British American Tobacco PLC Annual Financial Report (0456T)

TIDMBATS

RNS Number : 0456T

British American Tobacco PLC

15 March 2019

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2018

In compliance with Listing Rule 9.6.1, British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the "Company") reports that its Annual Report 2018 (including the Strategic Report 2018) will be shortly submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will be available for inspection via the following link: www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/nsm.

The Company's Annual Report 2018 has been published to be viewed or downloaded on the British American Tobacco website at www.bat.com/annualreport.

In addition, in accordance with Section 203.01 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Company announces that today it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an Annual Report on Form 20-F that included audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. The Annual Report on Form 20-F will be available online at the British American Tobacco website at www.bat.com/annualreport and also online at www.sec.gov.

The Annual Report 2018 and other ancillary shareholder documents will be mailed and made available to shareholders on 21 March 2019. Investors have the ability to receive a hard copy of BAT's complete audited financial statements, free of charge, upon request, by contacting the below:

 
 United Kingdom 
 British American Tobacco        Telephone: [phone] 
  Publications                    Email: [e-mail] 
                                ----------------------------------------- 
 South Africa 
 The Company's Representative    Telephone: [phone] 
  Office 
                                ----------------------------------------- 
 United States 
 Citibank Shareholder Services   Telephone: [phone] 
                                  (toll-free) 
                                  Email: [e-mail] 
                                ----------------------------------------- 
 

The Company made its preliminary announcement of its audited results (which included a condensed set of the Company's financial statements, extracts of the management report and a Directors' responsibility statement) in respect of the year ended 31 December 2018 (the "Preliminary Announcement") on 28 February 2019. Further to the Preliminary Announcement and with reference to the requirements of Rule 6.3.5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the following disclosures are made in the Appendices below.

Appendix A to this announcement contains a description of the Principal Group Risks (page 48 of the Annual Report 2018) and Appendix B is a statement of related party disclosures (page 190 of the Annual Report 2018). Together these constitute the material required by Rule 6.3.5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules to be communicated to the media in unedited full text through a Regulatory Information Service. This material is not a substitute for reading the full Annual Report 2018. Any page numbers and cross-references in the extracted information below refer to page numbers in the Annual Report 2018.

P McCrory

Company Secretary

15 March 2019

Enquiries:

Investor Relations

Mike Nightingale/Rachael Brierley/John Harney

[phone]/1519/1263

British American Tobacco Press Office

[phone] (24 hours) | @BATPress

APPIX A

PRINCIPAL GROUP RISKS

Overview

The principal risks that may affect the Group are set out on the following pages.

Each risk is considered in the context of the Group's strategy, as set out in this Strategic Report on pages 8 and 9. Following a description of each risk, its potential impact and management by the Group is summarised. Clear accountability is attached to each risk through the risk owner.

The Group has identified risks and is actively monitoring and taking action to manage the risks. This section focuses on those risks that the Directors believe to be the most important after assessment of the likelihood and potential impact on the business. Not all of these risks are within the control of the Group and other risks besides those listed may affect the Group's performance. Some risks may be unknown at present. Other risks, currently regarded as less material, could become material in the future.

The risks listed in this section and the activities being undertaken to manage them should

be considered in the context of the Group's internal control framework. This is described in the section on risk management and internal control in the corporate governance statement on pages 68 to 70. This section should also be read in the context of the cautionary statement on page 296.

A summary of all the risk factors (including the principal risks) which are monitored by the Board through the Group's risk register is set out in the Additional disclosures section on pages 270 to 284.

Assessment of Group Risk

During the year, the Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

The principal risks facing the Group have remained broadly unchanged over the past year with regards to Marketplace, Excise and Tax, Operations, Regulation and Litigation risks. Due to improved pricing delivery over recent years and better geographical diversity following the acquisition of RAI the 'inability to obtain price increases and impact of increases on consumer affordability thresholds' is no longer a principal risk.

The viability statement below provides a broader assessment of long-term solvency and liquidity. The Directors have considered a number of factors that may affect the resilience of the Group. Except for the risk 'injury, illness or death in the work place' the Directors have also assessed the potential impact of the principal risks that may impact the Group's viability.

Viability Statement

The Directors have assessed the viability of the Group, in accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2016 revision of the UK Corporate Governance Code. Whilst the Directors have no reason to believe the Group will not be viable over a longer period, owing to the inherent uncertainty arising due to ongoing litigation and regulation the period over which the Directors consider it possible to form a reasonable expectation as to the Group's longer-term viability is three years.

In making this assessment the Directors have considered the Group's continued strong cash generation from operating activities. This assessment included a robust review of the principal risks that may impact the Group's viability (as indicated on pages 49 to 52) which are considered, with the mitigating actions, at least once a year. The Directors also took account of the Group's operational and financial processes, which cover both short-term (1-2 year financial forecasts, 2-3 year capacity plans) and longer-term strategic planning. The assessment included reverse stress testing core drivers that underpin the specific risks to ensure the business is able to continue in operation, whilst not breaching the required gross interest cover of 4.5 times (see page 39). Each impact would, individually, have to be between 5 times and 10 times worse than a prudent annual forecast, or would all have to arise simultaneously with no mitigating or corrective actions to affect the Group's ability to meet the liabilities as they fall due.

Due to the level of borrowings carried on the balance sheet, the Group may be exposed to movements in interest rates. The Directors noted that, as stated in note 23 in the Notes on the Accounts, the Group sets a minimum of 50% of interest rate as fixed on short- to medium-term borrowings, minimising the risk of interest rate fluctuation impacting viability over the period. At 31 December 2018, the ratio of floating to fixed rate borrowings was 21:79 (2017: 19:81).

The Directors noted that the Group would be able to adjust certain capital requirements, including but not limited to the investment in the Group's manufacturing infrastructure in the short term and the GBP6 billion credit facility (2018 undrawn), to mitigate the impact of the effect of the above principal risks, each of which have specific mitigation activities as disclosed on pages 49 to 52.

The Group is subject to inherent uncertainties with regards to regulatory change and litigation, the outcome of which may have a bearing on the Group's viability. The Group maintains, as referred to in note 28 in the Notes on the Accounts 'Contingent Liabilities and Financial Commitments,' that, whilst it is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case, the defences of the Group's companies to all the various claims are meritorious on both law and the facts. If an adverse judgment is entered against any of the Group's companies in any case, an appeal may be made, the duration of which can be reasonably expected to last for a number of years.

Risks

Competition from illicit trade

Increased competition from illicit trade - either local duty evaded, smuggled illicit white cigarettes or counterfeits.

Time frame

Long term

Strategic impact

Growth

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Erosion of brand equity, with lower volumes and reduced profits.

Reduced ability to take price increases.

Investment in trade marketing and distribution is undermined.

Mitigation activities

Dedicated Anti-Illicit Trade (AIT) teams operating at global and country levels; internal cross-functional levels; best practice shared.

Active engagement with key external stakeholders.

Cross-industry and multi-sector cooperation on a range of AIT issues.

Global AIT strategy supported by a research programme to further the understanding of the size and scope of the problem.

AIT Engagement Team (including a dedicated analytical laboratory) works with enforcement agencies in pursuit of priority targets.

Tobacco, nicotine and other regulation inhibits growth strategy

The enactment of regulation that significantly impairs the Group's ability to communicate, differentiate, market or launch its products.

Time frame

Medium term

Strategic impact

Growth and Sustainability

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Erosion of brand value through commoditisation, the inability to launch innovations, differentiate products, maintain or build brand equity and leverage price.

Regulation in respect of menthol may adversely impact individual brand portfolios.

Adverse impact on ability to compete within the legitimate tobacco or nicotine industry and also with increased illicit trade.

Reduced consumer acceptability of new product specifications, leading to consumers seeking alternatives in illicit trade.

Shocks to share price on the announcement or enactment of restrictive regulation.

Reduced ability to compete in future product categories and make new market entries.

Increased scope and severity of compliance regimes in new regulation leading to higher costs, greater complexity and potential reputational damage or fines for inadvertent breach.

Proposed EU Directive on single-use plastics could result in increased operational costs and/or a decline in sales volume.

Please refer to pages 285 to 288 for details of tobacco and nicotine regulatory regimes under which the Group's businesses operate.

Mitigation activities

Engagement and litigation strategy coordinated and aligned across the Group to drive a balanced global policy framework for the nicotine category.

Stakeholder mapping and prioritisation, developing robust compelling advocacy materials (with supporting evidence and data) and regulatory engagement programmes.

Regulatory risk assessment of marketing plans to ensure decisions are informed by an understanding of the potential regulatory environments.

Advocating the application of integrated regulatory proposals to governments and public health practitioners based on the harm reduction principles.

Development of an integrated regulatory strategy that spans conventional combustibles and Next Generation Products.

Market size reduction and consumer down-trading

The Group is faced with steep excise-led price increases and, due in part to the continuing difficult economic and regulatory environment in many countries, market contraction and consumer down-trading is a risk.

Time frame

Short/Medium term

Strategic impact

Growth

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Volume decline and portfolio mix erosion.

Funds to invest in growth opportunities are reduced.

Mitigation activities

Geographic spread mitigates impact at Group level.

Close monitoring of portfolio and pricing strategies, ensuring balanced portfolio of strong brands across key segments.

Overlap with many mitigation activities undertaken for other principal risks facing the Group, such as competition from illicit tobacco trade and significant excise increases or structure changes.

Litigation

Product liability, regulatory or other significant cases may be lost or compromised resulting in a material loss or other consequence.

Time frame

Long term

Strategic impact

Growth

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Damages and fines, negative impact on reputation, disruption and loss of focus on the business.

Consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be materially affected, in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year, by region or country, by an unfavourable outcome or settlement of pending or future litigation.

Inability to sell products as a result of a successful patent infringement action may restrict growth plans and competitiveness.

Mitigation activities

Consistent litigation strategy across the Group.

Expertise and legal talent maintained both within the Group and external partners.

Ongoing monitoring of key legislative, case law and tobacco developments.

Please refer to note 28 in the Notes on the Accounts for details of contingent liabilities applicable to the Group.

Geopolitical tensions

Geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, terrorism and organised crime have the potential to disrupt the Group's business in multiple markets.

Time frame

Medium term

Strategic impact

Growth

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Potential loss of life, loss of assets and disruption to normal business processes.

Increased costs due to more complex supply chain arrangements and/or the cost of building new facilities or maintaining inefficient facilities.

Lower volumes as a result of not being able to trade in a country.

Mitigation activities

Physical and procedural security controls are in place, and constantly reviewed in accordance with our SRM process, for all field force and supply chain operations, with an emphasis on the protection of Group employees.

Globally integrated sourcing strategy and contingency sourcing arrangements.

Security risk modelling, including external risk assessments and the monitoring of geopolitical and economic policy developments worldwide.

Insurance cover and business continuity planning, including scenario planning and testing, and risk awareness training.

Disputed taxes, interest and penalties

The Group may face significant financial penalties, including the payment of interest in the event of an unfavourable ruling by a tax authority in a disputed area.

Time frame

Short/Medium term

Strategic impact

Productivity

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Significant fines and potential legal penalties.

Disruption and loss of focus on the business due to diversion of management time.

Impact on profit and dividend.

Mitigation activities

End market tax committees.

Internal tax function provides dedicated advice and guidance, and external advice sought where needed.

Engagement with tax authorities at Group, regional and individual market level.

Significant increases or structural changes in tobacco-related taxes

The Group is exposed to unexpected and/or significant increases or structural changes in tobacco-related taxes in key markets.

Time frame

Long term

Strategic impact

Growth

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Consumers reject the Group's legitimate tax-paid products for products from illicit sources or cheaper alternatives.

Reduced legal industry volumes.

Reduced sales volume and/or portfolio erosion.

Partial absorption of excise increases.

Mitigation activities

Requirement for Group companies to have in place formal pricing and excise strategies, including contingency plans, with annual risk assessments.

Pricing, excise and trade margin committees in markets, with regional and global support.

Engagement with local tax and customs authorities, where appropriate, in particular in relation to the increased risk to excise revenues from higher illicit trade.

Portfolio reviews to ensure appropriate balance and coverage across price segments.

Monitoring of economic indicators, government revenues and the political situation.

Foreign exchange rate exposures

The Group faces translational and transactional foreign exchange (FX) rate exposure for earnings/cash flows from its global business.

Time frame

Short/Medium term

Strategic impact

Productivity

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Fluctuations in FX rates of key currencies against sterling introduce volatility in reported Earnings per share (EPS), cash flow and the balance sheet driven by translation into sterling of our financial results and these exposures are not normally hedged.

The dividend may be impacted if the payout ratio is not adjusted.

Differences in translation between earnings and net debt may affect key ratios used by credit rating agencies.

Volatility and/or increased costs in our business, due to transactional FX, may adversely impact financial performance.

Mitigation activities

While translational FX exposure is not hedged, its impact is identified in results presentations and financial disclosures; earnings are re-stated at constant rates for comparability.

Debt and interest are matched to assets and cash flows to mitigate volatility where possible and economic to do so.

Hedging strategy for transactional FX and framework is defined in the treasury policy, a global policy approved by the Board.

Illiquid currencies of many markets where hedging is either not possible or uneconomic are reviewed on a regular basis.

Injury, illness or death in the workplace

The risk of injury, death or ill health to employees and those who work with the business is a fundamental concern of the Group and can have a significant effect on its operations.

Time frame

Short term

Strategic impact

Sustainability

Considered in viability statement

No

Impact

Serious injuries, ill health, disability or loss of life suffered by employees and the people who work with the Group.

Exposure to civil and criminal liability and the risk of prosecution from enforcement bodies and the cost of associated fines and/or penalties.

Interruption of Group operations if issues are not addressed immediately.

High staff turnover or difficulty recruiting employees if perceived to have a poor Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) record.

Reputational damage to the Group.

Mitigation activities

Risk control systems in place to ensure equipment and infrastructure are provided and maintained.

An EHS strategy ensures that employees at all levels receive appropriate EHS training and information.

Behavioural-based safety programme to drive Operations' safety performance and culture closer to zero accidents.

Analysis of incidents undertaken regionally and globally by a dedicated team to identify increasing incident trends or high potential risks that require coordinated action.

Solvency and liquidity

Liquidity (access to cash and sources of finance) is essential to maintaining the Group as a going concern in the short term (liquidity) and medium term (solvency).

Time frame

Short/Medium term

Strategic impact

Productivity

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Inability to fund the business under the current capital structure resulting in missed strategic opportunities or inability to respond to threats.

Decline in our creditworthiness and increased funding costs for the Group.

Requirement to issue equity or seek new sources of capital.

Reputational risk of failure to manage the financial risk profile of the business, resulting in an erosion of shareholder value reflected in an underperforming share price.

Mitigation activities

Group policies include a set of financing principles and key performance indicators including the monitoring of credit ratings, interest cover, solvency and liquidity with regular reporting to

the Board.

The Group targets an average centrally managed debt maturity of at least five years with no more than 20% of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling year.

The Group, through B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., holds a two- tranche revolving credit facility of GBP6 billion syndicated across a wide banking group. This consists of a 364-day revolving credit facility

of GBP3 billion (with a one-year term-out option), and a GBP3 billion revolving credit facility maturing in 2021.

Liquidity pooling structures are in place to ensure that there is maximum mobilisation of cash liquidity within the Group.

The Group has an externally imposed capital requirement for its centrally managed banking facilities of maintaining gross interest cover above 4.5 times. The Group targets a gross interest cover of greater than 5 times.

Going concern and viability support papers are presented to the Board on a regular basis.

Inability to develop, commercialise and roll-out Potentially Reduced-Risk Products

Risk of not capitalising on the opportunities in developing and commercialising successful and consumer-appealing innovations.

Time frame

Long term

Strategic impact

Growth

Considered in viability statement

Yes

Impact

Failure to deliver Group strategic imperative and 2020 growth ambition.

Potentially missed opportunities, unrecoverable costs and/or erosion of brand.

Reputational damage and recall costs may arise in the event of defective product design or manufacture.

Loss of market share due to non-compliance of product portfolio with regulatory requirements.

Mitigation activities

Focus on product stewardship to ensure high-quality standards across portfolio.

Collaboration between internal legal, external affairs and R&D in order to identify current and future regulations and align the innovation pipeline.

APPIX B

RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The Group has a number of transactions and relationships with related parties, as defined in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, all of which are undertaken in the normal course of business. Transactions with CTBAT International Limited (a joint operation) are not included in these disclosures as the results are immaterial to the Group.

Transactions and balances with associates relate mainly to the sale and purchase of cigarettes and tobacco leaf. Amounts receivable from associates in respect of dividends included in the table below were GBPnil million (2017: GBPnil million; 2016: GBP221 million). The Group's share of dividends from associates, included in other net income in the table below, was GBP211 million (2017: GBP688 million; 2016: GBP1,024 million).

 
                                                     2018              2017 2016 
                                                     GBPm               GBPm GBPm 
===================================  ====================  ======================== 
Transactions 
                                                                      366 370 (218) 
 - revenue                                      473 (101)                 (298) 
 - purchases                                       216                  699 1,023 
 - other net income                                 26                    40 270 
 Amounts receivable at 31 December                 (1)                   (1) (2) 
 Amounts payable at 31 December 
===================================  ====================  ======================== 
 

As explained in note 24 [in the Notes on the Accounts], in 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of the remaining 57.8% of RAI not already owned. This transaction has not been included in the table above.

On 17 December 2012, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, BATUS Japan Inc. (BATUSJ), entered into an Amendment and Extension Agreement (referred to as the Amendment) with a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (referred to as RJRTC). The Amendment modifies the American-blend Cigarette Manufacturing Agreement (referred to as the 2010 Agreement), effective as of 1 January 2010.

Prior to the Amendment, the term of the 2010 Agreement was scheduled to expire on 31 December 2014, subject to early termination and extension provisions. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Manufacturing Agreement would remain in effect beyond 31 December 2014, provided that either RJRTC or BATUSJ may terminate the Manufacturing Agreement by furnishing three years' notice to the other party. Such notice was given in January 2016. As a result of early termination of this agreement the Group agreed to a compensation payment of US$90 million of which US$7 million were paid to RJRTC on 22 September 2016, with the Group recognising the full expense of US$90 million as required by IFRS in 2016. The balance was paid in March 2017.

During 2018, the Group acquired a further 44% interest in British American Tobacco Myanmar Limited and a further 11% interest in British American Tobacco Vranje.

During 2017, the Group acquired the remaining 49% interest in IPRESS d.o.o. and a further 0.01% interest in British American Tobacco Chile Operaciones S.A. The combined costs are less than GBP1 million.

During 2016, the Group received proceeds of GBP23 million in respect of its participation in the share buy-back programme conducted by RAI. This programme ceased in the fourth quarter of 2016.

During 2016, the Group acquired the remaining 1% interest in Souza Cruz at a cost of GBP70 million. This transaction is shown as a GBP4 million increase in reserves attributable to the owners of the parent and a GBP4 million reduction in reserves attributable to non-controlling interests in note 19.

As explained in note 12 [in the Notes on the Accounts], contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund are secured by a charge over the Group's Head Office (Globe House) up to a maximum of GBP150 million.

The key management personnel of British American Tobacco consist of the members of the Board of Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and the members of the Management Board. No such person had any material interest during the year in a contract of significance (other than a service contract) with the Company or any subsidiary company. The term key management personnel in this context includes their close family members.

 
                                                        2018            2017 2016 
                                                        GBPm             GBPm GBPm 
=====================================================  =====  ==================== 
The total compensation for key management personnel, 
 including Directors, was: 
 - salaries and other short-term employee benefits        21             24 18 
 - post-employment benefits                                4              5 3 
 - share-based payments                                   18              16 12 
=====================================================  =====  ==================== 
                                                          43            45 33 
=====================================================  =====  ==================== 
 

The following table, which is not part of IAS24 disclosures, shows the aggregate emoluments of the Directors of the Company.

 
                           2018          2017 2016        2018        2017 2016           2018          2017 2016               2018          2017 2016 
                           GBP'000       GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000             GBP'000        GBP'000 GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
                                         GBP'000                      GBP'000                                                                 GBP'000 
====================  ============  ================  ===========  ================  ============  ======================  ============  ================ 
Salary; fees; 
 benefits; 
 incentives 
 - salary                  2,211        2,122 2,057             -          - -                  -                - -            2,211        2,122 2,057 
 - fees                       -             - -               680           660 645         1,092             1,042 1,051        1,772       1,702 1,696 
 - taxable benefits          427          385 335             116           129 106           303               195 122           846          709 563 
 - short-term 
  incentives                5,031       4,689 4,622             -           - -                 -                 - -            5,031       4,689 4,622 
 - long-term 
  incentives                5,300       10,192 4,483            -           - -                 -                 - -            5,300       10,192 4,483 
====================  ============  ================  ===========  ================  ============  ======================  ============  ================ 
Sub-total               12,969        17,388 11,497        796         789 751          1,395         1,237 1,173            15,160        19,414 13,421 

====================  ============  ================  ===========  ================  ============  ======================  ============  ================ 
Pension; other 
 emoluments 
 - pension 
 - other emoluments           921           612 634             -          - -                  -            - -                   921           612 634 
                               50            50 44              -           - -                 -             - -                   50            50 44 
====================  ============  ================  ===========  ================  ============  ======================  ============  ================ 
Sub-total                   971           662 678               -         - -                   -           - -                  971           662 678 
====================  ============  ================  ===========  ================  ============  ======================  ============  ================ 
Total emoluments        13,940        18,050 12,175        796         789 751          1,395         1,237 1,173            16,131        20,076 14,099 
====================  ============  ================  ===========  ================  ============  ======================  ============  ================ 
 
 
Aggregate gains on LTIP shares 
exercised 
in the year 
==================================  ================================================================================== 
                                                                                              Price          Aggregate 
                                                                 Exercised                     per share      gain 
                                              Award date     LTIP shares      Exercise             (GBP)         (GBP) 
                                                                               date 
==================================  =====================  ===============  ============  ==============  ============ 
Nicandro Durante                             27 Mar 2015      122,477        27 Mar 2018       39.46       4,832,942 
Ben Stevens                                  27 Mar 2015       66,925        27 Mar 2018       39.46       2,640,861 
==================================  =====================  ===============  ============  ==============  ============ 
 
 
LTIP - Value of awards 2015 
============================  ========================================== 
                                                  Price             Face 
                                                   per share       Value 
                                      Shares        (GBP)(1)       (GBP) 
============================    ============  ==============  ========== 
Nicandro Durante                     127,448       36.25       4,619,990 
Ben Stevens                           69,641       36.25       2,524,486 
==============================  ============  ==============  ========== 
 
   1.    For information only as awards are made as nil cost options. 

In 2018, no Sharesave were exercised by Executive Directors.

Forward looking statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements, including "forward-looking" statements made within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "anticipate," "could," "may," "would," "should," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "will," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," "outlook", "target" and similar expressions. These include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and markets in which the Group operates.

All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual future financial condition, performance and results to differ materially from the plans, goals, expectations and results expressed in the forward-looking statements and other financial and/or statistical data within this announcement. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are uncertainties related to the following: the impact of competition from illicit trade; the impact of adverse domestic or international legislation and regulation; changes in domestic or international tax laws and rates; adverse litigation and dispute outcomes and the effect of such outcomes on the Group's financial condition; changes or differences in domestic or international economic or political conditions; adverse decisions by domestic or international regulatory bodies; the impact of market size reduction and consumer down-trading; translational and transactional foreign exchange rate exposure; the impact of serious injury, illness or death in the workplace; the ability to maintain credit ratings and to fund the business under the current capital structure; the inability to develop, commercialise and roll-out Potentially Reduced-Risk Products; and changes in the market position, businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Group.

It is believed that the expectations reflected in this announcement are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this announcement and the Group undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

No statement in this communication is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this communication should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of BAT for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of BAT.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 15 March 2019 and Current Reports on Form 6-K, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov, and the Company's Annual Reports, which may be obtained free of charge from the British American Tobacco website www.bat.com.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [e-mail] or visit www.rns.com.

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March 15, 2019 08:25 ET (12:25 GMT)