British American Tobacco share price: BAT set for spotlight after AI job-cut warning and 2026 buyback plan
BAT shares closed down 0.5% at 4,404p Thursday after the company warned an AI-led productivity drive could mean job cuts. Full-year revenue fell 1% to £25.61 billion, while adjusted profit from operations rose 2.3% to £11.28 billion. BAT raised its dividend 2% and announced a £1.3 billion buyback for 2026. The company said U.S. action on illicit vapes could cut unregulated market share by a third.