cash
conversion rate (based upon adjusted profit from operations and
defined on page 57) was 101% (2023: 100%).
This exceeded our target of at
least 90%, demonstrating the ongoing strength of the Group in
turning operating performance into cash.
Free cash flow (before the payment
of dividends), as defined on page
58, was £7,901 million for 2024 (2023:
£8,360 million), a decrease of 5.5%. This was driven by
the reduction in net cash generated from
operating activities discussed above and higher net interest paid
(2024: £1,703
million; 2023:
£1,682 million), partly offset by lower net capital expenditure
(2024: £434
million; 2023:
£487 million).
After paying dividends of £5,213
million (2023: £5,055 million), free cash flow (after dividends
paid to shareholders), as defined on page 58, was £2,688 million for 2024
(2023: £3,305 million).
For a full reconciliation of net
cash generated from operating activities to free cash flow before
and after dividends, see page 58.
Other Financial Information
Continued
Borrowings and net debt
Borrowings (which includes lease
liabilities) were £36,950 million at 31 December 2024, a decrease
of 7.0% compared to £39,730 million at 31 December 2023.
Foreign exchange movements, mainly related
to the US dollar and sterling, were a headwind in 2024. However the
reduction in borrowings was due to the net
repayment of borrowings in the year, driven by the cash generated
by the business after the payment of dividends to shareholders in
the period. This reduction included the capped
cash debt tender offer and subsequent
repayment prior to their maturity in a principal amount of
£1.8 billion of bonds.
The Group remains confident of its
ability to access the debt capital markets successfully and reviews
its options on a continuing basis.
The Group's average centrally
managed debt maturity was 9.5 years at 31 December 2024 (31
December 2023: 10.5 years), and the highest proportion of centrally
managed debt maturing in a single rolling 12-month period was 14.8%
(31 December 2023: 15.7%).
The Group defines net debt as
borrowings (including related derivatives and lease liabilities),
less cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) and
current investments held at fair value. Closing net debt was
£31,253 million at 31 December 2024 (31 December 2023: £34,640
million). A reconciliation of borrowings to net debt is provided
below.
|
As at 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
Borrowings (including lease liabilities)
|
(36,950)
|
(39,730)
|
-7.0%
|
Derivatives in respect of net
debt
|
(113)
|
(170)
|
-34%
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
5,297
|
4,659
|
+13.7%
|
Current investments held at fair
value
|
513
|
601
|
-14.6%
|
Net debt
|
(31,253)
|
(34,640)
|
-9.8%
|
Maturity profile of net debt:
|
|
|
|
Net debt due within one
year
|
1,545
|
852
|
+81.3%
|
Net debt due beyond one
year
|
(32,798)
|
(35,492)
|
-7.6%
|
Net debt
|
(31,253)
|
(34,640)
|
-9.8%
|
The movement in net debt includes
the free cash inflow, after payment of dividends to shareholders,
of £2,688 million (2023: £3,305 million inflow), as described on
page 58. Also
impacting the carrying value of net debt at the balance sheet date
are:
- Cash payments related to
share schemes and investing activities of £74 million (2023: £303
million), which, in 2024, was lower mainly due to the movement in
foreign exchange dividend hedges due to the movement in sterling,
predominantly against the US dollar;
- £1,577 million net
proceeds from the partial monetisation of our investment in
ITC;
- The purchase of £0.7
billion of own shares under the Group's 2024 share buy-back
programme;
- Other non-cash movements
of £568 million inflow (2023: £226 million outflow), which, in
2024, mainly relate to the series of bonds repurchased in May 2024
as part of the Group's debt liability management exercise discussed
on page 32;
and
- Foreign exchange impacts
related to the revaluation of foreign currency denominated net debt
balances being a net headwind of £674 million (2023: £1,338 million
tailwind).
In 2023, the Group reclassified
£368 million in respect of certain balances previously
held-for-sale related to the proposed sale of the Group's
operations in Russia and Belarus.
These movements can be summarised
as follows:
|
As at 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
Opening net debt (including IFRS 16 Leases)
|
(34,640)
|
(39,281)
|
-11.8%
|
Free cash inflow (after
dividends)
|
2,688
|
3,305
|
-18.7%
|
Other cash payments
|
(74)
|
(303)
|
|
Proceeds from partial divestment
of shares held in ITC
|
1,577
|
-
|
|
Purchase of own shares
|
(698)
|
-
|
|
Receipt from disposal of
subsidiaries (net of cash disposed of)
|
-
|
159
|
|
Transferred from
held-for-sale
|
-
|
368
|
|
Other non-cash
movements
|
568
|
(226)
|
|
Foreign exchange
|
(674)
|
1,338
|
|
Closing net debt
|
(31,253)
|
(34,640)
|
-9.8%
|
Investments held at fair value
through profit and loss include restricted amounts of £437 million
(31 December 2023: £446 million) due to investments held by
subsidiaries in CCAA protection, as well as £60 million (31
December 2023: £89 million) subject to potential exchange control
restrictions.
Cash and cash equivalents include
restricted amounts of £2,072 million (31 December 2023: £1,904
million) due to subsidiaries in CCAA protection and £339 million
(31 December 2023: £392 million) principally due to exchange
control restrictions.
Other Financial Information
Continued
Borrowings and net debt (continued)
Adjusted net debt and adjusted net debt to adjusted
EBITDA
For the purposes of assessing the
Group's ability to service and repay borrowings, the Group uses the
ratio of adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is
defined as profit for the year (earnings) before net finance costs,
taxation on ordinary activities, share of post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures, depreciation, amortisation,
impairment costs and adjusting items. Please refer to page
59 for a reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA to profit for the year.
The Group also adjusts net debt
for the purchase price allocation adjustment to the debt, included
within borrowings, acquired as part of the acquisition of Reynolds
American Inc. This is an accounting adjustment and does not reflect
the enduring repayment of the instrument. The Group Management
Board believes that this additional measure, which is used
internally to assess the Group's financial capacity, is useful to
the users of the financial statements in helping them to see how
the Group's financial capacity has changed over the year. The
adjusted net debt position is provided below:
|
As at 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
£m
|
£m
|
%
|
Net debt
|
(31,253)
|
(34,640)
|
-9.8%
|
Purchase price allocation (PPA)
adjustment to acquired debt
|
670
|
700
|
-4.3%
|
Adjusted net debt
|
(30,583)
|
(33,940)
|
-9.9%
|
Exchange
|
947
|
|
|
Adjusted net debt translated at
2023 exchange rates
|
(29,636)
|
|
-12.7%
|
The Group's ratio of adjusted net
debt to adjusted EBITDA as at 31 December 2024 was 2.44x (2023:
2.57x).
However, excluding the provision
recognised in respect of cash and cash equivalents and investments
held at fair value, and adjusted EBITDA earned, in Canada, this
would have been 2.75x.
The calculation of adjusted net
debt to adjusted EBITDA is provided on page 59.
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
The Group's ROCE, calculated in
accordance with our reported numbers, was 2.7% (2023: -13.2%), with
the relative movement in 2024 due to the impairment of goodwill and
trademarks referred to earlier, impacting the Group's EBITDA in
2023.
On an adjusted basis, as defined
on page 57,
including dividends from associates and joint ventures (as a proxy
to a return
in the period, given the inclusion of the investment in associates
and joint ventures in the Group's calculation
of capital employed), adjusted ROCE grew from 10.9% in 2023, to
12.1% in 2024.
The movement in 2024 was mainly
driven by the impairment of goodwill and trademarks and increases
in amortisation charges referred to earlier, the impact of which
has been adjusted out of EBITDA but reduces the value of average
capital employed.
Dividends summary
The Board has declared an interim
dividend of 240.24p per ordinary share of 25p for the year ended 31
December 2024, payable in four equal quarterly instalments of
60.06p per ordinary share in May 2025, August 2025, November 2025
and February 2026. This represents an increase of 2.0% on 2023
(2023: 235.52p per share), and a pay-out ratio, on 2024 adjusted
diluted earnings per share, of 66.3%.
The quarterly dividends will be
paid to shareholders registered on either the UK main register or
the South Africa branch register and to holders of American
Depositary Shares (ADSs), each on the applicable record dates
below:
Event (2025 unless stated otherwise)
|
Payment No.
1
|
Payment No.
2
|
Payment No.
3
|
Payment No.
4
|
Record date (JSE, LSE and
NYSE)
|
28
March
|
27
June
|
3
October
|
30
December
|
Payment date (LSE and
JSE)
|
7
May
|
1
August
|
7
November
|
4
February 2026
|
ADS payment date (NYSE)
|
12
May
|
6
August
|
13
November
|
9
February 2026
|
Other Financial Information
Continued
Foreign currencies
The principal exchange rates used
to convert the results of the Group's foreign operations to
sterling for the purposes of inclusion and consolidation within the
Group's financial statements are indicated in the table below.
Where the Group has provided results "at constant rates of
exchange" this refers to the translation of the results from the
foreign operations at rates of exchange prevailing in the prior
period, thereby eliminating the potentially distorting impact of
the movement in foreign exchange on the reported
results.
The principal exchange rates used
were as follows:
|
Average for the period
ended
|
|
As at
|
31
December
|
|
31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Australian dollar
|
1.937
|
1.873
|
|
2.023
|
1.868
|
Bangladeshi taka
|
147.803
|
134.747
|
|
149.662
|
139.909
|
Brazilian real
|
6.893
|
6.208
|
|
7.737
|
6.192
|
Canadian dollar
|
1.751
|
1.678
|
|
1.801
|
1.681
|
Chilean peso
|
1,206.394
|
1,044.498
|
|
1,245.543
|
1,113.264
|
Euro
|
1.181
|
1.150
|
|
1.209
|
1.154
|
Indian rupee
|
106.952
|
102.707
|
|
107.223
|
106.081
|
Japanese yen
|
193.583
|
174.883
|
|
196.827
|
179.721
|
Romanian leu
|
5.877
|
5.688
|
|
6.018
|
5.741
|
Russian
ruble1
|
|
102.662
|
|
|
120.111
|
South African rand
|
23.423
|
22.962
|
|
23.633
|
23.313
|
Swiss franc
|
1.125
|
1.117
|
|
1.135
|
1.073
|
US dollar
|
1.278
|
1.244
|
|
1.252
|
1.275
|
1. As a result of the
disposal of the Group's businesses in Russia, the 2023 rates
reflect the average for the period ended and as at 13 September
2023, respectively, with the Russian rouble no longer deemed
to be a principal foreign currency in 2024.
Update on Quebec class action and CCAA
In March 2019, Imperial Tobacco
Canada Limited and Imperial Tobacco Company Limited (together,
ITCAN), Group subsidiaries, obtained creditor protection under the
Canadian Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Under a
confidential court supervised mediation process, ITCAN has been
negotiating a possible settlement of all of its outstanding tobacco
litigation in Canada while continuing to run its business in the
normal course.
On 17 October 2024, the
court-appointed mediator's and monitor's plan of compromise and
arrangement was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Substantially similar proposed plans were also filed for Rothmans,
Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH, a subsidiary of Philip Morris
International Inc.) and JTI-Macdonald Corp. (JTIM, a subsidiary of
Japan Tobacco International) (collectively, the Proposed
Plans).
On 31 October 2024, the court
granted certain orders pursuant to which the Proposed Plans were
accepted for filing. On 12 December 2024, the Proposed Plans were
approved by the requisite majorities of the creditors. A sanction
hearing took place between 29-31 January 2025. During the sanction
hearing, the Court was asked to sanction the Proposed Plans. The
Court's decision is currently pending and the Stays are extended
until 3 March 2025, or such time as the Court's decision on the
sanction order is released.
Under the Proposed Plans, if
ultimately sanctioned and then implemented, ITCAN, RBH and JTIM
(the Companies) would pay an aggregate settlement amount of
CAD$32.5 billion (approximately £18 billion). This amount would be
funded by:
- an upfront payment equal
to all the Companies' cash and cash equivalents on hand (including
investments held at fair value) plus certain court deposits
(subject to an aggregate industry withholding of CAD$750 million
(approximately £416 million)) plus 85% of any cash tax refunds that
may be received by the Companies on account of the upfront
payments; and
- annual payments based on a
percentage (initially 85%, reducing over time) of each of the
Companies' net income after taxes, based on amounts generated from
all sources, excluding New Categories, until the aggregate
settlement amount is paid.
The performance of ITCAN's New
Categories (including Vapour products and nicotine pouches) is not
included in the basis for calculating the annual
payments.
These Proposed Plans, if
ultimately sanctioned and implemented, would resolve ITCAN's
outstanding tobacco litigation in Canada and provide a full and
comprehensive release to ITCAN, BAT p.l.c. and all related
companies for all tobacco claims in Canada.
It is expected that the court will
appoint neutral and independent third parties to administer the
implementation of the Proposed Plans.
In line with IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements),
ITCAN is consolidated in the Group's results.
Under IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
Contingent Assets, when there is an expected future economic
outflow, arising from a past event, the value of which can be
reasonably estimated, a provision should be recognised.
Accordingly, in accordance with
IFRS, the Group has recognised a charge to the income statement of
£6,203 million (held as a liability at 31 December 2024),
being:
- £2,456 million in respect
of the cash and cash equivalents including investments held at fair
value on the balance sheet at 31 December 2024 and which is
expected to be paid in 2025; and
- £3,747 million in respect
of the Group's estimate of ITCAN's remaining liability. As the
terms of the Proposed Plans dictate, there is no predetermined
amount that ITCAN or any of the Companies individually are required
to pay. ITCAN and the other Companies are required to make annual
payments based on a percentage of net income after tax generated
from all sources, excluding New Categories, until the Companies
settle the liability in full. Furthermore, several factors
including the future financial performance of each Company
(excluding New Categories) can impact the value of the remaining
liability. However these do not, in our view, preclude a provision
to be recognised based upon Management's estimates.
Due to the distortive nature of
the above when comparing 2024 versus 2023, in line with the Group's
policy, the above charges have been treated as an adjusting
item.
Other Financial Information
Continued
Update on Quebec class action and CCAA
(continued)
Adjusted Non-GAAP
performance:
For the purposes of management
reporting and reflecting how Management will assess the performance
of Canada on an ongoing basis, from 2025, a charge will be
recognised in the Group's income statement for management accounts
purposes and will be reflected in the Non-GAAP adjusted profit from
operations for AME and the Group, with a commensurate impact
reflected in adjusted earnings per share.
This charge will be calculated in
line with the Proposed Plans - based on a percentage of ITCAN's net
income after taxes, based on amounts generated from all sources,
excluding New Categories. This will continue until the aggregate
settlement amount is paid. This will be reflected in the adjusted
performance of the Group and will be referred to as "as adjusted
for Canada".
Due to the uncertain nature of the
timing of the implementation of the settlement on the Group's 2025
results, for the purposes of 2025 versus 2024 this charge will be
100% of the profit after interest and tax from all sources,
excluding New Categories, in Canada.
From 2026 (assuming the Proposed
Plans have been implemented in 2025), this charge will reflect the
settlement agreement, being an assumed 85% of profit after interest
and taxes from all sources, excluding New Categories, in Canada,
reducing in future periods in line with the settlement
agreement.
Management believe that
recognising a charge to the income statement in the year will
reflect the financial performance in Canada resulting from the
decisions taken with respect to resource allocation by the Group's
Management. This approach will also ensure the economic delivery
from Canada will be comparable with other markets in the Group,
when comparing the results as represented by the adjusted income
statement.
For ease of reference and to
assist the users' understanding of the Group results, 2024 results,
as adjusted for 100% of Canada's profit after tax (excluding New
Categories) and presented to act as a comparator for the 2025
performance, would have been as follows:
For year ended 31 December
2024
|
Reported
|
Adj Items
|
Adjusted
|
Adj. for
Canada
|
As adjusted for
Canada
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit from Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
4,087
|
2,299
|
6,386
|
-
|
6,386
|
AME
|
(3,464)
|
6,784
|
3,320
|
(520)
|
2,800
|
APMEA
|
2,113
|
71
|
2,184
|
-
|
2,184
|
Total Region
|
2,736
|
9,154
|
11,890
|
(520)
|
11,370
|
Net finance costs
|
(1,098)
|
(491)
|
(1,589)
|
(126)
|
(1,715)
|
Associates and joint
ventures
|
1,900
|
(1,379)
|
521
|
-
|
521
|
Profit before tax
|
3,538
|
7,284
|
10,822
|
(646)
|
10,176
|
Taxation
|
(357)
|
(2,206)
|
(2,563)
|
169
|
(2,394)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
(113)
|
(38)
|
(151)
|
-
|
(151)
|
Coupons relating to hybrid bonds
net of tax
|
(42)
|
-
|
(42)
|
-
|
(42)
|
Profit attributable to shareholders
|
3,026
|
5,040
|
8,066
|
(477)
|
7,589
|
Diluted number of shares
(m)
|
2,225
|
|
2,225
|
|
2,225
|
Diluted earnings per share
(pence)3
|
136.0
|
|
362.5
|
|
341.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2024, restricted
cash in ITCAN was £2,072 million and restricted investments held at
fair value were £437 million.
It is anticipated that there will
be an outflow of cash, cash equivalents and investments held at
fair value as part of the implementation of the Proposed Plans. To
aid the users of the financial statements, the below table has been
provided to illustrate the Group's leverage ratio of adjusted
net debt to adjusted EBITDA, after adjusting for Canada.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
£m
|
Adjusted net debt - see
page 59
|
30,583
|
Provision recognised in respect of
cash and cash equivalents and investments held at fair value in
Canada
|
2,456
|
Adjusted net debt as adjusted for the Canada cash, cash
equivalents and investments held at fair value
|
33,039
|
Adjusted EBITDA - see page
59
|
12,524
|
Adjusted EBITDA earned in
Canada*
|
(525)
|
Adjusted EBITDA as adjusted for the EBITDA earned in
Canada*
|
11,999
|
Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA as adjusted for
Canada*
|
2.75x
|
*excludes New
Categories
For a summary of the case, please
see the Contingent Liabilities section on page 38. Full details of the case and the
assessment of goodwill will be included in the Group's Annual
Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December
2024 (note 12 Intangible Assets and note 31 Contingent Liabilities
and Financial Commitments).
Other Information
Risks and uncertainties
The Board carried out a robust
assessment of the Principal Risks and uncertainties facing the
Group for the period, including those that would threaten its
business model, future performance, solvency, liquidity and
viability. The Board also maintained close oversight of the Group's
response to critical external uncertainties, recognising current
macro-economic and geopolitical challenges.
All Group risks are reviewed
biannually by the Audit Committee and annually by the Board.
Sustainability is core to the Group's long-term business strategy
and sustainability risk factors are embedded across the Group's
risks in accordance with the Group's Risk Management
Framework.
In 2024, the Board recognised
Climate Change and Circular Economy as separate risks reflecting
the distinct qualities of each.
The Principal Risks facing the
Group are summarised under the headings of:
- Competition from illicit
trade;
- Geopolitical
tensions;
- Tobacco, New Categories
and other regulation interrupts the growth strategy;
- Supply chain
disruption;
- Litigation;
- Significant increases or
structural changes in tobacco, nicotine and New Categories related
taxes;
- Inability to develop,
commercialise and deliver the New Categories strategy;
- Disputed taxes, interest
and penalties;
- Injury, illness or death
in the workplace;
- Solvency and
liquidity;
- Foreign exchange rate
exposures;
- Climate change;
- Circular economy;
and
- Cyber security.
A summary of all the risk factors
(including the Principal Risks) which are monitored by the Board
through the Group's risk register will be included in the Annual
Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December
2024.
Update on investigations into misconduct
allegations
The Group investigates, and
becomes aware of governmental authorities' investigations into,
allegations of misconduct, including alleged breaches of sanctions
and allegations of corruption, at Group companies. Some of these
allegations of misconduct, alleged breaches of sanctions and
allegations of corruption are currently being investigated. The
Group cooperates with the authorities, where
appropriate.
In June 2024, the Group paid
US$332 million (approximately £267 million) to the U.S. Department
of Justice in final settlement of the previously disclosed
investigation.
Changes in the Group
ITC Ltd
In 2024, the Group sold
436,851,457 ordinary shares held in the Group's main associate, ITC
Ltd (ITC) in India. The sale represents 3.5% of ITC's ordinary
shares. The Group realised net proceeds of £1,577 million, with a
net credit of £1,361 million recognised in the year. The gain has
been treated as an adjusting item.
Organigram
As previously announced, the Group
signed an agreement for a further investment in Organigram, with a
value of CAD$125 million
(£74 million) in three tranches.
In 2024, the Group concluded two
of the three tranches for £24 million each, acquiring
25,786,350 shares at a price of CAD$3.22 per share. The final
tranche of 12,893,175 shares at CAD$3.22 per share (estimated to be
£24 million) is anticipated to be completed in February 2025.
These investments are to support Organigram in the creation of
"Jupiter", a strategic investment pool designed to expand
Organigram's geographic footprint and capitalise on emerging growth
opportunities.
The Group's equity position at 31
December 2024 was c.30.6% and is anticipated to rise to c.36.65%
(restricted to 30% voting rights) once the final tranche has been
completed.
During the year, Organigram
completed investments into Sanity Group
GmbH and Steady State LLC, both of which are associated
undertakings of the Group, and an
acquisition of Motif Labs Ltd. in Canada.
Other
In July 2024, the Group acquired
Beni Oral Nicotine LLC for US$30 million (£23 million)
cash and deferred contingent consideration of up to US$200 million
(£160 million), with the deferred consideration payable after
five years and contingent upon meeting certain performance
indicators. The transaction has been accounted for as an
acquisition of assets.
Following a strategic review, the
Group intends to seek an orderly exit from Cuba. The financial
impact on revenue or adjusted profit from operations of any exit is
not considered material to the understanding of the Group's
performance and the results of future periods will not reflect an
inorganic adjustment.
Other Information
Continued
Changes to the Main Board and Management
Board
As previously disclosed, the
following Board and Management Board changes have taken
place:
- Sue Farr and Dimitri
Panayotopoulos stepped down from the Board as Non-Executive
Directors following the 2024 Annual General Meeting on 24 April
2024; and
- Soraya Benchikh was appointed as Chief Financial Officer,
joining the Main Board and the Management Board, with effect from 1
May 2024.
Also as previously
disclosed:
- Karen Guerra joined the
Remuneration Committee and stepped down from the Audit Committee
with effect from 10 February 2025;
- Uta Kemmerich-Keil will
join the Board as an independent Non-Executive Director and member
of the Audit and Nominations Committees with effect from 17
February 2025; and
- Murray S. Kessler will
step down from the Board with effect from 17 February 2025 and will
not stand for re-election at the AGM.
Going concern
A description of the Group's
business activities, its financial position, cash flows, liquidity
position, facilities and borrowings position, together with the
factors likely to affect its future development, performance and
position, are set out in this announcement. Further information
will be provided in the Strategic Report and in the Notes on the
Accounts, all of which will be included in the Group's 2024 Annual
Report and Accounts and Form 20-F.
The Group has, at the date of this
Preliminary Announcement, sufficient existing financing available
for its estimated requirements for at least 12 months from the date
of approval of this condensed consolidated financial information.
This, together with the ability to generate cash from trading
activities, the performance of the Group's Strategic Portfolio, its
leading market positions in a number of countries and its broad
geographical spread, as well as numerous contracts with established
customers and suppliers across different geographical areas and
industries, provides the Directors with the confidence that the
Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully
through the ongoing uncertainty, the current macro-economic
financial conditions and the general outlook in the global
economy.
After reviewing the Group's
forecast financial performance and financing arrangements, the
Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to
continue operating for at least 12 months from the date of approval
of this preliminary announcement and that it is therefore
appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the Group's 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and Form
20-F.
Additional information
In addition to this Preliminary
Announcement, the Group wishes to inform the reader that additional
information will be available in documents filed with or furnished
to the LSE and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on
14 February 2025 and which should be referred to in addition
to this Preliminary Announcement. Additional information
includes:
- The Group's audited
Financial Statements;
- Exchange rates;
- Reconciliations of all
non-GAAP measures from the most relevant IFRS
equivalent;
- Information regarding
contingent liabilities and financial commitments;
- Information for
shareholders on dividends;
- Information with regard to
the Group's Principal Risks;
- Key dates in respect of
the year ending 31 December 2025; and
- Glossary and definition of
key terms.
This information will be an
extract of information that will be included in the Group's 2024
Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for the 12 months ended 31
December 2024 which is expected to be published on 14 February
2025.
Financial Statements
Contents
|
Page
|
Financial Statements:
|
|
Group Income Statement
|
23
|
Group Statement of Comprehensive
Income
|
24
|
Group Statement of Changes in
Equity
|
25
|
Group Balance Sheet
|
27
|
Group Cash Flow
Statement
|
28
|
Notes to the Financial
Statements
|
29
|
Other Information
|
41
|
Data Lake and
Reconciliations
|
48
|
Financial Statements
Group Income Statement
|
For years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Revenue1
|
25,867
|
27,283
|
Raw materials and consumables
used
|
(4,565)
|
(4,545)
|
Changes in inventories of finished
goods and work in progress
|
129
|
(96)
|
Employee benefit costs
|
(2,831)
|
(2,664)
|
Depreciation, amortisation and
impairment costs
|
(3,101)
|
(28,614)
|
Other operating income
|
340
|
432
|
Loss on reclassification from
amortised cost to fair value
|
(10)
|
(9)
|
Other operating
expenses
|
(13,093)
|
(7,538)
|
Profit/(loss) from operations
|
2,736
|
(15,751)
|
Net finance costs
|
(1,098)
|
(1,895)
|
Share of post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures
|
1,900
|
585
|
Profit/(loss) before taxation
|
3,538
|
(17,061)
|
Taxation on ordinary
activities
|
(357)
|
2,872
|
Profit/(loss) for the year
|
3,181
|
(14,189)
|
Attributable to:
|
|
|
Owners of the parent
|
3,068
|
(14,367)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
113
|
178
|
|
3,181
|
(14,189)
|
Earnings/(loss) per share
|
|
|
Basic
|
136.7p
|
-646.6p
|
Diluted2
|
136.0p
|
-646.6p
|
All of the activities during both
years are in respect of continuing operations.
The accompanying notes on
pages 29 to 40 form
an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial
information.
1. Revenue is net of
duty, excise and other taxes of £33,818 million and £36,917 million
for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023,
respectively.
2. In 2023, the Group
reported a loss for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33,
the impact of share options would be antidilutive and is therefore
excluded, for 2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share, calculated in accordance with IFRS.
Financial Statements
Continued
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
|
For years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit/(loss) for the year (page 23)
|
3,181
|
(14,189)
|
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
|
|
|
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or
loss:
|
(50)
|
(3,317)
|
Foreign currency translation and
hedges of net investments in foreign operations
|
|
|
- differences on exchange from
translation of foreign operations
|
(195)
|
(4,049)
|
- reclassified and reported in
profit for the year
|
-
|
552
|
- net investment hedges -
net fair value gains on derivatives
|
20
|
236
|
- net investment hedges -
differences on exchange on borrowings
|
17
|
9
|
Cash flow hedges
|
|
|
- net fair value gains
|
65
|
59
|
- reclassified and reported in
profit for the year
|
36
|
12
|
- tax on net fair value gains in
respect of cash flow hedges
|
(23)
|
(23)
|
Investments held at fair
value
|
|
|
- net fair value losses
|
-
|
(6)
|
Associates
|
|
|
- share of other comprehensive
income, net of tax
|
(13)
|
(107)
|
- differences on exchange
reclassified to profit or loss
|
43
|
-
|
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or
loss:
|
(7)
|
(57)
|
Retirement benefit
schemes
|
|
|
- net actuarial losses
|
(19)
|
(106)
|
- movements in surplus
recognition
|
(14)
|
24
|
- tax on actuarial (losses)/gains
in respect of subsidiaries
|
(1)
|
30
|
Investments held at fair
value
|
|
|
- net fair value losses
|
(6)
|
-
|
Associates - share of other
comprehensive income, net of tax
|
33
|
(5)
|
Total other comprehensive expense
for the year, net of tax
|
(57)
|
(3,374)
|
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of
tax
|
3,124
|
(17,563)
|
|
|
|
Attributable to:
|
|
|
Owners of the parent
|
3,013
|
(17,699)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
111
|
136
|
|
3,124
|
(17,563)
|
The accompanying notes on
pages 29 to 40 form
an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial
information.
Financial Statements
Continued
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
At 31 December 2024
|
Attributable to owners of
the parent
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
Share premium, capital
redemption and merger reserves
|
Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
attributable
to owners
of parent
|
Perpetual hybrid
bonds
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
Total
equity
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
Balance at 1 January 2024
|
614
|
26,630
|
(894)
|
24,531
|
50,881
|
1,685
|
368
|
52,934
|
|
Total comprehensive
(expense)/income for the year comprising:
(page 24)
|
-
|
-
|
(21)
|
3,034
|
3,013
|
-
|
111
|
3,124
|
|
Profit for the year
(page 23)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,068
|
3,068
|
-
|
113
|
3,181
|
|
Other comprehensive expense for
the year (page 24)
|
-
|
-
|
(21)
|
(34)
|
(55)
|
-
|
(2)
|
(57)
|
|
Other changes in equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow hedges reclassified and
reported in total assets
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
|
Employee share options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- value of employee
services
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
70
|
70
|
-
|
-
|
70
|
|
- proceeds from new shares
issued
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
- treasury shares used for
share option schemes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Dividends and other
appropriations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- ordinary shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,209)
|
(5,209)
|
-
|
-
|
(5,209)
|
|
- to non-controlling
interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(127)
|
(127)
|
|
Purchase of own shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- held in employee share
ownership trusts
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(94)
|
(94)
|
-
|
-
|
(94)
|
|
- share buy-back
programme
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(698)
|
(698)
|
-
|
-
|
(698)
|
|
- shares bought back and
cancelled
|
(7)
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Treasury shares
cancelled
|
(22)
|
22
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Perpetual hybrid bonds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- coupons paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(56)
|
(56)
|
-
|
-
|
(56)
|
|
- tax on coupons
paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
|
Other movements
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
|
Balance at 31 December 2024
|
585
|
26,665
|
(902)
|
21,610
|
47,958
|
1,685
|
352
|
49,995
|
|
Financial Statements
Continued
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
(continued)
At 31 December 2023
|
Attributable to owners of the parent
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium, capital redemption and merger reserves
|
Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
In
respect of assets held-for-sale
|
Total
attributable
to
owners
of
parent
|
Perpetual hybrid bonds
|
Non-controlling interests
|
Total
equity
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Balance at 1 January 2023
|
614
|
26,628
|
2,655
|
44,081
|
(295)
|
73,683
|
1,685
|
342
|
75,710
|
Total comprehensive
(expense)/income for the year comprising: (page 24)
|
-
|
-
|
(3,281)
|
(14,418)
|
-
|
(17,699)
|
-
|
136
|
(17,563)
|
(Loss)/profit for the year
(page 23)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(14,367)
|
-
|
(14,367)
|
-
|
178
|
(14,189)
|
Other comprehensive expense for
the year (page 24)
|
-
|
-
|
(3,281)
|
(51)
|
-
|
(3,332)
|
-
|
(42)
|
(3,374)
|
Other changes in equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow hedges reclassified and
reported in total assets
|
-
|
-
|
27
|
-
|
-
|
27
|
-
|
-
|
27
|
Employee share options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- value of employee
services
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
71
|
-
|
71
|
-
|
-
|
71
|
- proceeds from new shares
issued
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
Dividends and other
appropriations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- ordinary shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,071)
|
-
|
(5,071)
|
-
|
-
|
(5,071)
|
- to non-controlling
interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(110)
|
(110)
|
Purchase of own shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- held in employee share
ownership trusts
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(110)
|
-
|
(110)
|
-
|
-
|
(110)
|
Perpetual hybrid bonds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- coupons paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(58)
|
-
|
(58)
|
-
|
-
|
(58)
|
- tax on coupons paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
Reclassification of equity in
respect of assets classified as held-for-sale
|
-
|
-
|
(295)
|
-
|
295
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Other movements
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
-
|
22
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
Balance at 31 December 2023
|
614
|
26,630
|
(894)
|
24,531
|
-
|
50,881
|
1,685
|
368
|
52,934
|
The accompanying notes on
pages 29 to 40 form
an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial
information.
Financial Statements
Continued
Group Balance Sheet
|
As at 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Assets
|
|
|
Intangible assets
|
94,276
|
95,562
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
4,379
|
4,583
|
Investments in associates and
joint ventures
|
1,902
|
1,970
|
Retirement benefit
assets
|
937
|
956
|
Deferred tax assets
|
2,573
|
911
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
282
|
321
|
Investments held at fair
value
|
146
|
118
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
110
|
109
|
Total non-current assets
|
104,605
|
104,530
|
Inventories
|
4,616
|
4,938
|
Income tax receivable
|
67
|
172
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
3,604
|
3,621
|
Investments held at fair
value
|
513
|
601
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
186
|
181
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
5,297
|
4,659
|
|
14,283
|
14,172
|
Assets classified as
held-for-sale
|
11
|
14
|
Total current assets
|
14,294
|
14,186
|
Total assets
|
118,899
|
118,716
|
Equity - capital and reserves
|
|
|
Share capital
|
585
|
614
|
Share premium, capital redemption
and merger reserves
|
26,665
|
26,630
|
Other reserves
|
(902)
|
(894)
|
Retained earnings
|
21,610
|
24,531
|
Owners of the parent
|
47,958
|
50,881
|
Perpetual hybrid bonds
|
1,685
|
1,685
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
352
|
368
|
Total equity
|
49,995
|
52,934
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
32,638
|
35,406
|
Retirement benefit
liabilities
|
820
|
881
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
11,679
|
12,192
|
Other provisions for
liabilities
|
4,071
|
531
|
Trade and other
payables
|
685
|
893
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
268
|
206
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
50,161
|
50,109
|
Borrowings
|
4,312
|
4,324
|
Income tax payable
|
1,681
|
992
|
Other provisions for
liabilities
|
3,044
|
468
|
Trade and other
payables
|
9,550
|
9,700
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
156
|
189
|
Total current liabilities
|
18,743
|
15,673
|
Total equity and liabilities
|
118,899
|
118,716
|
The accompanying notes on
pages 29 to 40 form
an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial
information.
Financial Statements
Continued
Group Cash Flow Statement
|
For years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
Cash generated from operating
activities (page 34)
|
11,573
|
12,830
|
Dividends received from
associates
|
406
|
506
|
Tax paid
|
(1,854)
|
(2,622)
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
10,125
|
10,714
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
Interest received
|
187
|
145
|
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment
|
(486)
|
(460)
|
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
|
145
|
54
|
Purchases of
intangibles
|
(122)
|
(141)
|
Proceeds on disposal of
intangibles
|
39
|
27
|
Purchases of
investments
|
(216)
|
(448)
|
Proceeds on disposals of
investments
|
299
|
405
|
Investment in associates and
acquisitions of other subsidiaries net of cash acquired
|
(48)
|
(37)
|
Proceeds from disposal of shares
in associate, net of tax
|
1,577
|
-
|
Disposal of subsidiary, net of
cash disposed of
|
-
|
159
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing
activities
|
1,375
|
(296)
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
Interest paid on borrowings and
financing related activities
|
(1,703)
|
(1,682)
|
Interest element of lease
liabilities
|
(37)
|
(30)
|
Capital element on lease
liabilities
|
(165)
|
(162)
|
Proceeds from increases in and new
borrowings
|
2,404
|
5,134
|
Reductions in and repayments of
borrowings
|
(4,826)
|
(6,769)
|
Outflows relating to derivative
financial instruments
|
(128)
|
(480)
|
Purchases of own shares - share
buy-back programme
|
(698)
|
-
|
Purchases of own shares held in
employee share ownership trusts
|
(94)
|
(110)
|
Coupon paid on perpetual hybrid
bonds
|
(56)
|
(59)
|
Dividends paid to owners of the
parent
|
(5,213)
|
(5,055)
|
Capital injection from and
purchases of non-controlling interests
|
-
|
-
|
Dividends paid to non-controlling
interests
|
(121)
|
(105)
|
Other
|
5
|
4
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
(10,632)
|
(9,314)
|
Net cash flows generated from operating, investing and
financing activities
|
868
|
1,104
|
Transferred from
held-for-sale*
|
-
|
368
|
Differences on exchange
|
(281)
|
(292)
|
Increase in net cash and cash equivalents in the
year
|
587
|
1,180
|
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1
January
|
4,517
|
3,337
|
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31
December
|
5,104
|
4,517
|
Cash and cash equivalents per
balance sheet
|
5,297
|
4,659
|
Overdrafts and accrued
interest
|
(193)
|
(142)
|
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31
December
|
5,104
|
4,517
|
*Included in Transferred from
held-for-sale in 2023 is £102 million of foreign exchange loss
due to the devaluation of the Russian ruble.
The accompanying notes on
pages 29 to 40 form
an integral part of this condensed consolidated financial
information. The net cash flows relating to the adjusting items
within profit from operations on pages 29 to 32, included in the above, are an
outflow of £824 million (31 December 2023: £156 million
outflow).
Notes to the Financial Statements
Accounting policies and basis of
preparation
The condensed consolidated
financial information has been extracted from the Group's 2024
Annual Report and Accounts and
Form 20-F, including the financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2024, which is expected to be published on
14 February 2025. This condensed consolidated financial
information does not constitute statutory accounts within the
meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Group prepares its annual
consolidated financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and UK-adopted international
accounting standards, and in accordance with the provisions of the
UK Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies under IFRS.
UK-adopted international accounting standards differ in certain
respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. The differences have no
impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements for the
periods presented.
These condensed financial
statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention,
except in respect of certain financial instruments. They are
prepared on a basis consistent with the IFRS accounting policies as
set out in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for
the year ended 31 December 2023.
The preparation of these condensed
consolidated financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent liabilities at the date of these condensed consolidated
financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions are based on
historical experience and various other factors that are believed
to be reasonable in the circumstances and constitute management's
best judgment at the date of the condensed consolidated financial
statements. Other than in respect of certain assumptions related to
the assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible
assets and with respect to the ongoing litigation in Canada (as
described on page 18), the key estimates and assumptions were the same as those
that applied to the consolidated financial information for the year
ended 31 December 2023, apart from updating the assumptions used to
determine the carrying value of liabilities for retirement benefit
schemes. As described on page 31, the Group has assessed whether
there are any impairment triggers related to the carrying value of
the significant investments of goodwill and intangibles. Other than
as described on page 31
in relation to Camel Snus and page
32 in relation to
Malaysia, no other impairment of goodwill and intangibles is
required. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these
estimates and assumptions, which could affect these condensed
consolidated financial statements as the original estimates and
assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the period in which
the circumstances change.
After reviewing the Group's
forecast financial performance and financing arrangements, the
Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to
continue operating for at least 12 months from the date of approval
of this condensed consolidated financial information and that it is
therefore appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis
in preparing the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and Form
20-F.
Analysis of revenue and profit from operations by
segment
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
|
Reported
|
|
|
Exchange
|
Reported at
CC2
|
|
Reported
|
|
|
Revenue
|
£m
|
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
|
|
U.S.
|
11,278
|
|
|
314
|
11,592
|
|
11,994
|
|
|
AME
|
9,241
|
|
|
523
|
9,764
|
|
9,791
|
|
|
APMEA
|
5,348
|
|
|
447
|
5,795
|
|
5,498
|
|
|
Total Region
|
25,867
|
|
|
1,284
|
27,151
|
|
27,283
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
|
Reported
|
Adj
Items1
|
Adjusted
|
Exchange
|
Adjusted at
CC2
|
|
Reported
|
Adj
Items1
|
Adjusted
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
U.S.
|
4,087
|
2,299
|
6,386
|
194
|
6,580
|
|
(20,781)
|
27,602
|
6,821
|
AME
|
(3,464)
|
6,784
|
3,320
|
192
|
3,512
|
|
3,194
|
266
|
3,460
|
APMEA
|
2,113
|
71
|
2,184
|
163
|
2,347
|
|
1,836
|
348
|
2,184
|
Total Region
|
2,736
|
9,154
|
11,890
|
549
|
12,439
|
|
(15,751)
|
28,216
|
12,465
|
Notes to the analysis of revenue and profit from operations
above:
1. Adjusting items
represent certain items which the Group considers distinctive based
upon their size, nature or incidence.
2. CC: constant
currency - measures are calculated based on a re-translation, at
the prior year's exchange rates, of the current year's results of
the Group and, where applicable, its segments.
Adjusting Items
Adjusting items are significant
items of income or expense in profit from operations, net finance
costs, taxation and the Group's share of the post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a
similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the
Group's underlying financial performance because of their size,
nature or incidence. In identifying and quantifying adjusting
items, the Group consistently applies a policy that defines
criteria that are required to be met for an item to be classified
as adjusting. These items are separately disclosed in the segmental
analyses or in the notes to the accounts as appropriate.
The Group believes that these
items are useful to users of the Group financial statements in
helping them to understand the underlying business performance and
are used to derive the Group's principal non-GAAP measures of
organic revenue, organic New Categories revenue, Smokeless revenue
as a proportion of total revenue, adjusted gross profit, adjusted
gross margin, adjusted profit from operations, adjusted organic
profit from operations, organic New Categories contribution,
organic New Categories contribution margin, adjusted diluted
earnings per share, adjusted organic diluted earnings per share,
adjusted net finance costs, adjusted taxation and operating cash
flow conversion ratio, adjusted cash generated from operations,
free cash flow (before dividends paid to shareholders) and free
cash flow (after dividends paid to shareholders) all of which are
before the impact of adjusting items and which are reconciled from
revenue, profit from operations, diluted earnings per share, net
finance costs, taxation, cash conversion ratio and net cash
generated from operating activities.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Adjusting items included in profit from
operations
Adjusting items are significant
items in the profit from operations that individually or, if of a
similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the
Group's underlying financial performance. In summary, in 2024, the
Group incurred £9,154 million (2023: £28,216 million) of adjusting
items within profit from operations:
|
Years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
(a) Restructuring and integration
costs
|
-
|
(2)
|
(b) Amortisation and impairment of
trademarks and similar intangibles
|
2,279
|
23,202
|
(c) Charges in connection with
disposal of subsidiaries
|
-
|
351
|
(d) Charges in respect of an
excise assessment in Romania
|
449
|
-
|
(d) Charges in respect of the
ongoing litigation in Canada (excluding goodwill)
|
6,203
|
-
|
(d) Charges in connection with
disposal of associate
|
6
|
-
|
(d) Credit in settlement of
historic litigation in relation to the Fox River
|
(132)
|
-
|
(d) Impairment of fixed assets,
including related to the Group's head office in London and the
intention to seek an orderly exit from Cuba
|
149
|
-
|
(d) Credit in respect of
calculation of excise on social contributions in Brazil
|
-
|
(148)
|
(d) Credit in respect of
calculation of VAT on social contributions in Brazil
|
-
|
(19)
|
(d) Charges in respect of DOJ and
OFAC investigations
|
4
|
75
|
(d) Charges in respect of
contributions on investment grants in Brazil
|
-
|
47
|
(d) Other adjusting items
(including Engle)
|
157
|
96
|
(e) Impairment of
goodwill
|
39
|
4,614
|
Total adjusting items included in profit from
operations
|
9,154
|
28,216
|
(a) Restructuring and integration costs
Restructuring costs have reflected
the costs associated with the implementation of revisions to the
Group's operating model, mainly in relation to Quantum, a
restructuring programme implemented within the Group. No further
Quantum restructuring charges were recognised as adjusting in 2024
or 2023, following the completion of the programme in
2022.
2023 included a net credit of £2
million in respect of unutilised provisions.
(b) Amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar
intangibles
Acquisitions in previous years
have resulted in the capitalisation of trademarks and similar
intangibles including those which are amortised over their expected
useful lives. The amortisation and impairment charge of £2,279
million (2023: £23,202 million) is included in depreciation,
amortisation and impairment costs in the income
statement.
As a result of accelerated volume
loss to Modern Oral, an impairment of £646 million in respect
of the U.S. brand Camel Snus has been recognised.
Concurrent to the impairment assessment, and reflecting
Management's revised volume projections, Management concluded that
it was appropriate to redesignate Camel Snus as definite-lived
from 1 January 2025 (2024: indefinite-lived, 2023:
indefinite-lived) with an estimated life of 20 years to be
amortised on a straight-line basis. The annual increase to
amortisation as a result of this change will be £23 million.
Management recognise that the date at which the redesignation to
definite-lived is made is judgmental.
(c) Loss on disposal of business
The charge in 2023 related to the
disposal of the Russian and Belarusian businesses, concluded in
September 2023. There were no similar charges recognised in
2024.
(d) Other
In 2024, the Group incurred a net
charge of £6,836 million (2023: net charge of £51 million) of other
adjusting items. These included:
- A charge of £6,203
million in respect of the potential settlement in
Canada (please refer to page
18);
- A charge of £449 million
in respect of an excise assessment in Romania that was concluded in 2024,
with £390 million paid and a provision
recognised for the remainder;
- A credit related to the
settlement of historical litigation in
respect of the Fox River (£132 million);
- Impairment of fixed assets
of £149 million, including in respect of the Group's Head Office in
London and the intention to seek an orderly exit from Cuba;
and
- Other costs of £157
million (2023: £96 million), mainly related to litigation costs
including Engle progeny and other health-related claims.
Included in 2024 was a credit of
£2 million recognised for the settlement with the state of
Idaho and a credit of £18 million related to the Washington
portion of the 2004 Non-Participating Manufacturer adjustment
award.
In 2023, the Group concluded the
DOJ and OFAC settlement agreements to resolve historical breaches
of sanctions (see page 20) recognising a charge in that
year of £75 million. The final payment was made in 2024, with the
Group recognising charges (largely due to foreign exchange
movements) of £4 million. Also in 2023, the Group recognised net
credits totalling £120 million in Brazil largely related to the
calculation of VAT and excise on social contributions.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Adjusting items included in profit from operations
(continued)
(e) Ongoing impairment review of assets
The Group's impairment testing for
goodwill uses the value-in-use method, with calculations prepared
on a ten-year cash flow forecast (five-year cash flow forecast for
Reynolds American, Canada and Malaysia) which assumes long-term
volume decline of cigarettes, generally offset by
pricing.
After this forecast, a growth rate
into perpetuity has been applied. The Reynolds American trademarks
and similar intangibles with indefinite lives (brands) have been
tested for impairment on the basis of fair value less cost of
disposal whereby, after calculating the value-in-use, a tax
amortisation benefit factor is applied to incorporate the
additional value a market participant would derive in an asset
acquisition scenario. Post-tax discount rates were used in the
impairment testing, based on the Group's weighted average cost of
capital, taking into account the cost of capital and borrowings, to
which specific market-related premium adjustments are made. These
adjustments are derived from external sources and are based on the
spread between bonds (or credit default swaps, or similar
indicators) issued by the relevant local (or comparable)
government, adjusted for the Group's own credit market risk.
Valuations derived from applying post-tax discount rates to
post-tax cash flows are aligned to those that would arise from
applying pre-tax discount rates to pre-tax cash flows. For ease of
use and consistency in application, these results are periodically
calibrated into bands based on internationally recognised credit
ratings. This applies to all cash-generating units (CGUs) with the
exception of Reynolds American, for which the discount rate is
independently determined based on a weighted average cost of
capital in respect of the U.S. and U.S. market-related premiums,
and Malaysia where the discount rate reflects BAT Malaysia's
weighted average cost of capital. Further adjustments to
reflect risk not otherwise reflected in the forecast cash flows are
also applied as required.
Subsequent to the FDA announcement
on 28 April 2022 of a proposed product standard to prohibit menthol
as a characterising flavour in cigarettes, the FDA formally
submitted the final product standard to the Office of Management
and Budget on 18 October 2023. Following delays, in January 2025,
the new Trump administration withdrew the rule from the Office of
Management and Budget and it is currently held pending the new
Trump administration's reconsideration of regulations advanced by
the previous administration. Management notes that the timetable
for any final product standard remains uncertain.
On 21 June 2022, the FDA announced
plans to develop a proposed product standard that would establish a
maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and certain other combustible
tobacco products to reduce addictiveness. On 15 January 2025, in
the final days of the outgoing Biden administration, the FDA issued
a proposed product standard whereby the agency would limit nicotine
levels in cigarettes following a two-year effective date from
publication of any final rule. The proposed rule is currently
subject to public comment, but may be de-prioritised by the new
Trump administration as it considers all proposed regulations
advanced by the previous administration. Management notes that the
FDA proposed rule does not itself constitute restrictions on
nicotine levels in cigarettes, and any proposed rule must still go
through the established comprehensive U.S. rule-making process, the
timetable and outcome for which remains uncertain. Management also
notes that it is not known whether or when this proposed rule will
be finalised, and, if adopted, whether the final rule will be the
same as or similar to the proposed rule.
In December 2022, the sale of most
tobacco products with characterising flavours (including menthol)
other than tobacco were banned in the state of California. The
impact of the ban in California has been reflected in the cash flow
forecasts used in the impairment model.
The Group has a long-standing
track record of managing regulatory shifts and, in the event of
regulatory change, the Group remains confident in its ability to
navigate that environment successfully.
During 2023, evolving insights
indicated that the decline in industry volume would be higher than
previously forecasted due to the continued macro-economic headwinds
in the U.S. combined with an acceleration of the Vapour category
growth. This growth is driven by adult combustible consumers
turning to Vapour devices (specifically through the use of illicit
single-use products). Due to the continued challenging trading
conditions in the U.S., a detailed external study was commissioned
to assist Management with an independent view of the potential
forecast performance for the market. This review assisted
Management in preparing the Group's five-year forecast of the U.S.
market, with further extrapolation based upon the estimated
performance of the brands.
Following the review and as a
result of the higher forecast combustibles market decline as
described above, a total impairment of £27,291 million in
respect of the U.S. CGU was identified in 2023.
In 2024, in line with the approach
used since 2022, the value-in-use calculation for the total U.S.
CGU and the fair value calculations for the brand intangibles have
been determined based on probability weighted scenarios to derive a
risk-adjusted cash flow forecast applied within the valuations.
These scenarios incorporate varying assumptions on potential timing
for a final product standard to prohibit menthol as a
characterising flavour in cigarettes becoming effective. However,
the impact of the timing of any potential menthol ban was not
deemed to be a key assumption.
The below table illustrates the
carrying values, the key assumptions used in the assessment and the
variance in that assumption required before an impairment is
required for Reynolds American goodwill and specific indefinite-
and definite-lived brand intangibles.
|
Carrying
Value
|
|
Pre-tax discount
rate
|
|
Long-term growth
rate
|
|
At 31 December 2024
(£)
|
|
Applied
|
Required increase to reach
nil headroom
|
|
Applied
|
Required
reduction to reach nil headroom
|
Reynolds American
Goodwill
|
31,491
|
|
9.0%
|
1.9%
|
|
1.0%
|
(1.8)%
|
Newport
|
20,421
|
|
8.6%
|
0.5%
|
|
|
|
Camel
|
7,696
|
|
8.6%
|
3.9%
|
|
|
|
Pall Mall
|
2,522
|
|
8.8%
|
6.3%
|
|
|
|
Natural American Spirit
|
10,272
|
|
7.9%
|
1.6%
|
|
|
|
Grizzly
|
9,373
|
|
7.6%
|
0.7%
|
|
1.0%
|
(0.8)%
|
Camel Snus *
|
459
|
|
8.6%
|
N/A
|
|
(6.9)%
|
N/A
|
*An impairment has been recognised
in respect of Camel Snus during the year and hence the above
sensitivities are not applicable. Long-term growth rates are
not applicable for the definite-lived brands.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Adjusting items included in profit from operations
(continued)
(e) Ongoing impairment review of assets
(continued)
In addition to the above,
Management also considered reasonably possible scenarios in respect
of the Grizzly and Newport brands. The Newport brand fair
value is highly sensitive to changes in the volume assumptions.
Management believe a decrease in volume year on year in the
discrete period by an additional 1% is a reasonably possible
change. This would result in an impairment of £1.3
billion. Similarly, a 3% reduction in the 5-year volume
CAGR for Grizzly is considered reasonably possible and would result
in an impairment of £0.9 billion.
Based on the impairment assessment
undertaken by Management, the Group has recognised an impairment of
£39 million for the Malaysia CGU. This reflects the continued
difficult trading environment and developing regulations related to
the Vapour marketplace.
Adjusting items included in net finance
costs
In 2024, the Group incurred
adjusting items within net finance costs which was a net income of
£491 million, compared to a net cost of
£96 million in 2023. This included:
- The early repurchase of
bonds as the Group realised a gain of £602 million arising on the
difference between the redemption value and the amortised cost of
the bonds, partly offset by a fair value loss of £9 million on
debt-related derivatives and incurred other transaction costs of £3
million;
- Interest of £61 million
(2023: £60 million) in relation to the FII GLO, as described on
page 40;
- A charge of £14 million in
relation to a tax case in Brazil;
- Interest of £11 million on
a tax provision in Indonesia;
- Interest of £8 million in
relation to a tax provision in the Netherlands;
- A release of £25 million
of interest on tax provision in Canada in relation to a settlement
agreement with local authorities;
- A further £11 million
interest charge recorded on government liability balances
accumulated during CCAA protection; and
- A fair value loss of £19
million on embedded derivatives related to associates.
All of the adjustments noted above
have been included in the adjusted earnings per share calculation
on page 36.
Adjusting items included in results of associates and joint
ventures
Adjusting items included in
results of associates and joint ventures was a credit of £1,379
million in 2024 (2023: £8 million credit), mainly related
to:
- The sale by the Group
of 436,851,457 ordinary shares held in the Group's main associate, ITC in
India. The sale represents 3.5% of ITC's ordinary shares, realising
a gain of £1,361 million; and
- A deemed gain of £18
million (2023: £40 million gain) as a result of ITC issuing
ordinary shares under the company's Employees Share Option Scheme.
The issue of these shares and change in the Group's share of ITC
resulted in a deemed partial disposal.
Accordingly, the Group's share of
ITC has reduced from 29.02% (31 December 2023) to 25.45% at 31
December 2024.
In 2023, the Group also recognised
an impairment charge with respect to the investment in Organigram
of £36 million (or £34 million net of tax). No impairment related
to Organigram was recognised in 2024.
The share of post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures is after the adjusting items noted
above, which are excluded from the calculation of adjusted earnings
per share as set out on page 36.
Adjusting items included in taxation
The Group's tax rate is affected
by the adjusting items referred to below and by the inclusion of
the share of associates and joint ventures post-tax profit in the
Group's pre-tax results.
Adjusting items in 2024 included a
net credit of £157 million mainly relating to Brazilian Federal Tax
Authority challenges regarding the treatment of Rio de Janeiro VAT
incentives and a provision for potential tax exposures in
Indonesia, offset by the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities
arising on trademarks recognised in the Reynolds American
acquisition in 2017 due to changes in U.S. state tax rates and the
reversal of a tax provision in Canada following a settlement
agreement with local authorities.
In 2023, it included a net credit
of £73 million mainly relating to the revaluation of deferred tax
liabilities arising on trademarks recognised in the Reynolds
American acquisition in 2017 due to changes in U.S. state tax
rates, the reversal of provisions related to tax risks in Russia
and a potential clawback of tax reliefs arising from the
closure of the Group's factory in Switzerland, partially offset by
a provision for potential tax exposures in the Netherlands and the
tax impact in Brazil arising from the legal case regarding Rio de
Janeiro VAT incentives described above.
The adjusting tax item also
includes £2,049 million (2023: £5,415 million) in respect of the
taxation on other adjusting items, which are described on
pages 29 to 32.
Refer to page 40 for the Franked Investment Income
Group Litigation Order update.
As the above items are not
reflective of the ongoing business, they have been recognised as
adjusting items within taxation. All of the adjustments noted above
have been included in the adjusted earnings per share calculation
on page 36.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Liquidity
The Treasury function is
responsible for raising finance for the Group, managing the Group's
cash resources and the financial risks arising from underlying
operations. All these activities are carried out under defined
policies, procedures and limits, reviewed and approved by the
Board, delegating oversight to the Chief Financial Officer and
Treasury function. The Group has targeted an average centrally
managed bond maturity of at least five years with no more than 20%
of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling 12-month
period. As at 31 December 2024, the average centrally managed debt
maturity of bonds was 9.5 years (31 December 2023: 10.5 years) and
the highest proportion of centrally managed debt maturing in a
single rolling 12-month period was 14.8% (31 December 2023:
15.7%).
The Group continues to maintain
investment-grade credit ratings, with ratings from Moody's, S&P
and Fitch of Baa1 (stable outlook), BBB+ (stable outlook), BBB+
(stable outlook), respectively, and continues to target a solid
investment-grade credit rating of Baa1, BBB+ and BBB+. The strength
of the ratings has underpinned debt issuance and the Group is
confident of its ability to continue to successfully access the
debt capital markets. A credit rating is not a recommendation to
buy, sell or hold securities. A credit rating may be subject to
withdrawal or revision at any time. Each rating should be evaluated
separately of any other rating.
In order to manage its interest
rate risk, the Group maintains both floating rate and fixed rate
debt. The Group sets targets (within overall guidelines) for the
desired ratio of floating to fixed rate debt on a net basis (at
least 50% fixed on a net basis in the short to medium term). At 31
December 2024, the relevant ratio of floating to fixed rate
borrowings after the impact of derivatives was 22:78 (31 December
2023: 10:90). On a net basis, after offsetting liquid assets but
excluding cash and other liquid assets (including investments held
at fair value) in Canada, which are subject to certain restrictions
under CCAA protection, the relevant ratio of floating to fixed rate
borrowings was 13:87 (31 December 2023: 2:98).
Available facilities
It is Group policy that short-term
sources of funds (including drawings under both the
US$4 billion U.S.
commercial paper programme and £3 billion euro commercial paper
programme) are backed by undrawn committed lines of credit and
cash. As at 31 December 2024, no commercial paper was outstanding
(31 December 2023: £0 million). Cash flows relating to commercial
paper issuances with maturity periods of three months or less are
presented on a net basis in the Group's cash flow
statement.
At 31 December 2024, the Group had
access to a £5.4 billion revolving credit facility. This facility
was undrawn at 31 December 2024. In March 2024,the Group exercised
the first of the one-year extension options on the
£2.5 billion 364-day tranche of the revolving credit facility,
with the second one-year extension subsequently exercised in
February 2025. Effective March 2025, therefore, the
£2.5 billion 364-day tranche will be extended to March 2026.
Additionally, £2.85 billion of the five-year tranche remains
available until March 2025, with £2.7 billion extended to
March 2026 and £2.5 billion extended to March 2027.
During 2024, the Group extended short-term bilateral facilities
totalling £2.4 billion. As at 31 December 2024, £nil million
was drawn on a short-term basis with £2.4 billion undrawn and still
available under such bilateral facilities.
Cash flows relating to bilateral facilities that have maturity
periods of three months or less are presented on a net basis in the
Group's cash flow statement.
In January 2025, the Group entered
into a medium-term facility of £503 million (equivalent) which was
fully drawn.
Issuance, drawdowns and repayments in the
period
- In
February 2024, the Group accessed the US dollar market under the
SEC Shelf Programme, raising a total of US$1.7 billion across two
tranches;
- In March 2024, the Group
repaid a £229 million bond at maturity;
- In April 2024, the Group
accessed the Euro market under its EMTN Programme, raising a total
of €900 million;
- To optimise the Group's
debt capital structure using available liquidity and to reduce
gross and net debt, the Group completed capped cash debt tender
offers in May 2024, targeting series of low-priced, long-dated
GBP-, EUR- and USD-denominated bonds, pursuant to which the Group
repurchased bonds prior to their maturity in a principal amount of
£1.8 billion equivalent;
and
- In August, September and
October 2024, the Group repaid US$1.9 billion,
US$1 billion and €850 million
of bonds at maturity,
respectively.
The Group has debt maturities of
around £3.3 billion annually in the next two years. Due to
higher interest rates, net finance costs are expected to increase
as debts are refinanced.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Cash Flow
Net cash generated from operating
activities
Net cash generated from operating
activities in the IFRS cash flows on page 28 includes the following
items:
|
Years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit/(loss) for the year
|
3,181
|
(14,189)
|
Taxation on ordinary
activities
|
357
|
(2,872)
|
Share of post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures
|
(1,900)
|
(585)
|
Net finance costs
|
1,098
|
1,895
|
Profit/(loss) from operations
|
2,736
|
(15,751)
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
- depreciation, amortisation
and impairment costs
|
3,101
|
28,614
|
- decrease in
inventories
|
35
|
265
|
- increase in trade and
other receivables
|
(269)
|
(487)
|
- decrease in Master
Settlement Agreement payable
|
(294)
|
(287)
|
- increase in trade and
other payables
|
58
|
640
|
- decrease in net retirement
benefit liabilities
|
(76)
|
(111)
|
- increase/(decrease) in
other provisions for liabilities
|
6,322
|
(489)
|
- other non-cash
items
|
(40)
|
436
|
Cash generated from operating activities
|
11,573
|
12,830
|
Dividends received from
associates
|
406
|
506
|
Tax paid
|
(1,854)
|
(2,622)
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
10,125
|
10,714
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities declined by 5.5% to £10,125 million (2023: £10,714
million). This was driven by:
- The realisation, in 2023,
of tax credits in Brazil that did not repeat;
- Lower dividends received
from the Group's associates of £406 million (2023: £506 million),
mainly related to ITC, largely reflecting the reduced
shareholding;
- A payment of £390 million
in respect of an excise assessment in Romania; and
- Decreases in tax paid of
£1,854 million, compared to £2,622 million in 2023 as £700
million (US$895 million) have been deferred in the U.S. from
2024 until 2025.
During 2024, the Group made the
final payment in respect of the settlement agreements with the DOJ
and OFAC in the amount of £267 million (2023: £262 million),
while also receiving £132 million following the successful
conclusion of litigation concerning the Fox River.
In 2024, other litigation payments
(mainly related to Engle
and other health-related claims in the U.S.) were higher at £147
million (2023: £73 million).
In 2023, the Group paid a one time
payment of £59 million to settle the investigation by the Nigerian
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
(FCCPC).
The Group made interim repayments
to HMRC of £50 million in both 2024 and 2023, and intends to
make further interim repayments in future periods in respect of the
Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO), as
described on page 40.
Expenditure on research and
development was approximately £380 million in 2024 (2023:
£408 million) with a focus on products that could potentially
reduce the risk associated with smoking conventional
cigarettes.
Net cash from investing activities
Net cash from investing activities
was an inflow of £1,375 million, an improvement of £1,671 million
from the same period last year when it was an outflow of £296
million. The improvement was largely due to £1,577 million net
proceeds from the partial monetisation of our investment in ITC,
partly offset by the receipt in 2023 of the net proceeds related to
the sale of the Group's businesses in Russia and Belarus (£159
million). Also included in investing activities are cash flows
related to short-term investment products, including treasury
bills, which were a net inflow of £83 million compared to a net
outflow of £43 million in 2023. Purchases of property, plant and
equipment were higher than 2023, at £486 million (2023: £460
million).
Included within investing
activities is gross capital expenditure. This includes the
investment in the Group's global operational infrastructure
(including, but not limited to, the manufacturing network, trade
marketing and IT systems). In 2024, the Group invested £581
million, an increase of 7.3% on the prior year (2023: £541
million). The Group now expects gross capital expenditure in 2025
of approximately £650 million mainly related to the ongoing
investment in the Group's operational infrastructure, including the
expansion of our New Categories portfolio including enhancements to
our Modern Oral capacity.
Net cash used in financing activities
Net cash used in financing
activities was an outflow of £10,632 million in 2024 (2023: £9,314
million outflow). The total outflow includes:
-
The payment of the dividend of £5,213 million
(2023: £5,055 million);
-
Higher interest paid in the period of £1,703
million (2023: £1,682 million);
-
The net repayment of borrowings in 2024 of £2,422
million compared to a net repayment of borrowings in 2023 of £1,635
million;
- An outflow of £128 million
related to derivatives (2023: outflow of £480 million);
and
- In 2024, an outflow of
£698 million (2023: £nil ) in respect of the 2024 share buy-back
programme.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Related party disclosures
The Group's related party
transactions and relationships for 2023 were disclosed on pages 284
and 285 of the Group's Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for
the year ended 31 December 2023.
In the year ended 31 December
2024, apart from the partial sale of the Group's investment in ITC
(refer to page 20), there were no material changes in related parties or
related party transactions to be reported.
Full details of the Group's
related party transactions as at 31 December 2024 will be included
in the Group's 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and Form
20-F.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share were
136.7p compared to a loss of 646.6p in 2023 driven by:
- The net reduction in
non-cash amortisation and impairment charges in respect of goodwill
and trademarks, partly offset by the other items in profit from
operations discussed on page 29;
- A gain of
£1,361 million recognised in respect of the partial sale of
the Group's investment in ITC (see page 32); and
- A net credit of £590 million
related to the debt liability management exercise undertaken in the
first half of 2024 (see page 32).
These were partially offset by a
charge of £6,203 million in respect of the
potential settlement in Canada (please
refer to page 18).
Basic and diluted earnings per
share also benefited from a reduction in the number of shares, as
the Group bought back and cancelled 27,392,429 shares as part of
the £700 million share buy-back programme.
Before adjusting items and
including the dilutive effect of employee share schemes, adjusted
diluted earnings per share decreased 3.5% to 362.5p (2023: 375.6p).
On a constant translational foreign exchange basis, adjusted
diluted earnings per share were 1.7% higher at 381.9p, being an
increase of 3.6% on an adjusted, organic basis. For a full
reconciliation of diluted earnings per share to adjusted diluted
earnings per share, at constant rates, and adjusted diluted organic
earnings per share, at constant rates, please see page
56.
Earnings used in the basic,
diluted and headline earnings per share calculation represent the
profit attributable to the ordinary equity shareholders after
deducting amounts representing the coupon on perpetual hybrid bonds
on a pro-rata basis regardless of whether or not coupons have been
declared and paid in the period. In 2024, this amounted to £42
million (2023: £45 million).
|
Years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Earnings/(loss) attributable to
owners of the parent
|
3,068
|
(14,367)
|
Coupon on perpetual hybrid
bonds
|
(56)
|
(59)
|
Tax on coupon on perpetual hybrid
bonds
|
14
|
14
|
Earnings/(loss)
|
3,026
|
(14,412)
|
On 18 March 2024, the Company
announced its intention to start a sustainable share buy-back
programme with £700 million worth of shares to be purchased in
2024 and £900 million in 2025. The total number of shares
repurchased during 2024 as part of the share buy-back programme was
27,392,429 ordinary shares. Total consideration for the repurchase
of shares was £698 million, and was recorded within retained
earnings.
Basic earnings per share are based
on the profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders
and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during
the period (excluding treasury shares). For the calculation of the
diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares
reflects the potential dilutive effect of employee share
schemes.
In 2023, the Group reported a loss
for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33 Earnings per Share, the impact of
share options would be antidilutive on a reported basis and is
excluded, for 2023, from the table below. Earnings per share
calculations are based upon the following:
|
|
Reported
|
|
Adjusted
|
|
Headline
|
Basic
|
Diluted
|
|
Basic
|
Diluted
|
|
Basic
|
Diluted
|
Year ended 31 December
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Earnings
|
£m
|
3,026
|
3,026
|
|
8,066
|
8,066
|
|
2,276
|
2,276
|
- Shares
|
m
|
2,214
|
2,225
|
|
2,214
|
2,225
|
|
2,214
|
2,225
|
- Per share
|
p
|
136.7
|
136.0
|
|
364.3
|
362.5
|
|
102.8
|
102.3
|
Year ended 31 December
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- (Loss)/earnings
|
£m
|
(14,412)
|
(14,412)
|
|
8,403
|
8,403
|
|
8,169
|
8,169
|
- Shares
|
m
|
2,229
|
2,229
|
|
2,229
|
2,237
|
|
2,229
|
2,229
|
- Per share
|
p
|
(646.6)
|
(646.6)
|
|
377.0
|
375.6
|
|
366.5
|
366.5
|
In 2023, the Group reported a loss
for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33, the impact of
share options would be antidilutive and is therefore excluded, for
2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per share,
calculated in accordance with IFRS. For remuneration purposes, and
reflective of the Group's positive earnings on an adjusted basis,
Management included the dilutive effect of share options in
calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share.
British American Tobacco p.l.c. is
a public limited company which is listed on the London Stock
Exchange, New York Stock Exchange
and the JSE Limited in South Africa. British American Tobacco
p.l.c. is incorporated in England and Wales (No. 3407696) and
domiciled
in the UK.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Earnings per share (continued)
Adjusted diluted earnings per
share are calculated by taking the following adjustments into
account (see pages 29 to 32):
|
Years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
pence
|
pence
|
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
|
136.0
|
(646.6)
|
Effect of amortisation and
impairment of goodwill, trademarks and similar
intangibles
|
80.7
|
1,006.1
|
Effect of impairment charges in
respect of fixed assets, including the Group's head office and the
decision to exit Cuba
|
4.5
|
-
|
Effect of settlement of historical
litigation in relation to the Fox River
|
(4.9)
|
-
|
Net effect of Excise and VAT
cases
|
-
|
(5.7)
|
Effect of the ongoing litigation
in Canada
|
205.0
|
-
|
Effect of disposal of
subsidiaries
|
-
|
24.5
|
Effect of Romania and Brazil other
taxes
|
20.1
|
1.4
|
Effect of charges in respect of
DOJ and OFAC investigations
|
0.2
|
3.4
|
Effect of planned disposal of
subsidiaries
|
-
|
(8.7)
|
Effect of restructuring and
integration costs
|
-
|
(0.2)
|
Effect of other adjusting items in
operating profit
|
5.3
|
3.3
|
Effect of adjusting items in net
finance costs
|
(17.0)
|
3.1
|
Effect of gains related to the
partial divestment of shares held in ITC
|
(59.5)
|
-
|
Effect of associates' adjusting
items
|
(0.8)
|
(0.4)
|
Effect of adjusting items in
respect of deferred taxation
|
(12.0)
|
(4.4)
|
Adjusting items in tax
|
4.9
|
1.2
|
Impact of dilution*
|
|
(1.4)
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
|
362.5
|
375.6
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
19.4
|
-
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share translated at 2023
exchange rates
|
381.9
|
375.6
|
* In 2023, the Group
reported a loss for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33,
the impact of share options would be antidilutive and is therefore
excluded, for 2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share, calculated in accordance with IFRS. For remuneration
purposes, and reflective of the Group's positive earnings on an
adjusted basis, Management included the dilutive effect of
share options in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per
share.
The presentation of headline
earnings per share, as an alternative measure of earnings per
share, is mandated under the JSE Listing Requirements. It is
calculated in accordance with Circular 1/2023 'Headline Earnings'
as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Earnings per share (continued)
Diluted headline earnings per
share are calculated by taking the following adjustments into
account:
|
Years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
pence
|
pence
|
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
|
136.0
|
(646.6)
|
Effect of impairment of
intangibles, property, plant and equipment, associates and
held-for-sale assets (net of tax)
|
30.2
|
1,003.6
|
Effect of gains on disposal of
property, plant and equipment, trademarks, held-for-sale assets,
partial/full termination of IFRS 16 leases, and sale and leaseback
(net of tax)
|
(4.4)
|
(4.4)
|
Effect of impairment of
subsidiaries transferred to held-for-sale and associated costs (net
of tax)
|
-
|
(9.1)
|
Effect of foreign exchange
reclassification from reserves to the income statement
|
-
|
24.8
|
Issue of shares and change in
shareholding of an associate
|
(0.8)
|
(1.8)
|
Gain on partial disposal of an
associate and associated capital gains tax, including foreign
exchange recycled
|
(58.7)
|
-
|
Diluted headline earnings per share
|
102.3
|
366.5
|
The following is a reconciliation
of earnings to headline earnings, in accordance with the JSE
Listing Requirements:
|
Years ended 31
December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
|
3,026
|
(14,412)
|
Effect of impairment of
intangibles, property, plant and equipment, associates and
held-for-sale assets (net of tax)
|
672
|
22,370
|
Effect of gains on disposal of
property, plant and equipment, trademarks, held-for-sale assets,
partial/full termination of IFRS 16 leases, and sale and leaseback
(net of tax)
|
(97)
|
(98)
|
Effect of impairment of
subsidiaries transferred to held-for-sale and associated costs (net
of tax)
|
-
|
(203)
|
Effect of foreign exchange
reclassification from reserves to the income statement
|
-
|
552
|
Issue of shares and change in
shareholding of an associate
|
(18)
|
(40)
|
Gain on partial disposal of an
associate and associated capital gains tax, including foreign
exchange recycled
|
(1,307)
|
-
|
Headline earnings
|
2,276
|
8,169
|
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Contingent liabilities and financial
commitments
The Group has contingent
liabilities in respect of litigation, taxes and guarantees in
various countries. These are described below, are further described
in Note 31 to the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F and
will be included in the Group's 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and
Form 20-F. The Group is subject to contingencies pursuant to
requirements that it complies with relevant laws, regulations and
standards. Failure to comply could result in restrictions in
operations, damages, fines, increased tax, increased cost of
compliance, interest charges, reputational damage or other
sanctions. These matters are inherently difficult to
quantify.
In cases where the Group has an
obligation as a result of a past event existing at the balance
sheet date, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources
will be required to settle the obligation and the amount of the
obligation can be reliably estimated, a provision will be
recognised based on best estimates and management judgment. There
are, however, contingent liabilities in respect of litigation,
taxes in some countries and guarantees for which no provisions have
been made. While the amounts that may be payable or receivable
could be material to the results or cash flows of the Group in the
period in which they are recognised, the Board does not expect
these amounts to have a material effect on the Group's financial
condition.
Taxes
The Group has exposures in respect
of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. The Group is and
has been subject to a number of tax audits covering, among others,
excise tax, value-added taxes, sales taxes, corporate taxes,
overseas withholding taxes and payroll taxes. The estimated costs
of known tax obligations have been provided in these accounts in
accordance with the Group's accounting policies. In some countries,
tax law requires that full or part payment of disputed tax
assessments be made pending resolution of the dispute. To the
extent that such payments exceed the estimated obligation, they
would not be recognised as an expense.
There are disputes that are in or
may proceed to litigation in a number of countries, including
Brazil, Indonesia and the Netherlands.
In Indonesia, the Directorate
General of Taxes has filed assessments against Bentoel group
companies mainly relating to domestic and other intra-group
transactions during the years 2016-2021. Provisions totalling IDR
2,151 billion (£107 million) have been made in respect of claims
totalling IDR 6,640 billion (£329 million) including interest and
penalties. Objection letters have been filed with the Tax Office
and these assessments are being challenged at various levels in
court.
The Dutch tax authority has issued
a number of assessments on various issues across the years
2003-2016 in relation to various intra-group transactions. The
assessments amount to an aggregate net potential liability across
these periods of £1,140 million covering tax,
interest and penalties. The Group appealed against the assessments
in full. Appeal hearings took place in the second half of 2024,
with the Court of Appeal judgment expected in the first half of
2025.
The Group is also appealing the
ruling in respect of sales taxes and penalties in South
Korea.
Group litigation
Group companies, as well as other
leading cigarette manufacturers, are defendants in a number of
product liability cases. In a number of the cases, the amounts of
compensatory and punitive damages sought are significant. While it
is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case
or of the amount of any possible adverse verdict, the Group
believes that the defences of the Group's companies to all these
various claims are meritorious on both the law and the facts, and a
vigorous defence is being made everywhere. If an adverse judgment
is entered against any of the Group's companies in any case,
avenues of appeal will be pursued as necessary. Such appeals could
require the appellants to post appeal bonds or substitute security
in amounts that could in some cases equal or exceed the amount of
the judgment. At least in the aggregate, and despite the quality of
defences available to the Group, it is not impossible that the
Group's results of operations or cash flows in a particular period
could be materially affected by this and by the final outcome of
any particular litigation, or governmental
investigations.
U.S. - Engle
As at 31 December 2024, the
Group's subsidiaries, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJRT),
Lorillard Tobacco Company (Lorillard Tobacco) and Brown &
Williamson Holdings, Inc., had collectively been served in 91
pending Engle progeny
cases filed on behalf of approximately 125 individual plaintiffs.
Many of these are in active discovery or nearing trial. In 2024,
RJRT or Lorillard Tobacco paid judgments in four Engle progeny
cases. Those payments totalled approximately US$4.7 million
(approximately £3.8 million) in compensatory or punitive
damages. Additional costs were paid in respect of attorneys' fees
and statutory interest. In addition, from
1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024, outstanding jury verdicts in
favour of the Engle progeny plaintiffs had been entered against
RJRT or Lorillard Tobacco for US$63.7 million (approximately £51
million) in compensatory damages (as adjusted) and US$39.2 million
(approximately £31 million) in punitive damages. A majority of
these verdicts are in various stages in the appellate process and
have been bonded as required by Florida law under the
US$200 million (approximately £159.7 million) bond cap
passed by the Florida legislature in 2009. Although the Group
cannot currently predict when or how much it may be required to
bond and pay, the Group's subsidiaries will likely be required to
bond and pay additional judgments as the litigation
proceeds.
Canada
In Canada, following the
implementation of legislation enabling provincial governments to
recover healthcare costs directly from tobacco manufacturers, ten
actions for recovery of healthcare costs arising from the treatment
of smoking and health-related diseases were commenced in ten
provinces. Damages sought have not yet been quantified by all ten
provinces; however, in respect of five provinces, the damages
quantified in each of the provinces range between
CAD$10 billion (approximately £5.6 billion) and
CAD$118 billion (approximately £65.5 billion), and the
province of Ontario delivered an expert report quantifying its
damages in the range of CAD$280 billion (approximately
£155 billion) and CAD$630 billion (approximately
£350 billion) in 2016/2017 dollars. The province of Ontario
has amended its Statement of Claim to claim damages of
CAD$330 billion (approximately £183 billion). On 31
January 2019, the province of Ontario delivered a further expert
report claiming an additional CAD$9.4 billion (approximately
£5.2 billion) and CAD$10.9 billion in damages
(approximately £6.1 billion) in respect of environmental
tobacco smoke. No trial date has been set. In respect of the
province of New Brunswick, on 7 March 2019, the New Brunswick Court
of Queen's Bench released a decision requiring the province of New
Brunswick to produce a substantial amount of additional
documentation and data to the defendants. As a result, the original
trial date of 4 November 2019 has been delayed. No new trial date
has been set.
In addition to the actions
commenced by the provincial governments, there are numerous class
actions outstanding against Group companies. All of these actions
are currently subject to stays of proceedings.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Contingent liabilities and financial commitments
(continued)
In March 2019, Imperial Tobacco
Canada Limited and Imperial Tobacco Company Limited (together,
ITCAN), Group subsidiaries, obtained creditor protection under the
Canadian Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Under a
confidential court supervised mediation process, ITCAN has been
negotiating a possible settlement of all of its outstanding tobacco
litigation in Canada while continuing to run its business in the
normal course.
On 17 October 2024, the
court-appointed mediator's and monitor's plan of compromise and
arrangement was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Substantially similar proposed plans were also filed for Rothmans,
Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH, a subsidiary of Philip Morris
International Inc.) and JTI-Macdonald Corp. (JTIM, a subsidiary of
Japan Tobacco International) (collectively, the Proposed
Plans).
On 31 October 2024, the court
granted certain orders pursuant to which the Proposed Plans were
accepted for filing. On 12 December 2024, the Proposed Plans were
approved by the requisite majorities of the creditors. A sanction
hearing took place between 29-31 January 2025. During the sanction
hearing, the Court was asked to sanction the Proposed Plans. The
Court's decision is currently pending and the Stays are extended
until 3 March 2025, or such time as the Court's decision on the
sanction order is released.
Under the Proposed Plans, if
ultimately sanctioned and then implemented, ITCAN, RBH and JTIM
(the Companies) would pay an aggregate settlement amount of
CAD$32.5 billion (approximately £18 billion). Please refer to
page 18.
As referred to on page
18, further to the
publication of the Proposed Plans, the Group has recognised a
charge to the income statement of £6,203 million (held as a
liability at 31 December 2024).
Fox River
In January 2017, NCR Corporation
(NCR) and Appvion (a former Group subsidiary) entered into a
Consent Decree with the U.S. Government to resolve how the
remaining clean-up will be funded and to resolve further
outstanding claims between them. The Consent Decree was approved by
the District Court of Wisconsin in August 2017. The U.S.
Government enforcement action against NCR was terminated as a
result of that order and contribution claims from the Potentially
Responsible Parties (PRPs) against NCR were dismissed. On 3 January
2019, the U.S. Government, P. H. Glatfelter and Georgia-Pacific
(the remaining Fox River PRPs) sought approval for a separate
Consent Decree settling the allocation of costs on the Fox River.
This Consent Decree was approved by the District Court in the
Eastern District of Wisconsin on 14 March 2019, and concludes all
existing litigation on the Fox River clean-up. Considering these
developments, the provision has been reviewed. No adjustment has
been proposed, with the provision standing at £44 million at 31
December 2024 (31 December 2023: £44 million) after
disbursements.
In July 2016, the High Court ruled
in favour of BAT Industries p.l.c. (Industries), stating that a
dividend of €135 million (approximately £112 million)
paid by Windward Prospects Limited (Windward), a former Group
subsidiary, to Sequana S.A. (Sequana) in May 2009 was a transaction
made with the intention of putting assets beyond the reach of
Industries and of negatively impacting its interests. On 10
February 2017, following a hearing in January 2017 to determine the
relief due, the Court found in favour of Industries, ordering that
Sequana must pay an amount up to the full value of the dividend
plus interest which equates to around US$185 million (approximately £147.7 million), related to
past and future clean-up costs. The Court granted all parties leave
to appeal and Sequana a stay in respect of the above payments. The
appeal was heard in June 2018. Judgment was given on 6 February
2019 and the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's findings
against Sequana. The Court of Appeal refused applications made by
both parties for a further appeal to the UK Supreme Court. Both
parties applied directly to the UK Supreme Court for permission to
appeal in March 2019. On 31 July 2019, BTI 2014 LLC (BTI), a Group
subsidiary, was granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Court
in respect of its claims against the former Windward directors (who
authorised the dividend payments to Sequana). On the same day, the
Supreme Court refused Sequana permission to appeal. On 5 October
2022, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment, dismissing BTI's
appeal. BTI has also brought claims against certain of Windward's
former advisers. In February 2017, Sequana entered into a process
in France seeking court protection (the "Sauvegarde"), exiting the
Sauvegarde in June 2017. In May 2019, Sequana was placed into
formal liquidation proceedings. No payments have been received from
Sequana.
In June 2024, the Group settled
one of its historical litigations related to the clean-up costs of
the Fox River, recognising net income of
£132 million.
Kalamazoo
Georgia-Pacific, a designated PRP
in respect of the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, also pursued NCR in
relation to remediation costs caused by PCBs released into that
river. On 26 September 2013, the United States District Court,
Michigan held that NCR was liable as a PRP on the basis that it had
arranged for the disposal of hazardous material for the purposes of
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act (CERCLA).
Following further litigation, on
11 December 2019, NCR announced that it had entered into a Consent
Decree with the U.S. Government and the State of Michigan
(subsequently approved by the Michigan Court on 2 December 2020),
pursuant to which it assumed liability for certain remediation work
at the Kalamazoo River. The payments to be made on the face of the
Consent Decree in respect of such work total approximately
US$245 million (approximately £195.6 million). The
Consent Decree also provides for the payment by NCR of an
outstanding judgment against it of approximately US$20 million
(approximately £16.0 million) to Georgia-Pacific.
The quantum of the clean-up costs
for the Kalamazoo River is presently unclear. It seems likely to
well exceed the amounts payable on the face of the Consent
Decree.
On 10 February 2023, NCR filed a
complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York against Industries, seeking a declaration that
Industries must compensate NCR for 60% of costs NCR incurred and
incurs relating to the Kalamazoo River site on the asserted basis
that the Kalamazoo River constitutes a 'Future Site' for the
purposes of a 1998 Settlement Agreement between it, Appvion and
Industries. On 23 June 2023, Industries filed its defence and
counterclaims in the proceedings. On 2 October 2023, NCR filed a
motion for declaratory judgment on its complaint and to strike out
Industries' affirmative defences and counterclaims. Industries has
filed its reply to this motion. On 14 September 2024, the
court issued a judgment in respect of the motion striking out one
of Industries' eight affirmative defences and dismissing
three of Industries' five counterclaims. A pre-trial conference
occurred on 30 October 2024, following which a case management
order was issued by the court. The parties are scheduled to
complete all fact discovery by 11 July 2025.
Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued
Contingent liabilities and financial commitments
(continued)
Summary
Having regard to all these
matters, with the exception of Fox River and Canada (Quebec), the
Group does not consider it appropriate to make any provision or
accrual in respect of any pending litigation. The Group does not
believe that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will
significantly impair the Group's financial condition. If the facts
and circumstances change, then there could be a material impact on
the financial statements of the Group. In addition, the Group
accrues for damages, attorneys' fees and/or statutory interest,
including in respect of certain Engle progeny cases, certain U.S.
individual smoking and health cases, and the DOJ medical
reimbursement/corrective statement case.
Full details of the litigation
against Group companies and tax disputes as at 31 December 2024
will be included in the Group's 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and
Form 20-F. Whilst there has been some movement on new and existing
cases against Group companies, there have been, except as otherwise
stated, no material developments in 2024 or to date in 2025 that
would impact the financial position of the Group.
Franked Investments Income Group Litigation
Order
The Group is the principal test
claimant in an action in the United Kingdom against HM Revenue and
Customs (HMRC) in the FII GLO. There were 15 corporate groups in
the FII GLO as at 31 December 2024. The case concerns the treatment
for UK corporate tax purposes of profits earned overseas and
distributed to the UK. The Supreme Court heard appeals in two
separate trials during 2020. The judgment in the first hearing was
handed down in November 2020 and concerned the time limit for
bringing claims. The Supreme Court remitted that matter to the High
Court to determine whether the claim is within time on the
facts. The judgment from the second hearing was handed down in
July 2021 and concerned issues relating to the type of claims BAT
is entitled to bring. Applying that judgment reduces the value of
the FII GLO claim to approximately £0.3 billion, mainly as the
result of the application of simple interest and the limitation to
claims for advance corporation tax offset against lawful
corporation tax charges, which is subject to the determination of
the timing issue by the High Court and any subsequent
appeal.
The High Court hearing on time
limits was held in late November 2023 with judgment handed down in
February 2024. The High Court determined that claims should have
been filed within six years of June 2000 meaning that BAT's claims
are in time. HMRC have applied to appeal the judgment, which has
been granted, with a hearing set for May 2025. The final resolution
of all issues in the litigation is likely to take several more
years.
During 2015, HMRC paid to the
Group a gross amount of £1.2 billion in two separate payments,
less a deduction (withheld by HMRC) of £0.3 billion. The
payments made by HMRC have been made without any admission of
liability and are subject to refund were HMRC to succeed on appeal.
Due to the uncertainty of the amounts and eventual outcome the
Group has not recognised any impact in the income statement in the
current or prior period in respect of the receipt (being
£0.9 billion net of tax) which is held within trade and other
payables. Any future recognition as income will be treated as an
adjusting item, due to the size of the order, with interest of £61
million in respect for 2024 (2023: £60 million) accruing on the
balance, which was also treated as an adjusting item.
The Group made interim repayments
to HMRC of £50 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, and,
during 2024, the Group agreed to repay £0.8 billion to
HMRC (being the difference between the amounts received plus
accrued interest and the amount determined in the July 2021
judgment (£0.3 billion)). The schedule for the remaining
agreed repayments is:
- £479 million in
2025;
- £222 million in 2026;
and
- £43 million in
2027.
Full details of the case will be
included in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F
for the year ended 31 December 2024 (note 10 Taxation on ordinary
activities).
Other Information
Dividends
The Board has declared an interim
dividend of 240.24p per ordinary share of 25p for the year ended 31
December 2024, payable in four equal quarterly instalments of
60.06p per ordinary share in May 2025, August 2025, November 2025
and February 2026. This represents an increase of 2.0% on 2023
(2023: 235.52p per share), and a pay-out ratio, on 2024 adjusted
diluted earnings per share, of 66.3%.
The quarterly dividends will be
paid to shareholders registered on either the UK main register or
the South Africa branch register and to holders of American
Depositary Shares (ADSs), each on the applicable record dates set
out under the heading 'Key dividend dates' below.
General dividend information
Under IFRS, the dividend is
recognised in the year that it is approved by shareholders or, if
declared as an interim dividend by directors, in the period that it
is paid.
The cash flow, prepared in
accordance with IFRS, reflects the total cash paid in the period,
amounting to £5,213 million (2023: £5,055 million).
Dividends declared
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
Pence per
share
|
US$ per
ADS
|
|
Pence
per share
|
US$ per
ADS
|
Quarterly Payment 1 (paid May
2024)
|
58.88
|
0.734851
|
|
57.72
|
0.723866
|
Quarterly Payment 2 (paid August
2024)
|
58.88
|
0.753752
|
|
57.72
|
0.734400
|
Quarterly Payment 3 (paid November
2024)
|
58.88
|
0.762702
|
|
57.72
|
0.713880
|
Quarterly Payment 4 (paid February
2025)
|
58.88
|
0.730435
|
|
57.72
|
0.731803
|
|
235.52
|
2.981740
|
|
230.88
|
2.903949
|
Holders of ADSs
For holders of ADSs listed on the
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the record dates and payment dates
are set out below. The equivalent quarterly dividends receivable by
holders of ADSs in U.S. dollars will be calculated based on the
exchange rate on the applicable payment date. Cash dividends paid
in respect of ADSs are subject to a fee of up to US$0.05 per ADS
payable to Citibank N.A. the appointed depositary bank for BAT's
ADS programme (the "Depositary"). Currently, such dividends
are subject to a fee of up to US$0.04 per ADR per year (a fee of
US$0.01 per dividend based on the distribution of four quarterly
cash dividends per year). The dividend fee may not be varied by the
Depositary without the consent of BAT.
South Africa Branch register
In accordance with the JSE Limited
(JSE) Listing Requirements, the finalisation information relating
to shareholders registered on the South Africa branch register
(comprising the amount of the dividend in South African rand, the
exchange rate and the associated conversion date) will be published
on the dates stated below, together with South Africa dividends tax
information. The quarterly dividends are regarded as 'foreign
dividends' for the purposes of the South Africa Dividends Tax. For
the purposes of South Africa Dividends Tax reporting, the source of
income for the payment of the quarterly dividends is the United
Kingdom.
Key dividend dates
In compliance with the
requirements of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the NYSE and
Strate, the electronic settlement and custody system used by the
JSE, the following salient dates for the quarterly dividends
payments are applicable.
Event
|
Payment No.
1
|
Payment No.
2
|
Payment No.
3
|
Payment No.
4
|
Preliminary announcement (includes
declaration data required for JSE purposes)
|
13
February
|
Publication of finalisation
information (JSE)
|
17
March
|
17
June
|
22
September
|
15
December
|
No removal requests permitted (in
either direction) between the UK main register and the South Africa
branch register
|
17
March- 28 March
|
17
June- 27 June
|
22
September- 3
October
|
15
December- 30 December
|
Last Day to Trade (LDT)
cum-dividend (JSE)
|
25
March
|
24
June
|
30
September
|
23
December
|
Shares commence trading
ex-dividend (JSE)
|
26
March
|
25
June
|
1
October
|
24
December
|
No transfers permitted between the
UK main register and the South Africa branch register
|
26
March- 28 March
|
25
June- 27 June
|
1
October- 3
October
|
24
December- 30 December
|
No shares may be dematerialised or
rematerialised on the South Africa branch register
|
26
March- 28 March
|
25
June- 27 June
|
1
October- 3
October
|
24
December- 30 December
|
Shares commence trading
ex-dividend (LSE)
|
27
March
|
26
June
|
2
October
|
29
December
|
Shares commence trading
ex-dividend (NYSE)
|
28
March
|
27
June
|
3
October
|
30
December
|
Record date
(JSE, LSE and NYSE)
|
28
March
|
27
June
|
3
October
|
30
December
|
Last date for receipt of Dividend
Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) elections (LSE)
|
11
April
|
11
July
|
17
October
|
14
January 2026
|
Payment date (LSE and
JSE)
|
7
May
|
1
August
|
7
November
|
4
February 2026
|
ADS payment date (NYSE)
|
12
May
|
6
August
|
13
November
|
9
February 2026
|
Notes:
1. All dates are 2025,
unless otherwise stated.
2. The dates set out
above may be subject to any changes to public holidays arising and
changes or revisions to the LSE, JSE and NYSE timetables. Any
confirmed changes to the dates will be announced.
Other Information
Continued
Non-financial Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs)
Volume
Volume is defined as the number of
units sold. Units may vary between categories. This can be
summarised for the principal metrics as follows:
- Factory-made cigarettes
(FMC) - sticks, regardless of weight or dimensions;
-
Roll-Your-Own/Make-Your-Own - kilos, converted to a stick
equivalent based upon 0.8 grams (per stick equivalent) for
Roll-Your-Own and between 0.5 and 0.7 grams (per stick equivalent)
for Make-Your-Own;
- Traditional Oral - pouches
(being 1:1 conversion to stick equivalent) and kilos, converted to
a stick equivalent based upon 2.8 grams
(per stick equivalent) for Moist Snuff, 2.0 grams (per stick
equivalent) for Dry Snuff and 7.1 grams (per stick equivalent) for
other oral;
- Modern Oral - pouches,
being 1:1 conversion to stick equivalent;
- Heated sticks - sticks, being 1:1 conversion to stick equivalent;
and
- Vapour - units, being
pods, bottles and disposable units. There is no conversion to a
stick equivalent.
Volume is recognised in line with
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts
with Customers, based upon transfer of control. It is
assumed that there is no material difference, in line with the
Group's recognition of revenue, between the transfer of control and
shipment date.
Volume is used by management and
investors to assess the relative performance of the Group and its
brands within categories, given volume is a principal determinant
of revenue.
Volume Share
Volume share is the estimated
number of units bought by adult consumers of a specific brand or
combination of brands, as a proportion of the total estimated units
bought by adult consumers in the industry, category or other
sub-categorisation. Sub-categories include, but are not limited to,
Heated Products (HP), Modern Oral, Traditional Oral, Total Oral or
Cigarettes. Except when referencing particular markets, volume
share is based on our Top markets. Management note that the markets
that form the definition of Top markets may change between periods
as this will reflect the development of the category within markets
including their relative sizes.
Where possible, the Group utilises
data provided by third-party organisations, including NielsenIQ,
based upon retail audit of sales to adult consumers. In certain
markets, where such data is not available, other measures are
employed which assess volume share based upon other movements
within the supply chain, such as sales to retailers. This may
depend on the provision of data by customers including
distributors/wholesalers.
Volume share is used by management
to assess the relative performance of the Group and its brands
against the performance of its competitors in the categories and
geographies in which the Group operates. The Group's management
believes that this measure is useful to the users of the financial
statements to understand the relative performance of the Group and
its brands against the performance of its competitors in the
categories and geographies in which the Group operates. This
measure is also useful to understand the Group's performance when
seeking to grow scale within a market or category from which future
financial returns can be realised. Volume share provides an
indicator of the Group's relative performance in unit terms versus
competitors.
Volume share in each period
compares the average volume share in the period with the average
volume share in the prior year. This is a more robust measure of
performance, removing short-term volatility that may arise at a
point in time. Due to the timing of available information, volume
share for 2024 is year-to-date December 2024 unless otherwise
stated.
However, in certain circumstances,
related to periods of introduction to a market, in order to
illustrate the latest performance, data may be provided as at the
end of the period rather than the average in that period. In these
instances, the Group states these at a specific date (for instance,
December 2024).
Value Share
Value share is the estimated
retail value of units bought by adult consumers of a particular
brand or combination of brands, as a proportion of the total
estimated retail value of units bought by adult consumers in the
industry, category or other sub-categorisation in discussion.
Except when referencing particular markets, value share is based on
our Top markets. Management note that the markets that form the
definition of Top markets may change between periods as this will
reflect the development of the category within markets including
their relative sizes.
Where possible, the Group utilises
data provided by third-party organisations, including NielsenIQ,
based upon retail audit of sales to adult consumers. In certain
markets, where such data is not available, other measures are
employed which assess value share based upon other movements within
the supply chain, such as sales to retailers. This may depend on
the provision of data by customers (including distributors and
wholesalers).
Value share is used by management
to assess the relative performance of the Group and its brands
against the performance of its competitors in the categories and
geographies in which the Group operates, specifically indicating
the Group's ability to realise value relative to the market. The
measure is particularly useful when the Group's products and/or the
relevant category in the market in which they are sold has
developed or achieved scale from which value can be realised. The
Group's management believes that this measure is useful to
the users of the financial statements
to comprehend the relative performance of the
Group and its brands against the performance of its competitors in
the categories and geographies in which the Group operates,
specifically indicating the Group's ability to realise value
relative to the market.
Value share in each period
compares the average value share in the period with the average
value share in the prior year. This is a more robust measure of
performance, removing short-term volatility that may arise at a
point of time. Due to the timing of available information, value
share for 2024 is year-to-date December 2024 unless otherwise
stated.
However, in certain circumstances,
related to periods of introduction to a market, in order to
illustrate the latest performance, data may be provided as at the
end of the period rather than the average in that period. In these
instances the Group states these are at a specific date (for
instance, December 2024).
Other Information
Continued
Non-financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
(continued)
Price Mix
Price mix is a term used by
management and investors to explain the movement in revenue between
periods. Revenue is affected by the volume (how many units are
sold) and the price (how much is each unit sold for). The Group may
achieve a movement in revenue due to the relative proportions of
higher price volume sold compared to lower price volume sold
(price/mix).
This term is used to explain the
Group's relative performance between periods only. It is calculated
as the difference between the movement in revenue (between periods)
and volume (between periods). For instance, the marginal increase
in combustibles revenue (excluding translational foreign exchange
movements and the impact of the sale of the Group's businesses in
Russia and Belarus) of 0.1% in 2024, with a decline in combustibles
volume (also excluding the impact of the sale of the Group's
businesses in Russia and Belarus) of 5.2% in 2024, leads to a price
mix of +5.3% in 2024. No assumptions underlie this metric as it
utilises the Group's own data.
We also show (see page
3) the impact on revenue
from the movement in combustibles volume (being the movement in
volume between periods multiplied by the average combustibles
revenue per thousand from the prior period) and the impact from the
combustibles price/mix effect (see page 3), which is revenue from
combustibles (at constant rates) less the volume effect from the
movement in combustibles.
Consumers of Smokeless Products
The number of consumers of
Smokeless products is defined as the estimated number of legal age
(minimum 18 years) consumers of the Group's Smokeless products -
which does not necessarily mean these users are solus consumers of
these products. In markets where regular consumer tracking is in
place, this estimate is obtained from adult consumer tracking
studies conducted by third parties (including Kantar). In markets
where regular consumer tracking is not in place, the number of
consumers of Smokeless products is derived from volume sales of
consumables and devices in such markets, using consumption patterns
obtained from other similar markets with consumer tracking
(utilising studies conducted by third parties, including Kantar).
The number of consumers is adjusted for those identified (as part
of the consumer tracking studies undertaken) as using more than one
BAT brand.
The number of Smokeless products
consumers is used by management to assess the number of consumers
regularly using the Group's New Categories products as the
increase in Smokeless products is a key pillar of the Group's
Sustainability ambition and is integral to the sustainability
of our business.
The Group's management believes
that this measure is useful to the users of the financial
statements given the Group's sustainability ambition and alignment
to the sustainability of the business with respect to the Smokeless
portfolio.
During 2024, in line with standard
practice, Kantar has made enhancements to their adult consumer
tracking studies to more accurately capture market trends across
categories. To ensure that the data is comparable between periods,
Kantar has back-trended the data to prevent any trend break, with
the revised historical data provided below:
Million consumers
|
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
As previously reported
|
23.9
|
20.7
|
17.1
|
Back trended to reflect enhanced
adult consumer tracking
|
25.5
|
22.3
|
18.2
|
Ethnically Diverse
For the purposes of our
International Pay Equity Analysis, 'Ethnically Diverse' groups in
the respective countries are defined as ethnic groups who, because
of their physical or cultural characteristics, are/were
historically and systematically under-represented. Being a
numerical minority is not a characteristic of being an Ethnically
Diverse group; sometimes larger groups can be considered Ethnically
Diverse groups. 'Non-ethnically Diverse' groups in the respective
countries are defined as ethnic groups who, because of their
physical or cultural characteristics, are/were historically and
systematically represented.
Other Information
Continued
Additional information
British American Tobacco is one of
the world's leading consumer products businesses, with brands sold
across the world. We have strategic combustible and HP brands -
including Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, glo,
veo, Newport (in the U.S.), Camel (in the U.S.) and Natural
American Spirit (in the U.S.) - and over 200 brands in our
portfolio, including a growing portfolio of reduced-risk
products*†. We hold robust market positions in each of our regions
and have leadership positions in more than 50 markets.
References in this document to
information on websites, including the web address of BAT, have
been included as inactive textual references only. These websites
and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not
intended to be incorporated into or to form part of this
report.
*Based on the weight of evidence
and assuming a complete switch from cigarette smoking. These
products are not risk free and are addictive.
†Our products as sold in the U.S.,
including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject
to FDA regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to
these products without agency clearance.
Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F
Statutory accounts
The financial information set out
above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the
years ended 31 December 2024 or 2023. Statutory accounts for 2023
have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for
2024 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General
Meeting. The auditors' reports on the 2023 and 2024 accounts were
unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of
emphasis and did not contain statements under s498(2) or (3) of
Companies Act 2006 or equivalent preceding legislation.
Publication
The Group's 2024 Annual Report and
Accounts and Form 20-F will be published on
www.bat.com on or around 14 February 2025. A printed copy will later
be mailed to shareholders on the UK main register who have elected
to receive it. At the same time, shareholders will be notified of
the availability of the Annual Report and Form 20-F on the website
and of the Performance Summary together with other ancillary
documents in accordance with their elections. Specific local
mailing and/or notification requirements will apply to shareholders
on the South Africa branch register. In addition, the Company files
its Annual Report on Form 20-F and other documents with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). BAT's filings are
available to the public, together with the public filings of other
issuers, at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov.
Distribution of Preliminary Statement
This announcement is released or
otherwise made available or notified to the London Stock Exchange,
the JSE Limited and the New York Stock Exchange and filed in
accordance with applicable regulations. It may be viewed and
downloaded from our website www.bat.com.
Copies of the announcement may
also be obtained during normal business hours from: (1) the
Company's registered office; (2) the Company's representative
office in South Africa; (3) British American Tobacco Publications;
and (4) Citibank Shareholder Services. Contact details are set out
below.
This announcement was approved by
the Board of Directors on 12 February 2025.
Shareholder Information
Financial calendar 2025
Event
|
Date1
|
Annual General Meeting
20252
|
16 April
2025
(at
11.30am)
|
Half-Year Report 2025
|
31 July
2025
|
1. Indicated dates are
subject to change.
2. Details of the venue and
business to be proposed at the meeting will be set out in the
Notice of Annual General Meeting, which will be made available to
all shareholders and published on www.bat.com.
Other Information
Continued
Forward-looking statements and other
matters
This announcement contains certain
forward-looking statements, including "forward-looking" statements
made within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.
In particular, these
forward-looking statements include, among other statements,
statements regarding the Group's future financial performance,
planned product launches and future regulatory developments and
business objectives (including with respect to sustainability and
other environmental, social and governance matters), as well as:
(i) certain statements in the Chief Executive Statement and Summary
(both on page 1);
(ii) certain statements in the Chief Financial Officer Statement
and the 2025 Outlook (both on page 2); (iii) certain statements in the
Group Operating Review (pages 3
to 6) including Cash/capital allocation and Sustainability
update; (iv) certain statements in the Category Performance Review
(pages 7 to 9),
including the Vapour, Modern Oral and Beyond Nicotine sections; (v)
certain statements in the Regional Review section (pages
10 to
12), including the
Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) section; (vi) certain
statements in the Other Financial Information section (pages
13 to
19), including Taxation,
Borrowings and net debt and Dividends summary; (vii) certain
statements in the Other Information section (pages
20 to
21), including Update on
Quebec class action and CCAA, Risks and uncertainties, Update on
investigations, Changes in the Group, Going concern and Additional
information; (viii) certain statements in the Notes to the
Financial Statements section (pages 29 to 40), including Accounting policies
and basis of preparation, Amortisation and impairment of trademarks
and similar intangibles, Ongoing impairment review of assets,
Liquidity, Cash Flow, Earnings per share and Contingent liabilities
and financial commitments sections; and (ix) certain statements in
the Other Information section (pages 41 to 44), including
Dividends.
These statements are often, but
not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as
"believe," "anticipate," "could," "may," "would," "should,"
"intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "will," "expect,"
"estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," "outlook,"
"target" and similar expressions. These include statements
regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations
concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations,
financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and
the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time
in the countries and markets in which the British American Tobacco
Group (the "Group") operates.
All such forward-looking
statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to
risks, uncertainties and other factors. It is believed that the
expectations reflected in this announcement are reasonable, but
they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause
actual results and performance to differ materially from those
currently anticipated. Among the key factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements are uncertainties related to the
following: the impact of competition from illicit trade; the impact
of adverse domestic or international legislation and regulation;
the inability to develop, commercialise and deliver the Group's New
Categories strategy; the impact of supply chain disruptions;
adverse litigation and dispute outcomes and the effect of such
outcomes on the Group's financial condition; the impact of
significant increases or structural changes in tobacco, nicotine
and New Categories related taxes; translational and transactional
foreign exchange rate exposure; changes or differences in domestic
or international economic or political conditions; the ability to
maintain credit ratings and to fund the business under the current
capital structure; the impact of serious injury, illness or death
in the workplace; adverse decisions by domestic or international
regulatory bodies; direct and indirect adverse impacts associated
with Climate Change; direct and indirect adverse impacts associated
with the move towards a Circular Economy; and Cyber Security caused
by the heightened cyber-threat landscape, the increased digital
interactions with adult consumers and changes to
regulation.
A review of the reasons why actual
results and developments may differ materially from the
expectations disclosed or implied within forward-looking statements
can be found by referring to the information contained under the
headings "Cautionary statement", "Group Principal Risks" and "Group
Risk Factors" in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F
of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BAT). Additional information
concerning these and other factors can be found in BAT's filings
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including
the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Reports on Form
6-K, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's
website, www.sec.gov
and BAT's Annual Reports.
No statement in this announcement
is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this
communication should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share
of BAT for the current or future financial years would necessarily
match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of BAT.
Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons
needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The
forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information
available at the date of preparation of this announcement and BAT
undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
such forward-looking statements.
All financial statements and
financial information provided by or with respect to the U.S. or
Reynolds American are initially prepared on the basis of U.S. GAAP
and constitute the primary financial statements or financial
records of the U.S./Reynolds American. This financial information
is then converted to International Financial Reporting Standards as
issued by the IASB and as adopted for use in the UK (IFRS) for the
purpose of consolidation within the results of the Group. To the
extent any such financial information provided in this announcement
relates to the U.S. or Reynolds American it is provided as an
explanation of, or supplement to, Reynolds American's primary U.S.
GAAP based financial statements and information.
Our products as sold in the U.S.
including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak and Camel Snus, are subject
to FDA regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to
these products without Agency clearance.
Caroline Ferland
Company Secretary
12 February 2025
Other Information
Continued
Corporate information
British American Tobacco p.l.c. is
a public limited company which is listed on the London Stock
Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and the JSE Limited in South
Africa. British American Tobacco p.l.c. is incorporated in England
and Wales (No. 3407696) and domiciled in the UK.
Registered office
Globe House, 4 Temple Place,
London, WC2R 2PG, UK
tel: +44 20 7845 1000
Primary listing
London Stock Exchange, Main Market
(Share Code: BATS; ISIN: GB0002875804)
Computershare Investor Services
PLC
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road,
Bristol BS99 6ZZ, UK
tel: 0800 408 0094; +44 370 889
3159
Share dealing tel: 0370 703 0084
(UK only)
Your account:
www.computershare.com/uk/investor/bri
Share dealing:
www.computershare.com/dealing/uk
Web-based enquiries:
www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus
Secondary listing
JSE Limited (Share Code:
BTI)
Shares are traded in electronic
form only and transactions settled electronically through
Strate.
Computershare Investor Services
Proprietary Limited
Private Bag X9000, Saxonwold,
2132, South Africa
tel: 0861 100 634; +27 11 870
8216
email enquiries:
web.queries@computershare.co.za
Sponsor for the purpose of the JSE listing
Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty)
Ltd t/a BofA Securities
Representative office in South Africa
Waterway House South
No 3 Dock Road, V&A
Waterfront, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
PO Box 631, Cape Town 8000, South
Africa
tel: +27 21 003 6500
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
NYSE (Symbol: BTI; CUSIP Number:
110448107)
BAT's shares are listed on the
NYSE in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) and these are
evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), each one of which
represents one ordinary share of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Citibank, N.A. is the depositary bank for the sponsored ADR
programme.
Citibank Shareholder
Services
PO Box 43077, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-3077, USA
tel: +1 888 985 2055 (toll-free)
or +1 781 575 4555
email enquiries:
citibank@shareholders-online.com
website:
www.citi.com/dr
Publications
British American Tobacco
Publications
Unit 80, London Industrial Park,
Roding Road, London E6 6LS, UK
tel: +44 20 7511 7797
e-mail enquiries:
bat@team365.co.uk
If you require publications and
are located in South Africa, please contact the Company's
Representative office in South Africa using the contact details
shown above.
Glossary and Definitions
The following is a summary of the
key terms used within this report:
Term
|
Definition
|
AME
|
Americas (excluding U.S.) and
Europe.
|
APMEA
|
Asia Pacific, Middle East and
Africa.
|
British American Tobacco, BAT,
Group, we, us and our
|
When the reference denotes an
opinion, this refers to British American Tobacco p.l.c. and when
the reference denotes business activity, this refers to British
American Tobacco Group operating companies, either collectively or
individually, as the case may be.
|
Carbon Dioxide equivalent
emissions
|
Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
emissions include CO2, CH4 and N2O and are reported where we have
operational control. We do not include data on other GHG emissions
(HFCs, PFCs, SF6 and NF3) as they are estimated to be
insignificant.
|
Cigarette
|
Factory-made cigarettes (FMC) and
products that have similar characteristics and are manufactured in
the same manner, but due to specific features may not be recognised
as cigarettes for regulatory, duty or similar reasons.
|
Circular Economy
|
The circular economy is a model of
production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing,
reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials
and products as long as possible.
|
Combustibles
|
Cigarettes and OTP.
|
Constant Currency/Constant
rates
|
Presentation of results in the
prior year's exchange rate, removing the potentially distorting
effect of translational foreign exchange on the Group's results.
The Group does not adjust for normal transactional gains or losses
in profit from operations which are generated by exchange rate
movements.
|
Developed Markets
|
As defined by the World Economic
Outlook as Advanced Economies and those within the European
Union.
|
Double Materiality
Assessment/Material topic
|
Although financial materiality has
been considered in the development of our Double Materiality
Assessment ("DMA"), our DMA/Material topic and any related
conclusions as to the materiality of sustainability matters do not
imply that all topics discussed therein are financially material to
our business taken as a whole, and such topics may not
significantly alter the total mix of information available about
our securities.
|
Emerging Markets
|
Those markets not defined as
Developed Markets.
|
Factory Made Cigarettes (FMC)
Dual-Use/Poly-Use
|
Refers to the use by an adult
consumer of both FMC products and potentially reduced-risk tobacco
and nicotine products which for many smokers is part of a
transitional period where those consumers move towards a complete
switch to potentially reduced-risk products by reducing the
consumption of combustible tobacco products and replacing them with
one or more potentially reduced-risk products.
|
HP
|
Heated Products, including the
devices, which include glo and our hybrid products, which are used
to heat our consumables being the Tobacco Heated Products or Herbal
Products for Heating.
|
Modern Oral
|
Includes Velo, Grizzly and
Lundgrens and products that are characterised as nicotine
replacement therapy (including oral pouches, gums, lozenges and
sprays).
|
New Categories (NC)
|
Includes Vapour, HP and Modern
Oral.
|
New Categories Poly- Use
|
Refers to the consumption of two or
more potentially reduced-risk tobacco or nicotine product
categories by adult consumers who do not consume any FMC
products.
|
Organic
|
Performance presented excluding
businesses sold or acquired that may significantly affect the users
understanding of the Group's performance when compared across
periods. Organic measures exclude the performance of such
businesses in the current and comparator periods to ensure
like-for-like assessment across all periods. In 2023 and 2024,
organic measures exclude the performance of Russia and Belarus as
those businesses (in aggregate) were deemed to be significant to
the users' understanding of the financial performance. The exits
referred to in respect of other markets, including in Africa, are
not deemed significant for users' understanding.
|
OTP
|
Other Tobacco Products, including
make-your-own, roll-your-own, Pipe and Cigarillos.
|
Reduced risk†
|
Based on the weight of evidence and
assuming a complete switch from cigarette smoking. These products
are not risk free and are addictive.
|
Smokeless
|
New Categories plus Traditional
Oral.
|
Solus usage
|
Adult consumers using only one
category of combustible or nicotine products.
|
THP
|
Tobacco Heated Products (i.e., the
consumables that contain tobacco used by Heated Product
devices).
|
Top Cigarette markets
|
Top cigarette markets are defined
as the Top cigarette markets by industry revenue, being the U.S.,
Japan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany, Pakistan, Mexico and Romania,
accounting for c.60% of global industry cigarettes revenue in 2024.
|
Top HP markets
|
Being the Top markets for HP
industry revenue - Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic. These markets
represent c. 80% of global HP industry revenue in 2024. The Top
markets were revised in 2024, with a reduction in our volume share
in respect of 2023 to 17.1%.
|
Top Modern Oral markets
|
Being the Top Modern Oral markets
for industry sales by revenue -the U.S., Sweden, Norway, Denmark,
Switzerland, Poland and the UK. These markets represent c. 90% of
global Modern Oral industry revenue in 2024. The
Top markets were revised in 2024, with a reduction in our volume
share in respect of 2023 to 27.1%.
|
Top Vapour markets
|
Top Vapour markets are defined as
the Top markets by Vapour industry revenue. Top markets are the
U.S., Canada, France, the UK, Spain, Poland and Germany. The Top
markets account for c.80% of global Vapour industry revenue in
2024. The Top markets were revised in 2024, with an increase
in value share in respect of 2023 to 41.2%. Also in 2024, the Group
changed from Marlin to Retail Scan Data for the U.S. Vapour market,
with the Group's Vapour value share in 2023 rebased to
52.1%.
|
Total Poly-Use
|
Total number of adult consumers
consuming two or more tobacco and/or nicotine products, which may
or may not include FMC products
|
Traditional Oral
|
Including Moist Snuff (Granit,
Mocca, Grizzly, Kodiak) and other traditional snus products
(including Camel Snus and Lundgrens).
|
Traditional Oral (TO)
Poly-Use
|
Refers to the consumption of
traditional oral and one or more potentially reduced-risk tobacco
or nicotine products by adult consumers.
|
U.S.
|
United States of
America.
|
Vapour
|
Battery-powered devices
(rechargeable or single-use) that heat liquid formulations -
e-liquids - to create a vapour which is inhaled. Vapour products
include Vuse.
|
Value share
|
Value share is the estimated retail
value of units bought by adult consumers of a particular brand or
combination of brands, as a proportion of the total estimated
retail value of units bought by adult consumers in the industry,
category or other sub-categorisation in discussion. Except when
referencing particular markets, value share is based on our Top
markets.
|
Volume share
|
Offtake volume share, as
independently measured by retail audit agencies and scanner sales
to adult consumers, where possible or based on movements within the
supply chain (such as sales to retailers) to generate an estimate
of shipment share, based upon latest available data. Except when
referencing particular markets, volume share is based on our Top
markets.
|
† Our products as sold in the US,
including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject
to FDA regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to
these products without agency clearance.
All financial statements and
financial information provided by or with respect to the U.S. or
Reynolds American are initially prepared on the basis of U.S. GAAP
and constitute the primary financial statements or financial
records of the U.S./Reynolds American. This financial information
is then converted to International Financial Reporting Standards as
issued by the IASB and as adopted for use in the UK (IFRS) for the
purpose of consolidation within the results of the Group. To the
extent any such financial information provided in this announcement
relates to the U.S. or Reynolds American it is provided as an
explanation of, or supplement to, Reynolds American's primary U.S.
GAAP based financial statements and information.
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Reconciling volume to organic volume
Group Volume
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
Reported
|
Inorganic
adjust's
|
Organic
|
Organic
growth %
|
|
Reported
|
Inorganic adjust's
|
Organic
|
New Categories:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
616
|
-
|
616
|
-5.9%
|
|
654
|
-
|
654
|
HP (bn sticks)
|
21
|
-
|
21
|
-0.3%
|
|
24
|
(3)
|
21
|
Modern Oral (bn
pouches)
|
8.3
|
-
|
8.3
|
+56.1%
|
|
5.4
|
(0.1)
|
5.3
|
Traditional Oral (bn sticks eq)
|
6.1
|
-
|
6.1
|
-8.2%
|
|
6.6
|
-
|
6.6
|
Cigarettes (bn sticks)
|
505
|
-
|
505
|
-5.0%
|
|
555
|
(23)
|
532
|
OTP (bn sticks)
|
13
|
-
|
13
|
-11.2%
|
|
15
|
-
|
15
|
Total Combustibles (bn sticks)
|
518
|
-
|
518
|
-5.2%
|
|
570
|
(23)
|
547
|
Memo: Cigarettes + HP (bn
sticks)
|
526
|
-
|
526
|
-4.8%
|
|
579
|
(26)
|
553
|
Inorganic adjustments relate to
businesses bought or sold, being the Group's businesses in Russia
and Belarus, that were sold in 2023.
Analysis of profit from operations (by segment) and diluted
earnings per share
Year ended 31 December
|
2024
|
Reported
|
Adj
Items1
|
Adjusted
|
Exchange
|
Adjusted at
CC2
|
Inorganic
Adjs
|
Adjusted
Organic
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit from Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
4,087
|
2,299
|
6,386
|
194
|
6,580
|
-
|
6,580
|
AME
|
(3,464)
|
6,784
|
3,320
|
192
|
3,512
|
-
|
3,512
|
APMEA
|
2,113
|
71
|
2,184
|
163
|
2,347
|
-
|
2,347
|
Total Region
|
2,736
|
9,154
|
11,890
|
549
|
12,439
|
-
|
12,439
|
Net finance costs
|
(1,098)
|
(491)
|
(1,589)
|
(27)
|
(1,616)
|
-
|
(1,616)
|
Associates and joint
ventures
|
1,900
|
(1,379)
|
521
|
20
|
541
|
-
|
541
|
Profit before tax
|
3,538
|
7,284
|
10,822
|
542
|
11,364
|
-
|
11,364
|
Taxation
|
(357)
|
(2,206)
|
(2,563)
|
(106)
|
(2,669)
|
-
|
(2,669)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
(113)
|
(38)
|
(151)
|
(5)
|
(156)
|
-
|
(156)
|
Coupons relating to hybrid bonds
net of tax
|
(42)
|
-
|
(42)
|
-
|
(42)
|
-
|
(42)
|
Profit attributable to shareholders
|
3,026
|
5,040
|
8,066
|
431
|
8,497
|
-
|
8,497
|
Diluted number of shares
(m)*
|
2,225
|
|
2,225
|
|
2,225
|
|
2,225
|
Diluted earnings per share (pence)
|
136.0
|
|
362.5
|
|
381.9
|
|
381.9
|
* In 2023, the Group
reported a loss for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33,
the impact of share options would be antidilutive and is therefore
excluded, for 2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share, calculated in accordance with IFRS. For remuneration
purposes, and reflective of the Group's positive earnings on an
adjusted basis, Management included the dilutive effect of
share options in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per
share.
Year ended 31 December
|
2023
|
Reported
|
Adj
Items1
|
Adjusted
|
|
|
Inorganic Adjs
|
Adjusted
Organic
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
(Loss)/profit from Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
(20,781)
|
27,602
|
6,821
|
|
|
-
|
6,821
|
AME
|
3,194
|
266
|
3,460
|
|
|
(193)
|
3,267
|
APMEA
|
1,836
|
348
|
2,184
|
|
|
-
|
2,184
|
Total Region
|
(15,751)
|
28,216
|
12,465
|
|
|
(193)
|
12,272
|
Net finance costs
|
(1,895)
|
96
|
(1,799)
|
|
|
(21)
|
(1,820)
|
Associates and joint
ventures
|
585
|
(8)
|
577
|
|
|
-
|
577
|
(Loss)/profit before tax
|
(17,061)
|
28,304
|
11,243
|
|
|
(214)
|
11,029
|
Taxation
|
2,872
|
(5,488)
|
(2,616)
|
|
|
55
|
(2,561)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
(178)
|
(1)
|
(179)
|
|
|
-
|
(179)
|
Coupons relating to hybrid bonds
net of tax
|
(45)
|
-
|
(45)
|
|
|
-
|
(45)
|
(Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders
|
(14,412)
|
22,815
|
8,403
|
|
|
(159)
|
8,244
|
Diluted number of shares
(m)
|
2,229
|
|
2,237
|
|
|
|
2,237
|
Diluted earnings per share (pence)
|
(646.6)
|
|
375.6
|
|
|
|
368.5
|
Notes to the analysis of profit from operations
above:
1. Adjusting items
represent certain items which the Group considers distinctive based
upon their size, nature or incidence.
2. CC: constant currency - measures are calculated based on a
re-translation, at the prior year's exchange rates, of the current
year's results of the Group and, where applicable, its
segments.
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures
To supplement the presentation of
the Group's results of operations and financial condition in
accordance with IFRS, the Group also presents several non-GAAP
measures used by management to monitor the Group's performance. The
Group's management regularly reviews the measures used to assess
and present the financial performance of the Group and, as
relevant, its geographic segments.
Although the Group does not
believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the
Group does believe such results excluding the impact of adjusting
items, currency fluctuations and the performance of businesses sold
or acquired that may significantly affect the users'
understanding of the Group's performance when compared across
period, as applicable, provide additional useful information to
investors regarding the underlying performance of the business on a
comparable basis.
The following table demonstrates
the principal non-GAAP measures which the Group uses and indicates
the IFRS measure from which each principal Non-GAAP measure is
reconciled from:
Non-GAAP Measure title
|
|
Presented
in
|
Reconciled from:
|
|
Current
rates
|
Constant
rates
|
Organic
|
IFRS
measure
|
Revenue
|
£m
|
n/a1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Revenue
|
New Categories revenue
|
£m
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Revenue
|
Smokeless revenue as a % of total
revenue
|
%
|
Yes
|
|
|
Revenue
|
Adjusted gross profit
|
£m
|
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Profit from Operations
|
Adjusted gross margin
|
%
|
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Revenue/Profit from
Operations
|
Category contribution
|
£m
|
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Profit from Operations
|
Category contribution
margin
|
%
|
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Revenue/Profit from
Operations
|
Adjusted profit from
operations
|
£m
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Profit from Operations
|
Adjusted operating
margin
|
%
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Revenue/Profit from
Operations
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per
share
|
p
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Diluted Earnings per
Share
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
£m
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Profit for the Year
|
Adjusted net debt
|
£m
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Borrowings
|
Operating cash
conversion
|
%
|
Yes
|
|
Yes
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
Adjusted cash generated from
operations
|
£m
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
Free cash flow before and after
dividends paid to shareholders
|
£m
|
Yes
|
|
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
Adjusted return on capital
employed
|
%
|
Yes
|
|
|
Profit from Operations / Average
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
|
1. Revenue at current
rates is the IFRS measure
The Group also uses adjusted share
of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, and
underlying tax rate.
Adjusting items, used to calculate
certain of the above measures, are identified in accordance with
the Group's accounting policies. They represent certain items
of income and expense which the Group considers distinctive based
on their size, nature or incidence and which individually or, if of
a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of
the Group's underlying financial performance. Inorganic adjustments
refer to the results of businesses that have been acquired or sold,
are due to be sold, or where there is an enduring structural change
in performance which would have a significant impact on the users'
understanding of the Group's performance between periods.
Additionally, the Group uses the non-GAAP measures of
non-controlling interest, coupons relating to hybrid bonds net of
tax and profit attributable to shareholders.
The Group also supplements its
presentation of revenue in accordance with IFRS by presenting the
non-GAAP component breakdowns of revenues by product category
(including revenue generated from Vapour, Heated Products, Modern
Oral, New Categories as a whole, combustibles and Traditional
Oral), including by geographic segment (including revenue generated
in the United States, Americas and Europe and Asia-Pacific, Middle
East and Africa) and including on an organic basis. The Group
further supplements the presentation of profit from operations in
accordance with IFRS by presenting the non-GAAP measure referred to
as New Categories contribution (including on an organic basis),
which reflects the marginal contribution of the New Categories
products to the Group's financial performance. This measure
includes all attributable revenue and costs. The Group's Management
Board believes these measures, which are used internally, are
useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them
understand the underlying business performance of individual Group
product categories, including by geographic segments. They are not
presentations made in accordance with IFRS and should not be
considered as an alternative to breakdowns of revenues or profit
from operations determined in accordance with IFRS. Breakdowns of
revenues by product category and contributions to profit from
operations by product category are not necessarily comparable to
similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result,
readers should not consider these measures in isolation from, or as
a substitute analysis for, the Group's breakdowns of revenues as
determined in accordance with IFRS or profit from operations as
determined in accordance with IFRS.
In 2024, the Group introduced
adjusted Gross Profit, adjusted Gross Margin and Category
Contribution Margin as non-GAAP measures. These measures
demonstrate the Group's profitability (before adjusting items and
translational foreign exchange) from the principal product
categories, illustrating the category profitability development as
the Group realises the transition from combustibles to Smokeless
products in line with the Group's strategy to Build a Smokeless
World. New Categories adjusted Gross Margin and New Categories
Contribution Margin will be used within the Group's incentive
schemes from January 2025.
The Management Board, as the chief
operating decision-maker, reviews a number of our IFRS and non-GAAP
measures for the Group and its product categories and geographic
segments (including on an organic basis) at constant rates of
exchange. This allows comparison of the Group's results, had they
been translated at the previous year's average rates of exchange.
The Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains and
losses in profit from operations that are generated by exchange
movements. Although the Group does not believe that these measures
are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe that
such results excluding the impact of currency fluctuations
year-on-year provide additional useful information to investors
regarding the operating performance on a local currency basis (see
page 18).
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
The Group also supplements its
presentation of cash flows in accordance with IFRS by presenting
the non-GAAP measures of free cash flow (before dividends paid to
shareholders), free cash flow (after dividends paid to
shareholders) and operating cash flow conversion ratio. The Group's
Management Board believes these measures, which are used
internally, are useful to the users of the financial statements in
helping them understand the underlying business performance and can
provide insights into the cash flow available to, among other
things, reduce debt and pay dividends. Free cash flow (before
dividends paid to shareholders), free cash flow (after dividends
paid to shareholders) and operating cash flow conversion ratio have
limitations as analytical tools. They are not presentations made in
accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative
to net cash generated from operating activities determined in
accordance with IFRS. Free cash flow (before dividends paid to
shareholders), free cash flow (after dividends paid to
shareholders) and operating cash flow conversion ratio are not
necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other
companies. As a result, readers should not consider these measures
in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group's
results of operations or cash flows as determined in accordance
with IFRS.
The Group also presents net debt
and adjusted net debt, non-GAAP measures, on pages
1, 16 to 17 and 58. The Group uses net debt and
adjusted net debt to assess its financial capacity. The Management
Board believes that these additional measures, which are used
internally, are useful to the users of the financial statements in
helping them to see how business financing has changed over the
year. Net debt and adjusted net debt have limitations as analytical
tools. They are not presentations made in accordance with IFRS and
should not be considered as alternatives to borrowings or total
liabilities determined in accordance with IFRS. Net debt and
adjusted net debt are not necessarily comparable to similarly
titled measures used by other companies. As a result, readers
should not consider these measures in isolation from, or as a
substitute analysis for the Group's measures of financial position
as determined in accordance with IFRS.
Due to the secondary listing of
the ordinary shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. on the main
board of the JSE in South Africa, the Group is required to present
headline earnings per share and diluted headline earnings per
share, as alternative measures of earnings per share, calculated in
accordance with Circular 1/2023 'Headline Earnings' issued by the
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. These are shown
on page 37.
The Group also presents the
underlying tax rate, a non-GAAP measure, on page
14. The Group uses the underlying tax rate to assess the tax rate
applicable to the Group's underlying operations, excluding the
Group's share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures
in the Group's pre-tax results and adjusting items. The Management
Board believes that this additional measure, which is used
internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements
because it excludes the contribution from the Group's associates,
recognised after tax but within the Group's pre-tax profits, and
adjusting items, thereby enhancing users' understanding of
underlying business performance.
Underlying tax rate has
limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in
accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative
to the Group's headline effective tax rate as determined in
accordance with IFRS. Underlying tax rate is not necessarily
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As
a result, this measure should not be considered in isolation from,
or as a substitute analysis for, the Group's underlying tax rate as
determined in accordance with IFRS.
Revenue and organic revenue, at constant rates of
exchange
Definition: revenue before the
impact of foreign exchange and inorganic adjustments.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Revenue
|
25,867
|
27,283
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
1,284
|
|
Revenue translated at 2023 exchange rates
|
27,151
|
27,283
|
Inorganic adjustments translated
at 2023 exchange rates
|
-
|
(479)
|
Organic revenue translated at 2023 exchange
rates
|
27,151
|
26,804
|
Revenue (and organic revenue) by Product Category, including
New Categories, at constant rates of exchange
Definition: revenue derived from
each of the main product categories, including New Categories,
before the impact of foreign exchange and inorganic adjustments.
These measures enable users of the financial statements to compare
the Group's business performance across and with reference to the
Group's investment activity.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
Group Revenue
|
Reported
|
Impact of
exchange
|
Revenue
at CC
|
Inorganic Adjs at
CC
|
Organic revenue at
CC
|
|
Reported
|
Inorganic Adjs
|
Organic
revenue
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
New Categories
|
3,432
|
119
|
3,551
|
-
|
3,551
|
|
3,347
|
(87)
|
3,260
|
Vapour
|
1,721
|
44
|
1,765
|
-
|
1,765
|
|
1,812
|
(1)
|
1,811
|
HP
|
921
|
51
|
972
|
-
|
972
|
|
996
|
(78)
|
918
|
Modern Oral
|
790
|
24
|
814
|
-
|
814
|
|
539
|
(8)
|
531
|
Traditional Oral
|
1,092
|
31
|
1,123
|
-
|
1,123
|
|
1,163
|
-
|
1,163
|
Smokeless
|
4,524
|
150
|
4,674
|
-
|
4,674
|
|
4,510
|
(87)
|
4,423
|
Combustibles
|
20,685
|
1,063
|
21,748
|
-
|
21,748
|
|
22,108
|
(389)
|
21,719
|
Other
|
658
|
71
|
729
|
-
|
729
|
|
665
|
(3)
|
662
|
Total Revenue
|
25,867
|
1,284
|
27,151
|
-
|
27,151
|
|
27,283
|
(479)
|
26,804
|
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Revenue (and organic revenue) by Product Category, including
New Categories, at constant rates of exchange
(continued)
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
U.S. Revenue
|
Reported
|
Impact of
exchange
|
Revenue
at CC
|
Inorganic Adjs at
CC
|
Organic revenue at
CC
|
|
Reported
|
Inorganic Adjs
|
Organic
revenue
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
New Categories
|
1,078
|
29
|
1,107
|
-
|
1,107
|
|
1,058
|
-
|
1,058
|
Vapour
|
998
|
27
|
1,025
|
-
|
1,025
|
|
1,033
|
-
|
1,033
|
HP
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Modern Oral
|
80
|
2
|
82
|
-
|
82
|
|
25
|
-
|
25
|
Traditional Oral
|
1,058
|
30
|
1,088
|
-
|
1,088
|
|
1,127
|
-
|
1,127
|
Smokeless
|
2,136
|
59
|
2,195
|
-
|
2,195
|
|
2,185
|
-
|
2,185
|
Combustibles
|
9,094
|
253
|
9,347
|
-
|
9,347
|
|
9,744
|
-
|
9,744
|
Other
|
48
|
2
|
50
|
-
|
50
|
|
65
|
-
|
65
|
Total Revenue
|
11,278
|
314
|
11,592
|
-
|
11,592
|
|
11,994
|
-
|
11,994
|
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
AME Revenue
|
Reported
|
Impact of
exchange
|
Revenue
at CC
|
Inorganic Adjs at
CC
|
Organic revenue at
CC
|
|
Reported
|
Inorganic Adjs
|
Organic
revenue
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
New Categories
|
1,730
|
45
|
1,775
|
-
|
1,775
|
|
1,673
|
(87)
|
1,586
|
Vapour
|
611
|
14
|
625
|
-
|
625
|
|
686
|
(1)
|
685
|
HP
|
443
|
10
|
453
|
-
|
453
|
|
505
|
(78)
|
427
|
Modern Oral
|
676
|
21
|
697
|
-
|
697
|
|
482
|
(8)
|
474
|
Traditional Oral
|
34
|
1
|
35
|
-
|
35
|
|
36
|
-
|
36
|
Smokeless
|
1,764
|
46
|
1,810
|
-
|
1,810
|
|
1,709
|
(87)
|
1,622
|
Combustibles
|
7,039
|
447
|
7,486
|
-
|
7,486
|
|
7,614
|
(389)
|
7,225
|
Other
|
438
|
30
|
468
|
-
|
468
|
|
468
|
(3)
|
465
|
Total Revenue
|
9,241
|
523
|
9,764
|
-
|
9,764
|
|
9,791
|
(479)
|
9,312
|
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
APMEA Revenue
|
Reported
|
Impact of
exchange
|
Revenue
at CC
|
Inorganic Adjs at
CC
|
Organic revenue at
CC
|
|
Reported
|
Inorganic Adjs
|
Organic
revenue
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
|
£m
|
New Categories
|
624
|
45
|
669
|
-
|
669
|
|
616
|
-
|
616
|
Vapour
|
112
|
3
|
115
|
-
|
115
|
|
93
|
-
|
93
|
HP
|
478
|
41
|
519
|
-
|
519
|
|
491
|
-
|
491
|
Modern Oral
|
34
|
1
|
35
|
-
|
35
|
|
32
|
-
|
32
|
Traditional Oral
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Smokeless
|
624
|
45
|
669
|
-
|
669
|
|
616
|
-
|
616
|
Combustibles
|
4,552
|
363
|
4,915
|
-
|
4,915
|
|
4,750
|
-
|
4,750
|
Other
|
172
|
39
|
211
|
-
|
211
|
|
132
|
-
|
132
|
Total Revenue
|
5,348
|
447
|
5,795
|
-
|
5,795
|
|
5,498
|
-
|
5,498
|
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin at Constant
Rates of Exchange
Definition - Profit from
operations before the impact of adjusting items and translational
foreign exchange, and before all non-production/attributable
distribution costs and presented excluding the inorganic
performance of certain businesses bought or sold in the period, in
£ and as a proportion of revenue (at constant
rates).
To supplement BAT's performance
presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group's Management Board, as
the chief operating decision‑maker, reviews the contribution to
Group profit from operations (before the impact of adjusting items,
translational foreign exchange and non-production/attributable
distribution costs). The measure is reviewed in absolute £ values
and as a proportion of revenue. This reflects the focus of the
Group's strategic ambition and investment activity. New Category
adjusted gross margin (being a sub-set of Group adjusted gross
margin) will be included within the Group's incentive
schemes.
The Group's Management Board
believes that these additional measures provide information that
enables users of the financial statements to compare the Group's
business performance across periods and by reference to the Group's
investment activity and strategic development. Adjusted gross
profit and adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical
tools. They are not presentations made in accordance
with IFRS,
are not measures of financial condition or liquidity and should not
be considered as alternatives to profit from operations
as determined
in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross
margin are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures
used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider such
performance measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis
for, BAT's results of operations as determined in accordance with
IFRS.
Please refer to page
53 for the
reconciliation of Group profit from operations to adjusted gross
profit and adjusted gross margin, included as part of a wider
reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
Category Contribution and Category Contribution Margin at
Constant Rates of Exchange
Definition - Profit from
operations before the impact of adjusting items and translational
foreign exchange, having allocated costs that are attributable to a
product category and presented excluding the inorganic performance
of certain businesses bought or sold in the period, in £ and as a
proportion of revenue (at constant rates).
To supplement BAT's performance
presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group's Management Board, as
the chief operating decision‑maker, reviews the contribution to
Group profit from operations (before the impact of adjusting items
and translational foreign exchange) of the principal product
categories, reflecting the focus of the Group's investment
activity. The measure is reviewed in absolute £ values and as a
proportion of revenue. Category contribution is, and Category
contribution margin will be in the future, assessed by
management within the Group's incentive schemes.
The Group's Management Board
believes that these additional measures provide information that
enables users of the financial statements to compare the Group's
business performance across periods and by reference to the Group's
investment activity. Category contribution and category
contribution margin by products as measures of Group performance
have limitations as analytical tools. They are not presentations
made in accordance with IFRS, are not measures of
financial condition or liquidity and should not be considered as
alternatives to profit from operations as determined in accordance with
IFRS. Category Contribution and Category Contribution margin are
not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by
other companies. As a result, you should not consider such
performance measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis
for, BAT's results of operations as determined in accordance with
IFRS.
Please refer to page
53 for the
reconciliation of Group profit from operations to category
contribution and category contribution margin, included as part of
a wider reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
The reconciliation provided
reflects the marginal contribution of the Group principal product
categories to the Group's financial performance. This measure
includes all attributable revenue and costs. This measure is
provided in aggregate as certain costs are incurred across all New
Categories and are not product specific. However, certain overhead
costs that are not category specific are excluded from Category
Contribution.
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Reconciliations of Revenue to Revenue (including on an
organic basis) by Product Category, at Constant
Rates of Exchange and Group Profit from Operations to Adjusted
Organic Profit from Operations, Adjusted Organic Operating margin,
Category Contribution, Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross
Margin, at constant rates of exchange.
The following reconciliations are
provided to support the definitions of the above measures as
explained on pages 50, 52 and 54.
|
|
2024
|
|
|
|
|
New
Categories
|
|
|
|
|
Proposal
|
Group
reported
£m
|
Combustibles
£m
|
Vapour
£m
|
HP
£m
|
Modern Oral
£m
|
New
Categories
£m
|
Traditional
Oral
£m
|
Other
£m
|
|
Revenue
|
25,867
|
20,685
|
1,721
|
921
|
790
|
3,432
|
1,092
|
658
|
|
vs 2023
|
-5.2%
|
-6.4%
|
-5.1%
|
-7.6%
|
46.6%
|
2.5%
|
-6.0%
|
-1.0%
|
|
Impact of translational
FX
|
1,284
|
1,063
|
44
|
51
|
24
|
119
|
31
|
71
|
|
Revenue at constant FX
|
27,151
|
21,748
|
1,765
|
972
|
814
|
3,551
|
1,123
|
729
|
|
vs 2023
|
-0.5%
|
-1.6%
|
-2.6%
|
-2.5%
|
51.0%
|
6.1%
|
-3.4%
|
9.7%
|
|
Inorganic adjustments
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Organic revenue
|
27,151
|
21,748
|
1,765
|
972
|
814
|
3,551
|
1,123
|
729
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit from Operations
|
2,736
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating margin
|
10.6%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusting items (see
54)
|
9,154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact of translational
FX
|
549
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inorganic adjustments
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted organic profit from operations
|
12,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adj. organic operating
margin
|
45.8%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other costs that are not
attributable to categories
|
1,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category Contribution
|
14,346
|
13,012
|
|
|
|
251
|
863
|
220
|
|
Cat Contribution margin
|
52.8%
|
59.8%
|
|
|
|
7.1%
|
76.8%
|
30.2%
|
|
Category spend (Marketing
Investment and R&D)
|
3,900
|
2,052
|
|
|
|
1,725
|
60
|
63
|
|
Adjusted gross profit
|
18,246
|
15,064
|
|
|
|
1,976
|
923
|
283
|
|
vs 2023
|
2.2%
|
0.3%
|
|
|
|
19.8%
|
-1.6%
|
14.6%
|
|
Adjusted gross margin
|
67.2%
|
69.3%
|
|
|
|
55.7%
|
82.2%
|
38.9%
|
|
Adjusted gross profit at current
rates
|
17,485
|
14,398
|
|
|
|
1,932
|
898
|
257
|
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Adjusted profit from operations, adjusted profit from
operations at constant rates of exchange, adjusted organic profit
from operations at constant rates of exchange; adjusted operating
margin and adjusted organic operating margin
Definition: profit from operations
before the impact of adjusting items (described on pages
29 to
32), inorganic adjustments and translational foreign exchange;
and adjusted profit from operations as a percentage of revenue and
adjusted organic profit from operations as a percentage of organic
revenue, at constant rates of exchange.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit/(loss) from
operations
|
2,736
|
(15,751)
|
Add:
|
|
|
Restructuring and integration
costs
|
-
|
(2)
|
Amortisation and impairment of
trademarks and similar intangibles
|
2,279
|
23,202
|
Impairment of goodwill
|
39
|
4,614
|
Charges in respect of an excise
assessment in Romania
|
449
|
-
|
Charges in respect of the ongoing
litigation in Canada
|
6,203
|
-
|
Impairment charges in respect of
fixed assets, including the Group's head office in
London
|
149
|
-
|
Charges in connection with
disposal of associate
|
6
|
-
|
Credit in respect of calculation
of excise on social contributions in Brazil
|
-
|
(148)
|
Credit in respect of settlement of
historic litigation in relation to the Fox River
|
(132)
|
-
|
Charges in connection with
disposal of subsidiaries
|
-
|
351
|
Charges in respect of
contributions on investment grants in Brazil
|
-
|
47
|
Credit in respect of recovery of
VAT on social contributions in Brazil
|
-
|
(19)
|
Charges in respect of DOJ
investigation and OFAC investigation
|
4
|
75
|
Other adjusting items (including
Engle)
|
157
|
96
|
Adjusted profit from operations
|
11,890
|
12,465
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange on adjusted profit from operations
|
549
|
|
Adjusted profit from operations translated at 2023 exchange
rates
|
12,439
|
12,465
|
Inorganic adjustments translated
at 2023 exchange rates
|
-
|
(193)
|
Adjusted organic profit from operations translated at 2023
exchange rates
|
12,439
|
12,272
|
Operating Margin (Profit from operations as % of
revenue)
|
10.6%
|
-57.7%
|
Adjusted Operating Margin (Adjusted profit from operations as
% of revenue)
|
46.0%
|
45.7%
|
Adjusted Organic Operating Margin (Adjusted organic PFO as %
of organic revenue)
|
46.0%
|
45.8%
|
Adjusted net finance costs and adjusted net finance costs, at
constant rates of exchange
Definition: net finance costs
before the impact of adjusting items (described on page
32) and translational foreign exchange.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Finance costs
|
(1,349)
|
(2,081)
|
Finance income
|
251
|
186
|
Net finance costs
|
(1,098)
|
(1,895)
|
Less: Adjusting items in net
finance costs
|
(491)
|
96
|
Adjusted net finance costs
|
(1,589)
|
(1,799)
|
Comprising:
|
|
|
Interest payable
|
(1,759)
|
(1,835)
|
Interest and dividend
income
|
251
|
186
|
Fair value changes -
derivatives
|
(90)
|
(599)
|
Exchange differences
|
9
|
449
|
Adjusted net finance costs
|
(1,589)
|
(1,799)
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
(27)
|
|
Adjusted net finance costs translated at 2023 exchange
rates
|
(1,616)
|
(1,799)
|
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint
ventures and adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and
joint ventures, at constant rates of exchange
Definition: share of post-tax
results of associates and joint ventures before the impact of
adjusting items (described on page 32) and
translational foreign exchange.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Group's share of post-tax results of associates and joint
ventures
|
1,900
|
585
|
Issue of shares and changes in
shareholding
|
(18)
|
(40)
|
Other exceptional items in
ITC
|
-
|
(2)
|
Gain on partial divestment of
shares held in ITC
|
(1,361)
|
-
|
Impairment in relation to
Organigram (net of tax)
|
-
|
34
|
Adjusted Group's share of post-tax results of associates and
joint ventures
|
521
|
577
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
20
|
|
Adjusted Group's share of post-tax results of associates and
joint ventures translated at 2023 exchange rates
|
541
|
577
|
Adjusted taxation and adjusted taxation at constant rates of
exchange
Definition: taxation before the
impact of adjusting items (described on page 32) and
translational foreign exchange.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
UK
|
|
|
- current year tax
|
15
|
20
|
- adjustment in respect of prior
periods
|
9
|
12
|
Overseas
|
|
|
- current year tax
|
2,571
|
2,804
|
- adjustment in respect of prior
periods
|
108
|
(25)
|
Current tax
|
2,703
|
2,811
|
Pillar Two income tax
|
79
|
-
|
Total current tax
|
2,782
|
2,811
|
Deferred tax
|
(2,425)
|
(5,683)
|
Taxation on ordinary activities
|
357
|
(2,872)
|
Adjusting items in
taxation
|
157
|
73
|
Taxation on adjusting
items
|
2,049
|
5,415
|
Adjusted taxation
|
2,563
|
2,616
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
106
|
|
Adjusted taxation translated at 2023 exchange
rates
|
2,669
|
2,616
|
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Underlying tax rate and underlying tax rate, at constant
rates of exchange
Definition: tax rate incurred
before the impact of adjusting items (described on pages
29 to
32) and translational
foreign exchange and to adjust for the inclusion of the Group's
share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures within
the Group's pre-tax results.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit/(loss) before taxation (PBT)
|
3,538
|
(17,061)
|
Less:
|
|
|
Share of post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures
|
(1,900)
|
(585)
|
Adjusting items within profit from
operations
|
9,154
|
28,216
|
Adjusting items within finance
costs
|
(491)
|
96
|
Adjusted PBT, excluding associates and joint
ventures
|
10,301
|
10,666
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
522
|
|
Adjusted PBT, excluding associates and joint ventures
translated at 2023 exchange rates
|
10,823
|
|
|
|
|
Taxation on ordinary activities
|
(357)
|
2,872
|
Adjusting items within taxation
and taxation on adjusting items
|
(2,206)
|
(5,488)
|
Adjusted taxation
|
(2,563)
|
(2,616)
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
(106)
|
|
Adjusted taxation translated at 2023 exchange
rates
|
(2,669)
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
10.1%
|
16.8%
|
Underlying tax rate
|
24.9%
|
24.5%
|
Underlying tax rate (at 2023 exchange
rates)
|
24.7%
|
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share, at current and constant
rates of exchange and adjusted organic diluted earnings per share,
at constant rates of exchange
Definition: diluted earnings per
share before the impact of adjusting items and inorganic
adjustments, after adjustments to the number of shares outstanding
for the impact of share option schemes whether they would be
dilutive or not under statutory measures, presented at the prior
year's rate of exchange.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
pence
|
pence
|
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
|
136.0
|
(646.6)
|
Effect of amortisation and
impairment of goodwill, trademarks and similar
intangibles
|
80.7
|
1,006.1
|
Effect of impairment charges in
respect of fixed assets, including the Group's head office and the
decision to exit Cuba
|
4.5
|
-
|
Effect of settlement of historical
litigation in relation to the Fox River
|
(4.9)
|
-
|
Net effect of Excise and VAT
cases
|
-
|
(5.7)
|
Effect of the ongoing litigation
in Canada
|
205.0
|
-
|
Effect of disposal of
subsidiaries
|
-
|
24.5
|
Effect of Romania and Brazil other
taxes
|
20.1
|
1.4
|
Effect of charges in respect of
DOJ and OFAC investigations
|
0.2
|
3.4
|
Effect of planned disposal of
subsidiaries
|
-
|
(8.7)
|
Effect of restructuring and
integration costs
|
-
|
(0.2)
|
Effect of other adjusting items in
operating profit
|
5.3
|
3.3
|
Effect of adjusting items in net
finance costs
|
(17.0)
|
3.1
|
Effect of gains related to the
partial divestment of shares held in ITC
|
(59.5)
|
-
|
Effect of associates' adjusting
items
|
(0.8)
|
(0.4)
|
Effect of adjusting items in
respect of deferred taxation
|
(12.0)
|
(4.4)
|
Adjusting items in tax
|
4.9
|
1.2
|
Impact of dilution*
|
|
(1.4)
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
|
362.5
|
375.6
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
19.4
|
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share, at 2023 exchange
rates
|
381.9
|
375.6
|
Inorganic adjustments
|
-
|
(7.1)
|
Adjusted organic diluted earnings per share, at 2023 exchange
rates
|
381.9
|
368.5
|
* In 2023, the Group
reported a loss for the year. Following the requirements of IAS 33,
the impact of share options would be antidilutive and is therefore
excluded, for 2023, from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share, calculated in accordance with IFRS. For remuneration
purposes, and reflective of the Group's positive earnings on an
adjusted basis, Management included the dilutive effect of
share options in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per
share.
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Adjusted Return on Capital Employed
Definition: profit from
operations, excluding adjusting items and including dividends from
associates and joint ventures, as a proportion of average
total assets less current liabilities in the period.
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit/(loss) from operations
|
2,736
|
(15,751)
|
Adjusting items
|
9,154
|
28,216
|
Dividends received from associates
and joint ventures
|
406
|
506
|
Adjusted profit from operations, inclusive of dividends from
associates and joint ventures
|
12,296
|
12,971
|
Total Assets
|
118,899
|
118,716
|
Current Liabilities
|
18,743
|
15,673
|
Capital employed at balance sheet date
|
100,156
|
103,043
|
Average capital
|
101,600
|
119,368
|
Adjusted ROCE
|
12.1%
|
10.9%
|
Operating cash flow conversion ratio
Definition: net cash generated
from operating activities before the impact of adjusting items and
dividends from associates and excluding taxes paid and after net
capital expenditure, as a proportion of adjusted profit from
operations.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
10,125
|
10,714
|
Cash related to adjusting
items
|
824
|
156
|
Dividends from
associates
|
(406)
|
(506)
|
Tax paid
|
1,854
|
2,622
|
Net capital expenditure
|
(434)
|
(487)
|
Other
|
1
|
-
|
Operating cash flow
|
11,964
|
12,499
|
Adjusted profit from
operations
|
11,890
|
12,465
|
Cash conversion ratio
|
370%
|
-68%
|
Operating cash flow conversion ratio
|
101%
|
100%
|
Cash conversion is net cash
generated from operating activities as a proportion of profit from
operations
|
|
|
Adjusted cash generated from operations
Definition: net cash generated
from operating activities before the impact of adjusting items
(litigation), excluding dividends received from associates, and
after dividends paid to non-controlling interests, net interest
paid and net capital expenditure.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
10,125
|
10,714
|
Dividends paid to non-controlling
interests
|
(121)
|
(105)
|
Net interest paid
|
(1,669)
|
(1,763)
|
Net capital expenditure
|
(434)
|
(487)
|
Effect of deferral of U.S. tax, in
line with the federal disaster declaration in central and western
North Carolina
|
(700)
|
-
|
Other
|
-
|
1
|
Cash related to adjusting items
within adjusted cash generated from operations
|
360
|
(49)
|
Other costs excluding litigation
and restructuring costs
|
399
|
19
|
Dividends from
associates
|
(406)
|
(506)
|
Adjusted cash generated from operations
|
7,554
|
7,824
|
In 2024, the Group deferred tax
payments in the U.S. from 2024 to 2025 totalling US$895 million
(£700 million). For the purposes of the 2024 and 2025 adjusted cash
generated from operations metric, which is included in the Group's
incentive schemes, the impact of deferral has not been included in
the calculation as it does not reflect the cash generated by the
normal operations of the Group.
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Free cash flow (before and after dividends paid to
shareholders), at constant rates of exchange
Definition: net cash generated
from operating activities after dividends paid to non-controlling
interests, net interest paid and net capital expenditure, and
translational foreign exchange. This measure is presented before
and after dividends paid to shareholders.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
10,125
|
10,714
|
Dividends paid to non-controlling
interests
|
(121)
|
(105)
|
Net interest paid
|
(1,669)
|
(1,763)
|
Net capital expenditure
|
(434)
|
(487)
|
Other
|
-
|
1
|
Free cash flow (before dividends paid to
shareholders)
|
7,901
|
8,360
|
Dividends paid to
shareholders
|
(5,213)
|
(5,055)
|
Free cash flow (after dividends paid to
shareholders)
|
2,688
|
3,305
|
Impact of translational foreign
exchange
|
406
|
|
Free cash flow (after dividends paid to shareholders), at
2023 exchange rates
|
3,094
|
|
Net debt
Definition: total borrowings,
including related derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents and
current investments held at fair value.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Opening net debt
|
(34,640)
|
(39,281)
|
Free cash flow (after dividends
paid to shareholders)
|
2,688
|
3,305
|
Other cash payments
|
(74)
|
(303)
|
Proceeds from partial divestment
of shares held in ITC
|
1,577
|
-
|
Purchase of own shares
|
(698)
|
-
|
Other non-cash
movements
|
568
|
(226)
|
Receipt from disposal of
subsidiaries
|
-
|
159
|
Transferred from/(to)
held-for-sale
|
-
|
368
|
Impact of foreign
exchange
|
(674)
|
1,338
|
Closing net debt
|
(31,253)
|
(34,640)
|
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Non-GAAP measures (continued)
Adjusted net debt and ratio of adjusted net debt to adjusted
EBITDA, at constant rates of exchange and ratio of adjusted net
debt to adjusted, organic EBITDA
Definition: net debt, excluding
the impact of the revaluation of Reynolds American Inc. acquired
debt arising as part of the purchase price allocation process and
translational foreign exchange, as a proportion of profit for the
year (earnings) before net finance costs (interest), tax,
depreciation, amortisation, impairment, associates, adjusting items
and translational foreign exchange, and, where appropriate,
excluding inorganic adjustments for businesses sold in the
period.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
£m
|
£m
|
Borrowings (excluding lease liabilities)
|
36,365
|
39,232
|
Lease liabilities
|
585
|
498
|
Derivatives in respect of net
debt
|
113
|
170
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
(5,297)
|
(4,659)
|
Current assets held at fair
value
|
(513)
|
(601)
|
Net debt items included within
asset held-for-sale
|
-
|
-
|
Purchase price adjustment (PPA) to
Reynolds American Inc. debt
|
(670)
|
(700)
|
Adjusted net debt
|
30,583
|
33,940
|
Translational foreign exchange
impact to adjusted net debt
|
(947)
|
|
Adjusted net debt, at 2023 exchange rates
|
29,636
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) for the year
|
3,181
|
(14,189)
|
Taxation on ordinary
activities
|
357
|
(2,872)
|
Net finance costs
|
1,098
|
1,895
|
Depreciation, amortisation and
impairment costs
|
3,101
|
28,614
|
Share of post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures
|
(1,900)
|
(585)
|
Other adjusting items
|
6,687
|
360
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
12,524
|
13,223
|
Translational foreign exchange
impact to adjusted EBITDA
|
577
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA, at 2023 exchange rates
|
13,101
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment for Russia and Belarus
adjusted EBITDA
|
-
|
(207)
|
Adjusted, organic EBITDA
|
12,524
|
13,016
|
|
|
|
Ratio of adjusted net debt to adjusted
EBITDA
|
2.44x
|
2.57x
|
Ratio of adjusted net debt to adjusted, organic
EBITDA
|
2.44x
|
2.61x
|
Ratio of adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA, at 2023
exchange rates
|
2.26x
|
|
As discussed on page
18, a Global Settlement
Agreement with respect to the ongoing litigation in Canada has been
proposed. This would lead to an outflow of cash, cash equivalents
and investments held at fair value as part of the settlement,
thereby increasing the level of adjusted net debt. To aid the users
of the financial statements, the below table has been provided to
illustrate the Group's leverage ratio of adjusted net debt to
adjusted EBITDA, after such a payment.
Years ended 31 December
|
2024
|
£m
|
Adjusted net debt
(above)
|
30,583
|
Provision recognised in respect of
cash and cash equivalents and investments held at fair value
(IHaFV) in Canada
|
2,456
|
Adjusted net debt excluding the Canada provision regarding
cash, cash equivalents and IHaFV
|
33,039
|
Adjusted EBITDA (above)
|
12,524
|
Adjusted EBITDA earned in
Canada*
|
(525)
|
Adjusted EBITDA excluding the EBITDA earned in
Canada*
|
11,999
|
Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA excluding
Canada*
|
2.75x
|
*excludes New
Categories.
Data Lake and Reconciliations
Continued
Summary of volume and revenue by category by
region
Volume
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December
|
U.S.
|
|
AME
|
|
APMEA
|
|
Group
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
287
|
-3.7%
|
|
276
|
-11.5%
|
|
53
|
+19.1%
|
|
616
|
-5.9%
|
HP (sticks bn)
|
-
|
-%
|
|
8
|
-24.6%
|
|
13
|
-0.2%
|
|
21
|
-11.6%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
1.0
|
+234.0%
|
|
6.3
|
+50.2%
|
|
1.0
|
+16.8%
|
|
8.3
|
+55.0%
|
Traditional Oral (stick eq bn)
|
5.3
|
-8.9%
|
|
0.8
|
-3.3%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
|
6.1
|
-8.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cigarettes (sticks bn)
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
238
|
-10.2%
|
|
220
|
-7.3%
|
|
505
|
-8.9%
|
OTP (stick eq bn)
|
-
|
-20.3%
|
|
11
|
-11.6%
|
|
2
|
-7.2%
|
|
13
|
-11.2%
|
Total Combustibles
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
249
|
-10.2%
|
|
222
|
-7.3%
|
|
518
|
-9.0%
|
Memo: Cigarettes and HP (sticks
bn)
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
246
|
-10.7%
|
|
233
|
-6.9%
|
|
526
|
-9.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Organic Volume
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December
|
U.S.
|
|
AME
|
|
APMEA
|
|
Group
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
New Categories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vapour (units mn)
|
287
|
-3.7%
|
|
276
|
-11.5%
|
|
53
|
+19.1%
|
|
616
|
-5.9%
|
HP (sticks bn)
|
-
|
-%
|
|
8
|
-0.4%
|
|
13
|
-0.2%
|
|
21
|
-0.3%
|
Modern Oral (pouches
bn)
|
1.0
|
+234.0%
|
|
6.3
|
+51.4%
|
|
1.0
|
+16.8%
|
|
8.3
|
+56.1%
|
Traditional Oral (stick eq bn)
|
5.3
|
-8.9%
|
|
0.8
|
-3.3%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
|
6.1
|
-8.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cigarettes (sticks bn)
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
238
|
-1.6%
|
|
220
|
-7.3%
|
|
505
|
-5.0%
|
OTP (stick eq bn)
|
-
|
-20.3%
|
|
11
|
-11.6%
|
|
2
|
-7.2%
|
|
13
|
-11.2%
|
Total Combustibles
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
249
|
-2.1%
|
|
222
|
-7.3%
|
|
518
|
-5.2%
|
Memo: Cigarettes and HP (sticks
bn)
|
47
|
-10.1%
|
|
246
|
-1.6%
|
|
233
|
-6.9%
|
|
526
|
-4.8%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue - reported at current
rates (£m)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December
|
U.S.
|
|
AME
|
|
APMEA
|
|
Group
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
New Categories
|
1,078
|
+1.8%
|
|
1,730
|
+3.5%
|
|
624
|
+1.0%
|
|
3,432
|
+2.5%
|
Vapour
|
998
|
-3.5%
|
|
611
|
-10.8%
|
|
112
|
+19.6%
|
|
1,721
|
-5.1%
|
HP
|
-
|
-%
|
|
443
|
-12.2%
|
|
478
|
-2.8%
|
|
921
|
-7.6%
|
Modern Oral
|
80
|
+223.3%
|
|
676
|
+40.3%
|
|
34
|
+5.7%
|
|
790
|
+46.6%
|
Traditional Oral
|
1,058
|
-6.1%
|
|
34
|
-5.8%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
|
1,092
|
-6.0%
|
Total Smokeless
|
2,136
|
-2.2%
|
|
1,764
|
+3.3%
|
|
624
|
+1.0%
|
|
4,524
|
+0.3%
|
Total Combustibles
|
9,094
|
-6.7%
|
|
7,039
|
-7.5%
|
|
4,552
|
-4.2%
|
|
20,685
|
-6.4%
|
Other
|
48
|
-25.3%
|
|
438
|
-6.7%
|
|
172
|
+31.1%
|
|
658
|
-1.0%
|
Total
|
11,278
|
-6.0%
|
|
9,241
|
-5.6%
|
|
5,348
|
-2.7%
|
|
25,867
|
-5.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Organic revenue - adjusted at
constant rates (£m)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December
|
U.S.
|
|
AME
|
|
APMEA
|
|
Group
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
|
2024
|
% change
|
New Categories
|
1,107
|
+4.6%
|
|
1,775
|
+11.9%
|
|
669
|
+8.6%
|
|
3,551
|
+8.9%
|
Vapour
|
1,025
|
-0.8%
|
|
625
|
-8.6%
|
|
115
|
+23.7%
|
|
1,765
|
-2.5%
|
HP
|
-
|
-%
|
|
453
|
+6.1%
|
|
519
|
+5.6%
|
|
972
|
+5.8%
|
Modern Oral
|
82
|
+232.3%
|
|
697
|
+46.8%
|
|
35
|
+10.0%
|
|
814
|
+53.2%
|
Traditional Oral
|
1,088
|
-3.4%
|
|
35
|
-3.6%
|
|
-
|
-%
|
|
1,123
|
-3.4%
|
Total Smokeless
|
2,195
|
+0.5%
|
|
1,810
|
+11.6%
|
|
669
|
+8.6%
|
|
4,674
|
+5.7%
|
Total Combustibles
|
9,347
|
-4.1%
|
|
7,486
|
+3.6%
|
|
4,915
|
+3.5%
|
|
21,748
|
+0.1%
|
Other
|
50
|
-22.7%
|
|
468
|
+0.6%
|
|
211
|
+59.8%
|
|
729
|
+10.1%
|
Total
|
11,592
|
-3.4%
|
|
9,764
|
+4.9%
|
|
5,795
|
+5.4%
|
|
27,151
|
+1.3%
|