London, Jan 14, 2026, 08:52 GMT — Regular session
- Shares of British American Tobacco climbed in early London trading following a new announcement of a share buyback
- The company reported repurchasing 110,393 shares Tuesday and intends to cancel them
- Attention now turns to the full-year results on Feb. 12 and the dividend schedule set for Feb. 4
Shares of British American Tobacco (BATS.L) ticked up 0.5% to 4,227 pence (£42.27) by 0850 GMT on Wednesday. The company revealed it repurchased 110,393 shares on Jan. 13 at a volume-weighted average price of 4,144.2212 pence. The buyback prices fluctuated between 4,115p and 4,201p.
Buyback announcements carry extra weight these days as investors assess how much cushion share repurchases might provide ahead of the next earnings season. BAT’s full-year 2025 results are set for release on Feb. 12, according to its financial calendar.
A buyback happens when a company buys back its own shares, usually cancelling them. This cuts the total shares outstanding and can boost per-share figures down the line. BAT said it will cancel the latest repurchase, leaving 2,178,417,781 shares outstanding, not counting treasury stock.
The stock closed Tuesday up 2.1% at £42.05, beating a flat FTSE 100 session, though it’s still roughly 14% off its 52-week peak reached last December, market data showed.
Imperial Brands (IMB.L), a major player in London’s tobacco sector, held steady Wednesday morning. The share price hovered around 3,009 pence, according to data.
BAT investors face a key date soon: the next quarterly dividend payment on the London register is set for Feb. 4. Wednesday marks the final day to sign up for the dividend reinvestment plan ahead of that payout.
Cash returns don’t eliminate the risks surrounding tobacco and nicotine companies. Volume and margin pressures can hit fast from regulation, excise taxes, or changes in consumer habits. Plus, a misstep with newer nicotine products would leave these stocks vulnerable.
