British American Tobacco (BAT) is one of the top 5 dividend earners on the JSE. British American Tobacco (BAT) primarily invests in products related to the tobacco industry, though they are making strides towards diversifying their portfolio. Here’s a breakdown of their product categories and the profit they generate:
Tobacco Products:
Cigarettes: The core of BAT’s business, traditional cigarettes still make up the majority of their revenue and profit. Brands like Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, and Rothmans fall under this category.
Reduced-risk products (RRPs): This includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. BAT has invested heavily in RRPs, aiming to capture a significant share of this rapidly growing market. Brands like glo, Vuse, and Velo belong here.
Traditional tobacco: This encompasses loose leaf tobacco and chewing tobacco, primarily catering to specific regional markets.
Non-Tobacco Products:
New Categories: This growing segment includes vaporizers, modern oral products, and potentially other non-nicotine categories. These are currently a small portion of BAT’s overall revenue but hold future growth potential.
Profit Distribution:
As of 2022, approximately 93% of BAT’s total revenue and operating profit came from tobacco products, specifically cigarettes. The remaining 7% comes from RRPs and New Categories. However, with increased investments in RRPs and the potential of New Categories, the company aims to reduce its reliance on traditional tobacco over time.
Criticisms and Considerations:
Investing in BAT comes with ethical and financial considerations. Tobacco use carries significant health risks, and some investors may not want to be associated with the industry. Additionally, the future of tobacco regulations and the market transition to RRPs remain uncertain, potentially impacting BAT’s long-term profitability.
It’s crucial to conduct thorough research, weigh the risks and rewards, and align your investment decisions with your personal values and risk tolerance before considering BAT or any other company in the tobacco industry.
I hope this information provides a clear picture of BAT’s product portfolio and profit distribution. Feel free to ask further questions if you have any.

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