While the market has slumped this yr, British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) shares have surged. The FTSE 100 tobacco big is up by 25% thus far this yr.
I already personal a number of the shares, however what actually pursuits me right here is the dividend revenue. Even after this yr’s features, British American shares nonetheless supply a excessive dividend yield of 6.5%. Is this inventory nonetheless an affordable purchase for my portfolio?
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A very good, low-cost dividend inventory
British American’s dividend hasn’t been lower for greater than 20 years. Since 2002, the inventory’s payout has risen by an unbelievable 555%, from 33p per share to 216p in 2021.
BAT’s dividend has been supported by rising income too. Post-tax revenue has risen from £1.2bn in 2002 to nearly £7bn in 2021.
Smoking charges are falling in most developed international locations, however British American has been in a position to beat this development, due to a well-designed technique.
To enhance gross sales and acquire market share, the corporate has acquired rivals to consolidate the business and lower prices, specializing in core manufacturers, comparable to Lucky Strike and Dunhill. Sales have additionally expanded in rising markets the place smoking charges – and populations – could also be rising.
Finally, British American is quick changing into a pacesetter in vaping – the corporate says its Vuse model now has a 35% share of the worldwide market. Annual gross sales of vapes and different non-combustible merchandise are anticipated to succeed in £5bn by 2025.
Obvious dangers
Before shopping for shares, I attempt to take into account what might go unsuitable with an funding. With British American Tobacco, a number of the dangers are apparent. Smoking is extraordinarily harmful, and lots of western governments are working arduous to eradicate it.
Regulations might get tighter too. For instance, the UK is contemplating elevating the minimal age for purchasing cigarettes and introducing new taxes on tobacco gross sales. The ethics of investing in tobacco are tough and lots of buyers keep away from these firms due to the hurt attributable to their merchandise.
Should I purchase extra?
Does tobacco have a long-term future? I’m unsure. But I believe that BAT’s technique is more likely to ship dependable outcomes for the foreseeable future.
Its world gross sales volumes had been nearly unchanged final yr, down by simply 0.1% to 637bn cigarettes. Meanwhile, the group’s sturdy vaping enterprise is placing it in prime place to win over ex-smokers and new nicotine customers who select to keep away from tobacco.
This enterprise additionally stays very worthwhile. The group’s underlying working revenue margin was simply shy of 40% final yr and it generated over £7bn of surplus money.
British American Tobacco shares now commerce on round 10 instances forecast earnings, with a dividend yield of 6.5%.
This FTSE 100 inventory isn’t as low-cost because it was at the beginning of 2022, however I believe there’s nonetheless some worth left on this share. I’d be blissful so as to add to my present holding at present ranges.
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Source: countryask.com
