Why Tobacco Stocks Are Trading Down Wednesday

Tobacco and cigarette makers were trading mostly lower Wednesday morning after British American Tobacco PLC BTI — the world's second-largest tobacco company —  issued a sales warning. 

What Happened

British American Tobacco said in a news release Wednesday that it expects global industry volume to be down by around 3.5 percent in 2019. The U.S. market is expected to see a volume decline of 4-5 percent due to a recent price increase and rising gas prices; the company said the U.S. industry volume decline is consistent with historic ranges.

Credit Suisse analysts were quoted by Reuters as saying continued declines in the cigarette category are "not a surprise." 

Why It's Important

Despite a guide for lower volume shipments, British American said it remains on track for constant currency revenue growth in the mid-to-upper half of its long-term guidance of 3-5 percent.

British American said its corporate value share has risen by 10 basis points year-to-date versus fiscal 2018 due to strong performance by its Strategic Combustible Brands — a group that includes brands such as Dunhill, Newport and Natural American Spirit and which has gained 50 basis points year-to-date.

What's Next

British American Tobacco said its "new categories" products like THP, vapor and modern oral are on pace to generate 30-50-percent constant currency revenue growth in the back half of the year. The company's deleveraging initiatives remain on track, with a goal of lowering adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA by around 0.4 times per year.

Price Action

Shares of British American Tobacco were trading lower by 3.88 percent at $37.39 at the time of publication Wednesday. 

• Shares of Altria Group Inc MO were lower by 1.11 percent. 
• Shares of Philip Morris International Inc. PM were trading lower by 0.12 percent.

Related Links:

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