UBS Downgrades BAT Rating to "Neutral" in Recent Report

BAT by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.24.2024
UBS Downgrades BAT Rating to "Neutral" in Recent Report
UBS downgrades BAT's rating from "buy" to "neutral" and lowers target price from 2900p to 2400p due to doubts regarding revenue targets.

German news agency dpa-AFX Analyzer reported on January 22nd that UBS has recently downgraded its rating on British American Tobacco (BAT) from "buy" to "neutral", while also lowering the stock price target from 2900 pence to 2400 pence.

 

In the latest research report, analyst Faham Baig from the bank mentioned that British American Tobacco has adopted multiple strategies to address the gradual transformation in the tobacco industry, and to some extent, these strategies have been successful. However, he noted that the company's performance has been inconsistent in executing these strategies. He expressed doubt about the company's revenue target set for 2025 in the "new business areas," believing that it may be challenging to achieve.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia Withdraws Appeal Against Liquid Nicotine Ruling as Vape Regulation Framework Enters New Phase
Malaysia Withdraws Appeal Against Liquid Nicotine Ruling as Vape Regulation Framework Enters New Phase
Malaysia’s government has withdrawn its appeal against a High Court ruling concerning the regulatory status of liquid nicotine used in vape and e-cigarette products, according to reports by New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today and CodeBlue on August 18, 2026. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled on May 15 that the government’s decision to remove liquid nicotine from the scheduled poisons list under the Poisons Act 1952 was irrational and made without proper consultation with the Poisons Board. The withdrawal ends the government’s appeal process, while the future regulatory framework for nicotine vape products remains under discussion.
Aug.21
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to Japan’s finance minister for approval to revise retail prices of its Ploom heated tobacco sticks following planned changes to the heated tobacco tax system from October 1, 2026. If approved, all 31 Ploom stick products will increase by ¥40. After the adjustment, EVO products will cost ¥620 per 20-stick pack, MEVIUS products ¥590 and CAMEL products ¥570. JT said the price revision is intended to respond to tax changes while maintaining product quality and brand value. The tax reform is expected to narrow the tax gap between combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products, potentially reshaping pricing strategies in Japan’s heated tobacco market.
Jul.22
Philippine Local Governments Urge Marcos to Prioritize Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill
Philippine Local Governments Urge Marcos to Prioritize Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill, seeking a nationwide legal framework for tobacco and vape regulation. Local government leaders said national legislation would help standardize enforcement and strengthen public health measures. The proposal remains at the advocacy stage and has not yet become law.
Jul.29
Philippines Weighs Unified Vape Tax as Lawmakers Back Risk-Based Rates and Government Seeks to Fill ₱66 Billion Revenue Gap
Philippines Weighs Unified Vape Tax as Lawmakers Back Risk-Based Rates and Government Seeks to Fill ₱66 Billion Revenue Gap
Philippine lawmakers are considering an overhaul of the country's vape excise-tax regime to eliminate the wide gap between taxes on nicotine salt and freebase nicotine liquids and reduce incentives for misdeclaration. House Bill 5364, filed by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., would impose a unified ₱10-per-milliliter tax on vapor products, with 5% annual increases beginning in 2027. Rodriguez says the proposal could generate an average ₱6 billion in annual collections from 2027 through 2030. The debate comes as the Philippine government considers tobacco, vape and other health-tax reforms to help offset around ₱66 billion in revenue expected to be forgone under a proposed tax-relief package.
Aug.18
FDA Grants PMTA Authorization to 11 ZYN ULTRA Nicotine Pouches, Bringing Total Authorized Pouches to 43
FDA Grants PMTA Authorization to 11 ZYN ULTRA Nicotine Pouches, Bringing Total Authorized Pouches to 43
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized 11 ZYN ULTRA nicotine pouch products made by Swedish Match USA through the premarket tobacco product application pathway on August 21, 2026. Ten of the authorized products have a labeled nicotine content of 9 mg, while ZYN ULTRA Smooth was authorized at 11 mg. The reviews were conducted through FDA’s nicotine pouch PMTA pilot program. FDA has now authorized 43 nicotine pouch products, including 23 through the pilot.
Aug.24
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23