BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019

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At BAT we recognise that consumer and societal needs are

changing. Expectations that evolve at an accelerated pace.

We are committed to delivering a broad range of consumer


choice through our investment in new categories globally.

Central to that commitment is to shape a better tomorrow


for our consumers, society, shareholders and employees.
At BAT we are working hard to create A Better Tomorrow.
We are clear about the challenges of transformation.

Our technology and innovation partnership with


McLaren provides a global platform which enables
the acceleration of our ambition.

Central to that ambition is shaping a better tomorrow


for our consumers, society, shareholders and employees.
DISCOVER
MORE
YOU CAN FIND OUT
MORE ABOUT OUR
GROUP ONLINE AT
BAT.COM/REPORTING
AND BAT.COM/INVESTORS
OR DOWNLOAD OUR
BAT IR APP

This year’s Annual Report and


Accounts features a new corporate
logo, and look and feel, that reflects
changes in both the world around
us and our business. Our previous
logo has, for decades, served the
company well as a strong symbol
of a world-leading tobacco company.
Today, however, our purpose has
evolved as we aim to reduce the health
impacts of our business by offering
consumers a greater choice of New
Category products. Our dynamic new
logo reflects our company today and
our journey ahead: a unification of our
international and American businesses
and, moreover, the representation
of our multi-category portfolio.
Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

CONTENTS

STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE FINANCIAL


REPORT STATEMENTS
Overview Directors’ Report Group Financial Statements
Chairman’s introduction 02 Chairman’s introduction on governance 63 Independent auditor’s report 115
Chief Executive’s review 03 Board of Directors 66 Group companies and undertakings 237
The foundations of our evolved strategy 06 Management Board 68 Parent Company financial statements@ 247
Finance Director’s overview 16 Leadership and purpose 69
Our year in numbers 18 Our culture and values 70
Board engagement with stakeholders 71 OTHER
Strategic Management Board activities in 2019 74 INFORMATION
Global industry overview 20 Division of responsibilities 76
Additional disclosures 254
Our business model 22 Board evaluation 78
Shareholder information 299
Our global business 24 Nominations Committee 79
Engaging with our stakeholders 26 Audit Committee 83
Delivering our strategy 28
Remuneration Report
Financial Review Annual statement on remuneration 90
Financial performance summary 43 Annual report on remuneration 93
Income statement 44
Treasury and cash flow 48 Responsibility of Directors@ 114
Other 51
Regional review 52

Business Environment
Principal Group risks 58

British American Tobacco p.l.c. (No. 3407696)


Annual Report 2019
This document constitutes the Annual Report and Accounts of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the ‘Company’) and the British American Tobacco Group prepared in accordance with UK requirements
and the Annual Report on Form 20-F prepared in accordance with the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘Exchange Act’) for the year ended 31 December 2019, except that certain phrases,
paragraphs or similar sections denoted with a ‘@’ symbol do not form part of the Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘SEC’) and certain
phrases, paragraphs or similar sections denoted with a ‘»’ symbol do not form part of the Annual Report and Accounts. In addition, the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on
pages 122-123 will only be included in the Annual Report on Form 20-F. Moreover, the information in this document may be updated or supplemented only for purposes of the Annual Report on Form
20-F at the time of filing with the SEC or later amended if necessary. Any such updates, supplements or amendments will also be denoted with a ‘»’ symbol. Insofar as this document constitutes the
Annual Report and Accounts, it has been drawn up and is presented in accordance with, and reliance upon, applicable English company law and the liabilities of the Directors in connection with this
report shall be subject to the limitations and restrictions provided by such law.
This document is made up of the Strategic Report, the Governance Report, the Financial Statements and Notes, and certain other information. Our Strategic Report, pages 2 to 62, includes our
purpose and strategy, global market overview, business model, global performance, as well as our financial performance and principal group risks. The Strategic Report has been approved by the
Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by Paul McCrory, Company Secretary. Our Governance Report on pages 63 to 114 contains detailed corporate governance information, our Committee
reports@ and our Responsibility of Directors@. The Directors’ Report on pages 63 to 89 (the Governance pages)@, page 114 (Responsibility of Directors)@ and 254 to 323 (the Additional disclosure
and Shareholder information pages) has been approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by Paul McCrory, Company Secretary. Our Financial Statements and Notes are on pages
115 to 253. The Other Information section commences on page 254.
This document provides alternative performance measures (APMs) which are not defined or specified under the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). We believe these
APMs provide readers with important additional information on our business. We have included a Non-GAAP measures section on pages 258 to 268 which provides a comprehensive list of the APMs
that we use, an explanation of how they are calculated, why we use them and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measure where relevant.
British American Tobacco p.l.c. has shares listed on the London Stock Exchange (BATS) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (BTI), and, as American Depositary Shares, on the New York Stock
Exchange (BTI).
The Annual Report is published on bat.com. A printed copy is mailed to shareholders on the UK main register who have elected to receive it. Otherwise, shareholders are notified that the Annual
Report is available on the website and will, at the time of that notification, receive a short Performance Summary (which sets out an overview of the Group’s performance, headline facts and figures
and key dates in the Company’s financial calendar) and Proxy Form.
Specific local mailing and/or notification requirements will apply to shareholders on the South Africa branch register.
References in this publication to ‘British American Tobacco’, ‘BAT’, ‘Group’, ‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ when denoting opinion refer to British American Tobacco p.l.c. and when denoting tobacco business
activity refer to British American Tobacco Group operating companies, collectively or individually as the case may be.
The material in this Annual Report is provided for the purpose of giving information about the Company to investors only and is not intended for general consumers. The Company, its directors,
employees, agents or advisers do not accept or assume responsibility to any other person to whom this material is shown or into whose hands it may come and any such responsibility or liability is
expressly disclaimed. The material in this Annual Report is not provided for product advertising, promotional or marketing purposes. This material does not constitute and should not be construed as
constituting an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of our products. Our products are sold only in compliance with the laws of the particular jurisdictions in which they are sold.
References in this document to information on websites, including the web address of BAT, have been included as inactive textual references only. These websites and the information contained
therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into or to form part of the Annual Report and Form 20-F.
Cautionary statement
This document contains forward-looking statements. For our full cautionary statement, please see page 298.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 01


Overview

CHAIRMAN’S
INTRODUCTION

A STRONG
OPERATIONAL
PERFORMANCE
Welcome to our combined Annual Report and Last year, our newly-revised environmental Dividends
Form 20-F for 2019. I’m pleased to report a targets gained the approval of the Science- The Board has declared a dividend of 210.4p
strong operational performance with growth Based Target initiative, and I’m very pleased per ordinary share, payable in four equal
in revenue, as well as both value and volume to report that we are performing well against instalments of 52.6p per ordinary share,
share. Notwithstanding a number of one-off our goals. The Group’s direct carbon dioxide to shareholders registered on the UK main
charges that led to a decline in reported profit equivalent emissions are already 10% lower register or the South Africa branch register
from operations, performance was strong on than its 2017 baseline, and we have also been and to American Depository Shares (ADS)
an adjusted basis, growing on the back of honoured to have been named on the Carbon holders, each on the applicable record dates.
our combustibles business and our continued Disclosure Project’s prestigious ‘A List’ for The dividends receivable by ADS holders in
progress in New Categories. climate change. This recognises our actions US dollars will be calculated based on the
to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and exchange rate on the applicable payment
It has also been a busy year as we accelerate
develop the low-carbon economy. dates. Further information on dividends
our ambition to transform our business.
The Board and I are confident in the vision and The Group’s commitment to improving social can be found on page 47 of the Financial
focus of our new CEO, Jack Bowles, and his conditions, from respecting Human Rights Review and page 300 in the Shareholder
drive to satisfy evolving consumer preferences in every country in which we operate to our information section.
with new and innovative products. own workforce diversity, remains central to
the business. Human rights commitments, Board composition and outlook
Jack has already made great progress in his I am very pleased to welcome Jerry Fowden
in particular involving issues such as child
stated aim to simplify the Group and he and to the Board this year. He brings with him
labour, sit at the heart of both our Standards
his management team have spent significant a wealth of executive experience relating to
of Business Conduct and Supplier Code
time looking at how we can accelerate the operations, transformation and marketing,
of Conduct, and we have an array of due
progress already made in our New Categories which will complement the expertise of the
diligence procedures to monitor our entire
business. This has been instrumental in the other two North American members of our
supply chain. Our management comprises
Board’s endorsement of an evolution of our Board, and we look forward to the insights he
141 different nationalities, while women
strategy and I am excited and energised will provide as we grow our business.
made up 51% of senior recruits in 2019.
about the possibilities for the future.
The Group’s governance practices promote Kieran Poynter will retire from the Board
A sustainable and transparent and responsible corporate with effect from the conclusion of the
well‑governed business behaviour. All our staff worldwide must Annual General Meeting on 30 April
Our sustainability agenda is at the heart comply with our Standards of Business 2020. Mr Poynter has served as a Non-
of our strategic plans to build a long-term Conduct, and we have continued to expand Executive Director since July 2010, as Senior
sustainable business. We have made a clear compliance training, which complements Independent Director since October 2016,
commitment to providing consumers with our internal ‘Speak Up’ channels. and is currently a member of the Audit and
a range of potentially less harmful products, Nominations Committees.
Overall, the quality and success of our
which is central to our corporate purpose Sustainability Agenda continues to be As we enter 2020, I feel strongly that the
around which long-term growth is planned. recognised externally, and I am proud to business is in excellent shape. As I write
I am proud to see that the continuing growth report that we are once again the only this opening statement, the Group is
in our New Categories business reflects the company in the industry to have been closely monitoring the development of
significant success we have already made included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Covid 19 (Coronavirus). We believe that
in this vital area. Indices’ prestigious World Index in 2019. our business continuity plans will ensure
However, we are also clear that long-term This is our 18th consecutive year of the business is prepared to manage the
sustainability, as well as our ability to meet inclusion in the Index series, which reflects challenges as and when they may develop.
short-term financial and other targets, BAT’s long-standing commitment to Notwithstanding Covid 19, with our new
will be underpinned by successful delivery delivering against ESG measures. management team and strategy, I am
against other environmental, social and confident that we are well placed to deliver
governance measures. sustainable growth for many years to come.

Richard Burrows
Chairman

02 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S
REVIEW

Dear shareholders
and stakeholders,
DELIVERING I write this reflecting

TODAY AND on my first year as


Chief Executive of BAT.

BUILDING It is a privilege to lead


the Group, with its record

A BETTER of achievements both


past and present.

TOMORROW Since taking the helm


in early 2019, I have
focused the business
on three clear priorities:
driving value from
combustibles, ensuring
a step change in New
Categories performance
and simplifying the
business. Stronger,
simpler, faster.
My new management
team has fully embraced
these priorities and
is already delivering
against them.
In my first Annual Report
as Chief Executive,
I want to take this
opportunity to set out my
vision for BAT’s future.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 03


Overview

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW


CONTINUED

Delivering today Acting responsibly


I HAVE FOCUSED THE In 2019, building on our foundations, As a leading multinational business we
BUSINESS ON THREE we delivered strong operational results understand our global impact, the importance
CLEAR PRIORITIES: and cash generation, creating a solid of high standards of integrity, and our
base for delivering today and building evolving societal responsibilities. As a result,
– DRIVING VALUE FROM a better tomorrow. we are moving from a business where
COMBUSTIBLES I am especially pleased to report 6% revenue
sustainability has always been important,
to one where it is front and centre in all
growth (at current rates of exchange) of
– ENSURING A STEP £1.4 billion to £25.9 billion. This growth was
that we do.
CHANGE IN NEW achieved while also increasing investment in For our consumers, we want to offer a range
CATEGORIES the business, growing our New Categories of enjoyable and responsibly-marketed
PERFORMANCE business by 37%, and increasing our value products in tobacco, nicotine and beyond.
and volume share by 30bps and 20bps
For society, we aim to reduce the health and
– AND SIMPLIFYING respectively. @Operating cash conversion
environmental impacts of our business.
THE BUSINESS of 97% demonstrates our commitment to
maximising cash to reduce leverage and For our suppliers and customers, we want
STRONGER, SIMPLER, invest in the business@. to raise standards for everyone across our
FASTER. Of course, we live in an age of relentless
value chain.
change. Consumers’ desires and tastes For our employees, we want to create a
evolve, while societal attitudes are changing. dynamic, inspiring and purposeful place for
These changes are providing us with growth them to work.
opportunities we could not previously
And for our shareholders, we want to deliver
have imagined.
superior and sustainable returns.
A clear corporate purpose Meeting consumer needs
OUR PURPOSE IS TO Our purpose is to build a better tomorrow by
Today, we see new opportunities to capture
BUILD A BETTER reducing the health impact of our business
consumer moments which have, over time,
through offering a greater choice of enjoyable
TOMORROW BY and less risky products for our consumers.
become limited by societal and regulatory
REDUCING THE HEALTH shifts, and to satisfy evolving consumer needs
We will evolve our growth model through and preferences.
IMPACT OF OUR the development of our portfolio in tobacco,
BUSINESS THROUGH nicotine and beyond, meeting our consumers’
Consequently, we have evolved our strategy
to put a sharper focus on delivering a step
OFFERING A GREATER evolving need for enjoyment and satisfaction.
change in New Categories performance,
CHOICE OF ENJOYABLE By building on our strong foundations, we fuelled by investment from the continued
AND LESS RISKY will build a better tomorrow for consumers, delivery of our combustible business.
PRODUCTS FOR employees, shareholders and society.
Our evolved strategy is about anticipating
OUR CONSUMERS. Our ambition is to increasingly transition our and satisfying the ever-evolving consumer:
revenues from cigarettes to non-combustible providing pleasure, reducing risk, offering and
products over time. We aim to achieve at increasing choice, and stimulating the senses
least £5 billion in New Categories revenues in of adult consumers worldwide.
2023/2024.
BAT will satisfy consumer needs through
To achieve that, we need to continue to drive a focused portfolio of products that offer
value from our combustible business and sensorial enjoyment for a variety of moods
accelerate the growth of our New Categories. and moments. We will build fewer but
WE ARE ON A stronger global brands.
JOURNEY TO BECOME Supporting this is our new ‘ethos’, which
I am delighted to launch in 2020. Our ethos This strategy is underpinned by a unique view
A BUSINESS THAT is about being bold, fast, empowered, of the consumer across four categories, which
DEFINES ITSELF NOT responsible and diverse. This annual report is increasingly driven by powerful consumer
BY THE PRODUCTS is a showcase of our new ethos in action. data and analytics and we are accelerating our
IT SELLS BUT BY THE investment further.
CONSUMER NEEDS Our business will be further enabled by
IT MEETS. simplifying our management structure, truly
embracing digital transformation, rigorously
managing our cost base, and enhancing our
internal culture.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

04 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Parameters of our Empowered and diverse


WE BELIEVE IN A developing portfolio Our 53,000 plus people remain our
MULTI-CATEGORY We will focus our developing portfolio on most important asset. As we recast our
STRATEGY TO BETTER consumer offers that will capitalise on our structure, we are clarifying accountability
and empowering real ownership to
MEET CONSUMER core business capabilities.
our teams.
NEEDS AND LEVERAGE Specifically, we consider there to be four key
As our business evolves, so too does our
OUR SCALE. parameters that create the boundaries of our
employee value proposition. Today, we
portfolio development.
are attracting a different and wider range
First, we will leverage our unique global of people and skillsets than we did before,
marketing reach and scale. injecting exciting new capability into the
Second, we will build on our existing delivery business. This is exemplified by our over 300
platforms in vapour and modern oral where new specialist hires in 2019, who are bringing
we have hard-earned technological expertise. with them new capabilities in digital, product
development and design.
@
OUR FOCUS ON Third, given our well-developed regulatory and
For both our long-time BAT employees and
OPERATING CASH scientific expertise, we will operate in product
those who have more recently joined, we
categories that require those capabilities.
CONVERSION are inspiring an ethos that is responsive to
DEMONSTRATES OUR Finally, any portfolio investment will be judged constant change and embodies a learning
by stringent strategic and financial metrics.
COMMITMENT TO culture dedicated to continuous improvement.
REDUCE LEVERAGE As we explore these portfolio development
Sustainable future
opportunities, our new corporate
AND INVEST. ventures team will accelerate the creation, I am honoured to be at the helm of an
development and commercialisation of new- exceptional business with such a successful
to-world innovation on a test-and-learn basis. history. My responsibility is to ensure that it is
faster, bolder and stronger in the years to come.
Strong foundations We now have a business with a new corporate
As the world’s largest international tobacco identity that reflects our company today
company by revenue, we are exceptionally and our journey ahead. We are becoming a
well-placed for future growth. Our deep business that defines itself not by the products
WE WILL FOCUS understanding of consumers, significant it sells but by the consumer needs it meets.
OUR PORTFOLIO geographic spread, supply chain proficiency
DEVELOPMENT and experience engaging with diverse Our total commitment to a multi-category
stakeholders are essential capabilities. business powered by investment from our
ON CONSUMER combustibles category will drive sustainable
OFFERS THAT WILL Few consumer goods companies can claim growth and underpin continued delivery
CAPITALISE ON OUR over 150 million consumer interactions of high single-digit earnings growth on an
every day; distribution in 11 million points of adjusted constant currency basis.
CORE BUSINESS sale across a well-balanced, developed and
CAPABILITIES. emerging market footprint; and approaching I am confident that we have a strategy for
11 million consumers of non-combustible growth and sustainability which will deliver
tobacco and nicotine products. a better tomorrow.

This year we have grown the New Categories Yours


revenue to £1.3 billion – a growth rate
Jack Bowles
of 37% in 2019 (both at current rates of
Chief Executive
exchange) and more than double our
revenues from two years ago. This provides
OUR FUTURE IS us with a vital platform for the future.
ABOUT BEING BOLD,
FAST, EMPOWERED, Maximising efficiencies
RESPONSIBLE AND I have been clear that we need to simplify OUR TOTAL COMMITMENT
DIVERSE. the business and I have been dedicated to TO A MULTICATEGORY
that end in my first year as Chief Executive. BUSINESS POWERED
During 2019, we launched both a BY INVESTMENT FROM
fundamental re-evaluation of how we are OUR COMBUSTIBLES
organised and a redesign of management
layers that eliminated duplication and
CATEGORY WILL
entrenched accountability. We called this DRIVE SUSTAINABLE
Project Quantum and it is the first, not the GROWTH AND UNDERPIN
WE HAVE A STRATEGY last, step, as we will constantly need to refine CONTINUED DELIVERY
FOR GROWTH AND our business as the Group evolves. OF HIGH SINGLE-DIGIT
SUSTAINABILITY. Project Quantum created new capabilities EARNINGS GROWTH.
in the organisation, and will help us release
valuable funds for further reinvestment in
our growth ambition.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 05


Overview

THE FOUNDATIONS OF
OUR EVOLVED STRATEGY

We are committed to providing a better tomorrow for all our


stakeholders. Our ambition is to deliver long-term sustainable
growth with a range of innovative and less harmful products
that stimulate the senses of new adult generations.

STRONG SATISFYING CONSUMER


FOUNDATIONS MOMENTS

>180
20 years ago
Traditional cigarettes fulfilled a multitude
of consumer moments

markets in which First thing in


we operate Night-time the morning
At home After
with others breakfast

>150m At home
while
relaxing
Commuting
to work

daily consumer At home At work


interactions while
working/
with others
activities

>11m
At work
At the pub alone

Outdoor After
points of sale across activities Returning
home
meal/drink

over 180 markets

Our wide range of capabilities make us For decades, cigarettes satisfied a


exceptionally well-placed for future growth: need for sensorial enjoyment for many
–o
 ur unique global marketing and individuals. While occasions for tobacco
distribution reach; consumption are now reduced, new
opportunities have arisen:
–o
 ur track record of R&D strength
and innovation; – new products provide us with an
opportunity to capture in a focused
–o
 ur decades’ worth of consumer insights, way the lost consumer moments
and brand building expertise; and previously associated with tobacco.
–o
 ur £1.3 billion New Categories business – evolving and fragmenting consumer
built in just a few years. needs provide us with opportunities
for additional growth in a variety
of new categories.

06 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

A DEVELOPING PARAMETERS TO GUIDE GROWTH


PORTFOLIO OPPORTUNITIES

Reduced health impact


compared to cigarettes

Science and
regulatory expertise

Leveraging
Social acceptability

Beyond BAT global NEW CATEGORY


current
nicotine marketing GROWTH
delivery
reach OPPORTUNITIES
platforms
New nicotine
categories
Strategic and financial
attractiveness
Tobacco
Positive environmental
contribution
Usage
Less Regain Additional

A wider portfolio of products that offer Our new growth opportunities will
sensorial enjoyment for different moods capitalise on our core business strengths,
and moments will allow us to capture the creating clear boundaries for our
consumer moments previously associated portfolio development:
with tobacco use, as well as satisfy new – reducing the health and environmental
evolving consumer needs, through: impacts of our business;
– traditional tobacco and – leveraging our global marketing reach
nicotine products; and scale;
– new nicotine products; and – building on existing delivery platforms
–u
 ltimately, a portfolio of products beyond and technological expertise;
tobacco and nicotine that leverages our – relying on our experience in managing
proven delivery technologies. complex regulatory and scientific
matters; and
– meeting stringent strategic and
financial metrics.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 07


Overview

A STRATEGY FOR
ACCELERATED GROWTH

While combustible tobacco will be at the core of our business for some time
to come, we aim to generate an increasingly greater proportion of our revenues
from products other than cigarettes, thereby reducing the health impact
of our business.
This will deliver a better tomorrow for our consumers who will have a range of
enjoyable and potentially less risky choices for every mood and moment; for society
through reducing the overall health and environmental impacts of our business;
for our employees by creating a dynamic and purposeful place to work; and for
our shareholders by delivering sustainable superior returns.

OUR MISSION HOW WE WIN


Must win How to win

Stimulating High
Growth
Inspirational foresights

the Senses Segments Remarkable innovation

of New Adult Powerful brands


Connected organisation
Generations Priority People & partnerships
Markets US focus

OUR MISSION MUST WINS HOW WE WIN


Stimulating the senses High Growth Segments Inspirational foresights
of new adult generations Driven by our unique and data-driven As one of the most long-standing and
Today, we see opportunities to capture consumer insight platform (PRISM), we will established consumer goods businesses in
consumer moments which have, over time, focus on product categories and consumer the world, we have a unique view of the
become limited by societal and regulatory segments across our global business that consumer across four product categories,
shifts, and to satisfy evolving consumer needs have the best potential for long-term which is increasingly driven by powerful data
and preferences. sustainable growth. and analytics. These insights ensure that the
development and responsible marketing of
Our mission is to anticipate and satisfy this Priority Markets
our products is fit to satisfy consumer needs.
ever-evolving consumer: provide pleasure, By relying on a rigorous market prioritisation
reduce risk, increase choice and stimulate system (MAPS), we will focus the strengths Remarkable innovation
the senses of adult consumers worldwide. of our unparalleled retail and marketing reach, As consumer preferences and technology
as well as our regulatory and scientific evolve rapidly, we rely on our growing global
expertise, on those markets and marketplaces network of digital hubs, innovation super
with the greatest opportunities for growth. centres, world-class R&D laboratories, external
partnerships and an upcoming corporate
venturing initiative to stay ahead of the curve.

08 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

OUR STRATEGY PUTS THE CONSUMER FIRST, FOCUSING ON


UNDERSTANDING ADULT CONSUMER CHOICE AND ENJOYMENT.
WE WILL CAPTURE LOST CONSUMER MOMENTS WITH A
PORTFOLIO IN TOBACCO, NICOTINE AND BEYOND. THIS WILL
ENABLE SUSTAINABLE, LONG-TERM GROWTH WITH A CLEAR
FOCUS ON FORESIGHTS, INNOVATION, BRANDS, ACTIVATION,
TEAMS AND TECHNOLOGY. WE WILL BECOME A BUSINESS
THAT DEFINES ITSELF NOT BY THE PRODUCTS IT SELLS BUT
BY THE CONSUMER NEEDS IT MEETS.

Kingsley Wheaton
Chief Marketing Officer

OUR PURPOSE KEY STAKEHOLDER ETHOS


OUTCOMES
Consumers Empowered
enjoyable choices for every mood
and moment, today and tomorrow
Bold
Society
reduced overall health
& environmental impact
Fast
Employees
Diverse
a dynamic, inspiring and 
purposeful place to work
Responsible
Shareholders
sustainable and superior returns 

OUR PURPOSE
Powerful brands People and partnerships By stimulating the senses of new adult
For over a century, we have built trusted Our highly-motivated people are being generations, our purpose is to create
and powerful brands that satisfy our empowered through a new ethos that is A Better Tomorrow for all our stakeholders.
consumers and serve as a promise for quality responsive to constant change, embodies We will create A Better Tomorrow for:
and enjoyment. We will focus on fewer, a learning culture and is dedicated to
stronger and global brands across all our continuous improvement. But we cannot Consumers
product categories, delivered through succeed on our own, and our partnerships By responsibly offering enjoyable and
our deep understanding and segmenting with farmers, suppliers and customers are also stimulating choices for every mood and every
of our consumers. key for ensuring sustainable future growth. moment, today and tomorrow;
Connected US focus Society
Few companies can claim over 150 million The United States comprises nearly half of By reducing the health impact of our business
daily consumers, over 11 million retail our global business. It is also the single largest by offering a range of alternative products,
points of sale, as well as a network of economy in the world, the largest single as well as by reducing our environmental
expert and skilled employees around centre for technology and the key driver of and social impacts;
the world. Staying connected to all of global consumer trends, and is where we
Employees
them, especially through digital means have the deep consumer understanding and
(including e-commerce), ensures better financial strength to support the delivery of By creating a dynamic, inspiring and
consumer connections, access to markets our mission to stimulate consumer senses purposeful place to work; and
and innovations that offer sensorial around the rest of the world. Shareholders
enjoyment and satisfy consumer needs.
By delivering sustainable and superior returns.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 09


Overview

PUTTING SUSTAINABILITY
FRONT AND CENTRE

As we evolve our Group strategy, we are also evolving our New Sustainability Targets
Sustainability Agenda. We are moving ourselves from a We are committed to making a step-
business where sustainability has always been important, change in our sustainability ambition.
As a result, we have announced a
to one where it is front and centre in all that we do. number of stretching targets that we are
confident will deliver A Better Tomorrow
for all our stakeholders.
Our commitment to reduce the health impacts Consequently, we refreshed our
of our cigarette business – by providing a range Sustainability Agenda (as an integral part These include:
of potentially less risky products – is central to of our evolved Group Strategy) to reflect
– increasing our number of non-
our corporate purpose. This is underpinned the prominence of tobacco harm reduction
combustible product consumers from
by excellence in all other environmental, social and also to place a greater emphasis on
11 million to 50 million by 2030;
and governance (ESG) measures. the importance of addressing climate
change and environmental management. – achieving carbon neutrality by 2030*;
Each year we engage with a wide range of
At the same time, we remain committed and
stakeholders to understand the issues that
to delivering a positive social impact and
are most important to them. 2019 was a – bringing forward our existing 2030
ensuring robust corporate governance
significant year, with many stakeholders re- environmental targets to 2025.
across the Group.
emphasising the importance of addressing * Based on Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent
the health impacts of our cigarette business (CO2e) emissions.
and with governments and cities around the
world declaring a climate emergency.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA

S
Reducing the HEALTH impact
of our business
Consumer World-class Standards
choice science and regulation

E S G
Excellence in Delivering a positive Robust corporate
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL impact GOVERNANCE
management
Climate change Human rights Business ethics
Water and waste Farmer livelihoods Responsible marketing
Sustainable agriculture Health and safety Regulation and
Circular economy People and culture policy engagement

Creating shared value for


Consumers Society Employees Shareholders

10 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

ETHOS

Our purpose is to build a better tomorrow by reducing


the health impact of our business through offering a greater
choice of enjoyable and less-risky products for our consumers.

A KEY DRIVER TO DELIVER THIS WILL BE OUR ETHOS – AN EVOLUTION OF


OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES – WHICH GUIDES OUR CULTURE AND BEHAVIOURS
ACROSS THE ENTIRE GROUP. IT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED WITH SIGNIFICANT
INPUT FROM OUR EMPLOYEES, AND ENSURES AN ORGANISATION
THAT IS FUTURE FIT FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH.

Hae In Kim
Director, Talent and Culture

We are We are We are


BOLD FAST EMPOWERED
Dream big – with Speed matters. Set clear Set the context for
innovative ideas direction and move fast our teams and trust
Make tough decisions Keep it simple. their expertise
quickly and proudly stand Focus on outcomes Challenge each other.
accountable for them Learn quickly and Once in agreement,
Resilient and fearless share learnings we commit collectively
to compete Collaborate and hold
each other accountable
to deliver

We are We are
DIVERSE RESPONSIBLE
Value different Take action to reduce
perspectives the health impact of
Build on each others’ our business
ideas, knowledge Ensure the best quality
and experiences products for our
Challenge ourselves consumers, the best place
to be open-minded to work for our people,
recognising and the best results
unconscious bias for shareholders
Act with integrity, never
compromising our
standards and ethics

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 11


Overview

OUR
PEOPLE 

As our business evolves, so too does our employee value


proposition. Today, as we have expanded our portfolio across
a number of new categories, we are attracting a different
and wider range of people and skillsets than we did before,
injecting exciting new capabilities into the business.

THERE ARE 141


NATIONALITIES
REPRESENTED AT
MANAGEMENT LEVEL
WITHIN OUR GROUP

OUR GLOBAL EMPLOYEE


SURVEY RESULTS
DEMONSTRATE THAT
WE OUTPERFORM
OUR FMCG
COMPARATOR GROUP

12 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

LAST YEAR WE
RECEIVED OVER 60,000
APPLICATIONS TO OUR
GLOBAL GRADUATE
PROGRAMME

WE WERE AWARDED
‘BEST PLACE TO WORK
FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY’
BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS
CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
IN THE US, AND HAD
SEVEN FINALISTS IN
THE GLOBAL WOMEN
IN I.T. AWARDS

DIVERSITY
MATTERS TO THE
GROUP BECAUSE
IT MAKES GOOD
COMMERCIAL SENSE

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 13


Overview

BUILDING WORLD-CLASS
CAPABILITIES FOR INNOVATION

To achieve a step-change in New Categories, we are building new capabilities


around the world focused on science, innovation, and digital information.
Consumer preferences and technology are evolving rapidly, and we are staying
ahead of the curve with our digital hubs, the creation of innovation super centres,
and further development of our world-class R&D laboratories. We are also
leveraging the expertise of our external partners, and are looking forward to
exciting results from our upcoming venturing initiative.

Key San Francisco


Upcoming innovation hub
Innovation

R&D
Science
Digital

OUR CUTTING EDGE


TECHNOLOGIES TURN
CONSUMER INSIGHTS
INTO INNOVATIVE
AND OUTSTANDING
PRODUCTS THAT
MEET THEIR NEEDS

Paul Lageweg
Director, New Categories

I AM VERY PROUD OF OUR Winston Salem


GLOBAL TEAM OF WORLD- US R&D Centre
CLASS SCIENTISTS AND
WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO
ENSURE THE PERFORMANCE,
EFFICACY AND SAFETY
OF OUR PRODUCTS

David O’Reilly
Director, Research and Science

14 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

WE ARE EMBEDDING DIGITAL


CAPABILITIES ACROSS BAT. Four
THROUGH DATA AND  ew and upcoming
N
E-LEARNING, THIS IS
DELIVERING MORE tech hubs
EFFICIENT WAYS OF

50+
WORKING, AGILE SUPPLY
CHAINS AND ENHANCED
CONSUMER CONNECTIONS
toxicologists
Marina Bellini

1,500+
Director, Digital and Information

London
Upcoming digital hub
R&D specialists

600+
s cientists
and engineers

300+
 ew specialist
n
hires in 2019

330
Global Graduate
hires in 2019

Tel Aviv
200+
Upcoming innovation hub external partners

Southampton
Global R&D Centre
Shenzhen
Innovation hub 150+
PhDs

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 15


Overview

@
IN 2019, BUILDING ON OUR FOUNDATIONS,
WE HAVE DELIVERED STRONG
OPERATIONAL RESULTS, CREATING
A SOLID BASE FOR DELIVERING TODAY
WHILE BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW

EXCLUDING CURRENCY, WE GREW


OUR ADJUSTED REVENUE 5.6%,
ADJUSTED PROFIT 6.6%

ADJUSTED OPERATING MARGIN


GREW 50 BPS TO 43%

OPERATING CASH FLOW CONVERSION


RATIO OF 97% GENERATED £1.9BN OF
FREE CASH FLOW AFTER DIVIDENDS
FUELLING DELEVERAGING OF 0.5X

Tadeu Marroco
Finance Director

16
Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S
OVERVIEW

CASH GENERATION
FUELS DIVIDENDS,
DELEVERAGING
AND INVESTMENT
Our financial ambitions as the US) and Indonesia (as discussed on @Adjusted cash generated from operations
fundamentals improve page 154), the impact of the restructuring (as defined on page 265) was £6,831 million,
programmes (including Quantum), the a decline of 15% on 2018, or 16% on a
As we build A Better Tomorrow, we will be ongoing investment in New Categories constant rate basis. Normalising for the timing
focused on three key priorities: releasing funds and the impact of amortisation of acquired of the MSA liability, adjusted cash generated
to support our growth agenda, maximising brands. 2018 was positively skewed by the from operations would have been 1.2%
our marketing spend effectiveness and inclusion of 12 months of results from RAI. higher than 2018.@
generating cash to continue to deleverage Our operating margin declined in 2019 by
the balance sheet. 320 bps to 34.8% on a reported basis. Based upon net cash generated from operating
activities, the Group’s cash conversion ratio
Our combustible portfolio and operational Adjusted profit from operations grew by reduced from 111% in 2018 to 100% in 2019.
efficiencies will fuel our financial performance 6.6% on a constant currency basis (2018: @Excluding the MSA timing impact (affecting
by providing the fire-power to invest in New up 4.0% on a representative, constant rate 2018), operating cash flow conversion ratio (as
Categories, both inorganically, mainly through basis). On an adjusted basis, operating margin defined on page 264) was 97% (2018: 100%).
our new corporate venturing initiative, increased by 50 bps to 43.1% (2018: 42.6%).
and organically, in products that meet Free cash flow is a measure the Group uses
our consumers’ changing needs. Focus on dividends to assess total cash generated by the Group’s
Dividends per share for 2019 will be 210.4p, operations, prior to the payment of dividends,
We remain committed to consistent and
an increase of 3.6% (2018: 203.0p, up 4.0%), repayment of borrowings or undertaking of
sustainable long-term 3-5% revenue growth
in line with our commitment of a 65% payout investing activities. In 2019, free cash flow was
which will deliver high single figure earnings
ratio on adjusted diluted earnings per share £6,519 million. After paying the dividend in
growth, on a constant currency basis,
(2018: 68.4%). the year, free cash flow was £1,921 million
whilst targeting a minimum of 95% cash
demonstrating the Group’s ability to service
conversion and a dividend pay-out ratio Net finance costs increased 16% to and repay borrowings which reduced in 2019
of 65% of adjusted diluted EPS over the £1,602 million partly due to a foreign to £45,366 million from £47,509 million, whilst
medium to long-term. exchange headwind and interest on leases continuing to pay dividends to shareholders.@
Pricing and New Categories recognised under IFRS16 (Leases). 2018 was
up 26.2% to £1,381 million due to higher Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA, as
drive revenue growth borrowings following the acquisition of RAI. defined on page 267 provides a measure to
Revenue grew by 5.7% in 2019 to Our banking facilities require a gross interest assess the Group’s ability to meet its borrowing
£25,877 million driven by pricing across the cover of at least 4.5 times. In 2019, our gross obligations. The Group continues to focus on
cigarettes portfolio (with price/mix of 9%) interest cover was 7.1 times (2018: 7.2 times). a balanced approach of deleveraging, while
and an increase in revenue from Traditional investing for the future and providing a return
Oral (up 15%, with 2018 up 127%) and New On a reported basis, basic EPS was 5.4% via dividends to shareholders. This measure
Categories (up 37%, 2018 up 138%), which lower than 2018 at 249.7p largely due to the will be a key performance indicator in 2020
more than offset a 4.7% reduction in cigarette the reduction in profit from operations. EPS in @(replacing adjusted cash generated from

volume. In 2018, revenue grew 25.2% at 2018 declined 86% as 2017 was materially operations)@, demonstrating our commitment
£24,492 million largely due to the full year affected by a deemed gain (£23.3 billion) to the deleveraging agenda. In 2019, the
effect of the RAI acquisition. Adjusting for the arising on the acquisition of RAI. Excluding the adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio
impact of acquisitions, excise on bought-in adjusting items and the effect of foreign improved from 4.0 times to 3.5 times.
goods and the impact of currency, constant exchange on the Group’s results, adjusted
diluted earnings per share, at constant rates, The Group continues to deliver against the
currency adjusted revenue grew 5.6% in 2019 financial objectives, which allows for growth
(2018: up 3.5% on a representative constant increased by 8.4% to 321.6p, with 2018
ahead of 2017 by 11.8%. in dividends while deleveraging and investing
rate basis). in A Better Tomorrow.
Increased focus on Cash delivery leads to
Tadeu Marroco
operational efficiency deleveraging and investment Finance Director
Profit from operations was down 3.2% In 2019, net cash generated from operating
(2018: up 45.2%), as the improvement activities fell 12.6% to £8,996 million (2018: The term ‘representative’ is used to compare the 2018 results
up 93% to £10,295 million), with 2018 against an equivalent 2017 if that year included results from
in revenue and operational efficiencies RAI for the whole of that period, including certain additional
were more than offset by the charges positively impacted by the timing of payments adjusting items related to the acquired companies.
related to Canada, Russia, other smoking related to the Master Settlement Agreement @ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of

and health litigation (including Engle in (MSA) in the US. BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 17


Overview

OUR YEAR
IN NUMBERS
IFRS-GAAP KPI Non-GAAP

Group cigarette (and tobacco Revenue Change in adjusted2 revenue


heating products – THP) volume (£m) at constant rates1 (%)

+677bn £25,877m +5.6%


-4.4% +5.7%
2018: +3.3% (-3.5% representative )
4 2019 £25,877m +6% 2019 +6%
2017: +3.2% (-2.6% organic³) 2018 £24,492m +25% 2018 +33%
KPI
2017 £19,564m +39% 2018 (rep4) +4%
Group volume share Definition: Revenue recognised, net of duty, 2017 +32%
of Key Markets excise and other taxes. 2017 (org3) +3%

+20 bps In 2019, revenue includes £18,793 million of revenue from


the Strategic Portfolio, an increase of 9% (2018: £17,257
million). Within the Strategic Portfolio, revenue from New
Definition: Change in revenue before the impact
of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations in foreign
exchange rates.
2018: +40 bps Categories was £1,255 million (2018: £917 million).
2017: +40 bps

IFRS-GAAP KPI Non-GAAP

Strategic Cigarette Profit from operations Change in adjusted² profit from


and THP volume (£m) operations at constant rates¹ (%)

439bn £9,016m +6.6%


-2.5% -3.2%
2019 439bn 2019 £9,016m -3% 2019 +7%
2018 451bn 2018 £9,313m +45% 2018 +38%
2017 382bn 2017 £6,412m +38% 2018 (rep4) +4%

2018: +17.9% (+5.8% representative4) Definition: Profit for the year before the impact of net finance 2017 +39%
2017: +17.9% (+7.6% organic3) costs/income, share of post-tax results of associates and joint 2017 (org3) +4%
ventures and taxation on ordinary activities.
Definition: Change in profit from operations before the
impact of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates.
IFRS-GAAP KPI Non-GAAP
@
Modern Oral Net cash generated from operating Change in adjusted² cash generated
(no. pouches) activities (£m) from operations at constant rates1 (%)

1.2bn £8,996m -16.3%


+188% -12.6%
2019 1.2bn 2019 £8,996m -13% 2019 -16%
2018 0.4bn 2018 £10,295m +93% 2018 +158%
2017 0.2bn 2017 £5,347m +16% 2017 +0%
2018: +108% Definition: Movement in net cash and cash equivalents Definition: Change in adjusted cash generated from
2017: n/a – no sales of modern oral in 2016 before the impact of net cash used in financing activities, net operations, as defined on page 265, before the impact
cash used in investing activities and differences on exchange. of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.@

IFRS-GAAP KPI Non-GAAP

Vapour Diluted earnings per share (EPS) Change in adjusted2 diluted EPS
(units) (p) (%)

226m 249.0p +9.1%


+19% -5.4%
2019 226m 2019 249.0p -5% 2019 +9%
2018 189m 2018 263.2p -86% 2018 +5%
2017 95m 2017 1827.60p +633% 2017 +14%

2018: +100% (+35% representative4) Definition: Profit attributable to owners of BAT p.l.c. over Definition: Change in diluted earnings per share before the
2017: +120% weighted average number of shares outstanding, including impact of adjusting items.
the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Notes: To supplement our results of operations presented in The information presented also includes several non-financial key 1. Where measures are presented ‘at constant rates’, the measures
accordance with IFRS, the information presented also includes performance indicators (“KPIs”) used by management to monitor are calculated based on a re-translation, at the prior year’s
several non‑GAAP measures used by management to monitor the Group’s performance. The Group’s Management Board believes exchange rates, of the current year results of the Group and,
the Group’s performance. See the section non-GAAP measures that these KPIs provide information that enables investors to better where applicable, its segments. See page 51 for the major
beginning on page 258 for information on these non-GAAP understand the Group’s performance across periods. See the foreign exchange rates used for Group reporting.
measures, including their definitions and reconciliations from section “Non-Financial KPIs” on page 257 for more information on 2. Where measures are presented as ‘adjusted’, they are presented
the most directly comparable IFRS measure, where applicable. these non-financial KPIs. before the impact of adjusting items. Adjusting items represent
Certain of our measures are presented based on constant rates certain items of income and expense which the Group considers
of exchange, on an adjusted basis, and on a representative basis distinctive based on their size, nature or incidence.
and on an organic basis.

18 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

KPI Non-GAAP KPI Non-GAAP IFRS-GAAP

Change in adjusted² revenue from the Change in adjusted² revenue from Denotes IFRS-GAAP financial measure
Strategic Portfolio at constant rates¹ (%) New Categories at constant rates¹ (%) KPI

+7.3% +32.4%
Denotes key performance indicator (KPI) measure
Non-GAAP
Denotes non-GAAP financial measure, see Non-GAAP
measures on pages 258 to 268

@
2019 +7% 2019 +32%
Changes in 2019
2018 +56% 2018 +143%
2018 (rep4) +8% 2018 (rep4) +97%
In 2019, the Group introduced the measure
‘free cash flow before and after payment
Definition: Change in revenue from the strategic portfolio Definition: Change in revenue from New Categories before
before the impact of adjusting items and the impact of the impact of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations of dividends to shareholders’. This measure
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. in foreign exchange rates. supplements the existing measures related
This measure was introduced in 2018, with no
to cash flow. It is used to demonstrate the
comparators provided. level of net cash generated by the Group, in
any one year, after payment of all operating
expenses, interest, tax, capital expenditure
Non-GAAP and payments to non-controlling interests
Operating margin Adjusted2 operating margin and inclusive of dividends received from
(%) (%) associates. This provides users of the

34.8% 43.1% financial statements with the available


cash generation from which dividends to
shareholders are paid, with the remaining
cash being available for other activities such
2019 34.8% 2019 43.1% as investment or repayment of debt.
2018 38.0% 2018 42.6% @ Denotes table and accompanying text that does not form part

2017 32.8% 2017 41.1% of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

Definition: Profit from operations as a percentage of revenue. Definition: Adjusted profit from operations as a percentage
of adjusted revenue.

After dividends paid


Before dividends paid
KPI Non-GAAP Non-GAAP

Cash conversion Operating cash flow conversion ratio@ Free cash flow before and after
(%) (%) dividends paid to shareholders (£m)

100% 97% 2019


£1,921m
£6,519m
£3,337m
2018
£7,684m
2019 100% 2019 97% £35m
2017
2018 111% 2018 113% £3,500m
2017 83% 2017 79% Definition: The level of free cash flow, as defined on
Definition: Net cash generated from operating activities Definition: Operating cash flow, as defined on page 264 as a page 266, earned by the business in the year, before and after
as a percentage of profit from operations. percentage of adjusted profit from operations. the payment of dividends to shareholders.

KPI Non-GAAP KPI


@
Change in adjusted2 diluted EPS Total dividends per share Total shareholder return (TSR) of the
at constant rates1 (%) (p) FMCG group – 1 January 2017

+8.4% 210.4p
to 31 December 2019 (%)
The FMCG group comparison is based
on three months’ average values
+3.6% Lower quartile  Upper quartile
2019 +8% 2019 210.4p +4% BAT Median
40 -9.1% 9.7%
2018 +12% 2018 203.0p +4%
2017 +9% 2017 195.2p +15%
20
Definition: Change in diluted earnings per share before the Definition: Dividends per share in respect of the
impact of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations in financial year.
foreign exchange rates.
Target: To increase dividend in sterling terms, based upon 0

the Group’s policy to pay dividends of 65% of long‑term


sustainable earnings.
-20

Definition: Relative TSR to a peer group of international


FMCG companies, with the constituent FMCG peer group
listed on page 104.
3. Where measures are presented as ‘organic’ or ‘org’, they are 4. Where measures are presented as ‘representative’, ‘rep’ or ‘on a
presented before the impact of the contribution of brands and representative basis’, they are presented inclusive of the acquired
businesses acquired during the comparator period, including businesses in the 2017 comparator period as though those
Reynolds American, Bulgartabac, Winnington and Fabrika businesses had been included in the consolidated results for the
Duhana Sarajevo in 2017. There were no material acquisitions or whole of that comparator period and including certain additional
disposals in 2018 or 2019. adjusting items related to the acquired companies.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 19


Strategic Management

GLOBAL INDUSTRY
OVERVIEW*

While the total tobacco and nicotine market comprises a growing


user pool of over one billion individual adult consumers, global trends
are shifting and our industry is experiencing a period of ongoing change.
Generational differences, as well as shifting attitudes towards health and
wellness, are expected to increase the growth of new categories of products
including and beyond tobacco and nicotine, which are able to provide
stimulation and pleasure for consumers in ways previously associated with
cigarettes. This is expected to play a role in off-setting the predicted steady
decline in cigarette consumption.

Global combustible market Global combustible regulation Global New Categories market
While combustible cigarettes remain the Tobacco is one of the world’s most The last five years have seen the global
largest global tobacco category, their volumes regulated and most taxed industries, tobacco and nicotine market diversify beyond
have seen a gradual fall over many years contributing in excess of $200 billion traditional combustible tobacco with the
driven by increased regulation and changing to government treasuries each year. growth of vapour and tobacco heating
societal attitudes. Total tobacco consumption, Manufacturers are required to comply products (THPs), and modern oral tobacco.
including illicit, declined 2% from 2018 with a swath of regulations that vary
considerably across markets. The success of these new categories is the
to 2019; this decline rate is forecasted to
result of their ability to offer consumer
remain between 2%-3% over the next three Legislation and subsequent regulation has satisfaction in circumstances where the
years, while the retail value of tobacco sales been focused mainly on the introduction of consumption of combustible tobacco is
is expected to increase by between 2%-4% plain packaging, product-specific regulation, no longer permitted or socially acceptable,
each year, driven principally by pricing. graphic health warnings on packs, tougher as well as to offer potentially reduced risk
The most recent estimates for the legal global restrictions on smoking in enclosed public compared to traditional cigarettes. With new
tobacco market (2018) indicate that sales places and bans on shops displaying tobacco adult generations increasingly focused
are worth approximately US$814 billion. products at the point of sale. on health and lifestyle considerations,
More than US$700 billion of this comes from In more recent years, governments have technological innovation, and personalised
the sale of conventional cigarettes, with over begun considering and adopting regulations consumer experiences, it is expected that the
5,300 billion cigarettes consumed per year by aimed at menthol flavourings, as well as growth of new categories will continue to
over 19% of the world’s population. environmental concerns resulting from the accelerate as they can better meet consumer
litter associated with cigarette consumption. preferences and demands.
A contributing factor to the decline of
legal tobacco volumes is the continued New category nicotine products have grown
rise in the consumption of illicit products. quickly across the world, with an estimated
Cigarettes are a reliable source of tax revenue 54 million vapour consumers and 15 million
for governments worldwide, and price THP consumers.
differentials between markets, regulatory
The latest global figures (2018) suggest that
changes and broader macroeconomic
pressures have driven the establishment of a
THE RETAIL VALUE global vapour sales are worth $15.7 billion,
significant and growing illicit cigarette trade, OF TOBACCO SALES while global THP revenues stand at
$11.9 billion.
now estimated to account for 11.2% of the IS EXPECTED TO
global tobacco market. INCREASE BY While traditional oral products show steady
incremental growth, new modern oral
It is generally accepted that there is a direct BETWEEN 2% products (which comprise tobacco-free
correlation between steep and ad hoc AND 4% EACH YEAR nicotine pouches) are showing accelerated
increases in taxes and an increase in illicit
volume expansion in both Europe and the US.
sales, with the current sanctions in many
countries doing little to deter criminals for There has also been growth in the market
whom profits from the illegal sale of tobacco for wellbeing and ‘new active’ products.
remain an appealing prospect. For example, This growth is expected to continue as
following successive excise increases, the consumer tastes fragment and evolve.
Australasia region has seen legal volumes
Within this space, cannabidiol (CBD) oil
decline substantially. However, in markets
is expected to gain wider use, as already
such as South Africa, where effective action
evidenced by its recent growth in market size.
has reduced the prevalence of illegal tobacco,
legal volumes have been restored.
See pages 58 to 62 to read more about
our Principal Group risks
For further discussion regarding the regulation
of our business, please see pages 287 to 290

* All data sources on this page are from Euromonitor


International unless otherwise stated.

20 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

New Categories regulation Litigation


The THP and vapour markets are relatively Legal and regulatory court proceedings THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY
nascent. Regulation is in its early stages in continue in a number of forms against the CONTRIBUTES IN EXCESS
many countries and, while many governments
are considering regulation specific to this
tobacco industry, and more recently the OF US$200 BILLION IN
vaping industry, with the most common
category, it has often not been enacted. being third-party reimbursement cases, class
TAXES TO GOVERNMENT
Globally, there is a mix of attitudes between actions and individual lawsuits. TREASURIES EACH YEAR
regulators who aim to encourage THPs and
vapour as products that are potentially lower Special factors that led to product liability
risk for smokers and those who view them litigation in the US and Canada are not
with greater scepticism – including some typically replicated in other countries, which
countries where they are banned. is why large volume and high-value litigation
has not generally spread to other parts of the
Although many jurisdictions have yet to globe. The industry has a proven track record
implement clear regulations concerning new of defending its rights and managing risks
category products, an increasing number of such as these.
governments are passing laws that allow and
encourage the growth of these categories,
while also balancing concerns regarding
increased youth usage.
The UK is an example of what can happen
with the support of regulators and public THE LAST FIVE YEARS
health bodies. Driven by influential reports
from Public Health England and the Royal HAVE SEEN THE GLOBAL
College of Physicians on the reduced TOBACCO AND NICOTINE
risk potential of vapour products, the UK MARKET DIVERSIFY
Government has implemented a balanced BEYOND TRADITIONAL
regulatory regime that discourages youth
uptake while also encouraging adult COMBUSTIBLE TOBACCO
smokers to migrate to potentially less WITH THE GROWTH OF
harmful products. VAPOUR AND TOBACCO
HEATING PRODUCTS,
AS WELL AS MODERN
ORAL TOBACCO

IT IS EXPECTED
THAT THE GROWTH
OF NEW CATEGORIES
WILL CONTINUE TO
ACCELERATE AS
THEY CAN BETTER
MEET CONSUMER
PREFERENCES
AND DEMANDS

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 21


Strategic Management

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Our global business understands our diverse consumers, develops


products to satisfy their preferences, and ultimately distributes them
across over 200 markets. Five key enablers support us in turning powerful
insights into products that provide enjoyment to our consumers, while
engagement helps our key stakeholders benefit from our sustainable growth.

Enablers that support the long-term


success of our business model
ENABLERS

Our people

Financial capital

Environmental Partnerships Technology/IP

INNO
HT VA
SIG T
N
E
I
WHAT WE DO

BR AND
SELL

CONSUMER

M
OV
E KE
MA

Suppliers Consumer Customers


STAKEHOLDERS

Governments and wider society

Shareholders

Our people

Engaging with
For information about our key
external stakeholders stakeholders, see pages 26 to 27

22 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

CONSUMER Key performance indicators

Group volume share of Key Markets


Consumers sit in the centre of our business model. BAT strives to
first identify consumer needs and desires, and ultimately provide Change in adjusted revenue at constant rates (%)
satisfaction through the development and delivery of innovative
products. With societal attitudes and regulatory restrictions Change in adjusted revenue from the Strategic
narrowing the opportunities for tobacco-related consumer moments, Portfolio at constant rates (%)
we are committed to providing alternative products that consumers
can enjoy in a variety of moods and moments. Change in adjusted revenue from New
Categories at constant rates (%)

Change in adjusted profit from


operations at constant rates (%)

INSIGHT INNOVATE @ Change in adjusted cash generated from


operations at constant rates (%)
Our global community of consumers From combustibles to New
is diverse and has differing needs. Categories, exciting new products Operating cash flow conversion ratio (%)@
We have a deep understanding of are the key to success. We make Change in adjusted diluted EPS (%)
our 150 million daily consumers and significant investments in research
anticipate trends with powerful data and development to deliver Change in adjusted diluted EPS at
and analytics. We reject a ‘one size innovations that satisfy consumer constant rates
fits all’ approach, and satisfy their tastes and generate growth for the
evolving preferences with a broad business. Our new corporate ventures Total shareholder return of the FMCG group
portfolio that takes into account team will set a new benchmark for For more key detail on our key performance
geographic and market differences, innovation by allowing us to assess, indicators, see pages 18-19
while leveraging our own strengths. test and invest in new ideas, concepts
and portfolio offers.

BRAND MAKE
Our global brands communicate We manufacture high-quality
quality and value, and establish trust cigarettes, THP consumables and DELIVERING
in our products. They are essential oral tobacco products in facilities all DELIVERING
MEASURABLE
to our credibility around the world, over the world, and ensure that these MEASURABLE
LONG-TERMLONG-
and their scale provides far-reaching products and the tobacco leaf we
awareness of our products, while our purchase are in the right place at the TERM SUSTAINABLE
SUSTAINABLE
diverse portfolio allows us to meet right time. Our vapour and tobacco GROWTH
GROWTH
the needs of different consumer heating product devices and liquids
segments. We have a proven track are manufactured in a mix of our own
record of building and managing and third-party factories, and we work
some of the most iconic brands in to ensure that our costs are globally
history, and will continue to leverage competitive and that we use our
this expertise to grow our business resources as effectively as possible.
across all categories. Non-financial information statement
Non-financial information reporting required
under the UK Companies Act is included in the
MOVE SELL Strategic Report as referenced below:
Our business model is Pages 58 to 62 for
We distribute our products around We offer adult consumers a range set out on these pages. Principal Group Risks
the globe effectively and efficiently of products including cigarettes,
Our reporting in the following areas includes
using a variety of different distribution vapour, tobacco heating products,
information about the policies and principles that
models suited to local circumstances and oral products in markets around
govern our approach, due diligence processes,
and conditions. Around half of our the world. Our range of high-quality
outcomes and non-financial performance indicators.
global cigarette volume is sold by products covers all segments, from
retailers, supplied through our direct value-for-money to premium, while Environmental matters Social matters
distribution capability or exclusive also offering choices based on pages 28 to 30 pages 28 to 31
distributors. We continuously levels of potentially reduced risk. Employees Respect for human rights
review our route to market for both We are governed by our International pages 40 to 42 pages 30 to 31
combustibles and New Categories, Marketing Principles, which Anti-bribery and anti- Further details of our
including our relationships with ensure that all of our products are corruption matters Group policies and
wholesalers, distributors and marketed responsibly. pages 31 to 32 principles can be
found at www.bat.com
logistics providers.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 23


Strategic Management

OUR GLOBAL
BUSINESS

BAT is a leading, multi-category consumer goods business


dedicated to stimulating the senses of adult consumers worldwide.
Our Strategic Portfolio comprises our key brands in both the
combustible and new categories. This drives focus and investment on
the brands and categories that will underpin the Group’s future growth.
We also have a portfolio of international and local brands which,
while not the focus of our investment, contribute valuable returns
across several key markets.*

STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO

Non-Combustible Combustible

New Categories Traditional Oral Combustible


Tobacco

Vapour

Tobacco Heating

Modern Oral

* These combustible brands include Vogue, Viceroy, 555, Benson and Hedges, Peter Stuyvesant, Double Happiness, Kool, and Craven A,
while oral brands include Granit, Mocca, and Kodiak.

24 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Our portfolio reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving


and varied needs of today’s consumer who seeks sensorial
enjoyment for different moods and moments.
BAT’s marketplace analysis delivers insights regarding
consumer trends and segmentation, which ultimately
facilitates our geographic brand prioritisation across over
180 markets. Our business is divided into four regions, and
covers over 150 million consumers and 11 million retail
points of sale, with a balanced presence in both high-growth
emerging markets and highly profitable developed markets.

United States Americas and Europe and Asia-Pacific


of America Sub-Saharan North Africa and Middle East
Africa

for more key detail on our Regional performance, Map is representative of general geographic regions and
see pages 52 to 57 does not suggest that the Group operates in each country
of every region.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 25


Strategic Management

ENGAGING WITH
OUR STAKEHOLDERS

CIVIC PARTICIPATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT OF


RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AND POLICY MAKING, AND BRITISH
AMERICAN TOBACCO EMPLOYEES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE
POLICY PROCESS IN A TRANSPARENT AND OPEN MANNER,
IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
OF THE MARKETS IN WHICH IT OPERATES

Jerry Abelman Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel

Shareholders/
Consumers Our people
Bondholders

Why this As preferences and attitudes


change in an evolving industry,
It is essential that we maintain the
support of our shareholders and
A winning organisation is a core
pillar of the Group’s strategy.
stakeholder is understanding our consumers is
essential to both successful portfolio
bondholders to maintain access to
capital. This allows us to implement
We understand the value of
listening and responding to
important to us and business growth. our strategy and achieve our feedback from our people to
business objectives. maintain a fulfilling, rewarding
and responsible work environment.

Examples of how –– Consumer panels and focus groups


–– Consumer product testing
–– Annual General Meeting
–– Investor relations programme
–– Director market and site visits
–– Employee town halls
we engaged –– Consumer care helplines
–– Responsible advertising
–– Institutional shareholder meetings
–– Capital Markets Days
–– Global and regional webcasts
–– 2019 ‘Your Voice’ employee survey
in 2019 and marketing –– Investor roadshows –– Works councils and European
–– Pack inserts / product leaflets –– Results announcements Employee Council meetings
–– Consumer feedback channels –– Annual Report & Form 20-F –– Graduate and management
–– Real-time feedback via –– Sustainability Report trainee events
digital platforms –– Stock exchange announcements –– Individual performance reviews
–– Shareholder information on website –– Speak Up channels

Read more Read more Read more


pages 29, 32 and 72 pages 71 pages 41 to 42 and 72

What matters to –– P
 roduct quality and innovation
–– A
 ffordability, value and price
–– B
–– C
 usiness performance
 orporate governance
–– Reward
–– C areer development
our stakeholders –– P
 roduct anxiety (addiction, harm,
social considerations)
–– S
–– B
 trength of Group leadership
 oard succession planning
–– D
–– C
 iversity and inclusion
 orporate responsibility
–– R
 esponsible marketing –– E SG considerations –– H ealth and safety
–– B usiness ethics

How we respond –– Development of innovative


products taking into account
–– Regular dialogue with shareholders
–– Robust corporate governance
–– Introduction of BAT Ethos, taking
into account employee feedback
consumer feedback –– Enhanced ESG reporting –– Board review of and feedback on
–– Product quality and –– Continual improvement of our workforce engagement
safety standards Delivery with Integrity programme –– Training and
–– Product stewardship –– Our range of enjoyable and development programme
–– Clear and accurate innovative products –– Introduction of revised management
product information –– Product quality and safety standards incentive schemes (below Executive
–– International Marketing Principles –– Clear and accurate Director level)
product information –– Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
–– International Marketing Principles –– Delivery with Integrity Programme

Strategic
impact*
Growth Sustainability Productivity Growth Sustainability Sustainability Winning organisation

Principal risk ––Market size reduction/


consumer downtrading
––Solvency and liquidity –– Work place safety

impact ––Inability to develop,


commercialise and deliver
New Categories strategy

* These engagement examples took place in 2019 and the strategic impact of engagement is measured against the strategic pillars in place for 2019.
Reporting for FY2020 will measure against our evolved strategy discussed on pages 8 to 9.

26 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

OUR 2019 ‘YOUR VOICE’ GLOBAL EMPLOYEE


OPINION SURVEY RESULTS SHOW WE CONTINUE
TO OUTPERFORM OUR GLOBAL FMCG COMPARATOR
GROUPS IN ALL CATEGORIES, INCLUDING
THE SUSTAINABLE ENGAGEMENT AND HIGH
PERFORMANCE INDICES

UK Companies Act:
Governments and
Suppliers Customers Section 172(1)
wider society Statement

Effective relationships with farmers, Our customers include distributors, We engage transparently with Our Directors have a duty,
and suppliers of leaf, direct materials wholesalers, and retailers. governments and regulators to share individually and collectively as the
and services are essential to an our views on regulation that impact Board, to act as they consider most
Engagement with our customers
efficient, productive and secure our business whilst respecting the likely to promote the success of the
is essential for driving growth
supply chain. WHO’s FCTC Article 5.3 provision. Company for the benefit of our
and embedding responsible
We actively cooperate with law members as a whole. As part of this
marketing practices.
enforcement and customs authorities, duty, our Directors must have regard
governments and regulators to for likely long-term consequences
combat the rise of illicit trade. of decisions and the desirability of
maintaining a reputation for high
We also engage with scientific
standards of business conduct.
and public health communities.
Our Directors must also have
regard for our employees’ interests,
–– Ongoing farmer support, –– Ongoing dialogue, –– Face-to-face meetings and business relationships with our
training and monitoring by our contract discussions and ongoing dialogue wider stakeholders, the impact of
extension services account management –– Presentations and submissions to our operations on the environment
–– Sustainable Tobacco Programme –– Customer Voice programme government committees and communities in which we
assessments, reviews and meetings –– Audits and performance reviews –– Participation in business, industry operate and the need to act fairly
–– Supplier reviews and audits –– Sales calls and visits by and multi-stakeholder groups between shareholders.
–– Supplier Voice survey and dialogue trade representatives –– Presentations and participation
Consideration of these factors and
–– Strategic partnerships –– Business-to-business programmes at conferences
other relevant matters is embedded
–– Eliminating Child Labour –– Performance tracking –– Submissions to peer-
into all Board decision-making,
in Tobacco Growing (ECLT) –– Participating in industry Digital reviewed journals
strategy development and risk
Foundation engagement Code and Tracking Association –– BAT External Scientific Panel
assessment throughout the year.
–– Submissions to sustainability indices
Read more
pages 29 to 31 and 38 to 39 –– Stakeholder Sustainability Panel Our key stakeholders and primary
ways in which we engage with
them are set out in the table to
–– Costs and payment practices –– Route-to-market planning –– Public health impacts
the left. Pages 71 to 73 provide
–– Efficiencies and forecasting –– Contingency planning –– Tax, excise and illicit trade
further explanation of our Board’s
–– Quality and crop yields –– Cost, price and quality –– Corporate behaviour
approach to understanding
–– Sustainable agriculture and –– Availability and stock levels –– Youth access prevention
stakeholder interests to enable
farmer livelihoods –– Consumer buying behaviour –– Human rights, sustainable agriculture
relevant considerations to be
–– Human rights –– Youth access prevention and economic development
drawn on in Board discussion and
decision-making. Where the Board
–– Supplier Code of Conduct –– Customer loyalty programmes –– S tandards of Business Conduct delegates authority for decision-
–– ‘ Thrive’ sustainable agriculture and and incentives (SoBC) making to management, our Group
farmer livelihoods programme –– Youth Access Prevention Guidelines –– International Marketing Principles governance framework discussed
–– Operational standards for child –– Y outh Access Prevention Guidelines on pages 69 to 70 mandates
labour prevention –– S cience-based carbon consideration of these factors and
–– Supplier and farmer training and reduction targets other relevant matters as a critical
capacity building –– C ommunity investment projects part of delegated authorities.
Just some of the ways that these
factors have shaped Group strategy
and initiatives during the year are
illustrated in the table to the left.
Examples of how these factors
have been taken into account in
Board decision-making and strategy
development during the year are
Productivity Growth Sustainability Productivity Growth Sustainability Productivity Growth Sustainability highlighted on pages 74 to 75.

–– Inability to develop, commercialise –– Inability to develop, commercialise –– Geopolitical tensions


and deliver New Categories strategy and deliver New Categories strategy –– Competition from illicit trade
–– Geopolitical tensions –– G eopolitical tensions –– Significant excise increases
–– Regulation that inhibits growth

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 27


Strategic Management

DELIVERING
OUR STRATEGY*

New Sustainability Targets


SUSTAINABILITY We are committed to making a step-
change in our sustainability ambition.
Our Sustainability Agenda is at the heart of our strategic As a result, we have announced a
number of stretching targets that we are
plans to build a long-term sustainable business. confident will deliver A Better Tomorrow
Within it, our clear commitment to providing our consumers with a range of potentially for all our stakeholders.
less risky products addresses the principal health impacts of our business. These include:
We also know that our long-term sustainability will be driven by ensuring best-in-class – increasing our number of non-
delivery against all our other environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures. combustible product consumers from
In 2019, we refreshed our Sustainability Agenda to reflect the prominence of the health 11 million to 50 million by 2030;
risks of smoking as our principal focus and to place greater emphasis on the importance – achieving carbon neutrality by 2030*;
of addressing climate change and environmental management. and
Our priority areas are: – bringing forward our existing 2030
environmental targets to 2025.
A commitment to reducing the health impact of our business
* Based on Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent
(CO2e) emissions.
Excellence in environmental management

Delivering a positive societal impact CO2e emissions


(in ’000 tonnes)
Robust corporate governance
782
Highlights during the year 9.5% lower than 2017 baseline
– growth of our New Categories revenues by 37% to £1.3 billion. 2019 782 -7.0%
2018 841 -2.7%
– a 9.5% reduction of our direct Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
2017 864
emissions from our 2017 baseline.
Definition: Group Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide
– revised Group Standards of Business Conduct to strengthen controls around human equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
rights and incorporate a new Lobbying and Engagement Policy.
Target: To reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2e emissions
– new independent research published into the impacts of tobacco growing by 30% by 2025 compared to our 2017 baseline.
and the role it plays in rural livelihoods.
Water use
(total water withdrawn in mn metres3)

4.51
Read more about our sustainability performance
in each area at www.bat.com/sustainabilityreport

13.1% lower than 2017 baseline


Emissions** 2019 2018 2017
2019 4.51 -5.3%
Scope 1 CO2e emissions ('000 tonnes) 396 415 427 2018 4.77 -8.2%
Scope 2 CO2e emissions ('000 tonnes) 386 426 438 2017 5.19

Scope 3*** CO2e emissions ('000 tonnes) n/a 7,547 8,254 Definition: Group water use in million cubic metres.
Total statutory emissions (Scope 1 and 2 in '000 tonnes) 782 841 864 Target: To reduce water use to 3.38 mn metres3 by 2025,
35% lower than our 2017 baseline.
Intensity (tonnes per £ million of revenue) 30.4 32.6 34.7

All data is calculated on the basis of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard. Recycling
** Scope 1 reporting includes: energy consumed at our factories and offices (coal, natural gas, wood, diesel and LPG), (percentage of waste recycled)

90.5%
emissions from our dry ice expanded tobacco plants, and fuel consumed by our fleet vehicles.
Scope 2 reporting includes: electricity purchased and consumed at our factories and offices, purchased steam and hot water.
Scope 3 reporting includes: all 15 categories of the GHG Protocol.
*** Consolidation and verification of our 2019 Scope 3 data is ongoing to fully align with the GHG Protocol.
2019 data will be reported in the 2020 Annual Report and Form 20-F.
2019 90.5
2018 90.2
2017 89.6

Definition: Total percentage of Group waste re-used


or recycled against total waste generated.

Target: To recycle 95% or more by 2025 in each year.

* This year’s Annual Report and Accounts measures all backward-looking reporting against the strategy, which includes
the four strategic pillars and KPIs, that was in place until March 2020. Next year’s Annual Report and Accounts will
measure our delivery against our evolved strategy, which is detailed on pages 8 to 9.

28 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

A commitment to reducing the Excellence in environmental


In 2018, our Scope 3 emissions decreased by
health impact of our business management
3.3% compared to our 2017 baseline, driven
by a reduction in purchase volume, changes
We are committed to reducing our to emissions factors and decreases in fertiliser
As harm reduction is our most material ESG
environmental impact across our operations and fossil fuel use for tobacco leaf curing.
issue, we have long been committed to
reducing the public health impact of smoking. and supply chain. Our Environment Water and waste
Policy is supported by a comprehensive As well as a priority focus on carbon and
Satisfying consumer moments Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) energy, our approach to environmental
Smokers are more likely to switch to new management system which has been in place management also addresses a wide
products if they can find satisfying alternatives for many years and is based on international range of issues, including water use and
that offer sensorial enjoyment and recapture standards including ISO14001. waste management.
consumer moments long-associated with
tobacco that have been lost to shifting Addressing the impacts We have been steadily decreasing our water
trends. We have a deep understanding of of climate change use and increasing water recycling for several
our consumers and we use these insights to Climate change is one of the most important years and 2019 saw a 5.3% year-on-year
develop an exciting product portfolio across global issues facing the world today. reduction in total water withdrawn.
a range of categories, including Vapour, We recognise that addressing the impacts
of climate change is not only the right thing Additionally, our increased focus on
Tobacco Heating Products (THPs) and
to do, but also makes sound business sense environmental management has resulted in
Modern Oral products.
given how much we depend on natural us bringing forward our existing 2030 target
World-class science resources for our products. for water and waste to 2025.
The reduced-risk potential of new category We are committed to recycling at least
products needs to be supported by sound In 2019, our targets for reducing our C02e
emissions by 2030 were given formal approval 95% of our total waste generated, which is
science. We conduct cutting-edge research more challenging in locations with limited
to evaluate our new category products and by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
and we have now brought forward our Scope recycling and waste management facilities.
apply the highest standards for product Nevertheless, 28% of our manufacturing sites
safety and quality. Globally, we have over 1 and 2 targets to 2025. Building on this,
we are now setting ourselves an even more have already achieved zero waste to landfill
1,500 scientists focused on researching and and another 24% are recycling at least 95%
developing new category products and we ambitious target: to be carbon neutral
by 2030. of their waste.
openly share our science on bat-science.com.
To date, we have published 59 peer-reviewed We are also committed to align our reporting Sustainable agriculture
research papers on our new category with the Taskforce on Climate-related We have a long and proud history of working
products and the results indicate they have Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework by directly with farmers around the world to
the potential to be significantly less risky than 2022. We are also proud to have been named advance agriculture. We provide farmers
cigarettes. We are continuing to establish on the Carbon Disclosure Project’s prestigious with best practice environmental information
more evidence to support this. 2019 ‘A List’ for our leading approach to and introduce them to new sustainable
climate change. farming practices. For example, we have
Standards and regulation
been successful in introducing drip irrigation
New category products can only meet their We have achieved a 7.0% year-on-year technology to farmers in Brazil and Mexico,
potential if they are widely available with reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 carbon which has been shown to increase water
the right regulatory and market conditions emissions in 2019. In total, these equalled usage efficiency by up to 90%, as well as
in place, alongside high standards and 782,394 tonnes, 9.5% lower than 2017, reducing soil erosion and salination, and
responsible practices across the industry. our baseline year. Drivers include a 6.5% ultimately boosting yields.
reduction in direct energy consumption and
To support the success of our new product an increase in renewable energy use which We have an ongoing commitment to
categories, we advocate for regulation that now stands at 10.8%, an 1.6% increase eliminate the use of unsustainable sources of
enables market availability, applies the highest over 2018. wood by our contracted farmers for curing
product quality and safety standards, allows fuels. Monitoring of the last three years of our
communication of the potential benefits and Supporting our continued drive to reduce contracted farmers' wood use for curing has
risks, and ensures affordability for consumers our emissions, we have developed a new shown 99% was from sustainable sources.
by taxing them appropriately, while Climate Change and Energy Standard which
preventing youth appeal and access. requires our subsidiaries to include renewables We also support community-based
in their energy purchase agreements and we afforestation programmes in a number of
Other ESG focus areas are also identifying opportunities to increase countries. For example, our afforestation
In addition to our commitment to address on-site energy generation and purchase more programmes in Bangladesh and Pakistan date
the health impacts of smoking, we also renewable energy certificates. back to the early 1980s and have planted over
continue to focus on a wide range of other 185 million tree saplings combined. Both are
important ESG issues. Meeting our ambitious climate targets will recognised to be among the largest private
require collective effort across the Group and, sector-driven programmes in these countries.
Read more about our ESG reporting
on page 10
given our Scope 3 emissions represent around
90% of our total carbon footprint, addressing
impacts in our supply chain is also crucial.
We are engaging with our largest suppliers
to raise awareness of carbon reduction in
our supply chain and we continue to make
progress in the tobacco leaf supply chain,
where more efficient curing technologies,
smarter use of fertilisers and increases in yields
are all contributing to reduced emissions.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 29


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

Circular economy Human Rights All our other products materials and
Globally, there is growing concern around Our integrated human rights strategy is goods and services suppliers are subject
the use and disposal of plastics and other aligned to the UN Guiding Principles and to annual human rights risk assessments.
materials and increased pressure on includes policies, due diligence, grievance Further independent audits are conducted
businesses to address post-consumption channels and remediation procedures for our on the highest risk by Intertek, our audit
waste. Adopting circular economy principles own business operations and supply chain, partner. In 2019, a total of 94 supplier audits
will deliver better products for our consumers, as well as working to understand and address in 31 countries were conducted, including 65
create efficiencies in our operations and the root causes. Our Human Rights policy audits of tier 1 materials suppliers, 20 audits
reduce our overall impacts. forms part of our Group Standards of Business of tier 2 materials suppliers and nine audits of
Conduct and is reflected in our Supplier Code indirect goods and services suppliers.
This is a new focus area for us and, in 2019,
of Conduct. The vast majority of issues identified in
we established a cross functional project team,
led by our Management Board, to develop a The most significant challenges for human these audits were categorised by Intertek
Group-wide circular economy strategy and rights are in our tobacco leaf supply chain and as ‘moderate’, relating to hours and wages,
oversee its implementation across all product this has been a priority area for us for many poor record keeping, and health and safety
categories. Initially, this is focusing on the years. The industry-wide Sustainable Tobacco procedures. Eleven suppliers had issues
recovery of post-consumption waste, reducing Programme focuses on leaf supplier due identified that were categorised as ‘major’
plastic waste in packaging and exploring diligence and compliance with international by Intertek. These related to preventing
opportunities to improve the recyclability of standards, and our own Thrive programme worker interviews, excessive working hours,
our products. Already, we have established is focused at farm-level and seeks to identify wages below the legal minimum, fire and
new electronic device return and recycling and address the root causes and long-term emergency preparedness, lack of required
schemes in France, Japan, Korea and Mexico. challenges around human rights, including permits or licences, poor record keeping
rural poverty. and, in one case, retention of workers’
Delivering a positive original documents.
societal impact
To further enhance our understanding
and ability to address human right issues By the end of the year, 71% of corrective
in the tobacco supply chain, in 2019 actions had been fully completed and
Reducing the harm associated with smoking
we commissioned human rights impact verified by Intertek, in desktop reviews for
and the opportunity to have a positive impact
assessments in tobacco growing areas in the moderate issues and 11 on-site follow-up
on public health is the most material issue
Indonesia and India, with two more planned audits for the major issues. All outstanding
for our business, but as one of the world’s
for 2020 in Mozambique and Mexico. We will actions are in progress and being
most international businesses, we also have
report on the results in a Human Rights Focus closely monitored.
a larger role to play in delivering a positive
societal impact. Report, to be published later in 2020. Further details of our approach to human rights
and our Modern Slavery Act statement are
available at bat.com/msa

Sustainability: Our policies* Summary of areas covered Key stakeholder groups


Standards of Business Speak Up, conflicts of interest, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, gifts and Our People  overnments
G
Conduct (SoBC) entertainment, respect in the work place, human rights, lobbying and and Wider
Society
engagement, political and charitable contributions, corporate assets and
financial integrity, competition and anti-trust, anti-money laundering and
tax evasion, anti-illicit trade, data privacy and information security.
Environmental Policy Our commitments to following high standards of environmental protection, Our People Suppliers
adhering to the principles of sustainable development and protecting Consumers  overnments
G
biodiversity covering our direct operations and supply chain, including Customers and Wider
agricultural, manufacturing and distribution operations. Society

Health and Safety Policy Our commitments to applying the highest standards of health and safety. Our People

Supplier Code of Conduct Standards required of our suppliers worldwide, including business integrity, Our People Suppliers
anti-bribery and anti-corruption, environmental sustainability, anti-illicit trade Customers  overnments
G
and respect for human rights (covering equal opportunities and fair and Wider
treatment, health and safety, prevention of harassment and bullying, child Society
labour and modern slavery, conflict minerals and freedom of association).
Strategic Framework Sets out our Group CSI strategy and how we expect our local operating Governments
for Corporate companies to develop, deliver and monitor community investment and Wider
Society
Social Investment (CSI) programmes within two themes: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural
Communities; and Empowerment.
International Marketing The standards that govern marketing across all our product categories Consumers Suppliers
Principles and including the requirement for all our marketing to be targeted at adult Customers Our People
consumers only.
These policies and procedures are endorsed by our Board, apply to all Group companies and support the effective identification,
management and mitigation of risks and issues for our business in these and other areas.

* Further details of our Group policies and principles can be found at www.bat.com/principles
Further details of our Strategic Framework for Corporate Social Investment can be found at bat.com/csi

30 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

With the majority of our employees Culture and workplace health Our actions and behaviours impact all areas
working in business areas where we have and safety of our business, which is why corporate
direct oversight and control, human rights The health and safety of our employees and governance is such an important focus for us.
challenges in our own operations are creating a great place to work are also key Our commitment to responsible corporate
substantially avoided. components of our Sustainability Agenda. behaviour is underpinned by our SoBC
The challenges that do exist are mitigated We focus on building an inclusive and which mandate high standards of integrity
by our robust policies and procedures in supportive culture that attracts, engages and require every Group company, joint
place across all Group companies. However, and retains diverse and talented people, venture which the Group controls and all staff
we recognise that we need to continually develops the next generation of leaders, and worldwide, including senior management
work to ensure these are effectively applied creates a fulfilling, rewarding and responsible and the Board, to act with a high degree of
and that we carefully monitor the situation, work environment. business integrity, comply with applicable
particularly in countries assessed as higher We also have a comprehensive workplace laws and regulations and ensure our
risk, such as where regulation or enforcement health and safety approach based on risk standards are not compromised for the
regimes are limited, or there are higher levels management and assessment, employee sake of results. We expect our contractors,
of corruption, criminality or unrest. Our due training and awareness, and tailored initiatives secondees, trainees, agents and consultants
diligence includes conducting an annual for specific issues and higher-risk areas. You can to act in a way consistent with our SoBC
review of compliance with applicable Group read more about our culture on pages 40 to and to apply similar standards within their
policies and additional measures in place for 42 and page 70. More information on our own organisations.
operations in higher risk countries. approach to workplace health and safety is set Our SoBC comprise our global policies
Farmer livelihoods out on page 42. referenced on page 30 and are available
Rural poverty is recognised as a root cause Community investment in 12 languages. SoBC awareness and
for wider issues in agriculture, such as child and social initiatives understanding is promoted through regular
labour, poor safety standards and urban training and communications. Our SoBC are
As an international business, we play an
migration. If we can support tobacco farmers fully aligned with the provisions of applicable
important role in countries around the world
to have prosperous livelihoods, we can help laws including the UK Bribery Act, the US
and have built close ties with local communities.
address these issues while also securing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK
We encourage our employees to play an
our tobacco leaf supply chain. We support Criminal Finances Act.
active role both in their local and business
our 90,000+ directly-contracted farmers communities. Our charitable contributions Corrupt practices are illegal, cause distortion
through our Extension Services of expert field policy in our SoBC is supported by the Group in markets and harm economic, social
technicians. We develop new tobacco seed Strategic Framework for CSI, which sets out and political development, particularly in
varieties that offer greater yields and higher our Group CSI strategy and how we expect developing countries. Our SoBC make it
quality and so help boost farmers’ profits, as our local operating companies to develop, clear that it is wholly unacceptable for Group
well as introducing them to more efficient deliver and monitor community investment companies, our employees or our business
farming technologies that save farmers time programmes within two themes: Sustainable partners to be involved or implicated in any
and money. Our Extension Services also Agriculture and Rural Communities, way in corrupt practices. We keep our SoBC
provide training and advice and help our and Empowerment. under regular review to maintain best practice
farmers to grow other crops to enhance food and to take employee and stakeholder
security and generate additional sources Our Group Head of Sustainability has oversight
feedback into account. Our Board approved
of income. For instance, in 2019 our leaf of the Group CSI strategy, and Board-level
a revised version of the SoBC in 2019,
operations and strategic third-party suppliers governance is managed through our Audit
which came into effect on 1 January 2020,
reported that 92% of their contracted farmers Committee, which reviews the strategy and an
supported by a global awareness campaign
grew other crops, including fruit, vegetables, analysis of activities (including investment and
across the Group.
wheat, maize, cotton and soy. alignment to the Group’s priorities) annually.
Delivery with integrity
To further increase our understanding of Our performance indicator in this area relates
to the total amount of money contributed to Our Delivery with Integrity programme is
the role tobacco plays in rural livelihoods,
charitable giving and CSI projects. In 2019, the focused on driving a globally consistent
we commissioned IMC Worldwide,
Group contributed over £13 million in cash approach to compliance across the Group.
one of the world’s leading international
for charitable contributions and CSI projects, This programme is led by our Business
development consultancies, to conduct
including £1.1 million given for charitable Conduct & Compliance Department reporting
independent research in Bangladesh, Brazil
purposes in the UK. Much of this contribution directly to the Director, Legal & External
and Kenya to identify if tobacco growing
is delivered through partnerships with Affairs and General Counsel. This programme
reduces resilience and prevents farmers
external stakeholders including communities, provides employees with ways to raise
and rural communities from prospering.
NGOs, governments, development agencies, concerns without fear of retaliation and
Overall, IMC found no evidence of this: IMC
academic institutions, industry associations assurance that investigations will be fair and
concluded that tobacco growing plays an
and peer companies. thorough. It drives a consistent approach to the
important and positive role in the livelihoods
mitigation of key compliance risk areas such
of tobacco farmers and labourers interviewed,
Corporate governance as bribery and corruption, money laundering,
while no evidence supporting a causal link
tax evasion, competition law, sanctions, and
between tobacco cultivation and poverty Robust corporate governance is key data protection through tools and guidance for
was found. to our sustainable long-term growth. Group company employees and business units.
Read more about the IMC Report at We are committed to achieving our business Read more about our Group risk factors related
bat.com/farmers/research
objectives in an honest, transparent and to corporate behaviour and compliance with
Read more about our Group risk factors related to accountable way, and sustaining a culture sanctions regimes and competition laws on
tobacco leaf supply on page 275 pages 279 and 281
of integrity in everything we do.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 31


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

We monitor regulatory developments to Speak Up channels Responsible marketing


ensure the continued evolution of our Delivery We encourage anyone working for, or with, Our International Marketing Principles (IMP)
with Integrity programme. any Group company to raise concerns, govern marketing across all our product
Mitigating third-party risk is a key component including regarding accounting or auditing categories and require all our marketing to
of our compliance programme. We do matters, through our Speak Up channels, be responsible, accurate and not misleading,
this through a Third-Party Anti-Bribery and which are independently managed and targeted at adult consumers, transparent and
Corruption Procedure (the ABAC Procedure) available 24 hours a day online, by text compliant with all applicable laws.
which assists business units in identifying or telephone. The channels can be used
Our IMP are applied consistently everywhere
and mitigating bribery and corruption risks. in confidence, and anonymously where
we operate, even when more stringent than
The ABAC Procedure mandates a consistent preferred, and are available in multiple
applicable local laws. Through our long-
methodology for due diligence of third local languages. Speak Up channels contact
standing IMP, responsible marketing is well
parties, complemented by mandatory information is promoted through staff
embedded in the culture of our organisation
mitigation packages for third parties training and communications and through
and inherent to the way we operate.
assessed as medium and high risk. In 2019, our SoBC app and Supplier Code of Conduct.
We continually evolve our IMP to reflect
this due diligence procedure was applied Our Speak Up policy makes it clear no one
developments in marketing, our product
retrospectively to over 4,500 existing third will suffer any direct or indirect reprisal
portfolio, technology, changing regulations
parties engaged by Group companies. for speaking up about actual or suspected
and stakeholder expectations, and the
In addition, given the challenges associated wrongdoing, even if they are mistaken.
Board approved a revised version of the
with intermediaries engaged to interface with Our Speak Up policy is supplemented by IMP in 2019.
public officials on the Group’s behalf, detailed local procedures throughout the Group,
due diligence and mitigation measures were To support our strict requirement to only
providing staff with further guidance on
completed for 903 service providers with direct marketing at adult consumers, all Group
reporting matters and raising concerns,
external input and oversight. In 2019 we companies are required to adhere to our global
and the channels through which they can
also launched an ABAC risk assessment tool Youth Access Prevention (YAP) Guidelines.
do so. We do not tolerate the harassment
to assist our markets to identify, assess and These apply to all markets where our products
or victimisation of anyone raising concerns
evaluate bribery and corruption risks. are sold, including where distributed through
or anyone who assists them. Such conduct
third parties and include a mandatory
In 2019, over 25,000 Group company is itself a breach of our SoBC and a serious
requirement to provide retailers with point-
employees completed our annual SoBC sign- disciplinary matter. In 2019, our global ‘Your
of-sale materials with YAP messaging (unless
off and e-learning through the online SoBC Voice’ employee survey, completed by 90% of
prohibited by local laws). In 2019, 100% of
portal. Other Group company employees Group company employees, found that 79%
Group companies to which our YAP Guidelines
(over 30,000) who do not have easy online strongly agreed they “can report concerns
apply reported compliance.
access completed the SoBC sign-off in face-to- about actual or suspected wrongdoing at
face sessions which included training. In 2019, work without fear of reprisal”, 8% higher Regulatory engagement
our SoBC e-learning through the online than the FMCG comparator norm. Truly effective regulation needs cooperation
portal resulted in 10,800 training hours and it Not all contacts made via our SoBC Portal between governments and industry, and we
included scenarios covering product diversion, involve SoBC allegations; some contacts have a legitimate role to play in policy-related
money laundering and bribery and corruption relate to questions regarding the SoBC or debate that affects our business. We also
risks. To further increase awareness and other matters. There were 497 SoBC contacts respect the World Health Organization's
accessibility, in 2019 we launched a new SoBC in 2019, representing a 40% increase on FCTC 5.3 provision, which calls for transparent
app, which provides easy access to our SoBC, the total number of SoBC contacts in 2018 and accountable interaction between
Speak Up channels, procedures and guidance. (355 contacts). governments and the tobacco industry.
Information on compliance with our SoBC In the year ended 31 December 2019, 359 By conducting all our engagement with
is gathered at a regional and global level of the 497 SoBC contacts were assessed as politicians, policy makers and regulators
and reported to the Regional Audit and CSR SoBC allegations and reported to the Audit transparently and with high regard for
Committees, Corporate Audit Committee and Committee, representing a 35% increase on accuracy and integrity, we can make a valuable
to the Audit Committee. 2018 SoBC allegations (266). Of the 359 SoBC contribution to policy development and help
allegations reported, 130 were established enable the best information to be used as a
as breaches and appropriate action taken foundation for decisions in policy making.
(2018: 126). In 179 cases, an investigation Our Principles for Engagement have long
found no wrongdoing (2018: 140). In 50 provided clear guidance for our external
cases, the investigation continued at year-end engagement with regulators, politicians
(2018: 69), including investigation through and other third parties. In 2019, these were
external legal advisers of allegations of incorporated into a new Lobbying and
misconduct. Disciplinary action taken as a result Engagement Policy in our SoBC. The revised
of the 130 established SoBC breaches resulted SoBC took effect from January 2020 and all
in 80 dismissals (2018: 92). In 184 of the 359 lobbying and engagement activities across
SoBC allegations (51%), the person raising the the Group are now subject to our SoBC
allegation chose to remain anonymous. compliance procedures.
Please refer to the Governance Report for more
information about Board and Audit Committee
oversight and monitoring of compliance with
our SoBC. Our SoBC, and information on the
total number of incidents reported under it,
are available at bat.com/sobc.

32 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Our sustainability efforts and commitment to high


standards have received notable independent
recognition over the years, including the following.

CDP Climate A List Dow Jones Global Top Employer SEAL Awards
These recognise our actions Sustainability Indices We have been accredited BAT has been awarded with
to cut emissions, mitigate BAT is the only company as a Global Top Employer the SEAL Organizational
climate risks and develop the in our industry listed in the for three consecutive Impact Award, which
low-carbon economy, as well prestigious World Index, years, acknowledging recognises overall
as engaging with our suppliers representing the world’s our commitment to corporate sustainability
to manage climate risk and top 10% ESG performers. providing best-in-class performance and represents
reduce Scope 3 carbon We have achieved working environments the 50 most sustainable
emissions in our supply chain. inclusion in the DJSI for and career opportunities. companies globally.
18 consecutive years.

Top 5 FTSE ranking for Diversity leader in Leader status in the International Women’s
our Modern Slavery the Financial Times Global Child Forum’s Day Best Practice
Statement Diversity Leaders report benchmark study Winner
The Business and Human BAT was ranked in the top In the Global Child Forum’s Our global campaigns for
Rights Resource Centre and 10% of the total of 8,000 2019 benchmarking study International Women’s Day
Development International organisations covered by of children’s rights across the have been recognised for
ranked BAT as being among this inaugural report. It was work place and supply chain, two consecutive years as
the top five highest scoring compiled from extensive we were awarded ‘leader’ examples of best practice and
companies in the FTSE research, with 80,000 status with a score of 9.2 out featured as case studies by
for the detailed disclosure people surveyed across of 10, compared to ‘industry’ the International Women’s
and action reflected in our 10 European countries. and ‘all companies’ averages Day Association.
Modern Slavery Statement. of just 5.6.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 33


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

GROWTH
Our multi-category portfolio of brands continued
to deliver strong growth in 2019, driven by our
Strategic Portfolio.
Growth remains a key focus of our evolved strategy, and
will be delivered by our inspirational foresights, remarkable
innovation and powerful brands.
Highlights during the year:
– group revenue grew by 6%, driven by price mix and growth in New Categories;
– New Categories revenue grew 37%; and
– Strategic Portfolio revenue grew 9%, driven by robust cigarette pricing and growth
from New Categories and Traditional Oral.

New Categories Traditional Oral Combustibles


Vapour

THP

Modern oral

KPI Non-GAAP Non-GAAP Non-GAAP


Change in adjusted revenue Change in adjusted revenue from Change in adjusted revenue
from New Categories, Traditional Oral, at from combustibles
at constant rates (%) constant rates (%) at constant rates (%)

+32.4% +10.2% +4.6%


2019 +32% 2019 +10% 2019 +5%
2018 +143% 2018 +135% 2018 +30%
2018 (rep) +97% 2018 (rep) +8% 2018 (rep) +2%

Definition: Change in revenue from New Categories Definition: Change in revenue from Traditional Oral Definition: Change in adjusted revenue from
before the impact of adjusting items and the impact of before the impact of adjusting items and the impact of Combustibles before the impact of adjusting items and
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

34 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Volume by product category


2019 vs 2018 2018 vs 2017 (rep) 2017 (rep)
Units units % units % units
Cigarette Sticks (bn) 668 -5% 701 -4% 732
Other (incl RYO/MYO) Sticks (bn) 21 -7% 22 -8% 24
Combustibles Sticks (bn) 689 -5% 723 -4% 756
New categories:
Vapour 10ml units/pods (mn) 226 +19% 189 +35% 140
THP Sticks (bn) 9 +32% 7 +217% 2
Modern oral Pouches (mn) 1,194 +188% 414 +108% 199
Traditional oral Stick equivalent (bn) 8 -1% 8 -0.4% 9

Revenue by product category


2019 vs 2017
adjusted at adjusted
Adjusting Impact of constant vs 2018 repres at
2019 vs 2018 items exchange rates (adjusted) 2018 vs 2017 constant rates
£m % £m £m £m % £m % %
Combustibles 23,001 +4% (50) (59) 22,892 +5% 22,072 +22% +2%
New Categories:
Vapour 401 +26% – (9) 392 +23% 318 +89% +26%
THP 728 +29% – (35) 693 +23% 565 +180% +184%
Modern oral 126 +267% – 3 129 +273% 34 +127% +140%
Total New Categories 1,255 +37% – (41) 1,214 +32% 917 +140% +98%
Traditional oral 1,081 +15% – (45) 1,036 +10% 941 +127% +8%
Other 540 -4% – 1 541 -4% 562 -5% -10%
Revenue 25,877 +6% (50) (144) 25,683 +6% 24,492 +25% +4%

Combustibles Cigarette volume share in 2019 was higher – Lucky Strike’s volume share was in line
Group cigarette volume declined 4.7% in in Japan (driven by Lucky Strike and Kool), with 2018 (2018: up 20 bps), as growth
2019 to 668 billion sticks (2018: up 2.6% Pakistan (as Pall Mall outperformed the in Colombia, Japan, Spain, Bulgaria and
to 701 billion, or a 4.1% decrease on a declining market), Bangladesh (as the Group’s Argentina was offset by Chile, Belgium
representative basis). In 2019, growth in portfolio outperformed the declining market), and Indonesia. Volume was 3.5% down
Japan, the Middle East, South Africa, Romania Mexico (driven by Pall Mall), Ukraine (driven (2018: 1.0% down) as growth in Japan was
and Poland was more than offset by Russia by Kent and Rothmans) and Russia (driven more than offset by the impact of industry
(partly due to the one-off stock reduction), by Rothmans which outperformed the contraction in Indonesia;
Egypt (largely due to the change in local taxes declining market).
– Rothmans’ volume share continued to grow,
impacting Pall Mall), Venezuela (due to the Volume of the strategic cigarette brands increasing 50 bps (2018: up 110 bps) with
ongoing macro-economic challenges) and the collectively declined 3.0% (2018: up 16.7%, volume 2.5% higher (2018: up 19.7%),
impact of market decline in the US, Indonesia, or an increase of 4.8% on a representative driven by Pakistan, Colombia, Bulgaria and
Pakistan and Ukraine. basis). Volume share of the strategic cigarette the full year effect of migrations in Brazil
2018 volume was positively impacted by portfolio grew 70 bps in 2019, benefiting and Poland, which more than offset lower
the full year effect of the RAI acquisition. from migrations in Brazil and Colombia. volume in Russia and Ukraine which were
The decline in 2018, on a representative basis, Excluding migrations, the increase in strategic impacted by competitive pricing and higher
was despite growth in a number of markets, cigarette volume share was 30 bps (2018: up illicit trade;
including Pakistan (as the market recovered 40 bps) with growth in all regions:
– Pall Mall volume share was up 10 bps,
following the revision to excise), Turkey, – Dunhill’s overall volume share was stable as higher share in Pakistan, Australia,
Poland, Romania and Egypt. This growth (2018: stable) as growth in Bulgaria, Chile, South Africa and Mexico was offset
was more than offset by lower volume in Netherlands and Romania was offset by by reductions in the US and Turkey.
Saudi Arabia (due to down-trading and down-trading in Malaysia, South Africa, Volume declined 6.7% as growth in Kenya,
market contraction following the 2017 South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Volume was South Africa, Australia and Romania was
excise-led price increase), the US (partly due 5.5% lower (2018: down 6.1%) as growth more than offset by lower volume in Egypt
to the impact of fuel price rises on disposable in Bulgaria and Netherlands was more than (largely due to the change in local taxes),
income, the change in excise in California and offset by the effect of the down-trading Pakistan (following the excise-led price
the growth of vapour), Brazil (primarily due noted above and industry contraction in increases), Venezuela (partly due to market
to down-trading to illicit trade) and Russia Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea; contraction driven by the macroeconomic
(largely due to both market contraction and climate) and in the US (partly due to
inventory movements in the supply chain). – Kent’s volume share grew 10 bps, (2018:
the competitive pricing in the low-
up 40 bps) with volume down 1.3% (2018:
Group cigarette value share increased 20 price segment).
down 2.2%), as growth in the Middle East,
bps, with volume share up 20 bps in 2019, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Romania and Peru was
maintaining the momentum of 8 successive more than offset by lower volume in Russia,
years of growth, and building on the 40 bps due to the one-off stock reduction;
increase in 2018.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 35


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

In 2018, Pall Mall volume increased 20.4% After adjusting for the short-term impact Vapour
due to the full year impact of the US of excise on bought-in goods and the By December 2019, the Group’s vapour
acquisition, with volume up 9.9% on a translational foreign exchange tailwind of products were present in a total of 27 markets
representative basis partly due to the strong 0.6%, adjusted revenue from combustibles as the Group continued to expand its
volume and market share growth in the at constant rates of exchange was up 4.6% geographic footprint during 2019, with the
Middle East following a period of down- to £22,892 million. In 2018, this was an Group the leading vapour company in the key
trading arising from the excise-led price increase of 30% or 1.8% on an adjusted, European markets.
increases in 2017. representative constant currency basis.
The Group’s vapour portfolio continues to
The Group’s US strategic combustible 2019 is the last year where the Group will perform strongly despite a slowdown in
portfolio performed well in a market that was adjust for the excise on bought-in goods the category growth rate in the US and in a
estimated to be down 5.3% in volume: as short-term contract manufacturing number of other markets in the second half of
agreements in ENA, to which such 2019, partly impacted by the US regulatory
– Newport volume share increased 40 bps
adjustments relate, have either ended in environment. The Group welcomes the US
(2018: up 10 bps), while volume declined
2019 or will be immaterial in 2020. FDA’s recent actions to clarify regulations in
3.9% (2018: down 4.6% representative);
Tobacco heating products the US vapour market.
– Natural American Spirit performed well
with volume share, including premium The Group’s THP portfolio continued to Total volume of vapour consumables was up
volume share, up 10 bps (2018: up 20 grow, with consumable volume up 32% 19% to 226 million units in 2019, driving
bps). Volume was up 0.5% against 2018, to 9.0 billion sticks (2018: up 217% to vapour revenue up 26.1% to £401 million.
(2018: 3.5% increase on a representative 6.8 billion sticks) while revenue increased In 2018, revenue was £318 million (up 89%)
basis); and 28.9% to £728 million (2018: up 180% to with volume 100% higher to 189 million
£565 million). Excluding the impact of the units partly due to the full year impact of RAI.
– Camel’s volume share declined 10 bps in Excluding the movement of foreign exchange
relative movements in sterling, at constant
the US (2018: flat) with volume lower by and adjusting for the impact of RAI (on 2018’s
rates of exchange, this was an increase of
6.0% (2018: down 4.4% representative), as growth rate), this was an increase, at constant
22.7% in 2019 and 184% in 2018.
the capsule and menthol variants performed rates of exchange, of 23% in 2019 and 26%
well but were more than offset by a decline – In Japan, the Group’s volume share grew in 2018 (on a representative basis).
in the remainder of the Camel portfolio. to 5.0% in December 2019, an increase
of 60 bps on 2018, while the Group’s In the US, total revenue from vapour was
Volume of other tobacco products (OTP) £207 million, an increase of 12% on 2018,
THP category volume share reached
declined 7.1% to 20.6 billion sticks (2018: up 149% at £184 million). On a
19.6%. Consumable volume grew 21%
equivalent (2018: 6.6% decline, or 7.5% on a constant currency basis, this was an increase
against 2018 driven by the launch of new
representative basis), being 3% of the Group of 7% in 2019, with the US up 20% in
device upgrades, ‘glo pro’, ‘glo nano’
portfolio (2018: 3%). 2018 after adjusting for currency and on a
and ‘glo sens’ together with a new range
Revenue from combustibles grew 4.2% to of consumables which achieved national representative basis. Alto increased vapour
£23,001 million driven by higher pricing distribution by the end of 2019. After an value share to 15.4% in December 2019,
across the Group notably in the US (including encouraging launch of ‘glo sens’, the driving total Vuse vapour value share higher
a reduction in discounting), Canada, Kenya, Group will be reviewing the in-market to 21.2% in December 2019 (December
Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Japan, execution, broadening device penetration 2018: 12.5%), despite a 6.2% decline in
Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and driving increased consumer uptake consumable volume.
France, Turkey and Ukraine. An improved in 2020. The Group’s integrated, cross On 2 January 2020, the US FDA announced
performance in high value markets such as category approach to marketing has seen that all flavoured cartridges/pods (excluding
Japan, South Africa, Romania and Australia the Group’s volume share of total nicotine menthol and tobacco flavours) must be
which, combined with reduced volumes in increase to 18.9% in December 2019 withdrawn until they have cleared through
lower value markets such as Pakistan and (up 210 bps from December 2018). the Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA)
Egypt, led to an enhanced geographic mix. process. A Group subsidiary in the US has
– In other markets, the Group continued to
These were offset by an unfavourable portfolio submitted a PMTA for Vuse Solo and the
grow volume and glo is above 1% volume
mix due to the relative growth of lower value Group believes it is well positioned to submit
share in key cities in Eastern Europe,
products such as Rothmans and Pall Mall. applications for the remaining Vuse portfolio
including Moscow. The Group’s THP
In 2018, revenue from combustibles increased products are now available in 17 markets and a range of flavours by 12 May 2020.
by 21.5% to £22,072 million largely due to with further expansion planned for 2020. It is expected that, as required by the PMTA
the full year inclusion of RAI and pricing in a process to remain on the market, all these will
number of markets, which more than offset be shown to be appropriate for the protection
a translational foreign exchange headwind of public health. There is no intention to
of 6%. submit a PMTA for the Vapewild portfolio
and consequently the Group has recognised
an impairment charge in respect of the
trademarks of £37 million.

36 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Vype continued to perform strongly, largely Modern Oral Traditional Oral


driven by the success of ePen3 and ePod. The Group is the leader in Modern Oral (on In 2019, volume was marginally lower
In the UK, the Group maintained value a pouch basis), with volume of 1.2 billion than the prior year (down 0.6% to 8.4 bn
leadership of the category with 38% vapour pouches in 2019. This was an increase stick equivalents), with 2018 0.4% lower
value share driven by Vype which performed of 188% on 2018, when volume was than 2017. Total revenue grew by 15%
well, with vapour value share increasing 0.4 billion pouches, itself an increase of to £1,081 million (2018: up 127% to
290 bps to 12% (December 2019), due to 108% on 2017. Revenue increased 267% to £941 million), driven by pricing in 2019, with
the success of ePen3 (launched in 2018) with £126 million (2018: up 127% to £34 million). the movement in 2018 due to the acquisition
10% vapour value share in December 2019. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, of RAI. On a constant rates basis, this was an
this was an increase of 273% in 2019 and increase in 2019 of 10% and 8% in 2018
In France, vapour value share reached 23% 140% in 2018, on a representative, constant (driven by pricing), after also adjusting for
(December 2019), an increase of 1,210 bps rates basis. This was driven by: the RAI acquisition uplift effect in that year.
(versus December 2018), driven by ePen3
and ePod, which was launched during – The expansion, in 2019, in the US of Velo In the US, moist value share grew 80 bps
the year. to over 100,000 retail outlets, achieving in 2019, largely due to the performance
a category volume share of 10.1% in of Grizzly with total volume share of moist
In Germany, Vype continues to grow with December 2019; up 10 bps. Total volume declined 1.5%.
an increase in Vype’s total share of vapour In 2018, volume in the US declined 2.3%
consumers to 17%. – Norway, where volume share (of the total
on a representative basis.
oral category) grew, in 2019, to 14%,
In South Africa, Twisp, a leading vaping building on the growth in 2018 to 8%; The Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTP)
products company, was acquired in 2019. application for Camel Snus was discussed
Twisp has close to 70 dedicated stores – Switzerland, where volume share of the
by the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory
nationally, nationwide retailer distribution and total oral category reached 41% in 2019,
Committee (TPSAC) in September 2018.
a modern e-commerce platform. having reached 17% in 2018;
A response is expected soon.
In Canada, following a period of value – Denmark, where the Group continues to
Outside the US, volume was higher in Sweden
share decline as competitors reacted to the lead the development of the oral category
in 2019 with volume share increasing 50 bps
legalisation of the market, Vype returned to with 75% volume share of the total oral
to 10.9% of the total oral category, driven by
growth and is the fastest growing vapour category; and
growth in Lundgrens.
brand in Canada in the second half of the – Russia where, following the launch in
year, with value share in December 2019 of 2019, the Group achieved 27% volume
28.2% (34.7% December 2018). share (December 2019) within the
Following the announcement on total oral category, in tracked channels.
28 November 2019 regarding the intention to In December 2019, following concerns in
simplify the New Categories product portfolio, Russia regarding irresponsible marketing
the Group expects to migrate certain vapour by our competitors, all sales of modern oral
brands (including Vype, Chic, Highendsmoke have been temporarily suspended. There is
and ViP) to Vuse during 2020, where possible, no indication of a concern regarding the
and has recognised an impairment charge Group’s products or practices and we
of £29 million, as discussed on page 153. expect a regulatory framework will be
implemented in 2020.
In line with the simplification agenda, the
Group expects to migrate the majority of its
modern oral portfolio to Velo during 2020.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 37


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

IFRS-GAAP
Profit from operations
PRODUCTIVITY (£m)

We have continued our drive towards a more effective


£9,016m
-3.2%
and efficient globally-integrated organisation, in large 2019 £9,016m -3%
part through the consolidation of our Global Supply 2018 £9,313m +45%

Chain Service Centre. This global integration allows for 2017 £6,412m +38%

Definition: Profit for the year before the impact of net finance
the lowest possible overheads cost, and has resulted costs/income, share of post-tax results of associates and joint
ventures and taxation on ordinary activities.
in a more agile and responsive supply chain.
KPI Non-GAAP
This increased flexibility and agility will play an important Change in adjusted profit from
operations at constant rates (%)
role in delivering our new strategy, which we look forward
to reporting on next year. +6.6%
Highlights during the year
– another year of substantial productivity savings and RAI acquisition savings delivered 2019 +7%
ahead of schedule; 2018 +38%

– consolidation of our Global Supply Chain Service Centre; and 2018 (rep) +4%
2017 +39%
– challenges of Track and Trace and plain packaging regulations successfully overcome. 2017 (org) +4%

Definition: Change in profit from operations before the


impact of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations in
Agile global operations model This has improved response to markets, foreign exchange rates.

The 2018 completion of our Global which has supported NTO growth in
KPI Non-GAAP
Supply Chain Service Centre resulted in New Categories.
Operating cash flow conversion ratio@
the synchronisation of our end-to-end In 2019, supply chain flexibility and agility (%)
supply network, with Leaf supply chain, were also proven in response to both plain
procurement, manufacturing, planning,
logistics, and the introduction of new
packaging regulation in Canada, as well as
Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) regulations 97%
products all consolidated. In 2019, we in the EU. In response to TPD regulations
built on these strong existing capabilities to that mandated the traceability of all products
leverage cross-functional synergies. and packs from manufacture to retail outlet, 2019 97%
2018 113%
Our fast-paced geographic expansion of our our supply chain was successfully adapted
2017 79%
New Categories business has necessitated to ensure full compliance across 14 factories,
a prioritisation of flexibility and agility. As a 6,400 external warehouses, and 900,000 Definition: Operating cash flow, as defined on page 264 as a
retailers. Similar successful flexibility was percentage of adjusted profit from operations.
result, we have developed a more responsive
supply chain, which involved developing demonstrated by significant changes to IFRS-GAAP
different supply chain models to meet the ensure compliance while protecting revenue Net cash generated from operating
different demand models that arise in our following strict new packaging regulations activities (£m)
in Canada.
£8,996m
increasingly multicategory business.

-12.6%
2019 £8,996m -13%
2018 £10,295m +93%
2017 £5,347m +16%

Definition: Movement in net cash and cash equivalents

OUR FAST-PACED GEOGRAPHIC before the impact of net cash used in financing activities, net
cash used in investing activities and differences on exchange.
EXPANSION OF OUR NEW
CATEGORIES BUSINESS HAS
NECESSITATED A PRIORITISATION
OF FLEXIBILITY AND AGILITY

Alan Davy
Director, Operations

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

38 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

KPI Non-GAAP

Change in adjusted cash generated Continued optimisation Procurement


@
from operations at constant rates (%) of manufacturing and Global visibility of forward demand and

-16.3% leaf footprint product specifications in one system has


delivered significant benefits with the tender
In 2019, we continued to optimise our at a global level of print materials and
manufacturing footprint and at the end of tow being notable examples. In addition
the year had 45 cigarette factories in 43 to the benefits of lower product cost,
2019 -16% countries. The Group also has facilities that the development of long-term supplier
2018 +158% are manufacturing New Categories products relationships with key suppliers has improved
2017 +0% and are co-located with the cigarette factories. security of supply and enabled higher
Definition: Change in adjusted cash generated from In ENA, the Group also has two facilities flexibility in the supply chain.
operations, as defined on page 265, before the impact manufacturing Modern Oral and one facility
of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. International logistics
producing vapour liquids.
Cigarette factories were closed in Saratov, Whether by road, air or sea, our logistics
Operating margin Russia and Phonm Penh, Cambodia. are organised and controlled centrally.
(%) This facilitates opportunities to negotiate
While the Group does not own tobacco farms globally with third-party providers and
34.8% or directly employ farmers, it sources over
400,000 tonnes of tobacco leaf each year
allows us to benefit from our scale.
Furthermore, this maximises the use of return
directly from over 90,000 contracted farmers shipments and economic order quantities
and through third-party suppliers mainly in to allow for maximum efficiency while
2019 34.8%
developing countries and emerging markets. maintaining the flexibility for fast response
2018 38.0%
We continually strive to improve farmer to market opportunities.
2017 32.8%

Definition: Profit from operations as a percentage of revenue.


sustainability and viability with a focus on Leaf operations
improved quality, reduced costs of production These are similarly managed globally to
and increased yield. As a result, we review our ensure that the Group works with reliable,
contracts on an annual basis to ensure that efficient and responsible farmers in our source
production is aligned to the needs of both the countries. Our Global Leaf Pool operation
farmer and the Group. aggregates demand to meet supply across all
Non-GAAP

Adjusted operating margin The Group also purchases a small amount of internationally traded tobacco. This approach
(%) tobacco leaf from India where the tobacco balances the lowest possible working capital
is bought over an auction floor. The price investment while reducing our exposure to
43.1% of tobacco in US dollars varies from year-
to-year driven by domestic inflationary
crop failure (from changes in climate) and
guaranteeing the best quality leaf to meet
pressures, supply, demand and quality. consumer demands.
The Group believes there is an adequate In 2019, we continued to improve our
2019 43.1%
supply of tobacco leaf in the world markets productivity in all areas of our supply chain
2018 42.6%
to satisfy its current and anticipated and elsewhere in the Group. As a result, we
2017 41.1%
production requirements. have increased our profitability and continue
Definition: Adjusted profit from operations as a percentage
of adjusted revenue. Increasing productivity savings to deliver returns to our shareholders today
and invest in the future.
By operating globally, exploiting our systems
and striving for results, the Group delivered
substantial productivity savings in 2019,
supported in large part by the acquisition
of Reynolds American Inc. with annualised
savings of over US$400 million delivered by
the end of 2019, a year ahead of schedule.
These savings are returned to the business
for re-investment and to increase shareholder
return. The Group considers all opportunities
for productivity savings in the supply chain,
including procurement, international logistics
and leaf operations:

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 39


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

Group diversity as at
WINNING ORGANISATION 31 December 2019
Total Male Female

We enable growth by having a winning and agile Main Board 11 8 3


Senior
organisation. We inspire diverse teams of committed management 576 443 133
and engaged people by: Total Group
employees 53,185 38,402 14,783
−− investing in our people;
Main Board
−− attracting the best;
Male 72.7%
−− developing high-performing leaders; and Female 27.3%

−− offering a fulfilling, rewarding and responsible


work environment.
Highlights during the year
– accelerated talent development and attraction in growth markets and growth Senior management
categories including tobacco heating products, vapour and modern oral; Male 76.9%

– celebrated our first year anniversary of B United, a network for our LGBT+ employees; Female 23.1%

– top Employer recognition in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific; and


– recognised as a Diversity Leader in 2019 by the UK Financial Times in its inaugural Diversity
Leaders report, highlighting progress in promoting diversity across our organisation.

Total Group employees


Investing in leaders Growth through diversity Male 72.2%
As our industry continues to transform, the Diversity matters to the Group because it Female 27.8%
way we attract and develop talent continues makes good commercial sense. Having a
to evolve to meet these new challenges. diverse workforce means we are better able to
Our increasingly data-led and digitally- understand and meet the varied preferences
enabled approach focuses on bringing new of our global consumers. We are proud of our
skills and capabilities to our teams. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which is built
on the three pillars of: Nationalities represented
We continue to reshape our employer brand to
attract and retain capabilities needed to deliver 1. driving ownership and accountability; Total
our strategy, supported by our strong social
2. building diverse talent pools; and Main Board 8
media position that grew followership by over
20% in 2019. Our employee value proposition 3. creating enablers; Global headquarters 83
remains strong and the Group was awarded Management level globally 141
all of which are underpinned by an
Global Top Employer recognition for the third
inclusive culture.
consecutive year with special recognition
in 35 countries, as well as the National 1. Driving ownership and accountability
Undergraduate Employability Award in the UK. Senior managers:
Ensuring ownership of and accountability for Companies Act 2006
Developing critical capabilities is at the highest our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy across the
For the purposes of disclosure under Section
of the Group’s priorities and we are focused Group is key to driving progress. Our regions, 414C(8) of the Companies Act 2006, the Group
on personalised digital opportunities for markets and business units have specific had 190 male and 30 female senior managers as
diversity action plans and initiatives in place at 31 December 2019. Senior managers are defined
upskilling employees. here as the members of the Management Board
to support diversity across the Group and to
You can read about our Group risk factor (excluding the Executive Directors) and the
related to talent on page 274 develop a pipeline of diverse talent at all levels Directors of the Group’s principal subsidiary
of our organisation. undertakings. The principal subsidiary undertakings,
To support our people, in 2019 we launched as set out in the Financial Statements, represented
Our Director, Talent and Culture, has overall approximately 70% of the Group’s employees and
a new Digital Learning platform called The responsibility for all employee and human contributed over 76% of Group revenue and 78%
Grid, which consolidates our internal and resources matters, while our Management of profit from operations in 2019.
external learning content together in one place Board oversees the development and
for ease of access. Additionally, we launched management of talent within the Group’s
the micro-learning mobile app Ed, which is regions and functions, and monitors progress
available to all our Group company employees against our key objectives and performance
in marketing and provides mobile access to our indicators. Our Board reviews progress on our
New Category products learning portfolio. As a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and initiatives
result, more than 6,700 marketeers and trade and diversity reporting forms a key part of
marketing representatives regularly use the app all Functional and Regional Leadership Team
to support their daily sales visits to retail outlets meetings, with quarterly reviews.
and wholesalers.

40 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

2. Building diverse talent pools Employee engagement index Workforce engagement


We are a diverse employer. There are 141 The Group has a range of well-established

82%
nationalities represented at management level engagement channels worldwide covering
within our Group, and we are pleased with the Group’s global workforce. We define
the continuous progress we are making and the Group’s workforce as comprising all
the sustainable pipeline we are building in FMCG comparator group 75% Group company employees and individuals
terms of nationality diversity. contracted on a fixed term basis to undertake
We are also continuing to work hard to permanent roles.
Definition: Results from our ‘Your Voice’ employee opinion
improve gender diversity within the Group. survey, carried out in 2019, enabled us to calculate our Our workforce engagement channels include
employee engagement index – a measure that reflects
Women represent 27% of our Board and 15% market and site visits by our Directors and
employees’ level of commitment, energy and connection
of our Management Board, and comprised towards the organisation. Management Board members to meet local
24% of our senior recruits and 23% of our employees, town hall sessions, works councils,
Objective: To achieve a more positive score than
internal promotions in 2019. We support the norm for FMCG companies in our comparator European Employee Council meetings,
women’s development into senior roles benchmark group. our ‘Your Voice‘ global employee survey,
through a variety of initiatives, including global, functional and regional webcasts
our Women in Leadership programme and and webcasts with the Chief Executive.
participation in the 30% Club mentoring These engagement channels are implemented
programme. We have female executives on Our other key metrics in this area include: as appropriate for the composition of
all our senior functional and geographical local workforce populations, at market,
– Employee retention: In 2019, total
leadership teams, and 49% of our 2019 business unit, functional or regional levels.
voluntary turnover of management-
graduate intake were women, supporting Our Speak Up channels are also available to
grade employees was 1,085,
the development of a sustainable pipeline of our workforce worldwide and are discussed
representing 8.1% of the total
women for senior management roles. further on page 32.
management population.
Read about our Global Graduate Programme
at www.bat-careers.com/graduates – Diversity: Representation of women in The Board has taken account of the
senior management roles increased from requirements of the UK Corporate
3. Creating enablers 16% in 2016, and 21% in 2017, to 23% Governance Code in its approach to
in 2019. engagement with the Group’s workforce.
To realise our diversity ambitions, we know
Given the spread, scale and diversity of the
we must develop enablers to provide a
Group’s workforce, the Board considers it
supportive environment for people to thrive. Inclusive culture effective to use the established channels
One of the ways we do this is by maintaining We can only truly harness the benefits of referred to above, and has augmented these
networks to share experiences. We currently a diverse workforce if we have an inclusive from January 2019 by introducing Group-
support 13 women’s networks across all levels culture that enables all our employees to wide reporting structures to capture feedback
of our organisation, including Women in flourish regardless of their gender, ethnicity, from engagement channels at market,
BAT UK network. We also partnered with the culture or other differences. business unit, functional and regional levels.
International Women’s Day Association for the
second year on the #BalanceforBetter campaign. We were proud to be recognised as a To ensure the Board understands the
Diversity Leader by the Financial Times in its views of our workforce, the Board now
‘B United’ celebrated its first anniversary in 2019. inaugural Diversity Leaders report. The report, reviews consolidated feedback from
‘B United’ is a Group network that provides our which lists the top 700 companies across 10 these engagement channels annually.
LGBT+ employees with a safe forum to share European countries, recognises organisations Feedback from the Board, with associated
experiences, mentoring opportunities and help that have achieved a diverse and inclusive action planning, is cascaded back across our
with overcoming hurdles, such as those relating workforce across a number of criteria. workforce and the Board is kept updated on
to adoption or travelling abroad with same
progress against identified actions during
sex partners.
the year. This approach supplements the
Directors’ direct engagement, including
through market and site visits, discussed
further at page 72.

Our policies and principles* Summary of areas covered Key stakeholder groups
Employment Principles Employment practices, including commitments to diversity, reasonable Our People
working hours, family-friendly policies, employee wellbeing, talent,
performance and equal opportunities, and fair, clear and competitive
remuneration and benefits.
Health and Safety Policy Health, safety and welfare of all employees, other members of our workforce Our People Customers
and third-party personnel. Suppliers

Standards of Business Respect in the work place, including promoting equality and diversity, Our People
Conduct (SoBC) preventing harassment and bullying, and safeguarding employee wellbeing.
Group Data Privacy Policy The manner in which BAT processes personal data about all individuals, Our People Suppliers
including consumers, employees, contractors and employees of suppliers. Consumers Customers

These policies and procedures are endorsed by our Board, apply to all Group companies and support the effective identification,
management and mitigation of risks and issues for our business in these and other areas.

* Further details of our Group policies and principles can be found at www.bat.com/principles

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 41


Strategic Management

DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY


CONTINUED

Our global ‘Your Voice‘ employee survey is Our approach to rewarding Group company Relatedly, the number of fatalities fell
conducted across the Group every two years, employees is set out further on pages 95 to significantly from 12 in 2018 to one across
most recently in 2019. The results from 2019 96. Further information on the Company’s the Group in 2019. This was primarily a result
demonstrate that we continue to outperform Remuneration Policy for Directors can be of our concerted effort to address the rise
our global FMCG comparator group in all areas found on pages 93 to 113. in attacks on our field-force. However, we
surveyed, including our employee engagement recognise that changing local conditions,
Gender pay
index at 7% higher than our FMCG such as increased levels of violence and civil
comparator group and our high performance Since 2018, we have published data relating unrest, continue in certain markets and that
index at 13% above our FMCG comparator to UK gender pay in accordance with this requires continuous assessments to ensure
group. Our Group results are also significantly statutory requirements. the learnings from other markets are rapidly
ahead of our FMCG comparator group in the You can learn more about our published data deployed to mitigate any rising trends in
categories of corporate responsibility, diversity relating to UK gender pay in line with statutory potential threats to our people.
requirements at www.bat.com/genderpayreport
& inclusion and talent development.
We are making every effort to further address
Our Employment Principles Safe place to work these challenges in 2020, notably through
Operating in challenging
sharing best-practice examples across
Our Employment Principles set out a common
environments
our regions.
approach for our Group companies’ policies
and procedures, recognising that each Group Providing a safe working environment for all our You can read about our Principal Group risk
relating to workplace health & safety on page 62
company must take account of local labour employees and contractors is paramount. As a
law and practice, and the local political, global business, operating in diverse markets
economic and cultural context. including some of the world’s most volatile
Health and Safety Policy
regions, this can also be challenging. Our Health and Safety Policy recognises the
In developing our Employment Principles, we importance of the health, safety and welfare
have sought the views of a cross-section of Safety risks vary across our business. For example, of all our employees and third-party personnel
internal and external stakeholders, and have our manufacturing sites carry lower risks, while in the conduct of our business operations.
consulted with employee representatives and the vast majority of all Group accidents are We are committed to the prevention
(where relevant) with our works councils. in Trade Marketing & Distribution (TM&D), of injury and ill-health, and strive for
All Group companies have adopted our which involves the distribution and sale of our continual improvement in health and safety
Employment Principles and, through our products. We have close to 30,000 vehicles and management and performance. This policy is
internal audit processes, are required to motorcycles out on the road every day, often in supported by our Environmental, Health and
demonstrate how these are embedded into environments with difficult social or economic Safety (EHS) management system, outlined
the work place. conditions. Our goods have a high street on page 29.
In addition to our Employment Principles, value, and in a small number of markets this
carries high risk of armed robbery and assault. Overall responsibility for Group health and
our Board Diversity Policy specifically applies safety is held by the Director, Operations.
to our Board and Management Board and is Poor road infrastructure and wide variations
in driving standards and behaviour provide The Director, Group Talent and Culture, has
discussed further at pages 81 to 82. overall responsibility for all employee and
further challenges.
Equal opportunities for all human resources matters.
Although these challenges will always exist, our
We are committed to providing equal goal is zero accidents across the Group. To help
opportunities to all employees. We do not Our key metrics* in this area include:
achieve this, we have a comprehensive approach
discriminate when making decisions on hiring, based on risk management and assessments, – Lost Workday Case Incident Rate
promotion or retirement on the grounds of employee training and awareness, and tailored (LWCIR): There was a decrease in our
race, colour, gender, age, social class, religion, initiatives for specific issues. LWCIR from 0.29 in 2018 to 0.27
smoking habits, sexual orientation, politics in 2019.
or disability. We are committed to providing Since 2017, we have implemented a range
training and development for employees of additional initiatives, such as ensuring – Lost workday cases (LWC): The number
with disabilities. drivers carry less stock, together with extra of work-related accidents (including
security measures for route planning and assaults) resulting in injury to employees
Rewarding people vehicle tracking. We use in-vehicle ‘telematics’ and to contractors under our direct
Reward is a key pillar in ensuring that we have monitoring systems to analyse driver behaviour supervision, causing absence of one shift
the right people to drive the business forward. data, and use the insights to tailor our training or more, decreased from 213 in 2018 to
Reward is necessarily local and we strongly programmes and improve driving skills and 186 in 2019.
support this through global frameworks to hazard perception.
– Serious injuries and fatalities: The total
ensure leading edge policies, processes and In markets where we have introduced number of serious injuries and fatalities
technology are available to all markets. distribution by motorcycle, we provide training to employees and contractors decreased
Base pay rewards core competence relative programmes to reduce risk. These provide from 54 in 2018 to 38 in 2019.
to skills, experience and contribution to practical techniques for different road conditions
the Group, while annual bonuses, long- and types of traffic, safe speeds and distances, * 2018 LWC data has been restated to include Health and Safety
data from our recent acquisitions.
term incentives, recognition schemes and and how to spot a potential problem and take
ad hoc incentives provide the right mix to action to deal with it safely.
ensure that sustained high performance is We are pleased to report that our actions are
recognised and rewarded. We also offer our producing improvements. While vehicle-related
UK employees the chance to share in our incidents remained flat in 2019, we saw an 18%
success via our Sharesave Scheme, Partnership reduction in injuries reported across TM&D,
Share Scheme and Share Reward Scheme, driven by a 40% decrease in the number of
and operate several similar schemes for senior assaults on our people.
management in our Group companies.

42 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Financial Review Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
SUMMARY

Highlights
STRONG – Group revenue was up 5.7% with profit from operations 3.2% lower
OPERATIONAL than 2018;
PERFORMANCE – At constant rates of exchange, adjusted revenue grew 5.6% with adjusted
profit from operations up 6.6%;
DRIVES – Diluted earnings per share decreased 5.4%. Adjusted diluted
DELEVERAGING earnings per share was up 9.1%, or 8.4% at constant rates;
Tadeu Marroco – Dividend per share was up 3.6% at 210.4p;
Finance Director – Net cash generated from operating activities declined 12.6%, @with adjusted
cash generated from operations at constant rates down 16.3%@; and
– Cash conversion at 100%, @with operating cash flow conversion ratio at 97%@.

Non-GAAP measures Revenue IFRS-GAAP

In the reporting of financial information, the In 2019, revenue grew 5.7% to Revenue
Group uses certain measures that are not defined £25,877 million (2018: £24,492 million, (£m)
by IFRS, the Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP) under which the Group
up 25.2% on 2017). The higher revenue in
2019 was due to pricing across the cigarettes £25,877m
reports. The Group believes that these additional
measures, which are used internally, are useful to
portfolio (with price mix of 9%) and an
increase in revenue from Traditional Oral (up +5.7%
users of the financial information in helping them 15%, 2018 up 127%) and New Categories 2019 £25,877m +6%
understand the underlying business performance. (up 37%, 2018 up 138%), which more than 2018 £24,492m +25%
offset a 4.7% decline in cigarette volume 2017 £19,564m +39%
The principal non-GAAP measures which
(2018: increase of 2.6%). The growth in 2018 Definition: Revenue recognised, net of duty,
the Group uses are adjusted revenue,
was mainly due to the inclusion of RAI as a excise and other taxes.
adjusted revenue from New Categories,
wholly-owned subsidiary from the acquisition In 2019, revenue includes £18,793 million of revenue from
adjusted revenue from the Strategic Portfolio,
date as 2017 only included approximately five the Strategic Portfolio, an increase of 9% (2018: £17,257
adjusted profit from operations, adjusted
months of revenue from RAI. 2018 revenue million). Within the Strategic Portfolio, revenue from New
diluted earnings per share, @operating cash Categories was £1,255 million (2018: £917 million).
was also driven by price mix of 6% (on the
flow conversion ratio and adjusted cash
combustible brands) and the growth of
generated from operations@. Adjusting items KPI Non-GAAP
the New Categories portfolio. Revenue was
are significant items in revenue, profit from Change in adjusted revenue
also affected by the movements of foreign
operations, net finance costs, taxation and at constant rates (%)
exchange on our reported results which was

+5.6%
the Group’s share of the post-tax results of
a tailwind of 0.6% in 2019, compared to a
associates and joint ventures which individually
headwind in 2018 of approximately 6%.
or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are
relevant to an understanding of the Group’s After adjusting for the short-term uplift to
underlying financial performance. As an revenue due to the treatment of excise on 2019 +6%
additional measure to indicate the results of bought-in goods and the effect of exchange 2018 +33%
the Group before the impact of exchange on the reported result, on a constant currency 2018 (rep) +4%
rates on the Group’s results, the movement basis, in 2019 adjusted revenue was up 5.6% 2017 +32%
in adjusted revenue, adjusted revenue from as combustibles pricing and the growth of 2017 (org) +3%
the Strategic Portfolio, adjusted profit from New Categories more than offset a decline
Definition: Change in revenue before the impact
operations and adjusted diluted earnings in cigarette volume of 4.7%. Excluding the of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations in foreign
per share are shown at constant rates of variance created to the Group’s results from exchange rates.
exchange. The Group also includes, where the acquisition of RAI and other businesses in
appropriate, measures termed ‘representative’ 2017, in 2018 adjusted revenue grew 3.5% on
or ‘organic’ to provide the user with the an adjusted, constant currency, representative
Group’s performance without the potentially basis as pricing and the growth in New
distorting effects of acquisitions, particularly Categories more than offset the decline in @ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of
RAI. These non-GAAP measures are explained combustibles volume on a representative basis. BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.
on pages 258 to 268.

Reconciliation of revenue to adjusted revenue at constant rates


2019 2018 2018 2017
Change % Change %
£m (vs 2018) £m (vs 2017) £m

Revenue 25,877 +5.7% 24,492 +25% 19,564


Adjusting items (50) – (180) – (258)
Add impact of acquisition (for representative calculation) – – – – 5,577
Adjusted revenue (2017 shown on a representative basis) 25,827 +6.2% 24,312 -2.3% 24,883
Impact of exchange (144) – 1,448 – –
Adjusted revenue at constant rates 25,683 +5.6% 25,760 +3.5% 24,883

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 43


Financial Review

INCOME
STATEMENT
IFRS-GAAP KPI Non-GAAP
Profit from operations Profit from operations Change in adjusted profit from
Profit from operations fell by 3.2% to (£m) operations at constant rates (%)

£9,016m +6.6%
£9,016 million, compared to an increase
of 45% to £9,313 million in 2018. This was
driven by the recognition of charges related to
Quebec Class Action in Canada (£436 million), -3.2%
the settlement of an excise dispute in Russia 2019 £9,016m -3% 2019 +7%
(£202 million), amortisation and impairment 2018 £9,313m +45% 2018 +38%
of trademarks and similar intangibles 2017 £6,412m +38% 2018 (rep) +4%
(£481 million), the impairment of Indonesian 2017 +39%
Definition: Profit for the year before the impact of net
goodwill (£172 million), other smoking and finance costs/income, share of post-tax results of associates 2017 (org) +4%
health litigation costs of £236 million (which and joint ventures and taxation on ordinary activities.
Definition: Change in profit from operations before the
included Engle progeny in the US) and costs impact of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations
related to the restructuring programmes, which in foreign exchange rates.
includes Quantum (£264 million). The growth
in 2018 was driven by the inclusion of RAI mid- Also included in 2019 are goodwill £565 million (2018: £363 million), of which
way through 2017. impairment charges in relation to Bentoel Quantum incurred £264 million (2018: £nil).
in Indonesia (£172 million) recognised in Quantum will simplify the business and create
Raw materials and other consumables
the year following a change in excise rates a more efficient and agile organisation to
costs declined 1.4% to £4,599 million in
impacting forecast future performance. support the growth of New Categories.
2019 mainly due to the end of the contract
The increase in 2018 reflects the full year The charge in 2018 included costs related to
manufacturing agreement which, due to
effect of RAI, with depreciation increasing in the implementation of the operating model,
excise recognition, led to an increase in
2017 due to the higher depreciation charges integration costs associated with the
revenue and in raw materials and other
following the consolidation of RAI in that year. acquisition of RAI and factory rationalisations
consumables costs. In 2018, this was an
(in Germany, Russia and APME).
increase of 3.2% to £4,664 million due to Other operating expenses increased
the higher volume following the acquisition by £1,183 million to £7,851 million in In 2019, the Group also incurred a £436 million
in 2017 of RAI as well as an increase in THP 2019 mainly due to the recognition of the charge in respect of the Quebec Class Action
volume, and a year-on-year movement charges in respect of Quebec Class Action in Canada, amortisation and impairment of
benefiting from a charge of £465 million in Canada (£436 million), Russia excise trademarks and similar intangibles (£481 million),
recognised in 2017 related to the purchase dispute (£202 million) and other litigation a charge of £202 million related to an excise
price allocation adjustment to inventory (including Engle progeny in the US) of dispute in Russia, impairment of goodwill in
which did not repeat in 2018. £236 million. 2018 was up £1,986 million Indonesia (£172 million) and other smoking and
to £6,668 million, largely due to the health litigation costs of £236 million, including
Employee benefit costs increased by
consolidation of RAI, including charges Engle progeny in the US.
7.2% to £3,221 million in 2019, which
in relation to the MSA.
includes charges in relation to Quantum of In 2018, the Group incurred an impairment
£264 million. In 2018, this was an increase Expenditure on research and of assets in Venezuela due to the accounting
of 12.2% to £3,005 million, due to the development was £376 million in revaluation (related to hyperinflationary
acquisition of RAI in 2017. 2019 (2018: £258 million) with a focus accounting) of £110 million and £178 million
on products that could potentially charge due to Engle progeny cases in the US.
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
reduce the risk associated with smoking
costs increased by £474 million to In 2019, adjusted profit from operations
conventional cigarettes.
£1,512 million in 2019 and by £136 million grew by 7.6% to £11,130 million or 6.6%
to £1,038 million in 2018. This includes Adjusted profit from operations is the to £11,032 million on a constant currency
the amortisation and impairment charges Group’s profit from operations before adjusting basis. This compared to an increase of 38%
of £481 million (2018: £377 million) items. Adjusting items were £2,114 million in 2018 which was largely driven by the full
largely related to the trademarks and in 2019 (2018: £1,034 million), including year effect of the acquisition of RAI in 2017.
similar intangibles capitalised following the charges related to trademark amortisation On a representative basis, adjusted profit
acquisitions (including RAI, TDR, Skandinavisk and impairment (discussed above), and from operations at constant rates increased
Tobakskompagni A/S (ST) and VapeWild). restructuring and integration costs of by 4.0% in 2018.

Analysis of profit from operations, net finance costs and results from associates and joint ventures
2019 2018
Adjusting Impact of Adjusted Adjusting
Reported items Adjusted exchange at CC Reported items Adjusted
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit from operations
US 4,410 626 5,036 (238) 4,798 4,006 505 4,511
APME 1,753 306 2,059 43 2,102 1,858 90 1,948
AmSSA 1,204 638 1,842 70 1,912 1,544 194 1,738
ENA 1,649 544 2,193 27 2,220 1,905 245 2,150
Total regions 9,016 2,114 11,130 (98) 11,032 9,313 1,034 10,347
Net finance (costs)/income (1,602) 80 (1,522) 56 (1,466) (1,381) (4) (1,385)
Associates and joint ventures 498 (25) 473 (7) 466 419 (32) 387
Profit before tax 7,912 2,169 10,081 49 10,032 8,351 998 9,349

44 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Non-GAAP
Operating margin Operating margin Adjusted operating margin
Operating margin in 2019 declined by 320 (%) (%)

34.8% 43.1%
bps to 34.8% as the growth in revenue was
more than offset by continued investment
in the development of New Categories and
the impact of the charges related to Quebec,
Russia, Indonesia, amortisation of trademarks, 2019 34.8% 2019 43.1%
other litigation and Quantum as described in 2018 38.0% 2018 42.6%
note 3 in the Notes on the Accounts. 2017 32.8% 2017 41.1%

In 2018, operating margin was ahead of 2017 Definition: Profit from operations as a percentage Definition: Adjusted profit from operations as a percentage
by over 500 bps to 38.0%, as the Group’s of revenue. of adjusted revenue.
performance and the full year impact of
RAI more than offset the increased spend
related to the New Category portfolio and
restructuring and integration costs incurred. In 2018, the Group recognised a monetary Associates and joint ventures
In 2019, adjusted operating margin grew by gain arising from the revaluation of the Associates in 2019 largely comprised the
50 bps driven by combustibles pricing and Group’s operations in Venezuela in line with Group’s shareholding in its Indian associate,
cost management initiatives, fuelling the hyperinflation (£45 million), which has been ITC. The Group’s share of post-tax results
investment into New Categories. treated as an adjusting item. Before the of associates and joint ventures, included at
impact of adjusting charges related to the the pre-tax level under IFRS, increased 19%
In 2018, adjusted operating margin grew by Franked Investment Income Group Litigation
150 bps largely due to the full year effect of to £498 million largely due to improved
Order (FIIGLO), as discussed on page 147, operational performance of ITC and the
RAI. On a representative basis, this was an (£28 million in 2019 and £25 million in
increase of 40 bps as the impact of pricing benefit from lower corporate tax following
2018), interest in relation to the Russia excise the change in rates in India. In 2018, this
more than offset the investment into New dispute (2019: £50 million), a £12 million
Categories and inflation on the cost base. was a decline of 98% to £419 million, as
charge in 2018 in relation to retrospective 2017 included the results of RAI prior to the
guidance by a tax authority on overseas
Net finance costs acquisition, after which it was consolidated
withholding tax, the monetary gain in as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with 2017
In 2019, net finance costs increased Venezuela in 2018 and the translation
£221 million to £1,602 million, largely also including the recognition of a gain of
impact of foreign exchange, adjusted net £23.3 billion, which arose as the Group was
driven by higher short-term borrowings finance costs were 5.8% higher in 2019 and
required to fund the timing of payments, deemed, under IFRS, to have disposed of RAI
59.2% higher in 2018. The movement in as an associate in that period.
interest on leases recognised under IFRS 16, 2018 reflected the full year’s interest charges
working capital movements in the period following the acquisition of RAI, including Excluding the effect of adjusting items,
and the impact of the translational headwind the increased borrowings to finance the including a gain arising on the deemed
on costs due to the relative weakness of acquisition and the consolidation into the disposal of part of the Group’s shareholding in
sterling against the US dollar. In 2018, net Group’s accounts of RAI’s borrowings. ITC (due to issuances to employee trusts), the
finance costs increased by £287 million Group’s share of associates and joint ventures
to £1,381 million, largely due to the full The Group’s average cost of debt in 2019 on an adjusted, constant currency basis was
year effect of servicing higher level of debt was 3.3%, compared to 3.0% in 2018. 20% higher in 2019, at £466 million. In 2018,
following the acquisition of RAI. this was a decline of 58.5% to £420 million as
the Group ceased to recognise the results of
RAI as an associate.

Analysis of profit from operations, net finance costs and results from associates and joint ventures
2018 2017
Adjusting Impact of Adjusted Adjusting Uplift due Adjusted
Reported items Adjusted exchange at CC Reported items Adjusted to acq repres
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit from operations
US 4,006 505 4,511 175 4,686 1,165 763 1,928 2,502 4,430
APME 1,858 90 1,948 151 2,099 1,902 147 2,049 25 2,074
AmSSA 1,544 194 1,738 184 1,922 1,648 134 1,782 22 1,804
ENA 1,905 245 2,150 67 2,217 1,697 473 2,170 29 2,199
Total regions 9,313 1,034 10,347 577 10,924 6,412 1,517 7,929 2,578 10,507
Net finance (costs)/income (1,381) (4) (1,385) (30) (1,415) (1,094) 205 (889)
Associates and joint ventures 419 (32) 387 33 420 24,209 (23,197) 1,012
Profit before tax 8,351 998 9,349 580 9,929 29,527 (21,475) 8,052

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 45


Financial Review

INCOME STATEMENT
CONTINUED

Tax The tax strategy outlined above is applicable


to all Group companies, including the UK Major taxes paid 2019
In 2019, the tax charge in the Income
Group companies. Reference to tax authorities (£bn)
Statement was £2,063 million, compared
to £2,141 million in 2018 and a credit of
£8,129 million in 2017. The 2017 credit
includes HMRC.
The publication of this strategy is considered £41.4bn
was largely due to the impact of the change to constitute compliance with the duty under
in tax rates in the US which led to a credit paragraph 16(2) Schedule 19 Part 2 of the
of £9.6 billion related to the revaluation of UK Finance Act 2016.
deferred tax liabilities arising on the acquired
net assets of RAI, and described below. The taxation on ordinary activities for 2019
The tax rates in the Income Statement are was a charge of £2.1 billion, compared to a
therefore a charge of 26.1% in 2019, a charge charge of £2.1 billion in 2018 and a credit
of 25.6% in 2018 and a credit of 27.5% in of £8.1 billion in 2017. Corporation tax
2017. These are also affected by the inclusion paid (due to the timing of corporation tax
of adjusting items described earlier and the instalment payments which straddle different
associates and joint ventures’ post-tax profit financial years) was £2.2 billion in 2019
in the Group’s pre-tax results. Excluding these (2018: £1.9 billion, 2017: £1.7 billion).
items and the deferred tax credit in 2017, the Our tax footprint extends beyond corporation
underlying tax rate for subsidiaries was 26.0% tax, including significant payment of
in 2019, 26.4% in 2018 and 29.7% in 2017. employment taxes and other indirect taxes Major taxes paid
See the section Non-GAAP measures on page including customs and import duties.
263 for the computation of underlying tax 2019 2018
The Group also collects taxes on behalf
£bn £bn
rates for the periods presented. of governments (including tobacco excise,
employee taxes, VAT and other sales taxes).  obacco excise
T
Tax strategy
The total tax paid in 2019 of £41.4 billion (collected) 32.4 31.1
The Group’s global tax strategy is reviewed (2018: £39.9 billion, 2017: £37.4 billion) Net VAT and other sales
regularly by the Board. The operation of the therefore consists of both taxes borne and taxes (collected) 5.8 5.9
strategy is managed by the Finance Director taxes collected as shown in the table provided. Corporation tax (borne) 2.2 1.9
and Group Head of Tax with the Group’s tax
position reported to the Audit Committee In addition to the major taxes, there are Customs and import
on a regular basis. The Board considers tax a host of other taxes the Group bears and duties (borne) 0.3 0.3
risks that may arise as a result of our business collects such as transport taxes, energy Taxes paid by
operations. In summary, the strategy includes: and environmental taxes, and banking employees (collected) 0.5 0.5
and insurance taxes. Employment taxes
– complying with all applicable laws
and regulations in countries in which In 2017, as part of the acquisition of RAI, the (borne) 0.2 0.2
we operate; Group acquired the assets and liabilities of the 41.4 39.9
RAI Companies. These are required to be fair
– being open and transparent with tax valued at the date of acquisition. The fair value The movements in deferred tax, taken
authorities and operating to build mature of the net assets acquired created a deferred through other comprehensive income,
professional relationships; tax liability, valued at the prevailing rate of mainly relate to the change in the
– supporting the business strategy of corporation tax at the date of acquisition, valuation of retirement benefits in the year,
the Group by undertaking efficient being 25 July 2017. Subsequently, on as disclosed in note 12 in the Notes on
management of our tax affairs in line with 22 December 2017, the US federal corporate the Accounts.
the Group’s commercial activity; tax rate was changed to 21%, effective from
1 January 2018. This revised rate was used
– transacting on an arm’s-length basis for to revalue the deferred tax liability at the
exchanges of goods and services between balance sheet date, reducing the liability and
companies within the Group; and providing a credit to the income statement in
– engaging in pro-active discussions with 2017 of £9.6 billion. Due to the scale of the
tax authorities on occasions of differing impact, this credit was treated as an adjusting
legal interpretation. item in that period.
Where resolution is not possible, tax disputes
may proceed to litigation. The Group seeks Deferred tax asset/(liability)
to establish strong technical tax positions.
Where legislative uncertainty exists, resulting 2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
in differing interpretations, the Group seeks to
establish that its position would be more likely Opening balance (17,432) (16,796) (216)
than not to prevail. Transactions between Difference on exchange 680 (1,011) 852
Group subsidiaries are conducted on arm’s- Recognised on acquisition of RAI – – (27,065)
length terms in accordance with appropriate Impact of US tax reforms – – 9,620
transfer pricing rules and OECD principles.
Changes in tax rates 47 70 –
Other (charges)/credits to the income statement (55) 304 152
Other credits/(charges) to other comprehensive income 138 (7) (133)
Other movements (4) 8 (6)
Closing balance (16,626) (17,432) (16,796)

46 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

IFRS-GAAP
Earnings per share The quarterly dividends will be paid to Diluted earnings per share (EPS)
Profit for the year was £5,849 million, a shareholders registered on either the UK main (p)
register or the South Africa branch register
249.0p
5.8% decline compared to £6,210 million
in 2018 (itself a decline of 84% on 2017). and to ADS holders, each on the applicable
The movement in 2019 was driven by the record dates.
recognition of charges in relation to Quebec, Under IFRS, the dividend is recognised in -5.4%
Russia, Indonesia, the impairment of acquired the year that it is approved by shareholders 2019 249.0p -5%
brands, other litigation charges, Quantum or, if declared as an interim dividend by 2018 263.2p -86%
and higher net finance costs, as previously directors, in the period that it is paid. 2017 1827.60p +633%
discussed, which more than offset an increase Following a review of the Group’s 2018 Definition: Profit attributable to owners of BAT p.l.c. over
in revenue across all product categories. Annual Report and Accounts conducted by weighted average number of shares outstanding, including
The movement in 2018 was largely due the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), an the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
to accounting gains in 2017 related to the error was identified whereby the Group had
acquisition of RAI and the deferred tax credit previously recognised the interim dividend KPI Non-GAAP

arising from the US tax reform, which both that would be paid in the subsequent period Change in adjusted diluted EPS
arose in the prior year. as a liability on the balance sheet. The effect (%)
Consequently, and after accounting for
the movement in non-controlling interests
was to overstate liabilities and reduce equity
by £1.0 billion in 2017 and £1.1 billion in
2018. Assessing the nature of the error, it was
+9.1%
in the year, basic earnings per share were
5.4% lower at 249.7p (2018: 264.0p, considered to be immaterial by the Directors
2017: 1,833.9p). After accounting for the as it did not affect the primary users of the 2019 +9%

dilutive effect of employee share schemes, financial statements (see page 130) as there 2018 +5%

diluted earnings per share were 249.0p, was no impact to the amount or timing of the 2017 +14%

5.4% lower than 2018 (2018: 263.2p, dividends received. Definition: Change in diluted earnings per share before the
impact of adjusting items.
2017: 1,827.6p). In 2019, the Group revised the recognition
Earnings per share are impacted by of the dividend in the accounts to be in KPI Non-GAAP

the adjusting items discussed above. accordance with IFRS. The 2019 Statement Change in adjusted diluted EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS, as calculated in note of Changes in Equity reflects the remaining at constant rates (%)
three quarterly dividends that were paid
+8.4%
7 in the Notes on the Accounts, was up
against the prior year by 9.1% at 323.8p, in the period, which, in total amount to
with 2018 ahead of 2017 by 5.2% at 296.7p. £3,476 million (2018: £4,463 million).
Adjusted diluted EPS at constant rates would The cash flow, prepared in accordance
have been 8.4% ahead of 2018 at 321.6p, with IFRS, reflects the total cash paid in the
2019 +8%
with 2018 up 11.8% against 2017. period. Further details of the total amounts
2018 +12%
of dividends paid in 2019 (with 2018
2017 +9%
Dividends comparatives) are given in note 18 in the
The Group pays its dividends to shareholders Notes on the Accounts. Definition: Change in diluted earnings per share before the
impact of adjusting items and the impact of fluctuations in
over four quarterly interim dividends. Dividends are declared and payable in sterling foreign exchange rates.
Quarterly dividends provide shareholders with except for those shareholders on the branch
a more regular flow of dividend income and register in South Africa, where dividends are
allow the Company to spread its substantial payable in rand. The equivalent dividends
dividend payments more evenly over the receivable by holders of ADSs in US dollars are
year. The dividends align better with the calculated based on the exchange rate on the
cash flow generation of the Group and so applicable payment date.
enable the Company to fund the payments
more efficiently. Further details of the quarterly dividends
and key dates are set out under ‘Shareholder
The Board has declared an interim dividend information’ on pages 300 and 301.
of 210.4p per ordinary share of 25p, payable
in four equal quarterly instalments of 52.6p
per ordinary share in May 2020, August
2020, November 2020 and February 2021.
This represents an increase of 3.6% on 2018,
(2018: 203.0p per share), and a payout ratio,
on 2019 adjusted diluted earnings per share,
of 65.0% (2018: 68.4%).

The discussion of 2017 results that are not necessary to an understanding of the Group’s
financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations is excluded from
this Financial Review in accordance with applicable US Securities laws. Discussion of such
2017 metrics is contained in the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F 2018, which is
available at bat.com/annualreport and has been filed with the SEC. Information contained
in pages 33 to 47 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F 2018 are accordingly incorporated
by reference into this Annual Report on Form 20-F 2019 only to the extent such information
pertains to the Group’s financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal year ended
31 December 2017.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 47


Financial Review

TREASURY AND
CASH FLOW

Treasury, liquidity and Considering the relevant hedge relationships In July 2019, the Group filed a shelf registration
capital structure impacted by these amendments, as at statement on Form F-3 with the SEC pursuant
31 December 2019, the Group has floating rate to which B.A.T Capital Corporation and B.A.T.
The Treasury Function is responsible for borrowings with nominal value £1,929 million International Finance p.l.c. may issue debt
raising finance for the Group and managing and US$750 million (£566 million) that are due securities guaranteed by certain members of
the Group’s cash resources and the financial to mature in January 2022 and August 2022, the Group from time to time. This forms part of
risks arising from underlying operations. respectively. the Group’s strategy to ensure flexible and agile
Clear parameters have been established, access to capital markets and the registration
including levels of authority, on the type In relation to the Group’s floating rate
statement is initially valid for three years.
and use of financial instruments to manage borrowings and hedge instruments, there is
the financial risks facing the Group. exposure to uncertainty arising from changes Management believes that the Group
Such instruments are only used if they relate in the USD LIBOR, EURIBOR and GBP LIBOR has sufficient working capital for present
to an underlying exposure; speculative benchmarks. The Group believes that its requirements, taking into account the
transactions are expressly forbidden under contracts with interest rates based on these amounts of undrawn borrowing facilities
the Group’s treasury policy. All these activities benchmarks adequately provide for alternate and levels of cash and cash equivalents,
are carried out under defined policies, calculations of interest in the event that they and the ongoing ability to generate cash.
procedures and limits, reviewed and approved are unavailable. The Group believes that any
by the Board, delegating oversight to the resulting ineffectiveness consequent to the Cash flow
Finance Director and Treasury Function. Interest Rate Benchmark Reform is likely to be Net cash generated from
See note 22 in the Notes on the Accounts immaterial. Although these calculations may operating activities
for further detail. cause an administrative burden, the Group In 2019, net cash generated from operating
does not believe that these would materially activities declined by £1,299 million (or
It is the policy of the Group to maximise adversely affect the Group or its ability to
financial flexibility and minimise refinancing 12.6%) largely due to the timing of part
manage its interest rate risk. of the 2018 MSA payment (£1.4 billion)
risk by issuing debt with a range of maturities,
generally matching the projected cash flows The Group continues to maintain which was paid in 2017 and due to working
of the Group and obtaining this financing investment‑grade credit ratings*, with ratings capital movements, particularly in Australia
from a wide range of sources. The Group from Moody’s/S&P at Baa2 (stable outlook)/ where the payment terms related to excise
targets an average centrally managed BBB+ (stable outlook), respectively, with a were changed in the year, removing bonded
debt maturity of at least five years with medium-term rating target of Baa1/BBB+. warehousing and increasing inventory values.
no more than 20% of centrally managed The strength of the ratings has underpinned In 2018, net cash generated from operating
debt maturing in a single rolling year. As at debt issuance and the Group is confident of activities increased by £4,948 million to
31 December 2019, the average centrally its ability to successfully access the debt capital £10,295 million, principally due to the
managed debt maturity was 9.1 years markets. All contractual borrowing covenants full year effect from RAI, compared to
(2018: 8.8 years) and the highest proportion have been met and these covenants are not approximately five months’ contribution to
of centrally managed debt maturing in a expected to inhibit the Group’s operations 2017, the timing of payments related to the
single rolling 12-month period was 18.6% or funding plans. MSA in the US and an increase in debtor
(2018: 18.4%). The Group maintains a two-tranche £6 billion factoring by approximately £300 million.
The only externally imposed capital revolving credit facility. This consists of a These more than offset a reduction in
requirement the Group has is in respect of its £3 billion 364-day revolving credit facility dividends from associates following the
centrally managed banking facilities, which (which, in July 2019, was extended to mature acquisition of RAI. Other movements include:
require a gross interest cover of 4.5 times. in July 2020) and a £3 billion revolving credit – the increase in inventory in 2018 was
The Group targets a gross interest cover, facility maturing in 2021. On 12 March 2020, predominantly related to the timing of
as calculated under its key central banking the Group refinanced the existing two- leaf purchases and inventory movements
facilities, of greater than 5 times. For 2019, tranche £6 billion revolving credit facility with in Romania, Turkey and Russia;
it was 7.1 times (2018: 7.2 times). a new two-tranche £6 billion revolving credit
facility. This consists of a £3 billion 364-day – the increase in trade and other payables
In order to manage its interest rate risk, the tranche (with two one-year extension options was driven by higher excise payables which
Group maintains both floating rate and fixed and a one-year term-out option), and a are impacted by the timing of inventory
rate debt. The Group sets targets (within overall £3 billion five-year tranche (with two one-year movements in the supply chain; and
guidelines) for the desired ratio of floating to extension options).
fixed rate debt on a net basis (at least 50% fixed – the final quarterly payments in relation
on a net basis in the short to medium term). In July 2019, the Group also arranged short- to the Quebec Class Action in 2017.
At 31 December 2019, the relevant ratios of term bilateral facilities with some of its core Net cash used in investing activities
floating to fixed rate borrowings were 18:82 banks for a total amount of £745 million.
In 2019, net cash used in investing activities
(2018: 21:79) on a net basis. The Group also maintains a £25 billion declined by £382 million to £639 million
As part of the management of liquidity, funding EMTN programme, and US (US$4 billion) (2018: £1,021 million), largely due to a
and interest rate risk, the Group regularly and European (£3 billion) commercial paper net inflow of £148 million from short-term
evaluates market conditions and may enter into programmes to accommodate the liquidity investment products, including treasury
transactions, from time to time, to repurchase needs of the Group. bills (2018: £153 million net outflow) and
outstanding debt, pursuant to open market a reduction in purchases of property, plant
At 31 December 2019, the revolving credit
purchases, tender offers or other means. and equipment of £94 million.
facility was undrawn (2018: undrawn)
The Group has early adopted the Amendments with £1,056 million of commercial paper
to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments in respect of the outstanding (2018: £536 million).
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform as a result of the
UK Financial Conduct Authority’s announcement
on 27 July 2017. * A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. A credit rating may be subject to withdrawal
or revision at any time. Each rating should be evaluated separately of any other rating.

48 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Included within investing activities is In March and June 2019, the Group repaid Free cash flow (before and after
gross capital expenditure which includes €820 million and US$750 million of bonds dividends paid to shareholders)@
purchases of property, plant and equipment at maturity, respectively. Free cash flow (before dividends paid to
and certain intangibles. This includes the shareholders), as defined on page 266,
As part of the liquidity management strategy,
investment in the Group’s global operational was £6,519 million, a decrease of 15%
the Group redeemed, prior to their maturity
infrastructure (including, but not limited to, on the prior year (2018: £7,684 million;
in 2020, US$2.25 billion and US$1.25 billion
the manufacturing network, trade marketing 2017: £3,500 million). This movement
of bonds in September 2019 and November
software and IT systems). In 2019, the Group was driven by the timing of the 2018 MSA
2019, respectively. The Group also repaid
invested £807 million, a decrease of 8.6% payment (brought forward to 2017) which
US$650 million of bonds (in September 2019)
on the prior year (2018: £883 million). impacts the comparator periods and more
and £500 million of bonds (in December
The Group expects gross capital expenditure than offsets the enhanced delivery across the
2019) at maturity.
in 2020 of £650 million, mainly related remainder of the Group.
to the ongoing investment in the Group’s The 2018 outflow was also due to the
operational infrastructure including the payment of a €0.4 billion bond (in After payment of dividends to shareholders,
expansion of our New Categories portfolio. March 2018) and three bonds totalling free cash flow was £1,921 million
US$2.5 billion (in June 2018) at maturity, (2018: £3,337 million; 2017: £35 million).
Net cash used in financing activities
the repayment of £0.6 billion, under the 2018 was also impacted by the full year
Net cash used in financing activities was revolving credit facility and £1.2 billion of inclusion of results from RAI, which led to
an outflow of £8,593 million in 2019 commercial paper outstanding in each case higher interest payments and a reduction in
(2018: £9,630 million outflow). at 31 December 2017. dividends from associates (due to the change
The 2019 outflow was mainly due to the Eight series of US$ denominated bonds in accounting recognition of RAI in 2017).
repayment (at maturity) or early redemption totalling US$17.25 billion were issued in Adjusted cash generated from
(as part of the Group’s liquidity management August 2017 pursuant to Rule 144A with operations (Adjusted CGFO)@
strategy) of bonds in the year totalling registration rights, whereby the Group
£5.1 billion, discussed below. This more Adjusted CGFO is defined on page 265.
committed to investors that the bonds
than offset the inflow from the four bonds Adjusted CGFO was £6,831 million, a
would be exchangeable for registered notes.
issued (totalling US$3.5 billion or £2.7 billion) decrease of 15% (2018: £8,071 million,
In October 2018, investors were offered
in September 2019, following the shelf 2017: £3,282 million), or 16% at constant
to exchange their unregistered bonds for
registration in the US referred to on page rates of exchange. The decrease in
registered bonds in line with the registration
48. The 2019 outflow also included the 2019 was driven by the timing of the
rights. The exchange offer was completed
increased dividend payment of £4,598 million 2018 MSA payment, paid in 2017 as it was
in November 2018 with 99.7% of the
(2018: £4,347 million) due to the higher tax deductible at 2017 tax rates.
bonds exchanged.
dividend per share and interest paid in the Excluding the timing impact of this payment,
year of £1,601 million (2018: £1,557 million). adjusted cash generated from operations
would have increased by 1.2% in 2019 and
Summary cash flow 43%, in 2018. See page 265 for further
information on this measure.
2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m Cash flow conversion
Cash generated from operations 10,948 11,972 6,119 The conversion of profit from operations to
Dividends received from associates 252 214 903 net cash generated from operating activities
Tax paid (2,204) (1,891) (1,675) may indicate the Group’s ability to generate
cash from the profits earned. Based upon
Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347 net cash generated from operating activities,
Net cash used in investing activities (639) (1,021) (18,544) the Group’s conversion rate decreased from
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities (8,593) (9,630) 14,759 111% to 100% in 2019. This was largely due
Differences on exchange (57) (138) (391) to the timing of the payment for the MSA
(Decrease)/increase in net cash and cash equivalents (293) (494) 1,171 in December 2017 (positively impacting
2018 conversion).
@Operating cash flow conversion ratio
@
Reconciliation of net cash generated from operating activities (based upon adjusted profit from operations)
to free cash flow and adjusted cash generated from operations@ decreased in 2019 to 97% from 113% in
2018, as 2018 was positively impacted
2019 2018 2017
by the timing of the MSA payment which
£m £m £m
was brought forward to December 2017.
Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347 Normalising for this timing difference in
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (157) (142) (167) both 2018 and 2017, the operating cash
Net interest paid (1,550) (1,533) (1,004) flow conversion ratio would have been
Net capital expenditure (774) (845) (767) 97% in 2019 and 100% in 2018, reflecting
the Group’s ability to deliver cash from the
Trading loans to third party 4 (93) 101
operating performance of the business.
Other – 2 (10) See page 264 for further information on
Free cash flow 6,519 7,684 3,500 this measure.
Net cash impact of adjusting items 564 601 685
Dividends and other appropriations from associates (252) (214) (903)
@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part
Adjusted cash generated from operations 6,831 8,071 3,282 of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 49


Financial Review

TREASURY AND CASH FLOW


CONTINUED

Borrowings and net debt Adjusted net debt On an adjusted basis, as defined on page
Total borrowings decreased to £45,366 million to adjusted EBITDA 268, including dividends from associates and
in 2019 (2018: £47,509 million) largely due joint ventures (as a proxy to a return in the
The Group uses adjusted net debt to adjusted period, given the inclusion of the investment
to the repayment of borrowings in the year, EBITDA, as defined on page 267, to assess
driven by the cash flow generated by the in associates and joint ventures in the Group’s
its level of adjusted net debt in comparison calculation of capital employed), adjusted
business and a foreign exchange tailwind of to the earnings generated by the Group.
£1,566 million, partly offset by the recognition ROCE grew from 8.3% in 2018 to 9.0%
This is deemed by management to reflect in 2019. This was partly due to the higher
of lease liabilities under IFRS 16 (£607 million), the Group’s ability to service and repay
which are included in ‘borrowings’ and the adjusted profit from operations in the year
borrowings. In 2019, the ratio of adjusted and foreign exchange tailwind reducing
payment of dividends to shareholders in the net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 3.5 times,
period. The 4% decrease in 2018 was largely average capital employed largely due to the
representing an improvement from 4.0 times relative value of US$ to sterling. In 2018,
due to the repayment, on maturity, of a at the end of 2018. The improvement in
€400 million bond in March 2018 and three adjusted ROCE declined from 11.5% in 2017
2018 from 5.3 times in 2017 was due to the to 8.3%, largely due to higher average capital
bonds totalling US$2,500 million in June 2018. additional adjusted net debt arising as part employed in 2018 following the acquisition
Total borrowings includes £848 million of the acquisition of RAI in 2017, with only of RAI in 2017 and translational foreign
(31 December 2018: £944 million) in respect five months of RAI contribution to adjusted currency headwinds.@
of the purchase price adjustments related to EBITDA recognised in that year.
the acquisition of RAI. The Group’s adjusted net debt to adjusted Retirement benefit schemes
As discussed on page 48, the Group remains EBITDA ratio is subject to the fluctuations The Group’s subsidiaries operate over 190
confident about its ability to access the debt in the foreign exchange market by virtue of retirement benefit arrangements worldwide.
capital markets successfully and reviews its the Group’s foreign currency denominated The majority of the scheme members
options on a continuing basis. earnings and the exposure of the debt belong to defined benefit schemes, most
portfolio to, predominantly, the US dollar. of which are funded externally and many
Net debt is a non-GAAP measure and is In 2019, due to the relative movement in the of which are closed to new entrants.
defined as total borrowings, including related US dollar against sterling, the sterling value of The Group also operates a number of defined
derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents and adjusted net debt declined by £873 million. contribution schemes.
current investments held at fair value. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange The present total value of funded scheme
Net debt, at 31 December 2019, was on the Group’s reported results, adjusted liabilities as at 31 December 2019 was
£42,574 million (2018: £44,351 million; net debt to adjusted EBITDA declined 0.4x £11,726 million (2018: £11,317 million),
2017: £45,571 million), with the movement in 2019 (2018: decline 0.4x) on a constant while unfunded scheme liabilities amounted
in net debt largely due to the repayment rate basis. to £1,135 million (2018: £1,106 million).
of the outstanding bonds and a foreign Refer to page 267 for a full reconciliation from The schemes’ assets declined to
exchange benefit of £873 million largely borrowings to adjusted net debt, profit for £11,925 million in 2018 (largely due to
due to the movement of US$ to sterling the year to adjusted EBITDA and the ratio of actuarial losses of £531 million) and declined
(2018: £1,963 million headwind). adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA, at both to £11,860 million in 2019, partly due to the
@The movement in net debt also includes current and constant rates of exchange. pension buy-in in the UK (discussed on page
the free cash flow before dividends 159). After excluding unrecognised scheme
earned in the year (2019: £6,519 million;
@
Return on capital employed surpluses of £28 million (2018: £20 million),
2018: £7,684 million) as described on page (ROCE) the overall net liability for all pension and
49. This is partly offset by dividends paid The Group’s ROCE, calculated in accordance healthcare schemes in Group subsidiaries
to owners of the parent of £4,598 million with our reported numbers was 7.1% amounted to £1,029 million at the end of
(2018: £4,347 million).@ (2018: 7.3%) with the reduction partly 2019, compared to £518 million at the end
due to the lower profit from operations, of 2018. Contributions to the defined benefit
discussed earlier. schemes are determined after consultation
with the respective trustees and actuaries of
the individual externally funded schemes,
taking into account regulatory environments.

Litigation and settlements


As discussed in note 27 in the Notes on the
Accounts, various legal proceedings or claims are
pending or may be instituted against the Group.
Reconciliation of total borrowings to adjusted net debt
2019 2018 2017
Government activity
£m £m £m The marketing, sale, taxation and use of
Total borrowings 45,366 47,509 49,450 tobacco products have been subject to
substantial regulation by government and
Derivatives in respect of net debt:
health officials for many years. For information
– assets (527) (647) (640) about the risks related to regulation,
– liabilities 384 269 117 see page 59 and pages 276 to 281.
Cash and cash equivalents (2,526) (2,602) (3,291)
Current investments held at fair value (123) (178) (65)
Net debt 42,574 44,351 45,571
Purchase price adjustment (PPA) to RAI debt (848) (944) (947) @ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part
Adjusted net debt 41,726 43,407 44,624 of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

50 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

OTHER

Off-balance sheet arrangements The critical accounting judgements are Foreign exchange rates
and contractual obligations described in note 1 in the Notes on the The principal exchange rates used to convert
Accounts and include: the results of the Group’s foreign operations
Except for certain indemnities, the Group has
no significant off-balance sheet arrangements. – identification and quantification of to sterling, for the purposes of inclusion and
The Group has contractual obligations to adjusting items; consolidation within the Group’s financial
make future payments on debt guarantees. statements, are indicated in the table below.
– determination as to whether to recognise
In the normal course of business, it enters provisions and the exposures to contingent Where the Group has provided results at
into contractual arrangements where liabilities related to pending litigation or constant rates of exchange this refers to the
the Group commits to future purchases other outstanding claims; translation of the results from the foreign
of goods and services from unaffiliated operations at rates of exchange prevailing
and related parties. See page 270 for a – determination that an error, identified in the prior period – thereby eliminating the
summary of the contractual obligations following a review by the FRC (and potentially distorting impact of the movement
as at 31 December 2019. discussed on page 175) was immaterial and in foreign exchange on the reported results.
did not require restatement of the prior
Accounting policies periods as, whilst the effect was to overstate Going concern
The application of the accounting standards liabilities and reduce equity by £1.0 billion A description of the Group’s business
and the accounting policies adopted by the in 2017 and £1.1 billion in 2018, it did activities, its financial position, cash flows,
Group are set out in the Group Manual of not affect the primary users of the financial liquidity position, facilities and borrowings
Accounting Policies and Procedures (GMAPP). statements (see page 175) as there was position, together with the factors likely to
no impact to the amount or timing of the affect its future development, performance
GMAPP includes the Group instructions in dividends received;
respect of the accounting and reporting of and position, are set out in this Annual Report
business activities, such as revenue recognition, – determination as to whether control and Form 20‑F.
asset valuations and impairment testing, (subsidiaries), joint control (joint The key Group risks include analyses of
adjusting items, the accrual of obligations and arrangements), or significant influence financial risk and the Group’s approach
the appraisal of contingent liabilities, which (associates) exist in relation to investments to financial risk management. Notes 19 and
include taxes and litigation. Formal processes held by the Group; and 22 in the Notes on the Accounts provide
are in place whereby central management and – review of applicable exchange rates for further detail on the Group’s borrowings
end-market management confirm adherence transactions with and translation of entities and management of financial risks.
to the principles and the procedures and to the in territories where there are restrictions
completeness of reporting. Central analyses The Group has, at the date of this report,
on the free access to foreign currency sufficient existing financing available for its
and revision of information are also performed or multiple exchange rates.
to ensure and confirm adherence. estimated requirements for at least the next
Accounting developments 12 months. This, together with the ability
In order to prepare the Group’s consolidated to generate cash from trading activities,
financial information in accordance with Other than as stated below, there were no the performance of the Group’s Strategic
IFRS, management has used estimates further material changes to the accounting Portfolio, its leading market positions
and assumptions that affect the reported standards applied in 2019 from those applied in a number of countries and its broad
amounts of revenue, expenses, assets and the in 2018. geographical spread, as well as numerous
disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 contracts with established customers and
of the financial statements. Revenue from Contracts with Customers became suppliers across different geographical areas
The critical accounting estimates are described effective from 1 January 2018, and the impact and industries, provides the Directors with the
in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts of these changes is also disclosed in note 1 in confidence that the Group is well placed to
and include: the Notes on the Accounts. manage its business risks successfully in the
context of current financial conditions and
– review of asset values, including goodwill IFRS 16 Leases was published in January 2016 the general outlook in the global economy.
and impairment testing; with a mandatory effective date of 1 January
2019. The effect is that virtually all leasing After reviewing the Group’s annual budget,
– estimation and accounting for retirement arrangements are brought on to the balance plans and financing arrangements for the next
benefit costs; and sheet as financial obligations and ‘right-of-use’ three years, the Directors consider that the
– estimation of provisions, including as related assets. The impact of applying the Standard to Group has adequate resources to continue
to taxation and legal matters. the Group’s reported profit in 2019, 2018 or operating and that it is therefore appropriate
2017 would not have been material. to continue to adopt the going concern
Foreign exchange rates
basis in preparing the Annual Report and
Form 20‑F.
Average Closing
2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Australian dollar 1.836 1.786 1.681 1.885 1.809 1.730
Brazilian real 5.035 4.868 4.116 5.329 4.936 4.487
Canadian dollar 1.694 1.730 1.672 1.718 1.739 1.695
Euro 1.140 1.130 1.142 1.180 1.114 1.127
Indian rupee 89.898 91.227 83.895 94.558 88.916 86.343
Japanese yen 139.234 147.376 144.521 143.967 139.733 152.387
Russian rouble 82.623 83.677 75.170 82.282 88.353 77.880
South African rand 18.437 17.643 17.150 18.525 18.321 16.747
US dollar 1.277 1.335 1.289 1.325 1.274 1.353

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 51


Financial Review

REGIONAL REVIEW

Operational growth demonstrates inherent business model


strength in all regions – offset by short‑term headwinds

UNITED AMERICAS AND


STATES SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Volume Volume
2019 vs 2018 2018 vs 2017 2017 2019 vs 2018 2018 vs 2017 2017
units % units % units units % units % units
Cigarettes (bn sticks) 73 -6.0% 77 -5.3% 82 Cigarettes (bn sticks) 152 -3.1% 157 -5.4% 166
Other (bn sticks eq)* – – – – – Other (bn sticks eq)* 2 -8.2% 2 -17.4% 3
Combustibles (bn sticks) 73 -6.0% 77 -5.3% 82 Combustibles (bn sticks) 154 -3.1% 159 -5.6% 169
New Categories: New Categories:
Vapour (10ml/pods) 103 -6.2% 109 +36.0% 80 Vapour (10ml/pods) 14 +191% 5 n/m –
THP (bn sticks) – – – – – THP (bn sticks) – n/m – n/m –
Modern Oral (mn pouches) 112 – – – – Modern Oral (mn pouches) 8 n/m – n/m –
Traditional Oral (bn sticks eq) 8 -1.5% 8 -2.3% 8 Traditional Oral (bn sticks eq) – n/m – n/m –
* Other combustibles includes MYO/RYO * Other combustibles includes MYO/RYO

Revenue Revenue
vs 2017 vs 2017
(adj (adj
vs 2018 repres vs 2018 repres
2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc) 2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc)
£m % % £m % % £m % % £m % %
Combustibles 9,078 +8.6% +3.8% 8,358 +128% +0.8% Combustibles 3,992 +2.7% +8.5% 3,886 -4.9% +5.3%
New Categories: New Categories:
Vapour 207 +12.4% +7.4% 184 +149% +20% Vapour 43 +120% +117% 20 n/m n/m
THP 1 -7.7% -11.7% 1 – – THP – n/m n/m – n/m n/m
Modern Oral 9 n/m n/m – – – Modern Oral 1 n/m n/m – n/m n/m
Total New Categories 217 +17.1% +11.9% 185 +149% +20% Total New Categories 44 +119% +116% 20 n/m n/m
Traditional Oral 1,052 +14.5% +9.5% 919 +129% +7.1% Traditional Oral – n/m n/m – n/m n/m
Other 26 -21.2% -27.1% 34 +88% -28% Other 225 +10.2% +13.1% 205 -14% +1.0%
Revenue 10,373 +9.2% +4.4% 9,495 +128% +1.5% Revenue 4,261 +3.6% +9.2% 4,111 -4.9% +5.6%

Profit from operations/Operating margin Profit from operations/Operating margin


vs 2017 vs 2017
(adj (adj
vs 2018 repres vs 2018 repres
2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc) 2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc)
£m % % £m % % £m % % £m % %
Profit from Profit from
operations 4,410 +10.1% +6.4% 4,006 +244% +5.8% operations 1,204 -22.0% +10.0% 1,544 -6.3% +6.5%
Operating Operating
margin (%) 42.5% +30 bps 42.2% +1,420 bps margin (%) 28.3% -930 bps 37.6% -60 bps

52 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

EUROPE AND ASIA-PACIFIC AND


NORTH AFRICA MIDDLE EAST

Volume Volume
2019 vs 2018 2018 vs 2017 2017 2019 vs 2018 2018 vs 2017 2017
units % units % units units % units % units
Cigarettes (bn sticks) 230 -6.3% 246 -5.3% 260 Cigarettes (bn sticks) 213 -3.7% 221 -1.3% 224
Other (bn sticks eq)* 17 -7.9% 18 -8.2% 19 Other (bn sticks eq)* 2 +1.5% 2 +10.4% 2
Combustibles (bn sticks) 247 -6.4% 264 -5.6% 279 Combustibles (bn sticks) 215 -3.7% 223 -1.2% 226
New Categories: New Categories:
Vapour (10ml/pods) 108 +44% 75 +26.3% 59 Vapour (10ml/pods) 1 n/m – n/m –
THP (bn sticks) 1.1 +334% – n/m – THP (bn sticks) 8 +20.1% 7 +208% 2
Modern Oral (mn pouches) 1,071 +157% 414 +108% 199 Modern Oral (mn pouches) 3 n/m – n/m –
Traditional Oral (bn sticks eq) 1 +8.3% 1 +23.3% 1 Traditional Oral (bn sticks eq) – n/m – n/m –
* Other combustibles includes MYO/RYO * Other combustibles includes MYO/RYO

Revenue Revenue
vs 2017 vs 2017
(adj (adj
vs 2018 repres vs 2018 repres
2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc) 2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc)
£m % % £m % % £m % % £m % %
Combustibles 5,544 -0.7% +3.0% 5,585 -3.1% +3.3% Combustibles 4,387 +3.4% +4.4% 4,243 -8.9% -1.2%
New Categories: New Categories:
Vapour 147 +29.2% +30.1% 114 +22% +15% Vapour 4 +906% +902% – n/m n/m
THP 56 +200% +200% 19 n/m n/m THP 671 +23.2% +16.8% 545 +170% +175%
Modern Oral 116 +234% +246% 34 +139% +146% Modern Oral – – – – n/m n/m
Total New Categories 319 +91.0% +93.6% 167 +55% +48% Total New Categories 675 +23.9% +17.5% 545 +170% +175%
Traditional Oral 29 +33.4% +38.5% 22 +51% +58% Traditional Oral – – – –
Other 198 -14.2% -14.3% 230 +4.3% -14.1% Other 91 -3.5% -6.9% 94 -20% -14%
Revenue 6,090 +1.4% +5.0% 6,004 -1.7% +3.5% Revenue 5,153 +5.6% +5.6% 4,882 -1.8% +5.7%

Profit from operations/Operating margin Profit from operations/Operating margin


vs 2017 vs 2017
(adj (adj
vs 2018 repres vs 2018 repres
2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc) 2019 vs 2018 (adj at cc) 2018 vs 2017 at cc)
£m % % £m % % £m % % £m % %
Profit from Profit from
operations 1,649 -13.4% +3.3% 1,905 +12.3% +0.8% operations 1,753 -5.7% +7.9% 1,858 -2.3% +1.2%
Operating Operating
margin (%) 27.1% -460 bps 31.7% +390 bps margin (%) 34.0% -410 bps 38.1% -20 bps

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 53


Financial Review

REGIONAL REVIEW
CONTINUED

UNITED STATES
COMBUSTIBLES PRICING
DRIVES STRONG
REVENUE GROWTH
Ricardo Oberlander
President and CEO (RAI)

Volume and share Revenue The performance also benefited from


The cigarette industry volume was estimated Reported revenue increased 9.2% to efficiencies delivered since the acquisition
to be 5.3% lower than 2018, with 2018 down £10,373 million (2018: £9,495 million, an of RAI, with total annualised savings of
4.5% on 2017. In 2019, this was largely due increase on 2017 of 128%), with growth over US$400 million fully realised by the
to the growth of vapour and the timing and across all categories (discussed below) end of 2019, a year ahead of the Group’s
frequency of pricing in the year. In 2018, the and a favourable currency tailwind due initial schedule. In 2018, revenue was
decline was largely driven by the impact of to the relative strength of the US dollar £4,006 million, an increase of 244% on 2017,
higher fuel prices on disposable income, the against sterling of approximately 5%. largely due to the full year’s inclusion in the
growth of the vapour category and the full The 2018 movement was largely due to Group’s results.
year effect of the change in excise in 2017 the 12-month inclusion of results from RAI, Excluding adjusting items related to litigation
in California. compared to approximately five months (including Engle), the impairment of certain
in 2017. acquired brands including VapeWild,
Total cigarette value share increased 30 bps
(2018: up 25 bps) with volume share from the Excluding the impact of currency on the Quantum and the impact of currency on
strategic cigarette portfolio up 20 bps (2018: reported results, adjusted revenue on a the Group’s results, adjusted profit from
up 10 bps) driven by Newport and Natural constant currency basis was up 4.4% on operations grew 6.4% to £4,798 million on a
American Spirit (which combined to drive 2018, with 2018 up 1.5% on 2017 on a constant currency basis. In 2018, this was an
premium volume share up 50 bps; 2018: constant currency, representative basis. increase, after adjusting for the impact of the
up 30 bps). This was partly offset by Pall acquisition in 2017, of 5.8%. These increases
In 2019, revenue from combustibles grew reflect the growth in revenue from the
Mall. Total cigarette volume share was down
8.6% as pricing led to an increase in price/mix portfolio and cost reductions since the
10 bps as the strategic cigarette portfolio
on cigarettes of 10%. This more than offset acquisition of RAI.
performance was more than offset by declines
a decline in cigarette volume. In 2018, this
across the remainder of the portfolio. Regulatory environment
was a growth of 128%, due to the full year
In 2019, cigarette volume from the US business effect of the RAI acquisition. On a constant The Group continues to welcome reasonable
was 73 billion sticks, a decline of 6.0% on currency and, in 2018, representative basis, regulation that supports the use of our
2018, largely driven by the market contraction. combustibles grew 3.8% in 2019 and 0.8% products by adults. In December 2019, an
In 2018, cigarette volume was 77 billion sticks, in 2018. amendment to the Federal Food, Drug,
an increase of 118% due to the recognition of a and Cosmetic Act (as enforced by the FDA)
In 2019, revenue from vapour grew by 12.4%
full year’s volume from RAI. On a representative was signed into law that increased the
to £207 million, driven by the success of Alto.
basis, this was 5.3% lower than in 2017. federal minimum legal age to purchase
In 2018, this was an increase of 149% to
In vapour, the Vuse portfolio performed well £184 million. On a constant currency and, in tobacco products from 18 to 21. It is our
as the category faced a number of challenges 2018, representative basis, vapour revenue understanding that approximately 40% of
in the US. Alto vapour value share increased grew 7.4% in 2019 and 20% in 2018. industry cigarette volume is sold in states
to 15.4% in December 2019. This drove an where the legal age to acquire tobacco
In 2019, revenue from Traditional Oral grew was already over 21 prior to the beginning
increase in the total Vuse value share to 21.2%
14.5% to £1,052 million, or 9.5% on a constant of 2019.
in December 2019 (December 2018: 12.5%),
currency basis, as pricing more than offset
despite a 6.2% decline in consumable On 2 January 2020, the US FDA announced
a decline in volume. In 2018, revenue from
volume, which had grown 36% in 2018 (due that all flavoured cartridges/pods (excluding
Traditional Oral was up 129% on 2017, driven
to the impact of a product recall on the Vibe menthol and tobacco flavours) must be
by the full year effect of the RAI acquisition. On a
variant due to an isolated issue with batteries withdrawn until they have cleared through
constant currency, representative basis, this was
in 2018). the Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA)
an increase of 7.1%.
Value share of Traditional Moist Oral increased process. A Group subsidiary in the US has
In 2019, following the national roll-out of submitted a PMTA covering 15 products.
80 bps, largely due to the performance of
Velo, revenue from Modern Oral reached On 2 November, a letter from the US FDA was
Grizzly, with total volume share of moist up 10
£9 million. There was no equivalent revenue received, accepting the Vuse SOLO PMTAs for
bps. Total volume of Traditional Oral declined
in 2018 or 2017. substantive scientific review. The Group believes
1.5% (2018: down 2.3% on a representative
basis). 2018 volume was down on a it is well positioned to submit applications for the
Profit from operations remaining Vuse portfolio and a range of flavours
representative basis as 2017 benefited from a
Reported profit from operations was by 12 May 2020. It is expected that, as required
competitor’s product recall in 2017.
£4,410 million, an increase of 10.1% on by the PMTA process to remain on the market,
In the Modern Oral category, Velo was rolled 2018. This was due to the growth in revenue these will be shown to be appropriate for the
out to over 100,000 retail outlets, achieving and lower MSA charges in the year which protection of public health. There is no intention
a category volume share of 10.1% in more than offset an increase in marketing to submit a PMTA for the VapeWild products.
December 2019. investment behind New Categories.

54 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

AMERICAS AND
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
STRATEGIC CIGARETTE
BRANDS PERFORM
VERY WELL
Luciano Comin
Regional Director

Key markets: Argentina, Brazil,


Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico,
Nigeria, South Africa

Volume and share In vapour, following a period of value share Profit from Operations
In 2019, cigarette value share was up 20 bps, decline in Canada as the competition reacted
to the legalisation of the category, Vype In 2019, reported profit from operations was
driven by growth in the strategic cigarette down 22% to £1,204 million, mainly due to
brands volume share of 465 bps largely driven returned to growth and was the fastest
growing vapour brand in the second half of the £436 million charge in relation to Quebec
by the migrations in Brazil and Colombia. (as described on page 165), charges related
Excluding migrations, the increase was 50 the year, with value share in December 2019
of 28.2% (34.7% in December 2018). to Quantum and the translational foreign
bps. Total cigarette volume share was down exchange headwinds. Excluding these effects,
10 bps, as growth in Colombia (driven by Twisp, a South African vaping products adjusted profit from operations on a constant
Lucky Strike and Rothmans), Mexico (driven company, was acquired by the Group in currency basis grew 10.0% to £1,912 million,
by Pall Mall) and Canada (driven by Pall 2019. Twisp has close to 70 dedicated stores driven by increases in Brazil, Canada, Chile,
Mall) was more than offset by Brazil and nationally, nationwide retailer distribution and Nigeria and Mexico, despite the investment in
South Africa, where growth in Rothmans a modern e-commerce platform. Modern oral New Categories, specifically related to ePod.
and Pall Mall, respectively, was outweighed was launched in Kenya, in Nairobi and other
by lower volume share in the remainder of key cities, with full national expansion planned In 2018, profit from operations was down
the portfolio. in early 2020. 6.3% to £1,544 million, as the effect of
currency headwinds more than offset growth
In 2018, the cigarette volume share decline Revenue across the region. Excluding adjusting items
was 20 bps despite growth in Kent (migration (mainly related to a £110 million asset
from Free) in Brazil, Dunhill in South Africa, In 2019, revenue grew 3.6% to
£4,261million, led by pricing in combustibles impairment to recoverable value in Venezuela
Rothmans in Colombia, Argentina and Brazil arising from hyperinflationary accounting
(following the migration from Mustang across the region (notably in Canada,
Kenya, Chile, Mexico and Nigeria) and the and costs related to the Group’s ongoing
and Minister, respectively, to strengthen the restructuring programme) and the effect of
consumer proposition), and from Pall Mall growth of revenue from New Categories,
particularly from vapour which was up 120% currency, adjusted profit from operations on
in Mexico, which were more than offset by a representative, constant currency basis grew
declines in the local portfolio in South Africa to £43 million (2018: £20 million) driven by
Canada and Mexico. These more than offset by 6.5% to £1,922 million, driven by Nigeria,
and Brazil (largely due to the growth in illicit Mexico and Chile, partly offset by the effect of
trade during 2018). the lower total cigarette volume and the
translational foreign exchange headwind of the lower duty paid market and down-trading
In 2019, cigarette volume was 3.1% lower 6%. On a constant currency basis, revenue in South Africa.
at 152 billion sticks as higher volume in grew by 9.2% to £4,491 million.
South Africa (due to lower illicit trade) was
more than offset by the continued difficult In 2018, revenue declined 4.9% to
macroeconomic environment in Venezuela, £4,111 million, due to the translational
continued growth in illicit trade (albeit at foreign exchange headwind of approximately
a reduced rate) in Brazil and the impact of 10%. On a constant currency, representative
market contraction in Canada. basis, adjusted revenue grew by 5.6% to
£4,560 million, as pricing across the region
The annual decline rate moderated versus (notably in Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Nigeria)
2018 (5.4% decline on 2017 to 157 billion more than offset the lower total volume
sticks) as 2018 was largely driven by the and the negative impact of mix due to the
growth of illicit trade in Brazil and South growth of lower-priced products following
Africa in that year, the termination of a the significant excise-led price increases in
third-party licence agreement in Mexico and a number of markets.
market contraction in Canada, Colombia and
Venezuela. South African volumes stabilised
in the second half of 2018 after a period
of decline.

@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 55


Financial Review

REGIONAL REVIEW
CONTINUED

EUROPE AND NORTH AFRICA


MODERN ORAL AND
VAPOUR PERFORMANCE
DRIVES GROWTH
Johan Vandermeulen
Regional Director
Key markets: Algeria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Egypt, Czech Republic, Denmark, France,
Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Morocco,
Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK

Volume and share Vapour volume was 44% higher in 2019 than Adjusted revenue, at constant rates,
In 2019, cigarette value share was marginally in 2018. Vapour in both years was driven by increased 5.0% to £6,118 million in
higher with strategic cigarette volume share the success of Vype (particularly ePen3) in the 2019 (2018: up 3.5% on a representative
up 50 bps. Total cigarette volume share was UK (where the Group’s portfolio of products basis). This was driven by pricing across
up 10 bps as growth in Rothmans (which maintained value leadership in 2019 with 38% the combustible portfolio as noted earlier,
outperformed the market in Ukraine and vapour value share in December 2019), France as well as the 94% growth in revenue
Russia), Kent (in Ukraine) and higher total (where ePen3 and ePod combined reached from New Categories to £324 million
cigarette volume share in Italy, Poland, 20% vapour value share in December 2019) (2018: £167 million) driven by:
Romania and Spain was partially offset and in Germany (where Vype reached 17%
– vapour revenue increasing 30% to
by a reduction in Kazakhstan and the UK. share of total vapour consumers).
£148 million (2018: £114 million) due to
This compares to 2018 when volume share The Group’s Modern Oral portfolio increased the performance of Vype in the UK, France
was flat against 2017 as increases in Kent (led volume by 157% to 1.1 billion pouches in 2019 and Germany;
by Ukraine, Turkey, Kazakhstan and regaining (2018: 0.4 billion pouches, an increase of 44% on
premium segment leadership in Russia), and – THP revenue growing 200% driven by
2017), largely due to higher volume in Denmark
Rothmans (Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Spain, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan; and
and Norway, reaching 75% and 14% volume
Bulgaria and Italy) were offset by both the share of the total oral category, respectively. – modern oral revenue increasing 246% to
continued reduction in Pall Mall (Poland, In Russia, Lyft achieved 27% volume share of £120 million (2018: £34 million) following
Germany and Belgium) and a decline in the the total oral category (in tracked channels) in the increase in volume in Norway and
low-price portfolio in Russia. December 2019. Denmark, and the launch in Russia.
In 2019, cigarette volume declined 6.3% In December 2019 following concerns in Profit from operations
to 230 billion sticks as growth in Poland, Russia regarding the irresponsible marketing
Romania, Denmark and Spain was more In 2019, reported profit from operations
by our competitors, all sales of modern
than offset by lower volume in Russia (partly fell 13.4% to £1,649 million, as the Group
oral have been temporarily suspended in
due to a one-off reduction in stock), Ukraine increased investment behind New Categories,
Russia. There is no indication of a concern
(largely due to the growth of illicit trade and recognised a charge of £202 million in respect
regarding the Group’s products or practices
competition in the low-price segment) and of the Russian excise dispute as discussed on
and we expect a regulatory framework will be
Egypt (driven by excise-led price increases in page 143, recognised additional impairment
implemented in 2020.
the low-price segment particularly affecting charges of £29 million related to the Group’s
Pall Mall). In Sweden, the Group’s total oral portfolio brand consolidation programme to simplify
performed well, increasing total volume share the New Categories portfolio and incurred
In 2018, volume declined 4.7% to 246 billion of the oral category to 13.2%. This was driven charges in relation to Quantum. Profit from
sticks, which was a reduction of 5.3% on a by the Traditional Oral brands, up 50 bps operations was up in Germany, Turkey,
representative basis, as volume from assets to 10.9%, principally due to the success of Romania, Denmark and Poland, which more
acquired (from Bulgartabac and FDS) in 2017 Lundgrens, and the Modern Oral products than offset declines in Russia and the UK.
combined with growth in Turkey, Egypt, (Lyft) which increased to 2.3% volume share Excluding adjusting items (referred to above)
Poland and Romania was more than offset by of the total oral category following the launch and the impact of the foreign currency
Russia (partly due to inventory movements in 2018. headwind, adjusted profit from operations at
and the growth of illicit trade), Ukraine (due constant rates was up 3.3% at £2,220 million.
to market contraction following the excise-led Revenue
price increase, leading to an increase in illicit In 2018, profit from operations grew 12.3%
In 2019, reported revenue increased 1.4%
trade), Italy (partly due to impact of higher to £1,905 million. This was due to an
to £6,090 million (2018: decline of 1.7%
prices) and France (following the excise-led improvement in the operating performance in
to £6,004 million) as strong combustibles
price increase). Germany, Romania and Ukraine and a one-off
pricing in 2019 across the region (notably in
charge of £69 million in 2017 in relation to a
In 2019, THP volume was up over 330%, Germany, Turkey and Ukraine) and an increase
third party in Croatia that does not repeat in
with growth in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan in revenue from New Categories by 91% (to
2018. Excluding adjusting items (related to
while also developing in the other launch £319 million) were partly offset by the end of
the factory closure in Germany, amortisation
markets of Romania, Italy, Czech Republic, a contract manufacturing arrangement (which
of acquired brands, other costs related to the
Bulgaria and Poland. led to a short-term increase in revenue due to
Group’s ongoing restructuring programme
the recognition by the Group of excise within
and the 2017 impairment in Croatia) and the
revenue in prior periods), lower regional
impact of the foreign currency headwind,
volume and translational foreign exchange
adjusted profit from operations at constant
headwinds of 1.3% (2018: translational
rates, on a representative basis was up 0.8%,
foreign exchange headwind of 5%).
at £2,217 million.

56 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

ASIA-PACIFIC AND
MIDDLE EAST
 OMBUSTIBLES AND
C
THP COMBINE TO
ACCELERATE GROWTH
Guy Meldrum
Regional Director

Key markets: Australia, Bangladesh,


Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Middle
East (incl KSA), New Zealand, Pakistan,
South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam

Volume and share THP volume increased 20% to 7.9 billion Profit from operations
In 2019, cigarette and THP value share sticks (2018: 6.5 billion) driven by the In 2019, profit from operations decreased
increased 30 bps, driven by the strategic continued growth of glo neo in Japan 5.7% to £1,753 million. Growth in Japan
cigarette and THP portfolio, which increased following the launch of glo ‘pro’, glo ‘nano’ (driven by an increase in combustibles
volume share by 20 bps. Total cigarette and and glo ‘sens’, with volume share increasing revenue and higher THP volume which more
THP volume share was up 50 bps (2018: up 60 bps to 5.0% in December 2019. ‘glo than offset an increase in marketing related
90 bps), led by Japan (driven by Kool, Lucky pro’ introduced a new induction heating to the launch of the new THP products) and
Strike and glo), Vietnam (driven by Craven A) technology, improving consumer satisfaction Middle East (driven by pricing and volume)
and Pakistan (driven by Pall Mall). This more and their sensorial experience. With regards was more than offset by lower volume in
than offset lower Lucky Strike volume share to ‘glo sens’, after an encouraging launch, Bangladesh and Malaysia, and the impact
in Indonesia and Dunhill volume share in the Group will be reviewing the in-market of the impairment to Indonesian goodwill
Malaysia and South Korea. execution and seeking to broaden device (£172 million) following the substantial
penetration and drive increased consumer change in excise which is applicable from
The movement in 2018 was driven by Japan, uptake in 2020. The Group’s share of nicotine 2020 and is anticipated to affect the total
an increase in Dunhill and Lucky Strike in in Japan increased from 17% (December market. Excluding adjusting items, which
Indonesia, growth of Pall Mall in Pakistan, 2018) to 19% (December 2019). primarily relate to Indonesia goodwill,
Australia and particularly in Saudi Arabia and
Revenue Quantum, the ongoing factory rationalisation
Rothmans in Malaysia. Total market share
programme (principally in South East Asia)
increased in Bangladesh. This combined In 2019, reported revenue grew 5.6% to and the impact of foreign exchange on
growth was partially offset by lower volume £5,153 million. This was partly driven by the regional results, adjusted profit from
share in South Korea, due to a reduction in pricing in a number of markets, including operations grew 7.9% to £2,102 million,
Dunhill and a reduction in Taiwan driven by Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, Pakistan and at constant rates of exchange.
Dunhill and Pall Mall. New Zealand. New Categories revenue
grew by 23.9% driven by the higher THP In 2018, profit from operations declined
In 2019, cigarette volume declined 3.7%
volume, notably in Japan, which, combined 2.3% to £1,858 million, as the performance
as growth in Japan (due to the success of
with combustibles pricing, more than offset was negatively affected by foreign exchange
Lucky Strike and Kool), Vietnam (driven by
the impact of lower cigarette volume. On a headwinds and adjusting items related to the
the growth of Craven A) and the Middle East
constant currency basis, revenue grew 5.6%. ongoing costs of the Group’s restructuring
(driven by Kent) was more than offset by the
programme. Adjusted profit from operations
impact of industry contraction (following In 2018, revenue declined 1.8% to on a representative constant currency
excise-led price increases) in Bangladesh £4,882 million, as pricing, higher THP volume basis grew 1.2% to £2,099 million driven
and Pakistan, and macroeconomic pressures (discussed earlier) and the positive mix effect, by an improvement in Japan, where the
impacting consumer disposable income was offset by the impact of lower cigarette performance of both combustibles and
in Indonesia. volume, down-trading in Saudi Arabia and by THP more than offset the higher marketing
In 2018, cigarette volume was down 1.3% the foreign exchange headwinds related to investment, and increases in Australia,
at 221 billion sticks as the recovery in the the relative strength of sterling. Excluding the Pakistan and Bangladesh. These were partly
combustibles volume in Pakistan (following translational foreign exchange headwind and offset by Saudi Arabia which was negatively
the revision to the excise structure that at constant currency rates, adjusted revenue impacted by down-trading, described above,
negatively impacted the equivalent period in on a representative basis grew 5.7%. and South Korea.
2017) was more than offset by lower volume
in the Middle East, largely due to the impact
of a 2017 excise-led price increase in Saudi
Arabia and the difficult trading environment
in a number of countries in the Middle East.
Volume was lower in Bangladesh due to
higher illicit trade following an increase in
excise, with Indonesia lower due to market
contraction. Volume decreases slowed in
Malaysia in 2018 after a period of accelerated
decline following the excise changes in
prior years.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 57


Business Environment

PRINCIPAL
GROUP RISKS

Overview A summary of all the risk factors (including the Time frame
The principal risks that may affect the Group principal risks) which are monitored by the Short term
are set out on the following pages. Board through the Group’s risk register is set
out in the Additional disclosures section on Medium term
Each risk is considered in the context of the pages 272 to 286. Long term
Group’s strategy and business model, as set
out in this Strategic Report on pages 8 to 9, Assessment of Group risk @
Strategic impact
and 22 to 23. Following a description of each During the year, the Directors have carried Growth
risk, its potential impact and management by out a robust assessment of the principal risks, Productivity
the Group is summarised. Clear accountability uncertainties and emerging risks facing the
is attached to each risk through the risk owner. Group, including those that would threaten its Winning organisation
The Group has identified risks and is actively business model, future performance, solvency Sustainability
monitoring and taking action to manage the or liquidity.
Considered in viability statement@
risks. This section focuses on those risks that The principal risks facing the Group have Yes
the Directors believe to be the most important remained broadly unaltered over the past year
after assessment of the likelihood and with regards to marketplace, excise and tax, No
potential impact on the business. Not all of operations, regulation and litigation risks.
these risks are within the control of the Group
and other risks besides those listed may affect The viability statement below provides a
the Group’s performance. Some risks may be broader assessment of long-term solvency
unknown at present. Other risks, currently and liquidity. The Directors have considered
regarded as less material, could become a number of factors that may affect the
material in the future. resilience of the Group. Except for the risk
‘injury, illness or death in the work place’ the
The risks listed in this section and the activities Directors have also assessed the potential
being undertaken to manage them should impact of the principal risks that may impact
be considered in the context of the Group’s the Group’s viability.
internal control framework. This is described
in the section on risk management and
internal control in the corporate governance
statement on pages 87 to 88. This section
should also be read in the context of the @ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part
cautionary statement on page 298. of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

Viability statement@
The Board has assessed the viability of the Group taking into account the current position and principal risks, in accordance with provision 31
of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. While the Board believes the Group will be viable over a longer period, owing to the inherent
uncertainty arising due to ongoing litigation and regulation, the period over which the Board has formed the reasonable expectation that the
Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due is three years.
In making its assessment of the Group’s prospects, the Board has 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 59
to 62) which are considered, with the mitigating actions, at least once a year. The Board 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, while not breaching the required gross interest cover of 4.5 times (see page 48). 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 Board noted
that, as stated in note 22 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 2019, the ratio of floating to
fixed rate borrowings was 18:82 (2018: 21:79).
The Board 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 access the £6 billion credit facility (2019 undrawn), to mitigate the impact of the
effect of the above principal risks, each of which have specific mitigation activities as disclosed on pages 59 to 62.
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 27 in the Notes on the Accounts ‘Contingent Liabilities and Financial
Commitments’, that, while 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.

58 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risks
Competition from illicit trade
Increased competition from illicit trade – either local duty evaded, smuggled illicit white cigarettes or counterfeits.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Long term Growth Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Erosion of brand equity, with lower volumes and reduced profits. Dedicated Anti-Illicit Trade (AIT) teams operating at global and country
Reduced ability to take price increases. levels; internal cross-functional levels; compliance procedures and best
practice shared.
Investment in trade marketing and distribution is undermined.
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 Teams (including a dedicated analytical laboratory)
works with enforcement agencies in pursuit of priority targets.
Tobacco, New Categories and other regulation interrupts growth strategy
The enactment of regulation that significantly impairs the Group’s ability to communicate, differentiate, market or launch its products.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Medium term Growth and Sustainability Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Erosion of brand value through commoditisation, the inability to Engagement and litigation strategy coordinated and aligned across
launch innovations, differentiate products, maintain or build brand the Group to drive a balanced global policy framework for the
equity and leverage price. nicotine category.
Regulation in respect of menthol, nicotine levels and New Categories Stakeholder mapping and prioritisation, developing robust compelling
may adversely impact individual brand portfolios. advocacy materials (with supporting evidence and data) and regulatory
Adverse impact on ability to compete within the legitimate tobacco, engagement programmes.
nicotine or New Categories industry and with illicit traders. Regulatory risk assessment of marketing plans to ensure
Reduced consumer acceptability of new product specifications, decisions are informed by an understanding of the potential
leading to consumers seeking alternatives in illicit markets. regulatory environments.
Shocks to share price on the announcement or enactment of Advocating the application of integrated regulatory proposals to
restrictive regulation. governments and public health practitioners based on the harm
reduction principles.
Reduced ability to compete in future product categories and make
new market entries. Development of an integrated regulatory strategy that spans
conventional combustibles and New Categories.
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 287 to 290 for details of tobacco and nicotine regulatory
regimes under which the Group’s businesses operate

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 Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Short/Medium term Productivity Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Significant fines and potential legal penalties. End market tax committees.
Disruption and loss of focus on the business due to diversion Internal tax function provides dedicated advice and guidance,
of management time. and external advice sought where needed.
Impact on profit and dividend. Engagement with tax authorities at Group, regional and
individual market level.
Please refer to note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts for details @ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part
of contingent liabilities applicable to the Group
of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 59


Business Environment

PRINCIPAL GROUP RISKS


CONTINUED

Risks continued
Inability to develop, commercialise and deliver the New Categories strategy
Risk of not capitalising on the opportunities in developing and commercialising successful, safe and consumer-appealing innovations.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Long term Growth and Sustainability Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Failure to deliver Group strategic imperative and 2024 Focus on product stewardship to ensure high-quality standards
growth ambition. across portfolio.
Potentially missed opportunities, unrecoverable costs and/or Collaboration between internal legal, external affairs and R&D
erosion of brand. in order to identify current and future regulations and align the
Reputational damage and recall costs may arise in the event of innovation pipeline.
defective product design or manufacture. Retail transformation strategy embedded.
Loss of market share due to non-compliance of product portfolio Investment on consumer insights and foresight.
with regulatory requirements.

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 Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Short/Medium term Growth Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Volume decline and portfolio mix erosion. Geographic spread mitigates impact at Group level.
Funds to invest in growth opportunities are reduced. 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.
New Category growth and multi category approach.

Litigation
Product liability, regulatory or other significant cases may be lost or compromised resulting in a material loss or other consequence.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Long term Growth Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Damages and fines, negative impact on reputation, disruption Consistent litigation and patent management strategy across
and loss of focus on the business. the Group.
Consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position Expertise and legal talent maintained both within the Group and
could be materially affected, in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year, external partners.
by region or country, by an unfavourable outcome or settlement of Ongoing monitoring of key legislative and case law developments
pending or future litigation. related to our business.
Inability to sell products as a result of patent infringement action Delivery with Integrity compliance programme.
may restrict growth plans and competitiveness.

Please refer to note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts for details of contingent
liabilities applicable to the Group

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

60 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Significant increases or structural changes in tobacco, nicotine and New Categories related taxes
The Group is exposed to unexpected and/or significant increases or structural changes in tobacco, nicotine and New Categories related taxes in
key markets.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Long term Growth Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Consumers reject the Group’s legitimate tax-paid products Requirement for Group companies to have in place formal pricing
for products from illicit sources or cheaper alternatives. and excise strategies, including contingency plans, with annual
Reduced legal industry volumes. risk assessments.
Reduced sales volume and/or portfolio erosion. Pricing, excise and trade margin committees in markets,
with regional and global support.
Partial absorption of excise increases.
Engagement with local tax, customs authorities, IMF and WHO 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 businesses.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Short/Medium term Productivity Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Fluctuations in FX rates of key currencies against sterling introduce While translational FX exposure is not hedged, its impact is identified in
volatility in reported earnings per share (EPS), cash flow and the results presentations and financial disclosures; earnings are re‑stated at
balance sheet driven by translation into sterling of our financial constant rates for comparability.
results and these exposures are not normally hedged. Debt and interest are matched to assets and cash flows to mitigate
The dividend may be impacted if the payout ratio is not adjusted. volatility where possible and economic to do so.
Differences in translation between earnings and net debt may affect Hedging strategy for transactional FX and framework is defined
key ratios used by credit rating agencies. in the treasury policy, a global policy approved by the Board.
Volatility and/or increased costs in our business, due to transactional Illiquid currencies of many markets where hedging is either not possible
FX, may adversely impact financial performance. or uneconomic are reviewed on a regular basis.
Geopolitical tensions
Geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, economic policy changes, global health crises, terrorism and organised crime have the potential to disrupt the
Group’s business in multiple markets.
Time frame Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Medium term Growth and Productivity Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Potential loss of life, loss of assets and disruption to supply chains and Physical and procedural security controls are in place, and constantly
normal business processes. reviewed in accordance with our Security Risk Management process,
Increased costs due to more complex supply chain arrangements for all field force and supply chain operations, with an emphasis on the
and/or the cost of building new facilities or maintaining protection of Group employees.
inefficient facilities. Globally integrated sourcing strategy and contingency
Lower volumes as a result of not being able to trade in a country. sourcing arrangements.
Higher taxes or other costs of doing business as a foreign company Security risk modelling, including external risk assessments
or the loss of assets as a result of nationalisation. 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.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 61


Business Environment

PRINCIPAL GROUP RISKS


CONTINUED

Risks continued
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 Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Short/Medium term Productivity and Sustainability Yes


Impact Mitigation activities@
Inability to fund the business under the current capital structure Group policies include a set of financing principles and key performance
resulting in missed strategic opportunities or inability to respond indicators including the monitoring of credit ratings, interest cover,
to threats. solvency and liquidity with regular reporting to the Corporate Finance
Decline in our creditworthiness and increased funding costs for Committee and the Board.
the Group. The Group targets an average centrally managed debt maturity of
Requirement to issue equity or seek new sources of capital. at least five years with no more than 20% of centrally managed debt
maturing in a single rolling year.
Reputational risk of failure to manage the financial risk profile
of the business, resulting in an erosion of shareholder value The Group holds a two-tranche revolving credit facility of £6 billion
reflected in an underperforming share price. syndicated across a wide banking group, consisting of a 364-day
tranche (with two one-year extension options and a one-year
term-out option) and a £3bn five year tranche (with two one-year
extension options).
Liquidity pooling structures are in place to ensure that there
is maximum mobilisation of cash liquidity within the Group.
Going concern and viability support papers are presented to the Board
on a regular basis.

Injury, illness or death in the work place


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 Strategic impact Considered in viability statement@

Short term Sustainability No


Impact Mitigation activities@
Serious injuries, ill health, disability or loss of life suffered by employees Risk control systems in place to ensure equipment and infrastructure are
and the people who work with the Group. provided and maintained.
Exposure to civil and criminal liability and the risk of prosecution from EHS strategy aims to ensure that employees at all levels receive
enforcement bodies and the cost of associated fines and/or penalties. appropriate EHS training and information.
Interruption of Group operations if issues are not addressed immediately. Behavioural-based safety programme to drive operations’ safety
High staff turnover or difficulty recruiting employees if perceived performance, culture and closer to zero accidents.
to have a poor Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) record. Analysis of incidents undertaken regionally and globally by a dedicated
Reputational damage to the Group. team to identify increasing incident trends or high potential risks that
require coordinated action.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2020 and signed on its behalf by Paul McCrory, Company Secretary.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

62 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
ON GOVERNANCE

DURING 2019, THE BOARD


OVERSAW THE SUCCESSFUL
TRANSITION TO OUR
NEW EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dear Shareholder
The Group has delivered a strong operational performance in The Board welcomed Jerry Fowden as a new Non-Executive Director in
2019, with volume share and value share and revenue growing on September. Jerry’s experience with strategic corporate transformations
the back of our combustibles business and continued progress in and FMCG operations in the US will augment the expertise of the
New Categories. Board in these strategic focus areas.

During 2019, the Board oversaw the successful transition to our Promoting diversity in our senior management pipeline has long been
new executive team, with Jack Bowles taking over from Nicandro the Board’s aim. I was delighted to see the Group noted as a Diversity
Durante as Chief Executive in April, and Tadeu Marroco succeeding Leader in 2019 by the UK Financial Times in its inaugural Diversity
Ben Stevens as Finance Director in August. Jack’s immediate drive to Leaders report, highlighting progress in promoting diversity broadly
embed a stronger, simpler and faster business culture, with revisions across our organisation. The Board will continue its commitment to
to our governance framework facilitating this, has been endorsed by realising our ambitions in this area, in line with our Board Diversity
the Board. Policy and Group Employment Principles.

Our focus on culture and governance this year has also been guided The objectives of our Board Diversity Policy and our progress against
by the revised UK Corporate Governance Code, with its emphasis on these are set out on page 82.
aligning business culture with purpose, strategy and values. The Board Culture and values
has carefully considered the revised Code, in letter and spirit. This year The Board recognises its role in shaping and overseeing the Group’s
we are reporting to you on our application of its principles and our culture and values, and has been proactive in supporting our Chief
compliance with its provisions. Executive to create a stronger, simpler, more agile organisation
In relation to our strategy, Jack and his management team have through a programme of restructuring and simplification. In 2019, the
devoted significant attention in 2019 to developing plans to accelerate Board adopted a revised Group Statement of Delegated Authorities
progress already made in our New Categories business and the Board aimed at empowering people at the right level of our organisation, and
has given its full endorsement to the evolution of our Group strategy enhancing accountability and ownership. This is discussed further on
presented in the Strategic Report. page 70.
Stakeholder engagement, and our broader sustainability agenda, has We are equally focused on ensuring that integrity remains paramount.
been to the fore this year. The Board assessed how it engages with, The revised version of our SoBC, approved by the Board in 2019,
and understands the views of, our shareholders, our people, and wider emphasises that every line manager across our business must act as a
stakeholders to inform our decision-making, strategy development and role model for high standards of behaviour. You can read more about
risk assessment. our Delivery with Integrity programme on pages 31 to 32.
The Board has also reinforced how our people should approach Our Board does not tolerate any failure to comply with our legal
external engagement with stakeholders across our business by obligations or with our SoBC. Through external legal advisers, we are
adopting a new Lobbying and Engagement Policy. It emphasises our rigorously investigating allegations of misconduct and we continue to
values of openness and transparency, and comprises part of our revised cooperate with relevant authorities.
Group Standards of Business Conduct (SoBC). Stakeholder engagement
Board composition and succession Our Directors understand the importance of effective engagement
Effective succession planning by the Board is essential to our long-term with our shareholders, our people and our wider stakeholders. In 2019,
sustainable success. In our Nominations Committee report on page the Board completed a thorough review of how we engage with
79, you can read more about the selection process conducted by all key stakeholders, how the Board is kept informed of stakeholder
the Committee leading to Tadeu’s appointment as Finance Director. perspectives, and the impact of engagement. This review is discussed
The Board is pleased at the speed with which both Jack and Tadeu on page 72.
have taken up the reins in their respective roles. One of the outcomes from the review was to establish Non-Executive
Having overseen a successful transition of the executive team, the Directors’ attendance at our external Sustainability Stakeholder Panel,
Nominations Committee has turned its focus to the process for which I attended in November, to discuss the Group’s sustainability
identifying a successor for my own role as Chairman, mindful of the initiatives directly with key opinion leaders. Our Sustainability
provisions of the revised Code. Details of the process for identifying my Stakeholder Panel is discussed further on page 73.
successor are set out in the Nominations Committee report on page 80.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 63


Directors’ Report

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION ON GOVERNANCE


CONTINUED

The Executive Directors and I regularly update the Board on our own Internal controls
dialogue with shareholders to ensure the whole Board understands The Group is subject to US compliance obligations under NYSE rules
their perspectives. In 2019, key topics raised by shareholders and and US securities laws as the Company is a ‘foreign private issuer’.
discussed by the Board included US regulatory developments, our New In 2019, our Audit Committee played a key role in monitoring the
Categories strategy and performance, our leverage and our Quantum Group’s compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOx) and
transformation project. Our Remuneration Committee Chairman had oversight of the management assessment of the effectiveness of
also engaged extensively with shareholders on our new Directors’ our internal controls over financial reporting.
Remuneration Policy, approved at our 2019 AGM.
We explain our internal controls framework and SOx compliance
My fellow Board members and I look forward to meeting further with programme on pages 87 to 88.
shareholders in the lead up to, and at, our 2020 AGM in April.
Looking ahead
Engagement with our people
Following the Remuneration Committee’s review of our management
As reported in our Annual Report and Form 20-F for 2018, from compensation structures in 2019, and to enhance alignment of
January 2019 we adopted an enhanced approach to engaging with management incentive schemes with our strategy and values, the
our people worldwide to ensure the Board maintains meaningful Board will present scheme rules for a new restricted stock long-term
and regular dialogue with them, in view of the geographical span, incentive plan for consideration at our 2020 AGM.
scale and diversity of our organisation. Our approach builds on the
range of well-established workforce engagement channels already On the external front, increased public awareness of climate
in place across the Group, augmented by new organisational change and its impacts means that our shareholders and wider
reporting structures. stakeholders are understandably keen to know how we as a business
are responding to climate change. The Board has been briefed on
During 2019, the Board reviewed and gave feedback on outcomes the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial
from the Group’s range of workforce engagement channels, including Disclosures (TCFD) and has endorsed the Group’s full alignment with
the 2019 ‘Your Voice’ global employee survey. Our new Executive those recommendations by 2022.
Directors presented several global webcasts in the year, including
discussion of strategy, performance and culture with live Q&A. On behalf of the Board, I confirm that we believe that this
Our Directors also took the opportunity to engage directly with combined Annual Report and Form 20-F presents a fair, balanced
employees on market and site visits, and as part of specific events. and understandable assessment of the Company’s position and
You can read more about the Board’s workforce engagement activities performance, and its business model and strategy.
on page 72.
Board effectiveness
Richard Burrows
Board effectiveness is evaluated in detail annually. This year, the Chairman
evaluation of the Board, its Committees and each individual Director
was externally facilitated by Independent Audit Limited.
Having considered the output of this year’s evaluation discussed on
page 78, the Board considers that it continues to function effectively
and its working relationships with its Committees continue to
be sound.

64 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

GOVERNANCE

Throughout the year ended 31 December 2019, we applied the Principles of the July 2018 version of the UK Corporate Governance Code
(the Code). The Company was compliant with all provisions of the Code during the year.
The Board considers that this Annual Report and Form 20-F, and notably this Governance section, provides the information shareholders
need to evaluate how we have complied with our obligations under the Code.

Board leadership and Chairman’s introduction on governance page 63

Board of Directors page 66


Company purpose
Management Board page 68

page 69 Leadership and purpose page 69

Our culture and values page 70

Board engagement with stakeholders page 71

Board activities in 2019 page 74

Division of Division of responsibilities page 76

Non-Executive Directors’ independence page 76


responsibilities
Directors’ commitment page 77

page 76

Composition, Board evaluation page 78

Nominations Committee report page 79


succession, evaluation
Board balance and diversity page 81

page 79 Senior management succession and diversity page 81

Audit, risk, Audit Committee report page 83

External auditors page 85


internal control
Risk management and internal control page 87

page 83 Internal audit function page 88

Remuneration Annual statement on remuneration page 90

Annual report on remuneration page 93


page 90 Committee composition, role and responsibility page 111

Disclosure guidance and transparency rules US corporate governance


We comply with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules As a result of the listing of the Company’s American Depositary Shares
requirements for corporate governance statements by virtue of the (ADSs) on the NYSE, the Company is required to meet certain NYSE
information included in this section, together with the information requirements relating to corporate governance matters.
contained in the Other Information section.
Certain exceptions to these requirements apply to the Company as
For ease of reference, we prepare a separate voluntary annual a foreign private issuer. For a discussion of the significant differences
compliance report by reference to each Principle and Provision between the NYSE requirements and the Company’s practices, please
of the Code, available at www.bat.com/governance see page 295.
The Code is available at www.frc.org.uk

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 65


Directors’ Report

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AS AT 17 MARCH 2020

Richard Burrows Jack Bowles Tadeu Marroco Sue Farr


Chairman (74) Chief Executive (56) Finance Director (53) Non-Executive Director (64)
Nationality: Irish Nationality: French Nationality: Brazilian Nationality: British
Position: Chairman since November Position: Chief Executive since 1 April Position: Finance Director since Position: Non-Executive Director since
2009; Non-Executive Director since 2019; Executive Director since 5 August 2019. February 2015.
September 2009. 1 January 2019. Skills, experience and contributions: Skills, experience and contributions:
Skills, experience and contributions: Skills, experience and contributions: Tadeu brings broad experience gained Sue contributes considerable expertise
Richard brings considerable consumer Jack brings significant experience in in various national, regional and global in relation to marketing, branding and
goods and international business management, innovation and strategic finance and general leadership roles, consumer issues, which are key areas of
experience to the Board, having been leadership to the Board, developed having joined the Group in Brazil in focus for the Board. Prior to joining the
Chief Executive of Irish Distillers and through his previous roles across many 1992. These experiences make Tadeu Chime Group in 2003, where she was
Co-Chief Executive of Pernod Ricard. of the Group’s key geographies and particularly well-placed to contribute Director, Strategic and Business
Prior to joining the Board, Richard was areas of business. He joined the Group to the Group’s transformation and Development until 2015, Sue held a
Governor of the Bank of Ireland. He is in 2004 and was appointed as broader strategic agenda. He joined number of senior marketing and
an experienced non-executive director Chairman of British American Tobacco the Management Board as Director, communications positions, including:
and brings a variety of perspectives to France in 2005, before becoming Business Development in 2014, Director of Marketing BBC, Corporate
the Board. Richard is a Fellow of the Managing Director of British American becoming Regional Director, Western Affairs Director of Thames Television and
Institute of Chartered Accountants Tobacco Malaysia in 2007. He joined the Europe in 2016, then Regional Director of Communications of Vauxhall
of Ireland. Management Board as Regional Director, Europe and North Africa Motors. Sue is a former Chairwoman of
Other appointments: Supervisory Director for Western Europe in 2009, in January 2018. He was appointed both the Marketing Society and the
Board member and Chairman of the becoming Regional Director for the Director, Group Transformation in Marketing Group of Great Britain.
Remuneration Committee at Americas in 2011, then Regional January 2019 and, in addition to this Other appointments: Special Adviser,
Carlsberg A/S. Director for Asia-Pacific in 2013. role, he was appointed Deputy Finance Chime Group; Non-Executive Director
Jack became Chief Operating Officer Director in March 2019, before joining and Chair of the Remuneration
in 2017 and Chief Executive Designate the Board as Finance Director in Committee of Accsys Technologies
in November 2018, before being August 2019. PLC; Non-Executive Director of Helical
appointed to the Board in January 2019. Other appointments: No external plc; Non-Executive Director and Chair
Other appointments: No external appointments. of the Remuneration Committee of
appointments. DNEG Limited.

Jerry Fowden Dr Marion Helmes Luc Jobin Holly Keller Koeppel


Non-Executive Director (63) Non-Executive Director (54) Non-Executive Director (60) Non-Executive Director (61)
Nationality: British Nationality: German Nationality: Canadian Nationality: American
Position: Non-Executive Director since Position: Non-Executive Director Position: Non-Executive Director since Position: Non-Executive Director since
1 September 2019. since August 2016. July 2017. July 2017.
Skills, experience and contributions: Skills, experience and contributions: Skills, experience and contributions: Skills, experience and contributions:
Jerry brings extensive experience in Marion brings significant financial Luc contributes extensive financial and Holly’s extensive international
leadership and strategic transformation expertise and operational experience strategic experience to the Board, operational and financial management
to the Board and contributes considerable gained at an international level, having including in the US tobacco sector as an experience in a range of industry sectors
insight in relation to US operational spent her working life managing independent director of RAI from 2008 enables her to make important
issues, an important market for the businesses across Europe, the Americas until the acquisition in 2017. Luc was contributions to the Board. Holly served
Group. He is Chairman of Primo Water and Asia. Her extensive career includes President and Chief Executive Officer of as an independent director on the Board
Corporation (‘Primo’) (formerly Cott Chief Financial Officer positions at Canadian National Railway Company of RAI from 2008 until the acquisition in
Corporation), a US pure-play water Celesio, Q-Cells and ThyssenKrupp from July 2016 until March 2018, having 2017. From 2010 until her retirement in
solutions provider, having been CEO Elevator Technology and, more served as Executive Vice President and 2017, she was Managing Partner and
from 2009 until December 2018. Prior recently, as a member of a variety of Chief Financial Officer since 2009. Head of Citigroup’s Infrastructure
to joining Primo, Jerry held a variety of supervisory boards, which enables He was Executive Vice President of Power Investor Fund (CII and its successor,
executive roles, including: CEO of Auto Marion to bring a range of insights to Corporation of Canada from 2005 to Gateway Infrastructure) with operations
Trader Group; a number of roles at AB the Board’s discussions. 2009. Luc was Chief Executive Officer of on three continents. Prior to 2010, she
InBev, including CEO of Bass Breweries in Other appointments: Vice Imperial Tobacco Canada, a subsidiary of held a number of global operational
the UK, Global Chief Operating Officer Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board the Company, from 2003 to 2005 and positions with Consolidated Natural Gas
and European President; Executive and Co-Chairwoman of the Presiding Executive Vice President and Chief Company and American Electric Power
Director of The Rank Group; and CEO of and Nomination Committee of Financial Officer from 1998 to 2003. Company, Inc. (AEP), ultimately serving
the Beverage Division at the Hero Group. ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE; Supervisory Other appointments: Independent as Chief Financial Officer of AEP.
Other appointments: Chairman of Board member and Chairman of the Director of Hydro-Quebec and Gildan Other appointments: Non-Executive
Primo; Non-Executive Director and Chair Audit Committee of Heineken N.V.; Activewear Inc.; Independent Consultant Director of Vesuvius plc; Director and Chair
of the Compensation and Human Supervisory Board member of Siemens providing executive leadership advisory of the Governance Committee of AES
Resources Committee of Constellation Healthineers AG and Uniper SE. services to corporate clients. Corporation; Director of Arch Coal Inc.
Brands, Inc.

66 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Savio Kwan Dimitri Panayotopoulos Kieran Poynter  A Audit Committee


Non-Executive Director (72) Non-Executive Director (68) Senior Independent Director (69) N Nominations Committee

Nationality: British Nationality: Greek/British Nationality: British R Remuneration Committee

Position: Non-Executive Director since Position: Non-Executive Director Position: Senior Independent Director Committee Chairman
January 2014. since February 2015. Dimitri will since October 2016; Non-Executive
Executive Director
become Senior Independent Director Director since July 2010. Kieran will
Skills, experience and contributions: retire at the conclusion of the AGM on Non-Executive Director
Savio brings significant business at the conclusion of the AGM on
30 April 2020. 30 April 2020.
leadership experience to the Board,
together with a deep knowledge of Skills, experience and contributions: Skills, experience and contributions:
Greater China and Asia, an important Dimitri has extensive general Kieran brings a wealth of financial and
region for the Group. During his management and international sales international experience to the Board.
extensive career he has worked broadly and brand building expertise, which He was Chairman and Senior Partner
in technology for General Electric, BTR enables him to make valuable of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2000
plc and Alibaba Group, China’s largest contributions to Board discussions on to his retirement in 2008, having
internet business, where he was both these important topics. He was Vice started as a graduate trainee in 1971,
Chief Operating Officer and, later, Chairman and Adviser to the Chairman and is a former Chairman of Nomura
a Non-Executive Director. and CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), International PLC. Kieran is a
where he started his career in 1977. Chartered accountant.
Other appointments: Co-Founder and
CEO of A&K Consulting Co Ltd, advising During his time at P&G, Dimitri led on Other appointments: Non-Executive
entrepreneurs and their start-up significant breakthrough innovations Director and Chair of the Audit and
businesses in China; Member of the and continued to focus on this, Compliance Committee of
Governing Body of the London Business speed-to-market and scale across all of International Consolidated Airlines
School; Non-Executive Director of the P&G’s businesses while Vice Chairman Group S.A.; Chairman and Chair of the
Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneur Fund of all the Global Business Units. Nominations, Audit and Compliance
and Crossborder Innovative Ventures Other appointments: Senior Adviser and Risk and Remuneration
International Limited; and a Non- at The Boston Consulting Group; Committees of BMO Asset
Executive Director and Advisory Board Advisory Board member of JBS USA; Management plc (previously called
member of Homaer Financial. Board Member of IRI. F&C Asset Management plc).

Attendance at Board meetings in 20191


Attended/Eligible to attend
Name Director since Scheduled4 Ad hoc
Richard Burrows 2009 6/6 2/2
Jack Bowles3(b) 2019 6/6 2/2
Nicandro Durante3(e) 2008-2019 1/1 2/2
Tadeu Marroco3(c) 2019 2/2 0/0
Ben Stevens3(f) 2008-2019 4/4 2/2
Sue Farr2(a) 2015 6/6 1/2
Jerry Fowden3(d) 2019 2/2 0/0
Dr Marion Helmes2(c) 2016 6/6 2/2
Luc Jobin2(b) 2017 6/6 1/2
Holly Keller Koeppel 2017 6/6 2/2
Savio Kwan 2014 6/6 2/2
Dimitri Panayotopoulos 2015 6/6 2/2
Kieran Poynter 2010 6/6 2/2
Notes:
1. Number of meetings in 2019: The Board held eight meetings in 2019, two of which were ad hoc and convened at short notice, one to discuss Board
Committee appointments and one to discuss the status of litigation in Quebec province. Part of the October Board meeting was held off-site at the
Group’s R&D facilities in Southampton, UK, to review Group strategy and product portfolios.
2. (a) Sue Farr did not attend the ad hoc Board meeting in January due to prior commitments; (b) Luc Jobin did not attend the ad hoc Board meeting
in January due to prior commitments; and (c) Marion Helmes did not attend the 2019 AGM due to prior commitments.
3. Composition: (a) the Board of Directors is shown as at the date of this Annual Report and Form 20-F; (b) Jack Bowles joined the Board on his appointment
as an Executive Director on 1 January 2019; (c) Tadeu Marroco joined the Board on his appointment as Finance Director on 5 August 2019; (d) Jerry
Fowden joined the Board on his appointment as a Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2019; (e) Nicandro Durante retired from the Board on his
retirement as Chief Executive on 1 April 2019; and (f) Ben Stevens retired from the Board on his retirement as Finance Director on 5 August 2019.
4. Number of meetings in 2020: Six Board meetings are scheduled for 2020.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 67


Directors’ Report

MANAGEMENT BOARD
AS AT 17 MARCH 2020

Jerome Abelman Marina Bellini Luciano Comin Alan Davy


Director, Legal & External Affairs Director, Digital and Information (46) Regional Director, Americas and Director, Operations (56)
and General Counsel (56) Sub-Saharan Africa (51)
Nationality: American Nationality: Italian/Brazillian Nationality: Italian/Argentinian Nationality: British
Jerry was appointed Director, Legal Marina joined the Management Board Luciano joined the Management Board Alan joined the Management Board
& External Affairs and General as Director, Digital and Information in as Regional Director, Americas and Sub- as Group Operations Director in
Counsel in May 2015, having joined January 2019. She joined the Group Saharan Africa in January 2019. He joined March 2013. He joined the Group
the Management Board as Group as Chief Information Officer (CIO) the Group in 1992 and has held a wide in 1988 and has held various roles
Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Director in 2018, having previously served range of roles, including Marketing in manufacturing, supply chain and
in January 2015. Jerry was Regional as Global CIO and Global Business Director in Venezuela, Marketing Director general management. Alan previously
General Counsel, Asia-Pacific from Services SVP at Anheuser-Busch in Mexico and General Manager of held the position of Group Head of
2010 to 2014, before becoming InBev, where she was responsible BAT Mexico. Luciano was also Regional Supply Chain.
Assistant General Counsel – Corporate for information technology Marketing Manager for Western
& Commercial. He was a member of transformation, including consumer Europe and then Regional Head of
the Board of RAI from February 2016 digital marketing. Marketing, Americas and Sub-Saharan
until July 2017. Africa before his appointment to the
Management Board.

Hae In Kim Paul Lageweg Guy Meldrum Dr David O’Reilly


Director, Talent and Culture (46) Director, New Categories (51) Regional Director, Asia-Pacific Director, Research and Science (53)
and Middle East (48)
Nationality: Korean Nationality: Dutch Nationality: New Zealand Nationality: British
Hae In joined the Management Board as Paul joined the Management Board Guy joined the Management Board David was appointed Director,
Director, Talent and Culture Designate as Director, New Categories in as Regional Director, Asia-Pacific Research and Science in January
in January 2019 and became Director, January 2019. He has been with the and Middle East in January 2019. 2019, having joined the Management
Talent and Culture in April 2019. Group for 14 years in various senior Previously he was Area Director, Board as Group Scientific Director
She was previously Group Head of roles, including Regional Marketing Australasia Area. Guy joined BAT in in 2012, leading R&D’s focus on
Talent and Organisational Effectiveness Manager, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, 1993 and has held several senior roles potentially reduced-risk products.
and has held several other senior HR Area Director, East Asia and Global in the Group including Area Director, He has been with the Group for more
roles in the Group, including Regional Head of Marketing Futures. North Asia Area and Marketing than 20 years and was previously
HR Director, Asia-Pacific, and HR Director, Russia. Head of International Public Health
Director, Japan and North Asia. Prior to and Scientific Affairs, responsible for
joining the Group in 2008, she gained engagement with scientific, medical
experience at Samsung, IBM Consulting and public health communities.
Services and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Ricardo Oberlander Johan Vandermeulen Kingsley Wheaton


President and CEO, Regional Director, Europe Chief Marketing Officer (47)
Reynolds American Inc. (56) and North Africa (52)
Nationality: Brazilian Nationality: Belgian Nationality: British
Ricardo was appointed President and Johan was appointed Regional Director, Kingsley was appointed Chief
CEO of RAI in January 2018, having joined Europe and North Africa in January Marketing Officer in January 2019.
the Management Board as Regional 2019. He joined the Management He joined the Group in 1996 and held
Director for the Americas in 2013. He has Board in 2014 as Regional Director various senior marketing positions,
held various senior marketing roles in for Eastern Europe, Middle East and prior to being General Manager in
the Group and was General Manager Africa, then became Regional Director, Russia. He was appointed to the
in France. He was Chairman of Souza Asia-Pacific and Middle East in January Management Board as Corporate and
Cruz S.A. from 2013 until 2016 and a 2018. He has been with the Group for Regulatory Affairs Director in 2012.
RAI Board member from 2014 until July more than 25 years and his previous In January 2015, he was appointed
2017. Ricardo is a member of the Chief roles include General Manager in Managing Director, Next Generation
Marketing Officer Council North America Russia, General Manager in Turkey Products and then as Regional Director,
Advisory Board and an Advisory Board and Global Brand Director for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa in
member of Coast Capital LLC. Kent brand. January 2018.

68 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

LEADERSHIP
Composition, Audit, risk,
Leadership Division of succession, internal Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation control Remuneration of Directors

AND PURPOSE

Our Board Board programme and activities


Our Board is collectively responsible to our shareholders for the The Board has a comprehensive annual programme of meetings to
long-term sustainable success of the Company and for the Group’s monitor and review the Group’s strategy across all the elements of
strategic direction, purpose, values and governance. Our Board the Group’s business model. The Chairman sets a carefully structured
provides the leadership necessary for the Group to meet its business agenda for each meeting in consultation with the Chief Executive
objectives within a robust framework of internal controls. and Company Secretary.
Primary Board responsibilities include: The key activities of the Board in 2019 are detailed on pages 74
– Group strategy and ensuring resources are in place to and 75. These activities are discussed under the strategy pillars of
meet objectives Sustainability, Growth, Productivity and Winning Organisation.
The Board’s strategic priorities for 2019 are identified within the
– Setting Group performance objectives and monitoring key performance indicators set out on pages 18 and 19.
performance
– Significant corporate activities During the year, the Board also devotes considerable attention
to Group corporate governance, including internal control and
– Group budget compliance matters.
– Risk management and internal control
The Board considers stakeholder interests in its decision-making on
– Board, Management Board and Company Secretary an ongoing basis. Examples of the Board considering the long-term
appointments and succession consequences of decisions, stakeholder interests, the impact of our
– Periodic financial reporting operations on the environment and corporate reputation (amongst
– Annual Report & 20-F approval other factors) are discussed on pages 74 and 75.
– Dividend policy Collective decision-making
– Corporate governance The Chairman seeks a consensus at Board meetings but, if necessary,
– Group policies decisions are taken by majority. If any Director has concerns on any
issues that cannot be resolved, such concerns are noted in the Board
– Effective engagement with shareholders, our workforce and minutes. No such concerns arose in 2019.
wider stakeholders
– Assessing and monitoring culture and its alignment with Group How our governance framework supports our strategy
purpose, values and strategy As part of our internal controls framework, the Board has delegated
– Ensuring workplace policies and practices align with values certain authorities to executive management through our Group
and support sustainable success Statement of Delegated Authorities to enable effective delivery of
Group strategy. The Board’s approach to delegation of authorities
– Review of Speak Up channels and reports arising therefrom is discussed further on page 70.
The statement of matters reserved for the Board is available
at bat.com/governance

Board Committees Management Board


The Board has three principal Board Committees to which it has The Management Board is responsible for overseeing the
delegated certain responsibilities. The roles, memberships and implementation of Group strategy and policies set by the Board, and
activities of these Committees are described in their individual creating the framework for Group subsidiaries’ day-to-day operations.
reports in this section.
The Management Board is chaired by the Chief Executive and
comprises the Executive Directors and 11 senior Group executives
Board whose names and roles are described on page 68.
Giovanni Giordano and Naresh Sethi stepped down from the
Management Board with effect from 31 March 2019.
Audit Nominations Remuneration Primary Management Board responsibilities include:
Committee Committee Committee – Developing Group strategy for the Group’s product portfolio for
approval by the Board
page 83 page 79 page 90
– Monitoring Group operating performance
– Ensuring Group, regional and functional strategies and resources
are effective and aligned
– Managing the central functions
The Chairman of each Committee provides updates to the Board, – Overseeing the management and development of Group talent
including on decisions made and key matters discussed, following
each Committee meeting. Copies of the minutes of all Committees
are circulated to all Board members to the extent appropriate.
Each Committee has its own terms of reference, available at 
bat.com/governance. Committee terms of reference are
regularly reviewed and updated, most recently to align
with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 69


Directors’ Report

OUR CULTURE
AND VALUES

Shaping and overseeing culture Monitoring culture


Our Board shapes and oversees not just Group strategy, but also its Our Board is satisfied that the culture of the Group is aligned with its
culture and ethos. Since becoming Chief Executive in April, Jack Bowles purpose, values and strategy and that workplace policies and practices
has focused on creating a stronger, simpler, faster business, with a are consistent with those.
culture reflecting our ethos, set out on page 11. Our ethos is the Our Board looks at organisational culture in a variety of contexts
thread that must run through everything we do and how we do it,  during the year, and examples of this in 2019 are highlighted below.
and we believe it empowers our people, fosters a vibrant and During 2019, Board oversight and monitoring of culture has been
rewarding work place, and promotes sustainable long-term value. supported by the introduction of a Group culture dashboard review,
Our Board is therefore committed to supporting Jack and our which our Board will now monitor annually. The dashboard draws
Management Board to drive our ethos in every area of our business. together a range of focused insights that can be measured over time,
The Board leads by example, establishing revised governance including employee engagement, leadership stability, employee
structures across the organisation which took effect in January 2020. retention and turnover, diversity balance across the organisation,
Our revised Group Statement of Delegated Authorities (SoDA) aims business conduct, Speak Up reporting, and workplace health & safety.
to empower people at the right level of our organisation with an Outside of the boardroom, the Directors regularly participate in market
enhanced degree of accountability and ownership. These changes and site visits during the year, providing them with direct experience of
support our Quantum transformation project, to reduce management our organisational culture in context.
layers, speed up and enhance decision-making, and create a more
focused Group.
Examples of the Board’s focus
Overseeing the implementation of Group strategy through the SoDA is
one of the ways that the Board promotes good corporate governance,
on culture in 2019
risk management and internal control across our Group. The SoDA
supports our Board members in managing their responsibility for Board review: Digital strategy
promoting the success of the Company, in line with their directors’ Supporting enhanced engagement with consumers and customers and
duties. Where the Board delegates authority for decision-making developing a digitally literate organisation (‘Digital in our DNA’).
to management, the SoDA mandates regard for the likely long-
term consequences of decisions, the imperative of maintaining Non-Executive Director visit: Denmark and Sweden
high standards of business conduct, employees’ interests, business Meeting representatives from regional and local management teams,
relationships with our wider stakeholders, the impact of our operations visiting local Trade Marketing and Distribution operations in Copenhagen,
on the environment and communities in which we operate, and other and touring factory operations in Malmö.
relevant factors.
Board strategy sessions: Culture and talent
Delivery with integrity In-depth review of Group culture, culture dashboard insights,
How we execute our strategy is as important as its successful delivery, alignment of Group workplace policies and practices with Group
and our Board is focused on ensuring that in every aspect of our purpose, strategy and values; and talent strategy for accelerating
business we deliver with integrity. In an organisation as diverse as Group transformation, including building diverse talent pipelines.
ours, it is essential to the Group’s continued success that all our people
act with consistently high standards of behaviour. We articulate Board review: Quantum project
this through our Group Standards of Business Conduct (SoBC). Oversight of project objectives, including enhancing employee
Compliance with our SoBC, in letter and spirit, is mandatory for all our empowerment and transformation of organisational ways
of working, with due regard to employee interests in project
people worldwide.
design and implementation.
We keep our SoBC under regular review to maintain best practice and
to take employee and stakeholder feedback into account. The Board Board review: Standards of Business Conduct
approved a revised version of our SoBC in 2019, which came into Approving a revised version of the SoBC emphasising line manager
effect in January 2020, supported by a global awareness campaign. responsibility for role-modelling high standards of behaviour, a
refreshed Speak Up policy, and new Lobbying and Engagement Policy.
Our revised SoBC emphasises that every line manager across our
business must act as a role model for high standards of behaviour and
includes a refreshed Speak Up policy, reflecting the range of Speak Up Board review: Group workforce engagement
Review of Group workforce engagement channels, feedback from
channels through which any concerns may be raised in confidence the 2019 Your Voice global employee survey and other channels, and
(anonymously if preferred) and without fear of reprisal. Our revised considering areas for future focus or action in light of these insights.
SoBC includes our Lobbying and Engagement Policy (replacing our
Group Principles for Engagement), reinforcing the requirement for all
Board strategy sessions: Global R&D Centre, UK
our engagement activities with governments, regulators and other Meeting representatives from our New Categories and Research &
external stakeholders to be conducted with transparency, openness Science teams in Southampton, UK to discuss technologies and insights
and integrity. underpinning pipeline development.

Our Audit Committee is regularly updated on SoBC incidents.


The Committee reports to the Board to enable Board oversight of Non-Executive Director visit: Japan
Understanding consumer perspectives on New Categories products,
behaviour falling short of our standards and the corrective action
meeting representatives from the regional and local management teams
taken, particularly where relevant to culture and values. and visiting local Trade Marketing and Distribution operations in Tokyo.
Read more about our commitment to delivery with integrity and our Group
Standards of Business Conduct on pages 31 to 32
Board and Committee evaluations
This review considered management engagement with the Board,
monitoring wider business culture, supporting the executive
team, collaborative ways of working and opportunities to enhance
effectiveness further.

70 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

BOARD ENGAGEMENT
Composition, Audit, risk,
Leadership Division of succession, internal Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation control Remuneration of Directors

WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Our Directors value all engagement with our shareholders and An Investor Day was held in London in March 2019, with the
wider stakeholders to understand their views and inform the Board’s Management Board in attendance. Jack Bowles led the event, setting
decision-making, strategy development and risk assessment. Our key out a comprehensive overview and outlook for the business. The event
stakeholders are set out on pages 26 to 27, with an overview of why featured presentations by a number of Management Board members
they are important to our long-term, sustainable success, what matters and senior leaders. Around 200 delegates attended, representing our
to them, and how we engage and respond to their views. key investors and market analysts. The content covered objectives to
accelerate delivery of our ‘transforming tobacco’ agenda, with clear
Shareholder and investor engagement targets attached to New Category growth and performance of the
Dialogue with our shareholders business over the next two to three years.
The Board is committed to open and transparent dialogue with For debt investors, there is a microsite on bat.com with comprehensive
shareholders to ensure their views are understood and considered. bondholder information on credit ratings, debt facilities, outstanding
The Chairman and Executive Directors’ annual engagement bonds and maturity profiles.
programme is discussed below. The Senior Independent Director
and other Non-Executive Directors are also available to meet with How the Board considers shareholder views
major shareholders on request. Our AGM is an opportunity for The Chairman and the Executive Directors regularly update the Board
further shareholder engagement and for the Chairman to explain the on their dialogue with shareholders. The Board also receives regular
Company’s progress and, with other members of the Board, answer updates from the Head of Investor Relations and our brokers on key
questions. All Directors attend our AGM, unless illness or pressing issues raised by shareholders, and on the Company’s share price
commitments prevent them. All Directors attended our AGM in 2019, performance. Shareholder perspectives considered by the Board during
except Dr Marion Helmes due to a prior commitment. Details of our 2019 included, amongst others, regulatory developments in the US
2020 AGM are set out on page 323. market, the Group’s New Categories strategy and performance, Group
debt and business transformation. The Board discusses key issues
Annual investor relations programme
raised and takes shareholder feedback into account in developing
A global engagement programme is conducted annually with Group strategy.
shareholders, potential investors and analysts. This is led by
For disclosures required by paragraph 7.2.6 of the Disclosure Guidance
the Chairman and the Executive Directors, with our Head of and Transparency Rules and the Companies Act 2006 see the Other
Investor Relations. The Chairman and the Executive Directors met Information section
with shareholders throughout the year. Prior to his appointment as
Finance Director, Tadeu Marroco also attended shareholder meetings
Financial calendar 2019
as Deputy Finance Director.
As part of the investor relations programme in 2019, meetings were
February Preliminary Results for FY 2018
held with institutional shareholders representing the majority of the
Company’s issued share capital, primarily in the UK, US and South March Capital Markets Day
Africa. A wide range of topics were discussed, including Group
strategy, performance, corporate governance and sustainability. In the April Annual General Meeting
past year, over 465 investor engagement activities took place, primarily
through face-to-face meetings and calls. The Executive Directors also
presented regular investor updates, which are published on bat.com
with all results presentations. Results presentations are also available to
465+ investor
June Pre-close trading update

all our shareholders by webcast. engagement


activities
The development of the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy was an in 2019 August Half-year Report
area of focus for our investor relations programme in advance of the
Company’s 2019 AGM. The Remuneration Committee Chairman led
engagement on the policy proposals, supported by the Chairman,
including dialogue on the development of policy proposals to take into
account shareholder feedback. November Pre-close trading update

Update on 2019 AGM voting results This level of authority continues to be supported by the majority of
All resolutions were passed at the Company’s AGM held on 25 April our shareholders and the level of authority maintained is in line with
2019 with the requisite majority of votes. However, we acknowledge prevailing UK market practice. Although there is no present intention
that a significant minority of our shareholders did not support the to exercise this authority, the Board considers that this level of
resolution to renew the Directors’ authority to allot shares. authority is appropriate to maintain flexibility for the Company.

We appreciate that some shareholders are unable to support an We will maintain dialogue with shareholders for which this authority
allotment authority at the level sought, and the reasons why. continues to present concerns and keep best practice under review.
During 2019, we engaged with a range of shareholders that voted
against this resolution and the Board considered their views.
The Board fully understands the difference in approach between
prevailing UK market practice (to retain an authority to allot in line
with the UK Investment Association’s share capital management
guidelines) and governance policies maintained by those
shareholders voting against. This includes shareholders in South
Africa, who either do not support a general allotment authority or
only support a general authority at lower levels.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 71


Directors’ Report

BOARD ENGAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS


CONTINUED

Wider stakeholder engagement Our People


Our Board conducted a review of key business stakeholders in 2019.
A broad range of stakeholders are important to the Group at local, The Board absorbs the views of our workforce through a combination
regional and functional levels. Key stakeholders that are essential to of engagement methods, across multiple channels at different levels of
our ability to generate long-term, sustainable value are identified by our organisation. These include Board market and site visits, town halls,
applying an established stakeholder engagement framework. This takes works councils, global webcasts, and our ‘Your Voice‘ global employee
into account Group strategic objectives, risks to the Group and survey. These are discussed further on pages 41 to 42.
emerging risks.
The 2019 stakeholder review included how engagement is conducted Director market and site visits in 2019*
across the Group, stakeholders’ primary concerns and how the Board UK
is kept informed of those where engagement is not conducted at
Board level. US
6
Following the review, the Board decided to establish Non-Executive
Director participation in meetings with our independent Sustainability
3 Events with
Directors
ENA APME

Stakeholder Panel to enhance their understanding of evolving issues


Director
visits 3
Director
2
for our stakeholders and obtain more detailed insight on how they are AmSSA Director
visits visits
addressed and communicated in our annual Sustainability Report.
Our Board is satisfied that there is effective and well-established 1
Director
engagement with the Group’s key stakeholders. The Board will visit
conduct a stakeholder review annually and monitor the continued
effectiveness of engagement. * Total visits/events by location in 2019 that one or more Directors attended.
Day-to-day engagement with our key stakeholders, and other local
stakeholder groups, is conducted at the level and in a format best The Board has taken account of the requirements of the UK Corporate
suited to the context. This may be locally, regionally or functionally, Governance Code in its approach to engagement with the workforce
or by the Board or senior management, depending on the stakeholder. and has adopted a combination of methods as permitted by the Code.
Our Group governance framework, including our Group Standards Given the spread, scale and diversity of the Group’s workforce, the Board
of Business Conduct and specific frameworks for stakeholder considers it effective to use the established channels referred to above,
engagement, mandate openness, transparency and integrity, and has augmented these from January 2019 by introducing Group-
and define requirements for appropriate management oversight. wide reporting structures to capture feedback from engagement forums
Read more about our key business stakeholders and how we engage covering all Group company employees and individuals contracted on a
Pages 26 to 27 fixed-term basis to undertake permanent roles worldwide.

Where the Board does not engage directly with our stakeholders, The Board now reviews these engagement channels and consolidated
it is kept updated so Directors maintain an effective understanding of feedback from them annually. In 2019, this also included review of insights
what matters to our stakeholders and can draw on these perspectives from our 2019 Your Voice global employee survey. Focus and action areas
in Board decision-making and strategy development. Examples of how reviewed by the Board are then cascaded to our workforce. Key areas of
the Board engaged with wider key stakeholders and maintained its feedback from engagement channels reviewed by the Board during 2019
understanding of their interests during the year include: focused on business transformation, product innovation and ways of working,
and the BAT ethos has been developed with significant workforce input.

Consumers Directors attended market and site visits, including to Denmark


(Copenhagen), Japan (Tokyo), Sweden (Malmö factory) and UK
Our consumers are at the core of everything we do, and over (Global R&D facilities in Southampton) to meet local management and
150 million consumers interact with Group products every day. representatives from marketing and operations. Our Executive Directors
presented several global webcasts following their appointments to
The Board is regularly briefed by the Executive Directors and senior the Board which included discussions on strategy, business outlook,
management on how we are developing our product portfolio to performance, culture and the Quantum transformation project, including
satisfy an increasingly varied set of adult consumer preferences across live Q&A. Our Directors take other opportunities to engage directly
our traditional and New Categories businesses. with employees to support the Group’s diversity and inclusion. In 2019,
Through strategy and product portfolio ‘deep dives’ in 2019, the examples include Director participation in our global webcast campaign
Board devoted significant time to considering how consumer insights, #BalanceForBetter on International Women’s Day and our annual event
product preferences, longer-term trends and the Group’s approach for ‘B United‘, the Group’s LGBT+ network.
to product stewardship can help deliver a step-change by offering The statement of matters reserved for the Board reflects the Board’s
innovative products that will recapture consumer moments lost to responsibility to understand the views of our global workforce, and to
shifting trends. keep effectiveness of mechanisms for engagement with the workforce
The Board sees this for themselves through their review of evolving under review, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.
consumer spaces, participation in product ‘look and feel’ exploration Read more about workforce engagement across our Group
sessions, and by speaking directly to product developers to understand Pages 26, 41 and 42
how they integrate in-depth scientific knowledge with consumer
insights to build a superior product pipeline. UK Companies Act: Employee engagement
Read more about our approach to engaging with consumers This section summarises the Directors’ approach to engaging with the
Page 26
Group’s workforce, including employees of UK Group companies, and
how the Directors have regard to their interests. Further information is
provided on pages 26 to 27 and 41 to 42. Information regarding the
effect of that regard is provided on pages 74 and 75.

72 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition, Audit, risk,


Leadership Division of succession, internal Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation control Remuneration of Directors

Suppliers Governments and wider society


Our relationships with suppliers and farmers are managed day-to- At every regular Board meeting, the Board reviews a report from our
day by the Group’s Operations function and at local market level. Legal & External Affairs Director covering regulatory engagement,
The Board periodically reviews the Group’s supply chain strategies, progress in anti-illicit trade initiatives, litigation, compliance and other
supplier footprint and progress of sustainable agriculture and farmer legal matters across the Group. The Board is briefed on evolving
livelihoods programmes, in particular the industry-wide Sustainable product regulation through its annual product portfolio ‘deep dives’
Tobacco Programme, and the Group’s THRIVE programme which takes with senior management.
into account insights from supplier and farmer engagement.
The Audit Committee is regularly updated on the status of
In 2019, updates to the Board included the Group’s combustibles engagement with tax authorities on material Group tax matters.
supply chain strategy and the Group’s approach to building strategic The Non-Executive Directors regularly attend meetings of the Group’s
relationships with research partners to support New Categories Corporate Audit Committee and Regional Audit & CSR Committees,
development. The Board also discussed new ways of working to build where societal and community perspectives on various topics at
relationships with corporate venturing partners to foster innovation regional and local levels are discussed further. Feedback from those
and build capabilities in New Categories. Committees is reviewed by the Audit Committee.
As part of the Board’s review of our annual Modern Slavery Statement, The Chairman participates in the Confederation of British Industry, the
it discussed actions being taken by the Group to address the risk of Multinational Chairman Group and the Whitehall & Industry Group;
human rights issues across our business and supply chains. In the these are all forums enabling engagement with the UK Government
context of the Board’s review of the revised SoBC in 2019, it was on topics such as global trade, Brexit and cyber security.
briefed on enhanced alignment of our Human Rights policy with the
The Audit Committee reviews the Group’s sustainability performance
ILO Declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work and UK
annually, including our investment in community and charitable initiatives
modern slavery legislation.
under the Group’s strategic framework for corporate social investment.
Read more about how we engage with our suppliers and farmers
Pages 27, 31 and 39 The Chairman also participates in the annual meeting of the Global
Leadership Foundation (GLF), a network of government and NGO
Customers stakeholders helping developing countries improve governance.
The Board is briefed on scientific engagement with public health
Whilst retailer, wholesaler and distributor relationships are managed
bodies, scientific communities and the media. In 2019, this included
at local market and business unit levels, the Board is regularly briefed
the launch of the new BAT-science website.
on the Group’s retail footprint, route to market strategies and
developments in the global retail environment. As part of the Board’s review of the Group’s new environmental targets
and environmental reporting, the Board was briefed on stakeholder
In 2019, this was primarily achieved through regular updates from
expectations in relation to carbon emissions commitments and
the Chief Executive on product roll-out plans and the Board’s annual
alignment to Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
product portfolio ‘deep dives’. Focus areas for Board discussions
recommendations.
included US wholesaler and retailer approaches to preventing
youth access to vapour products and the Group’s actions to ensure Read more about our engagement with governments and wider society
Pages 27 and 32
responsible partnerships with trade customers. The Audit Committee
also regularly reviews the Group’s Youth Access Prevention activities
and action plans. UK Companies Act: Business relationships
Read more about how we engage with our customers This section summarises how the Directors have regard to the need
Page 27 to foster business relationships with customers, suppliers and other
external stakeholders. Further information is provided on pages 26
and 27. Information regarding the effect of that regard is provided
on pages 74 and 75.

Sustainability Stakeholder Panel


To enhance its understanding of what matters to our stakeholders,
the Board established Non-Executive Director participation in
meetings with our Sustainability Stakeholder Panel in 2019.
The Panel is formed of key opinion leaders in the areas of harm
reduction, environment, human rights and business ethics. It was
established in 2016 to provide independent and objective feedback
on our sustainability agenda, priorities and our Sustainability Report.
In November 2019, Richard Burrows and Sue Farr, with members
of senior management, met the Panel to review developments in
sustainability initiatives, evolving sustainability issues that could
impact our wider stakeholders, and Group sustainability performance.
Feedback was provided to the Board and Non-Executive Director
participation in meetings with the Panel will continue in 2020.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 73


Directors’ Report

BOARD ACTIVITIES
IN 2019

Sustainability Growth

The Board emphasises the need for our business, strategy and Growth remains our key strategic focus. Continued investment
product portfolio to be sustainable for the long term and meet in, and development of, our strategic focus areas is central to the
stakeholder expectations. Board’s annual agenda.

Activities in 2019 Activities in 2019

– reviewing the Group Risk – reviewing the status of – reviewing Group strategy and – reviewing the Group’s
Register, Group risk appetite litigation proceedings involving its implementation across the information and digital
in the context of its strategic Group companies, including Group’s regions; technology (IDT) strategy,
objectives, emerging risks updates on the class-actions – review of the evolution of the including progress of the
to the Group, and Group in Quebec Province against Group’s strategy to accelerate Group’s digital transformation
insurance coverage; Group subsidiary Imperial New Category growth; agenda, risk management and
– determining Group viability for Tobacco Canada and associated cyber security;
– approval of Group budget and
reporting purposes taking into CCAA filing, the Fox River and – oversight of establishment of
oversight of resource allocation
account current position and Kalamazoo River proceedings, the Group’s corporate venture
activities, including for
principal risks; and claims brought by RAI capital unit, ‘Better Tomorrow
combustible product portfolios,
dissenting shareholders Ventures’, and approval of
– reviewing Group stakeholders, to support strategy execution;
following acquisition of the specific delegated authorities
methods of engagement, – reviewing Group financial
remaining shares in RAI; to support the unit in creating
issues that matter to those performance against the key
stakeholders and how the – reviewing updates on innovative and agile strategic
performance metrics, current
Group responds; compliance matters, including relationships with venture
outlook throughout the year,
allegations of misconduct, capital partners;
– reviewing the Group’s approach key challenges faced and
reports from Speak Up – reviewing the Company’s share
to product stewardship and opportunities for growth in
channels, and progress of the price performance, investor and
the science underpinning each region;
Group’s ‘Delivery with Integrity’ broker perspectives, and analysis
development of New – reviewing Group half-year
compliance programme; of factors impacting share
Category products; results, year-end results and the
– reviewing health and safety price performance;
– reviewing Group regulatory Annual Report and Form 20-F;
performance for the preceding – reviewing the impact of
engagement activities – reviewing New Category
year, targets for the coming foreign exchange rates on
and evolving global product portfolios, innovation
year and action plans; Group financial performance,
product regulation; pipeline, roll-out plans and
– reviewing performance against including measures taken
– reviewing New Category Group strategy for developing
environmental targets set for by management to mitigate
products environment, with intellectual property;
the preceding year, approving foreign exchange risks; and
particular focus on the US – reviewing Group product
revised long-term targets and – reviewing financial performance
vapour environment and portfolio performance in the
endorsing plans for enhanced of the associates of the
the status of FDA proposals context of strategic focus areas
climate change reporting; and Group periodically.
to regulate flavours in and the competitor landscape;
vapour products; – reviewing the Group’s annual
Modern Slavery Act statement
– approving revised versions of and approving it for adoption
the International Marketing by the Company.
Principles and Group Standards
of Business Conduct (including
the Speak Up and Lobbying and
Engagement policies);

Examples of how the Board considered stakeholders, the environment, corporate reputation, and the long-term impact of decisions

Environmental targets and Key stakeholders Budget and resource allocation Key stakeholders
climate change reporting The Board approved the 2020 budget, weighing
 Shareholders/  Shareholders/
The Board approved new environmental targets Bondholders
the balance between the long-term corporate and Bondholders
aimed at significantly reducing the greenhouse consumer benefits of New Categories investment and
gas emissions of the Group and its supply chain. Consumers continued portfolio and geographic expansion with our Consumers
The targets were based on the most up-to-date commitment to significant deleveraging. The budget
climate science and were formally endorsed by Our people reflects our considerable work to better understand Our people
the Science-Based Targets initiative, reflecting the and anticipate evolving consumer preferences at a
Board’s commitment to reducing the impact of our Suppliers transformational time for our sector, and factors in our Suppliers
operations in the long term and working with external commitment to strong product stewardship, research
stakeholders to achieve this. Building on this initiative, Customers and collaborative innovation to meet those needs. Customers
the Board has also endorsed the Group’s alignment
with the TCFD reporting recommendations on the  Governments  Governments
and wider society and wider society
financial impacts of climate change by 2022.

74 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition, Audit, risk,


Leadership Division of succession, internal Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation control Remuneration of Directors

Productivity Winning organisation

The Board pays close attention to the Group’s operational Setting the ‘tone from the top’ is an important part of the
efficiency and our programmes are aimed at delivering a globally Board’s role, helping to foster a culture centred on our ethos.
integrated enterprise with cost and capital effectiveness.

Activities in 2019 Activities in 2019

– reviewing operating – reviewing Group compliance – approving the appointment – considering feedback from the
performance on a Group, with its financing principles, of Tadeu Marroco and Jerry range of workforce engagement
regional and key market level including in relation to Group Fowden to the Board and mechanisms in place across
across the product portfolio, liquidity, capital allocation, revising the composition of the Group, including
including combustibles and adjusted net debt/EBITDA, Board Committees on the outcomes from the ‘Your
New Categories; the Group’s revolving credit recommendation of the Voice’ global 2019 employee
– reviewing Group cash flow facilities, planned refinancing Nominations Committee; survey, discussing plans for
performance, including and other treasury activities; – determining the independence implementing feedback and
monitoring the progress to – reviewing US business of Non-Executive Directors attending market and site visits;
realise opportunities and performance following the prior to proposing them – reviewing Speak Up
optimise the balance sheet, acquisition of RAI, progress in for re‑appointment (or mechanisms and the reports
to ensure the Group can invest achieving anticipated synergies appointment for the first time) arising from them;
for the future while reducing discussed further at page 39, at the Company’s AGM; – approving changes to the
the carrying value of debt; implementation of operational – reviewing feedback from the Group’s existing short-term
– reviewing the SEC-registered integration, and outlook for the Remuneration Committee and long-term management
shelf programme for US debt US business; on development of the new incentive schemes (below
issuance, summarised on – reviewing Group supply chain Directors’ Remuneration Policy Executive Director level) to
page 48, and approving the strategy and optimisation and shareholder perspectives, enhance alignment with
transaction documentation to programmes; and and adopting the new policy for Group strategy and values,
establish the programme; – reviewing other business proposal to shareholders at the and adopting rules for a new
– reviewing the Quantum transformation programmes Company’s 2019 AGM; employee restricted share
transformation project relating to finance, human – monitoring corporate culture long-term incentive plan for
and its objectives, and resources and global business and its alignment with the proposal to shareholders at the
approving changes to services to implement Group’s purpose, strategy Company’s 2020 AGM;
the Group’s delegated operational efficiencies. and values; – reviewing the funding positions
authorities to implement – reviewing the Group’s talent, relating to the Group’s
organisational change; diversity and inclusion strategies retirement benefit schemes; and
and the progress of initiatives – review and discussion of the
supporting their objectives; outcomes from the evaluation
– reviewing the BAT ethos, of the effectiveness of the Board
an evolution of the Group’s and its Committees in 2019.
Guiding Principles, developed
with significant input from
Group company employees;

Business transformation Key stakeholders Group incentive schemes Key stakeholders


The Board reviewed the Quantum transformation The Remuneration Committee reviewed the Group’s
 Shareholders/  Shareholders/
project and its objectives and approved changes to Bondholders
wider reward strategy (below Executive Director level), Bondholders
the Group’s governance framework to support project leading to a simplified annual salary review process
delivery and realise its benefits. The project, while Consumers and revised management incentive scheme structures. Consumers
creating a leaner organisation, was conceived with due As competition for talented employees intensifies and
regard to employee interests and is ultimately designed Our people we build our capabilities to succeed in New Categories
to empower our people going forward, promote agility and growth markets, the Committee endorsed these
in their decision-making, and support funding for future changes to better align incentive schemes below
growth. A consumer-centric approach is at the heart Executive Director level with the Group’s strategy and
of this, reflecting the Group’s strategy. values, enhance talent acquisition and retention and
take into account employee feedback.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 75


Directors’ Report

DIVISION OF
RESPONSIBILITIES

Introduction
This section sets out the roles, and effective division of responsibilities, between the Chairman, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Directors,
and outlines the support the Directors receive to assist them in meeting their responsibilities under the UK Corporate Governance Code and
discharging their directors’ duties, both individually and collectively.

Leadership
Chairman Chief Executive
– Leadership of the Board – Overall responsibility for Group performance
– Ensures Board effectiveness – Leadership of the Group
– Facilitates the productive contribution of the Directors – Enables planning and execution of Group objectives and strategies
– Sets the Board agenda – Stewardship of Group assets
– Interfaces with shareholders – Drives the cultural tone of the organisation
– Ensures effective shareholder engagement The responsibilities of the Chairman, Chief Executive,
Senior Independent Director are available at www.bat.com
– Representational duties on behalf of the Company

Oversight
Non-Executive Directors Senior Independent Director (SID)
– Oversee Group strategy – Leads review of the Chairman’s performance
– Scrutinise and hold to account performance against objectives – Presides at Board meetings in the Chairman’s absence
– Monitor Group performance – Chairs the Nominations Committee when Chairman
– Review management proposals and provide strategic guidance succession considered
– Bring external perspective and effective challenge to management – Sounding board for the Chairman
– Intermediary for other Directors
– Available for meet with shareholders

Non-Executive Director meetings


When required, the Non-Executive Directors, led by the Chairman, The Executive and the Non-Executive Directors also meet annually,
meet prior to or following Board meetings. Regular meetings led led by the Senior Independent Director and without the Chairman
by the Chairman are scheduled in the Board calendar without the present, to discuss the Chairman’s performance.
Executive Directors present.

Independence Directors information and advice


The Board considers all Non-Executive Directors to be independent, – Directors receive papers for review in good time ahead of each
as they are free from any business or other relationships that could Board and Committee meeting.
interfere materially with, or appear to affect, their judgement. – Papers and presentations to the Board and its Committees include
In respect of Luc Jobin and Holly Keller Koeppel, who were originally discussion of specific stakeholder considerations as applicable
appointed to the Board following the acquisition of RAI and pursuant – The Company Secretary ensures effective information flow within
to the Agreement and Plan of Merger with RAI, the Board determined and between the Board and its Committees, and between the Non-
each of them to be independent Directors, having taken into account Executive Directors and senior management.
their respective periods of service on the board of RAI as independent,
non-executive directors. – The Company Secretary, in conjunction with external advisers where
appropriate, advises the Board on all governance matters.
The Board has also considered the independence requirements
outlined in the NYSE’s listing standards and has determined that these – All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company
are met by the Chairman and all the Non-Executive Directors. Secretary. The appointment and replacement of the Company
Secretary is a matter for the Board.
– A procedure is in place for all Directors to take independent
professional advice at the Company’s expense if required.
– Each of the three principal Committees of the Board may obtain
independent legal or other professional advice, at the Company’s
expense, and secure attendance at meetings of outsiders if needed.

76 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition, Audit, risk,


Leadership Division of succession, internal Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation control Remuneration of Directors

Commitment Professional development


Before appointing prospective Directors, the Board takes into account Non-Executive Directors receive a full programme of briefings annually
their other commitments and significant time commitments are across all areas of the Company’s business from the Executive Directors,
disclosed prior to appointment. The letters of appointment for the members of the Management Board, the Company Secretary and
Chairman and Non-Executive Directors set out their expected time other senior executives.
commitment to the Company. Any additional external appointments
Focus areas in 2019 included a recap on directors’ duties under Section
following appointment to the Board require prior approval by
172 of the UK Companies Act 2006, and new corporate reporting
the Board in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance
requirements introduced in 2018 associated with the discharge of
Code 2018. The Board assesses the significance of any additional
those duties. These briefings were provided in the context of the
external appointment notified by a Director, supported by the
Board’s review of key business stakeholders. The Board was also
Company Secretary.
updated on the implementation of revisions to the Group’s governance
During 2019, the Board considered and gave approval to the new framework to align with the UK Corporate Governance Code,
external appointments of the Non-Executive Directors. Sue Farr’s following the Board’s approval of those revisions in 2018.
appointment as a non-executive director of Helical plc with effect from
During the year, the Audit Committee has been updated on the
5 June 2019 was considered by the Board to be a significant additional
progress of UK government reviews and consultations in relation
appointment. Such appointment was, however, not considered to
to the UK audit market and proposed reform of the UK Financial
impair her ability to serve as a Director of the Company in view of
Reporting Council.
the anticipated time commitment and as Ms Farr ceased to be a
non-executive director of Dairy Crest Group plc on 15 April 2019. Non-Executive Directors regularly attend meetings of the Group’s
Including the Company, Sue Farr is a non-executive director of a total Regional Audit and Corporate and Social Responsibility Committees
of three listed companies. and Corporate Audit Committee to gain an enhanced understanding
of the Group’s regions and central functions and the risks faced by the
In 2019, the Board also considered and gave approval to Luc
business at market, regional and functional levels.
Jobin’s proposed appointment as an independent director of
Gildan Activewear Inc., effective from 18 February 2020. The Non-Executive Directors also attend by rotation an annual meeting
Board considered the appointment to be a significant additional of our Sustainability Stakeholder Panel to enhance their understanding
appointment, however it was not considered to impair Mr Jobin’s of wider stakeholder considerations.
ability to serve as a Director of the Company in view of Mr Jobin’s total
The Chairman meets with each Non-Executive Director individually
of two listed company mandates which is within the voting guidelines
towards the end of each year, to discuss their individual training and
of leading corporate governance agencies. Following this appointment,
development plans.
Mr Jobin is a Non-Executive Director of two listed companies, including
the Company. All Directors receive a thorough and personalised induction upon
joining the Board. Individual inductions conducted in 2019 are
Conflicts of interests highlighted below.
The Board has formal procedures for managing conflicts of interest.
Directors are required to give advance notice of any conflict issues
to the Company Secretary. These are considered either at the next
Board meeting or, if the timing requires it, at a meeting of the Board’s
Conflicts Committee.
Each year, the Board also considers afresh all previously authorised
situational conflicts. Directors are excluded from the quorum and
vote in respect of any matters in which they have an interest.

Board induction
On joining the Board, all Directors receive a full induction tailored to their individual requirements
Finance Director induction 2019 Non-Executive Director induction 2019
Tadeu Marroco completed his Executive Director induction Jerry Fowden completed his Non-Executive Director induction
programme in preparation for his appointment to the Board on programme in 2019 following his appointment to the Board on
5 August 2019. 1 September 2019.
Mr Marroco’s induction included in-depth briefings from senior Mr Fowden’s induction included a series of briefings from senior
management, the external auditors and external advisers. management, the external auditors and external advisers on the
Group’s strategy, business regions, product portfolios, corporate
These briefings covered a range of topics, including the Company’s
governance, directors’ duties, the Group’s shareholder and wider
corporate governance structures, responsibilities as Finance Director
stakeholder engagement programmes and stakeholder perspectives,
and directors’ duties more generally, Board and Committee processes,
evolving regulation impacting the Group’s business, and treasury,
UK and US regulatory frameworks applicable to listed issuers,
risk and legal matters.
shareholder and wider stakeholder engagement programmes and
stakeholder perspectives, external audit procedures and legal matters. Mr Fowden also visited our Global R&D Centre in Southampton to
gain insight into the Group’s product innovation pipeline and science
supporting it directly from our scientists and product developers.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 77


Directors’ Report

BOARD
EVALUATION

Review process
The performance and effectiveness of the Board, its Committees, In addition, several members of the Management Board and other
the Executive and Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman were senior management participated in elements of the evaluation.
evaluated externally in 2019, facilitated by Independent Audit Limited Anonymised reports specifying the findings of the evaluations were
(‘Independent Audit’). Independent Audit has no connections with prepared by Independent Audit for the Board and each Committee.
the Company or its Directors other than in respect of facilitation of The Board and Committees then reviewed and discussed their
Board evaluation. respective reports and identified action areas for 2020 taking into
Independent Audit undertook the evaluations through a series of account the evaluation findings. Discussions of evaluation findings
detailed questionnaires, observation of meetings of the Board and were facilitated by Independent Audit.
Audit and Remuneration Committees, and review of Board and The Chairman received reports from Independent Audit on the
Committee papers for the previous 12 months. The Chairman is performance and effectiveness of all Executive and Non-Executive
responsible for the overall evaluation process and each Committee Directors (other than himself) in 2019 and he provided individual
Chair is responsible for the evaluation of the performance and feedback to each Director.
effectiveness of their Committee.
The Senior Independent Director received a report from Independent
All Directors (except for Jerry Fowden, who had just joined the Audit on the Chairman’s performance and effectiveness, and led
Board) participated in the evaluation process, assessing the Board, a discussion reviewing the Chairman’s effectiveness with the other
the Committees of which they were a member or regularly attended Directors (without the Chairman present). The Senior Independent
in 2019, and each of the Directors individually. Director then provided feedback to the Chairman.

2019 evaluation: outcomes and actions


The Board considers that it, and its Committees, continue to function effectively and that the working relationships between the Board
and its Committees continue to be sound.

Leadership and culture Risk management


Positive feedback was provided on management’s degree of Oversight of risk management is viewed to be handled well. Stress-
engagement with the Board, linked with an open dynamic with the testing of scenario analysis and crisis preparation, and insight
new Chief Executive and Finance Director. on management’s response plans and backup systems, were
identified as focus areas. Cyber and IT security risk are areas where
Leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of the Board to
crisis management is felt to be key. Continued engagement with
best effect was also discussed, with the openness of the new executive
management and experts was considered essential to the Board’s
team’s interaction with the Board and the inclusiveness of the Board’s
understanding and oversight.
strategy sessions cited as positive factors.
Actions for 2020
Oversight of organisational culture was identified to be an area for
continued focus for the Board, particularly in light of the Quantum – targeted assessment of crisis scenarios and mitigation plans
transformation project. Director market and site visits were identified – Audit Committee deep dive on information, technology and
as a useful means of achieving this, and positive feedback was cyber risks
provided by Directors on market visits in 2019.
Dynamics and information
Actions for 2020
– review sources of insight provided to the Board on culture to ensure Board and Committee meetings are considered to be chaired
this supports Board oversight in the most effective manner effectively, with effective support from the Company Secretariat.
Opportunities were identified to enhance meeting effectiveness
– develop the programme of market and site visits for Non-Executive
through more focused presentations. There is also opportunity
Directors to continue to spend time in the business
to enhance the effectiveness of Board and Committee papers by
Strategy including clear linkage to strategy and reducing operational detail.
Actions for 2020
The good start made by the new Chief Executive and Finance
Director in articulating and communicating strategy was noted. – maintain balance between presentation and discussion in meetings
The Non-Executive Directors welcomed their increased level – additional guidance to management on preparation of Board and
of involvement in strategic planning. The Board’s approach to Committee papers to enhance effectiveness of pre-read
monitoring the organisation’s financial health is well regarded.
Composition and succession
The strategic opportunities and risks associated with big trends
driving the industry, including new technology, were areas identified Executive succession was unanimously agreed to be an area of
for focus for the Board, as was continued review of reward strategy by strength and the Nominations Committee was praised for its handling
the Remuneration Committee. of executive transition. Executive talent management was also well
regarded. Areas for refining the Non-Executive Director appointments
Actions for 2020
process were identified, including continued focus on Board diversity.
– review of industry trends on a macro-level, including technology
Actions for 2020
– continuing review by the Remuneration Committee of the Group’s
reward strategy in 2020 to ensure ongoing effectiveness – develop profile of Non-Executive Directors needed for the future,
for Nominations Committee reference in Board succession planning

Independent Audit has reviewed this section and has confirmed it presents
a fair summary of the review process.

78 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

NOMINATIONS
Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

COMMITTEE

Role
As set out in the Terms of Reference, the Nominations
Committee is responsible for:
– reviewing the structure, size and composition of the Board and
Management Board on a regular basis to ensure both have
an appropriate balance of skills, expertise, knowledge and
Board independence;
– reviewing the succession plans for appointments to the
Richard Burrows
Board, the Management Board and Company Secretary to
Chairman of
maintain an appropriate balance of skills and experience and
the Nominations
to ensure progressive refreshing of both the Board and the
Committee
Management Board;
– making recommendations to the Board on suitable candidates
Nominations Committee current members
for appointments to the Board, the Management Board and
Richard Burrows (Chairman) Holly Keller Koeppel Company Secretary, and ensuring that the procedure for those
Sue Farr Savio Kwan appointments is rigorous, transparent, objective and merit-based
Jerry Fowden Dimitri Panayotopoulos and has regard for diversity;
Dr Marion Helmes Kieran Poynter – assessing the time needed to fulfil the roles of Chairman, Senior
Luc Jobin Independent Director and Non-Executive Director, and ensuring
Non-Executive Directors have sufficient time to fulfil their duties;
Attendance at meetings in 20191(a) – overseeing the development of a pipeline of diverse, high-
performing potential Executive Directors, Management Board
Attended/Eligible to attend
members and other senior managers; and
Name Member since Scheduled Ad hoc
– implementing the Board Diversity Policy and monitoring progress
Richard Burrows1(b) 2009 2/2 3/3 towards the achievement of its objectives, summarised on page 82.
Sue Farr1(c) 2015 2/2 3/4
Jerry Fowden2(b) 2019 0/0 2/2 Key activities in 2019
Dr Marion Helmes 2016 2/2 4/4 – Identifying a successor to the Finance Director and recommending
Luc Jobin1(d) 2017 2/2 3/4 to the Board the appointment of Tadeu Marroco as Deputy Finance
Holly Keller Koeppel 2017 2/2 4/4 Director from 1 March 2019 and then as Finance Director from
Savio Kwan1(e) 2014 2/2 3/4 5 August 2019, discussed further on page 80.
Dimitri Panayotopoulos 2015 2/2 4/4 – Making recommendations to the Board in respect of Board and
Kieran Poynter 2010 2/2 4/4 Committee appointments, including to appoint Jerry Fowden
as a Non-Executive Director and to the Audit and Nominations
Notes:
1. Number of meetings in 2019: (a) the Committee held six meetings, four of which were ad hoc
Committees from 1 September 2019.
and convened at short notice; (b) Richard Burrows was recused from the ad hoc meeting in
– Succession planning for the role of Chairman, discussed further on
November which discussed succession planning for the role of Chairman; (c) Sue Farr did
not attend the ad hoc meeting in January due to prior commitments; (d) Luc Jobin did not page 80.
attend the ad hoc meeting in January due to prior commitments; and (e) Savio Kwan did not
attend the ad hoc meeting in November due to prior commitments.
– Making recommendations to the Board in relation to Directors’
annual appointment and re-election at the AGM, discussed further
2. Membership: (a) all members of the Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors in
accordance with UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 Provisions 10 and 17, applicable US on page 80.
federal securities laws and NYSE listing standards; and (b) Jerry Fowden became a member
of the Committee on 1 September 2019 on his appointment as a Non-Executive Director.
– Reviewing the Executive Directors’ and Management Board
members’ annual performance assessments.
3. Other attendees: the Chief Executive, the Director, Talent and Culture, and Group Head
of Talent & Organisation Effectiveness regularly attend meetings by invitation but are – Succession planning for the Board and for the Management Board,
not members.
having regard to the Board Diversity Policy.
– Reviewing the Group talent strategy, talent development priorities
Nominations Committee terms of reference
and the programmes underpinning the Group’s commitment to
Revised Nominations Committee terms of reference have been investment in engaging, developing and retaining talent.
adopted by the Board to align with the requirements of the UK
Corporate Governance Code 2018. – Reviewing the Group’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy, specific
diversity initiatives to further develop a diverse and gender-balanced
For the Committee’s terms of reference
see bat.com/governance work place, and progress made in the development of a diverse
senior management succession pipeline.
– Assessing the progress of development plans for candidates for
Management Board roles.
– Assessing the Committee’s effectiveness in 2019, following the
externally facilitated evaluation of the Committee, discussed further
on page 78.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 79


Directors’ Report

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

Board appointments
The Committee is responsible for identifying candidates for Board While recognising that the Code generally limits the tenure of the
positions, taking into account the Board Diversity Policy discussed on Chairman to nine years from first appointment, the Code permits
page 82. This includes a full evaluation of candidates’ attributes to extension of the Chairman’s tenure for a limited time to facilitate
ensure the Board maintains an appropriate balance of skills, expertise effective succession planning. In the context of the recent transitions
and knowledge, and generally involves interviews with several for both the Chief Executive and the Finance Director, and to enable
candidates, supported by independent, specialist external search effective succession planning for the Chairman, the Board considers
firms where applicable, to shortlist appropriate candidates. the interests of the Company’s shareholders to be best served by Mr
Burrows continuing as Chairman for a limited time.
The Committee identified the successor to Ben Stevens as Finance
Director, taking into account potential candidates’ skills, experience It is intended that Mr Burrows will retire from the Board at or prior to
and diversity of attributes. The Board approved the Committee’s the AGM in 2021 and that he will continue to lead the Board in the
recommendation to appoint Tadeu Marroco as Deputy Finance interim. Accordingly, the Board will be proposing Mr Burrows for
Director with effect from 1 March 2019 and as Finance Director with re-election as Chairman at the forthcoming 2020 AGM.
effect from 5 August 2019. In relation to the role of Senior Independent Director, the Board
The Committee also led the selection process leading to the accepted the recommendation of the Nominations Committee
appointment of Jerry Fowden as a Non-Executive Director on to appoint Dimitri Panayotopoulos to succeed Mr Poynter as the
1 September 2019. This selection process was supported by Heidrick & Company’s Senior Independent Director on Mr Poynter’s retirement
Struggles (UK) Limited1, an independent executive search consultancy from the Board with effect from the conclusion of the Company’s
compliant with the Standard and Enhanced Code of Conduct for forthcoming AGM. To ensure an effective transition in the leadership of
Executive Search Firms. The selection process for this role included succession planning for the role of Chairman, Mr Panayotopoulos has
careful consideration of candidates’ skills, expertise, knowledge and taken over responsibility from Mr Poynter for leading this process.
diversity of attributes, and a specific requirement for candidates to have
Spencer Stuart & Associates Limited2 and Korn Ferry (UK) Limited3
strong US market experience to enhance the Board’s US expertise.
have been engaged to support the succession planning process for the
Terms of appointment to the Board role of Chairman. Both Spencer Stuart and Korn Ferry are independent
Details of the Directors’ terms of appointment to the Board and executive search consultancies compliant with the Standard and
the Company’s policy on payments for loss of office are contained Enhanced Code of Conduct for Executive Search Firms. The Senior
in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which is set out in full in the Independent Director chairs the Nominations Committee when
Remuneration Report 2018, contained in the Company’s Annual dealing with discussions relating to the appointment of a successor
Report and Form 20-F for 2018 available at bat.com to the Chairman.

The Executive Directors have rolling one-year contracts. The Non- The Committee’s approach to succession planning for the Executive
Executive Directors do not have service contracts with the Company Directors and other members of senior management is set out further
but instead have letters of appointment for one year, with an expected on page 81.
time commitment of 25–30 days per year. Annual General Meeting 2020
Board retirements With the exception of Mr Poynter, the Company will be submitting
Nicandro Durante retired from the Board with effect from 1 April all eligible Directors for re‑election and, in the case of Jerry Fowden,
2019, on his retirement as Chief Executive. Ben Stevens retired from election for the first time.
the Board with effect from 5 August 2019, on his retirement as Prior to making recommendations to the Board in respect of
Finance Director. Directors’ submissions for election or re-election (as applicable),
Kieran Poynter will retire from the Board with effect from the the Committee carried out an assessment of each Director, including
conclusion of the Company’s AGM on 30 April 2020. their performance, contribution to the long-term sustainable success
of the Company and, in respect of each of the Non-Executive
Board succession planning Directors, their continued independence.
The Board considers the length of service of the members of the Board
The Chairman’s letter accompanying the AGM Notice confirms that
as a whole and the need for it to refresh its membership progressively
all Non-Executive Directors being proposed for election or re-election
over time. Non-Executive succession planning remains a priority for the
(as applicable) are effective and that they continue to demonstrate
Committee in 2020.
commitment to their roles as Non-Executive Directors.
The Chairman will have served as a Director for just over 10
years at the time of the 2020 AGM. The Committee has given
careful consideration to Director transitions to ensure orderly
Board succession.
During 2018 and 2019, the Nominations Committee prioritised
effective succession planning for the Chief Executive and the Finance
Director. Having overseen the orderly transition for both those roles,
the Nominations Committee has focused on succession planning for
the role of Chairman, mindful of the provisions of the UK Corporate
Governance Code (the Code) and that Richard Burrows has served as a
Director for just over 10 years.
Notes:
1. Heidrick & Struggles has no connections with the Company or its Directors other than in
respect of provision of executive search services.
2. Spencer Stuart has no connections with the Company or its Directors other than in respect
of provision of executive search services.
3. Korn Ferry has no connections with the Company or its Directors, other than in respect of the
provision of executive search and other human resources advisory and consulting services.

80 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Balance and diversity


The Board appreciates the benefits of diversity in all of its forms, Applying the Parker Review assessment guidelines, currently one
within its own membership and at all levels across the Group. of our Directors is from a BAME background.
Our Non-Executive Directors come from broad industry and The Nominations Committee reviews the succession plans and
professional backgrounds, with varied experience and expertise talent pool at short and longer-term time horizons for the Executive
aligned to the needs of our business. Short biographies of the Directors, other Management Board members, and certain other
Directors are set out on pages 66 and 67. members of senior management. In 2019, particular emphasis was
The Nominations Committee is responsible for regularly reviewing placed on the talent pipeline for senior management over the next two
the composition of the Board and Management Board to ensure years and the importance of maintaining gender diversity within the
both boards have an appropriate balance of skills, expertise and succession pipeline. Progress in 2019 against our objective to develop
knowledge, and ensuring that all appointments are made on merit a pipeline of diverse, high-performing senior managers is set out on
against objective criteria and with due regard for the benefits of page 82.
diversity. These principles were applied by the Nominations Committee More broadly, and recognising the need for diverse talent to be
in identifying and recommending Tadeu Marroco and Jerry Fowden developed at all levels across the Group, the Board regularly reviews
for appointment to the Board. the progress of our Group diversity and inclusion initiatives. In 2019,
The Hampton-Alexander Review set recommendations aimed at this included a review of our Women in STEM programme launched
increasing the number of women in leadership positions in FTSE 350 in 2019 (to attract, develop and retain more women in our R&D,
companies, including a target of 33% representation of women on Operations and Information & Digital Technology functions), our
FTSE 350 Boards by 2020. Women currently represent 27.3% of our IGNITE initiative planned for 2020 (to support professionals to re-enter
Board and 15.4% of our Management Board. Our Board Diversity the workforce after career breaks), and an update on the Group’s
Policy, discussed on page 82, sets out the Board’s ambition to progress recognition as a Diversity Leader by the UK Financial Times in its
towards further gender diversity. inaugural Diversity Leaders report 2019.

The Parker Review Committee published its final report on ethnic Our Strategic Report discusses our Diversity & Inclusion strategy
diversity in UK boards in 2017, recommending there be at least one and Group diversity initiatives further, and provides details of the
director from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background representation of women in our total workforce and in our senior
on every FTSE 100 company board by 2021. manager population on pages 40 and 41.

Balance at 31 December 2019

Balance of Non-Executive Directors Length of tenure of Nationality of Directors


and Executive Directors Non-Executive Directors
US 1
Brazilian 1
French 1
British 4
Chairman 1
0–3 years 4 Canadian 1
Executive Directors 2
4–6 years 3 German 1
Independent Non-
Executive Directors 8 7+ years 2 Greek 1
Irish 1

Directors: Ethnicity balance Directors: Gender balance Senior Management† and their
direct reports: Gender balance

White 10 Male 8 Male 95


BAME* 1 Female 3 Female 27

* Applying the Parker Report guidance.


† Senior Management comprises the Management Board and Company Secretary in accordance with the Code.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 81


Directors’ Report

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

Board Diversity Policy Our Board Diversity Policy sets out the Board’s commitment to the
Our commitment to promoting diversity is reflected in our Group following objectives:
Employment Principles discussed further on pages 41 to 42, and diversity is – considering all aspects of diversity when reviewing the composition
taken into consideration in determining the composition of our Board and of, and succession planning for, the Board and Management Board;
Management Board.
– considering a wide pool of candidates of both genders for
We believe that talent is our competitive advantage and diversity is a critical appointment to the Board;
component of our success. ‘We are diverse‘ is one of the five core values of
the BAT ethos, set out on page 11. – maintaining at least 30% representation of women on our Board,
with the ambition of progressing towards further gender balance;
Our Board Diversity Policy is aligned with our Group ethos. Our Board
Diversity Policy expresses how we think of diversity in its widest sense, – giving preference, where appropriate, to engaging executive search
as those attributes that make each of us unique. These include our race, firms that are accredited under the Standard and Enhanced Codes of
ethnicity, cultural and social backgrounds, geographical origin, gender, age, Conduct for Executive Search Firms, which include gender diversity;
any disability, sexual orientation, religion, skills, experience, education and and
professional background, perspectives and thinking styles. – oversight of the development of a pipeline of diverse, high-
performing potential Executive Directors, Management Board
members and other senior managers, through the activities of the
Nominations Committee.
Progress against these objectives in 2019 is set out below.

Board Diversity Policy progress update


Objective Progress in 2019

Considering all aspects of diversity when reviewing the – The Nominations Committee has regard to diversity in its broadest sense,
composition of, and succession planning for, the Board including gender, social and ethnic background, and cognitive and personal
and Management Board. strengths, when undertaking these activities.
Considering a wider pool of candidates of both genders – Executive search firms are engaged to support Board and Management Board
for appointment to the Board. succession planning where applicable and are required to provide gender-
balanced shortlists of candidates. Succession planning for Executive Directors and
Management Board members takes into account potential internal candidates
from across the Group and potential external candidates.
Maintaining at least 30% female Board representation, – The representation of women on the Board was 27.3% as at 31 December 2019
with the ambition of progressing towards further and remains so currently. Non-Executive Director succession planning has close
gender balance. regard to the Board’s ambition to progress towards further gender diversity.
Giving preference, where appropriate, to engagement – Only executive search firms accredited under the Standard and Enhanced Code
of executive search firms accredited under the Standard of Conduct for Executive Search Firms were engaged to provided executive
and Enhanced Code of Conduct for Executive Search search services to support Board and Management Board succession planning
Firms, including on gender diversity. in 2019.
Oversight of the development of a pipeline of diverse, – The representation of women on the Management Board was 15.4% as at
high-performing potential Executive Directors, 31 December 2019 and remains so currently.
Management Board members and other senior managers.
– Emphasis is placed on building diverse talent pools at all levels of the organisation
through recruiting, developing and retaining high-performing female talent.
– In 2019, 45% of the Group’s external recruits were women, including 24% into
senior leadership roles, helping to bring new skills and capabilities to drive business
transformation. The Women in Leadership programme has been supporting
the development of female employees across the Group for the last six years.
The Group also participates in various external initiatives to support high-potential
female employees.
– Please refer to pages 40 to 41 for further information about the Group’s Diversity &
Inclusion strategy.

82 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

AUDIT
Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

COMMITTEE

Introduction
I am pleased to present the 2019 Audit Committee report, setting out
our role and work this year. I took over as Chair in January 2019, and in
September 2019 we welcomed Jerry Fowden to the Committee.
We looked at a number of important topics this year, most significantly
the impact of implementing IFRS 16 (Leases) from January 2019, the
carrying value of goodwill and intangibles particularly in the context of
potential US regulatory changes relating to flavours, the appeal court
Holly Keller judgment in the Quebec Class Action lawsuits against Group subsidiary
Koeppel Imperial Tobacco Canada and accounting treatment impacts, and
Chairman of the assessment of risks associated with the Group’s New Category product
Audit Committee portfolio and digital strategies.
We robustly reviewed the effectiveness of both our external auditors
Audit Committee current members and Internal Audit function, the latter being supported by an External
Holly Keller Koeppel (Chairman from 14 January 2019) Quality Assurance review.
Luc Jobin (from 14 January 2019) The Committee has approved the internal audit plan for 2020 and fully
Jerry Fowden (from 1 September 2019) endorses its sharper focus on transformation projects, digital risks and
Kieran Poynter (Chairman to 14 January 2019) New Categories. These are areas that will continue to be scrutinised by
the Committee in 2020, and beyond.

Attendance at meetings in 2019


2 You can find more detail on each of these areas, and our other
activities, further below.
Attended/Eligible to attend
Name Member since Scheduled Ad hoc
Role
Holly Keller Koeppel1 2017 5/5 0/0
As set out in the Terms of Reference, the Audit
Committee monitors and reviews the:
Jerry Fowden 1, 3(b)
2019 2/2 0/0
Dr Marion Helmes3(c) 2016–2019 0/0 0/0 – integrity of the Group’s financial statements and any formal
Luc Jobin1, 3(d) 2019 5/5 0/0 announcements relating to the Company’s performance,
considering any significant financial reporting issues, significant
Kieran Poynter1 2012 5/5 0/0
judgments and estimates reflected in them, before their submission
Notes: to the Board;
1. Holly Keller Koeppel, Luc Jobin and Kieran Poynter each have recent and relevant financial
experience in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018. Holly Keller
– consistency of the Group’s accounting policies;
Koeppel, Luc Jobin and Kieran Poynter are each designated as an audit committee financial
expert in accordance with applicable US federal securities laws and NYSE listing standards.
– effectiveness of, and makes recommendations to the Board on, the
Each Committee member has been determined to meet the financial literacy requirements Group’s accounting, internal accounting and other financial controls,
applicable under NYSE listing standards. The members of the Committee as a whole have auditing matters and business risk management systems;
competence relevant to the sectors in which the Group operates.
2. Number of meetings in 2019: the Committee held five meetings in 2019.
– effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit function; and
3. Membership: (a) all members of the Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors in – independence, performance, effectiveness and objectivity of the
accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 Provisions 10 and 24, applicable Company’s external auditors, making recommendations as to their
US federal securities laws and NYSE listing standards; (b) Jerry Fowden became a member
of the Committee on 1 September 2019 on his appointment as a Non-Executive Director;
re-appointment (or for a tender of audit services where appropriate),
(c) Dr Marion Helmes ceased to be a member of the Committee with effect from 14 January and approving their terms of engagement and the level of audit,
2019; and (d) Luc Jobin became a member of the Committee on 14 January 2019. audit-related and non-audit fees.
4. The Finance Director attends all meetings of the Committee but is not a member.
Other Directors may attend by invitation. The Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Key activities in 2019
Counsel, the Group Head of Internal Audit and the external auditors also attend meetings on Regular work programme – reviewing:
a regular basis.
5. The Committee meets alone with the external auditors and, separately, with the Group
– the Group’s annual results, half-year results, the application of accounting
Head of Internal Audit at the end of every Committee meeting. The Committee also meets standards, and the external auditors’ reports where results are audited;
periodically with management.
– the Group’s external auditors’ year-end audit, including the key audit
matters, critical audit matters, materiality assessments and the Group’s
Audit Committee terms of reference control environment, and confirming the independence of the Group’s
Revised Audit Committee terms of reference have been adopted external auditors;
by the Board to align with the requirements of the UK Corporate – the basis of preparation and accounting judgements;
Governance Code 2018.
– adjusting items, applicable accounting treatment and the use
For the Committee’s terms of reference
see www.bat.com/governance of alternative performance measures;
– the annual assessment of goodwill impairment;
– the accounting applicable to retirement benefits liabilities and assets;
– the Group’s liquidity position, current facilities and financing needs;
– the steps taken to validate the Group’s ‘going concern’ assessment at
half-year and year-end and agreeing on the process and steps taken to
determine the Group’s viability statement at year-end;

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 83


Directors’ Report

AUDIT COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

– the Group’s Risk Register, including prioritisation and categorisation Significant accounting judgements considered by the
of, and mitigating factors in respect of, Group risks; Committee in relation to the 2019 financial statements:
– specific risks, and their mitigations, arising from major change – the Group’s significant tax exposures: updates on corporate tax
initiatives including those related to IT systems and the Quantum matters and reports from the Group Head of Tax on the status of the
transformation project; Franked Income Investment Group Litigation Order (FII GLO) and
issues in various markets. These included tax disputes in Brazil, South
– the internal processes followed for the preparation of the Africa, Russia and the Netherlands. The Committee agreed with
Annual Report and Form 20-F and confirming that the processes management’s assessments and disclosures in respect of these (see
appropriately facilitated the preparation of an Annual Report and note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts);
Form 20-F that is “fair, balanced and understandable“;
– contingent liabilities, provisions and deposits in connection with
– regular reports from the Group Head of Internal Audit on internal ongoing litigation:
audits of markets, processes and operations, management responses
to internal audit findings and action plans put in place to address Quebec: the Committee concurred with management’s judgement
any issues raised; that no provision is currently required in respect of all other ongoing
tobacco-related litigation to which Group subsidiary Imperial Tobacco
– the 2020 internal audit plan and progress against the 2019 plan; Canada (ITCAN) is a defendant, as it is not possible to reasonably
– the Group’s sustainability performance on an annual basis, including estimate the amount of any potential settlement (see note 27 in
the Group’s Youth Access Prevention activities and the Group’s the Notes on the Accounts) and that, whilst ITCAN is subject to the
corporate social contributions in the focus areas of empowerment, Canadian Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (‘CCAA’) proceedings,
civic life, and sustainable agriculture and environment, in countries it remains appropriate to consolidate ITCAN’s financial results in the
and communities in which the Group operates; Group financial statements;

– periodic reports from the Group’s Corporate Audit Committee and Fox and Kalamazoo rivers: the Committee reassessed the provision
Regional Audit and Corporate Social Responsibility Committees; in respect of the Fox River clean-up costs and related legal expenses
and confirmed that the provision would be retained at the prior year
– annual and interim reports on the Group Business Conduct & level (see note 3 in the Notes on the Accounts), although inherent
Compliance programme, Speak Up channels and compliance with uncertainties remain (see note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts).
the Group Standards of Business Conduct (SoBC); The Committee reviewed the position in respect of the Kalamazoo
– the annual report from the Group Head of Security on security risks, River claim and agreed with management’s assessment that no
losses and fraud arising during the preceding year; provision should be recognised on the basis set out at note 27 in the
Notes on the Accounts;
– half-year and year-end reports on political contributions; and
Impact of Russian tax assessment: the Committee considered
– the Committee’s effectiveness, following the annual evaluation the impact of an excise and VAT assessment in relation to Group
of the Committee discussed further at page 78. operations in Russia during 2015 to 2017 for additional production
FRC Review of 2018 Report & Accounts volumes that took place prior to local excise tax increases.
The Committee assessed and concurred with management’s
During the year, as an outcome of the Financial Reporting Council’s
treatment of the assessment as a charge in the 2019 Accounts, to
(FRC’s) review of the Group’s 2018 Annual Report and Accounts,
be treated as an adjusting item (see note 3 in the Notes on the
the Group received correspondence related to a number of areas,
Accounts); and
including the accounting treatment for interim dividends, the Group’s
assessment of goodwill and intangible values and certain other RAI group companies: the Committee considered and supported
observations with regards to disclosures. As discussed in note 18 in the management’s approach to accounting for the Master Settlement
Notes on the Accounts, Capital and reserves, it was agreed that the Agreement, the Engle class-action and progeny cases and claims
recognition of an accrual at the year-end in respect of the dividend brought by RAI dissenting shareholders seeking determination of
paid in February 2018 and February 2019 was incorrect. Accordingly, ‘fair value’ for their shares following acquisition of the remaining
the Group has changed the accounting treatment. The Group has shares in RAI (see note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts);
also enhanced a number of other disclosures, including those related
– foreign exchange: as the Group has operations in certain
to goodwill to provide the users greater insight as to the sensitivities
jurisdictions with severe currency restrictions where foreign currency
required prior to impairment of certain investments.
is not readily available, including in Venezuela and Zimbabwe,
The review conducted by the FRC was based solely on the Group’s the Committee assessed management’s approach to applicable
published report and accounts and does not provide any assurance accounting treatment and confirmed that methodologies used
that the report and accounts are correct in all material respects. to determine relevant exchange rates for accounting purposes
were appropriate;
Further specific matters considered by the Committee
in relation to the financial statements: – goodwill and intangibles impairment review: the Committee
– impact of implementing IFRS 16 (Leases) to Group accounting with reviewed management’s assessment of the carrying value of
effect from 1 January 2019: review of the methodology for the Group’s intangibles, including goodwill. The Committee specifically
implementation of IFRS 16 (Leases), the revisions to the Group’s considered potential regulatory changes in the US in relation to
accounting policies (as shown in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts), flavours (including flavourings in vapour products and menthol in
and the impact on the Group’s financial statements; and cigarettes) and age restrictions, and agreed that the performance
of the US business was sufficient at this time to more than offset
– revenue reporting: disaggregation of revenue by product type the risks associated with such changes, concluding no impairment
(combustibles; New Categories; Traditional Oral; other) at Group to goodwill or the value of the Newport brand was required.
and regional levels for 2019. The Committee also agreed that, despite the ongoing proceedings
(including the CCAA process) in respect of Group subsidiary ITCAN
in Canada, there was no indication of impairment to goodwill at
this time. Finally, the Committee concurred with management’s
assessment regarding the impairment of Indonesia (£172 million)

84 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

following a substantial change in excise and the impairment External auditors


of acquired brands (including VapeWild) following the Group’s KPMG LLP (KPMG) were appointed as the Company’s auditors with effect
announcements to rationalise certain brands within New Categories from 23 March 2015, following a competitive tender process carried
(see note 3 in the Notes on the Accounts) out in 2015. The Committee continually reviews its relationship with the
– Quantum transformation project: impact of staff redundancies auditors, including consideration as to when it next intends to complete
associated with implementation of the project with a charge of a competitive tender process for the Company’s external audit.
£264 million recognised in 2019 and treated as an adjusting item The Committee considers the relationship with the auditors to be working
(see note 3 in the Notes on the Accounts; and well and remains satisfied with their effectiveness.
– Prior period error in respect of interim dividend accrual: as In view of this, and having considered the continued independence and
discussed on page 84, following a review by the FRC, a prior period objectivity of the auditors, the Committee does not currently anticipate
error was identified related to the accrual of interim dividends. that it will conduct an audit tender before it is required to do so, in
The Committee concurred with the management’s assessment that, accordance with applicable law and regulations, in respect of the 2025
after considering IAS 1 and IAS 8, the impact of the error, while financial year.
over the Group’s materiality threshold (£330 million in 2017 and
£420 million in 2018), would not influence the economic decisions The Committee considers this to be in the best interests of the Company’s
of the users of the financial statements and would be corrected only shareholders for the reasons outlined above and will continue to monitor
on a prospective basis. this annually to ensure timing for the audit tender remains appropriate,
taking into account the effectiveness and independence of the auditors.
Other specific matters considered by the Committee:
– review of the Company’s status as a Foreign Private Issuer for the UK Competition and Markets Authority Audit Order
purposes of US securities laws; The Company has complied with the Statutory Audit Services Order
– progress on the Group’s ‘Delivery with Integrity’ compliance issued by the UK Competition and Markets Authority for the financial
programme (discussed further on pages 31 to 32) and monitoring year ended 31 December 2019.
SoBC incident reporting and the effectiveness of ‘Speak Up’
channels, prior to review by the Board; and Group Auditor Independence Policy (AIP)
The Group has an established AIP, reflecting the requirements of
– review of the outcomes from the 2019 assessments of key countries
applicable laws, to safeguard the independence and objectivity of
of concern to the Group from a human rights perspective, including
the Group’s external auditors and to specify the approval processes
local compliance with Group policies and standards and details of
for the engagement of the Group’s external auditors to provide audit,
local measures in place to enhance human rights management.
audit-related and other non-audit services.
Risk topics considered by the Committee included: The key principle of the AIP is that the Group’s external auditors may
only be engaged to provide services in cases where the provision of
– oversight of the programme established to ensure ongoing SOx
those services does not impair auditor independence and objectivity.
compliance (discussed further at page 88);
The Committee recognises that using the external auditors to provide
– the judgment of the Quebec Court of Appeal in the Quebec Class services can be beneficial given their detailed knowledge of our business.
Action lawsuits against Group subsidiary ITCAN and the status of the
However, the AIP does not permit the Committee to delegate its
Canadian CCAA proceedings under which ITCAN filed for protection
responsibilities to the external auditors and the external auditors are
in March 2019 (see note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts);
only permitted to provide audit, audit-related and non-audit services
– assessing current and emerging risks in the context of the Group’s digital in accordance with the AIP.
strategy, technology architecture and data management, including the
threat of cyber-attack and the Group’s implementation of enhanced The AIP does not permit the external auditors to maintain a financial,
defence capabilities to protect its information systems and data; employment or business relationship with any Group company,
or provide services to any Group company, which:
– revisions to the Group’s risk appetite framework as it relates to the
Group’s strategic objectives and regular review of emerging risks to – creates a mutual or conflicting interest with any Group company;
the Group prior to Board consideration; – places the external auditors in the position of auditing their
– the report on the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management system; own work;
– risks associated with the Group’s New Categories business and the – results in the external auditors acting as a manager or employee
integration of those risks into the Group Risk Register; of any Group company; or
– risks associated with increased exposure to interest rate changes on – places the external auditor in the position of advocate for any
net finance costs, arising from existing and future refinanced debt; Group company.
– periodic reassessment of the risks faced by the Group as a consequence Audit services are approved in advance by the Committee on the
of the UK’s exit from the EU (‘Brexit‘) in the context of the Group Risk basis of an annual engagement letter and the scope of audit services
Register, which include risks relating to increased costs of capital, foreign is agreed by the Committee with the external auditors.
exchange rate exposures, supply chain continuity, taxation and changes
Subject to the restrictions specified in the AIP, the external auditors
in customs duty, and talent acquisition and retention;
may also provide certain non-audit services with the prior approval
– Group anti-bribery and anti-corruption controls and compliance of the Committee. The requirement for the Committee’s pre-approval
programme; and of non-audit services may be waived only if the aggregate amount
– review of the Group-wide programme established to support of all non-audit services provided is less than 5% of the total amount
EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance and paid to the external auditors during the reporting year, where those
oversight of completion of programme implementation. services were not recognised to be non-audit services at the time of
engagement, and provided those services are promptly brought to
For further information please refer to the Principal Group risks on
pages 58 to 62 and the Group risk factors on pages 272 to 286
the attention of the Committee and their provision is approved prior
to completion of the audit in the relevant reporting year.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 85


Directors’ Report

AUDIT COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

The provision of permitted non-audit services must be put to tender if External auditor effectiveness
expected spend exceeds limits specified in the AIP, unless a waiver of The Committee, on behalf of the Board, is responsible for the relationship
this requirement, in accordance with the terms of the AIP, is agreed by with the external auditors. The Committee carries out an annual
the Finance Director and notified to the Committee. assessment of the Group’s external auditors, covering qualification,
The AIP: expertise and resources, and objectivity and independence, as well as the
effectiveness of the audit process. This assessment takes into account the
– requires Committee pre-approval for all audit, audit-related and Committee’s interactions with, and observations of, the external auditors
other non-audit services, except in respect of non-audit services and gives regard to factors including:
falling within the exceptions described above;
– experience and expertise of the external auditors in their direct
– prohibits the provision of certain types of services by the external communication with, and support to, the Committee;
auditors, including those with contingent fee arrangements,
expert services unrelated to audit and other services prohibited – their mindset and professional scepticism;
by US securities laws and the Public Company Accounting – their effectiveness in completing the agreed external audit plan;
Oversight Board;
– their approach to handling significant audit and accounting judgements;
– prohibits the Chief Executive, Finance Director, Group Financial
Controller and Group Chief Accountant from having been employed – content, quality and robustness of the external auditors’ reports; and
by the external auditors in any capacity in connection with the – their provision of non-audit services, as noted above, and other matters that
Group audit for two years before initiation of an audit; may impact independence.
– specifies requirements in respect of audit partner rotation, including The Committee’s assessment is also informed by an external audit
for both the lead and the concurring external audit partners to satisfaction survey completed by members of the Group’s senior
rotate off the Group audit engagement at least every five years, and management. No material issues were identified during the external
not to recommence provision of audit or audit-related services to the auditor assessment in 2019. The Committee is satisfied with the
Group for a further five years; and qualification, expertise and resources of its external auditors, and that
– provides authority for the Committee to oversee any allegations of the objectivity and independence of its external auditors, are not
improper influence, coercion, manipulation or purposeful misleading in any way impaired by the non-audit services which they provide.
in connection with any external audit, and to review any issues The Committee has recommended to the Board the proposed
arising in the course of engagement with the external auditors. re‑appointment of KPMG at the 2020 AGM.

External audit fees The Committee Chairman, Finance Director, Director, Legal & External
Affairs and General Counsel, Group Head of Internal Audit and the
The Committee reviews a schedule identifying the total fees for
Company Secretary all meet with the external auditors regularly
all audit and audit-related services, tax services and other non-
throughout the year to discuss relevant issues as well as the progress
audit services expected to be undertaken by the external auditors
of the external audit. Any significant issues are included on the
in the following year. Tax services and other non-audit services in
Committee’s agenda.
excess of the tender thresholds referred to above must be itemised.
Updated schedules are also submitted to the Committee at mid-year
and year-end, so that it has full visibility of the Group spend on services
provided by the Group’s external auditors.
A breakdown of audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit fees paid
to KPMG firms and associates in 2019 is provided in note 3(c) in the
Notes on the Accounts and is summarised as follows:

Services provided by KPMG firms and associates 2019


2019 2018
£m £m
Audit services 15.8 15.1
Audit of defined benefit schemes 0.4 0.4
Audit-related assurance services 8.5 9.4
Total audit and audit-related services 24.7 24.9
Other assurance services 0.5 0.3
Tax advisory services – –
Tax compliance – –
Other non-audit services – –
Total non-audit services 0.5 0.3

Notes: In 2019, non-audit fees paid to KPMG amounted to 2.0% of the audit and audit‑related
assurance fees paid to them (2018: 1.2%). All audit and non-audit services provided by the external
auditors in 2019 were pre-approved by the Committee.

86 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Risk management and internal control Risk management


Overview Risk registers, based on a standardised methodology, are used at
The Company maintains its system of risk management and internal Group, directly-reporting business unit (DRBU), and individual market
control with a view to safeguarding shareholders’ investment and levels to identify, assess and monitor the risks (both financial and non-
the Company’s assets. It is designed to identify, evaluate and manage financial) faced by the business at each level. Information on prevailing
risks that may impede the Company’s objectives. It cannot, and is not trends, for example if a risk is considered to be increasing or decreasing
designed to, eliminate them entirely. The system therefore provides over time, is provided in relation to each risk and all identified risks
a reasonable, not absolute, assurance against material misstatement are assessed and prioritised at three levels by reference to their impact
or loss. A description of the principal risks that may affect the Group’s (high/medium/low) and likelihood (probable/possible/unlikely).
business is provided in our Strategic Report on pages 58 to 62. Mitigation plans are required to be in place to manage the risks
The main features of the risk management processes and system identified, and progress against those plans is monitored. The risk
of internal control operated within the Group are described below. registers are reviewed on a regular basis. DRBU risk registers are
These have been in place throughout the year under review and reviewed regularly by the relevant Regional Audit & CSR Committee or
remain in place to date. These do not cover associates of the Group. the Corporate Audit Committee, as appropriate.

Board oversight At the Group level, specific responsibility for managing each identified
risk is allocated to a member of the Management Board. The Group Risk
During the year, the Board considered the nature and extent of Register is reviewed regularly by a committee of senior managers, chaired
the principal risks that the Group is willing to take to achieve its by the Finance Director. In addition, it is reviewed annually by the Board
strategic objectives (its ‘risk appetite’) and for maintaining sound risk and twice yearly by the Committee. The Board and the Committee
management and internal control systems. Risk appetite is reviewed review changes in the status of identified risks, assessing the changes in
annually by the Board to ensure that it is appropriate. Alongside the impact and likelihood. The Committee also conducts ‘deep dives’ into
principal risks, the Board also considers the emerging risks which selected risks, meeting senior managers responsible for managing and
may challenge the Group’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives mitigating them, so that it can consider those risks in detail.
in the future. Each emerging risk is assessed by the Board on its
potential impact and relevance and, where applicable, incorporated The Board noted that the Group’s principal risks remained broadly
into the Group’s Risk Register with appropriate mitigating activities. unaltered during 2019.
Emerging risks are otherwise kept under regular review by the The Board also considered the Group Viability Statement
Committee, prior to Board consideration. see page 58 of the Strategic Report@

With the support of the Committee, the Board also conducts a review For more information on risks see the Principal Group risks
on pages 58 to 62 and the Group risk factors on pages 272 to 286
of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal
control systems annually. This review covers all material controls
including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk Internal control
management systems. Group companies and other business units are annually required to
complete a controls self-assessment, called Control Navigator, of the
Audit and CSR Committee framework
key controls that they are expected to have in place. Its purpose is to
The Group’s Regional Audit and CSR Committee framework underpins enable them to self-assess their internal control environment, assist
the Board’s Audit Committee. It provides a flexible channel for the them in identifying any controls that may need strengthening and
structured flow of information through the Group, with committees support them in implementing and monitoring action plans to address
for each of the three Group regions, for the US business, and for control weaknesses. The Control Navigator assessment is reviewed
locally-listed Group entities and specific markets where considered annually to ensure that it remains relevant to the business and covers
appropriate. The Regional Audit and CSR Committees are supported all applicable key controls. In addition, at each year-end, Group
by Risk and Control Committees established at business unit level, companies and other business units are required to:
and within certain Group functions where considered appropriate.
This framework ensures that significant financial, social, environmental – review their system of internal control, confirm whether it remains
and reputational risks faced by the Group are appropriately managed effective and report on any material weaknesses and the action
and that any failings or weaknesses are identified so that remedial being taken to address them; and
action may be taken. – review and confirm policies, and procedures to promote compliance
The Group’s Regional Audit and CSR Committees are all chaired by with the SoBC are fully embedded within the Group company or
a member of the Management Board and regularly attended by one business unit and identify any material instances of non-compliance.
or more Non-Executive Directors. The Corporate Audit Committee The results of these reviews are reported to the relevant Regional Audit
focuses on the Group’s risks and control environment that fall outside and CSR Committees or to the Corporate Audit Committee, and to the
the regional committees’ remit, for example head office central Committee, to ensure that appropriate remedial action has been, or will
functions, global programmes and projects. It comprises members of be, taken where necessary. They are also considered by the SOx Steering
the Management Board and is chaired by a Regional Director. One or Committee and the Disclosure Committee in determining management’s
more of the Non‑Executive Directors also regularly attend meetings of opinion on the internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
the Corporate Audit Committee.
External and internal auditors attend meetings of these committees
and regularly have private audiences with members of the committees
after meetings. Additionally, central, regional and individual market
management, along with Internal Audit, support the Board in its role
of ensuring a sound control environment.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 87


Directors’ Report

AUDIT COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

Internal Audit function The Group Manual of Accounting Policies and Procedures sets out the
The Group’s Internal Audit function is responsible for carrying out Group accounting policies, its treatment of transactions and its internal
risk‑based audits of Group companies, other business units, and in reporting requirements.
relation to global processes. There is a separate Business Controls Team The internal reporting of financial information to prepare the Group’s
which provides advice and guidance to the Group’s businesses on best half-yearly and year-end financial statements is signed off by the heads
practices in controls systems. of finance responsible for the Group’s markets and business units.
The Group’s Internal Audit function maintains a rolling 18-month The heads of finance responsible for the Group’s markets and all senior
audit plan, which is reviewed by the Committee on an annual basis. managers must also confirm annually that all information relevant
The Internal Audit plan is aligned to the Group’s Risk Register and to the Group audit has been provided to the Directors and that
prioritises principal risk areas in relation to the Group’s business. reasonable steps have been taken to ensure full disclosure in response
to requests for information from the external auditors.
In 2019, internal audits covered various markets, Group manufacturing
facilities, functional transformation programmes (including the The Committee Chairman participated in the 2019 Annual Report
Quantum transformation project), IT infrastructure and cyber security and Form 20-F drafting and review processes, and engaged with
and supply network and retail operations. The Committee considered the Finance Director and the Group Head of Internal Audit during
internal audit findings and action plans established to address any the drafting process.
issues identified. The Committee has approved the Internal Audit plan SOx compliance oversight
for 2020, which emphasises audits relating to New Categories and
Following the registration of Company securities in 2017 under the US
the ways in which Internal Audit will respond, evolve and innovate
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), the Company
to remain effective. It retains thorough coverage of core business
is subject to certain rules and regulations of US securities laws,
activities, lines of defence and IT controls. The Committee has assessed
including the US Securities Exchange Act 1934 and SOx. SOx places
the alignment of the Internal Audit plan with the Group’s Risk Register.
specific responsibility on the Chief Executive and the Finance Director
The scope of each internal audit is assessed for SOx impact and audit
to certify or disclose information applicable to the financial statements,
of applicable SOx controls is included where relevant. Reviews of SOx
disclosure controls and procedures (DCP) and ICFR. This includes our
controls and their effectiveness are primarily conducted by the Group’s
Chief Executive and Finance Director giving attestation in respect of
Business Controls Team and assurance is also undertaken by the
ICFR effectiveness under §404 of SOx.
Group’s external auditors, as referred to below.
The Committee has oversight of processes established to ensure full
The Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal
and ongoing compliance with applicable US securities laws, including
audit function annually. In 2019, the Committee did so through an
SOx. Two committees provided assurance during 2019 with regard to
external quality assessment conducted by PwC LLP. This assessment
applicable SOx certifications. The Disclosure Committee reviews the
was carried out against the Institute of Internal Audit (IIA) standards,
Company’s financial statements for appropriate disclosure and designs
using interviews, analysis and peer benchmarking. It concluded
and maintains DCPs and reports to, and is subject to the oversight
that the Internal Audit function performs well, is highly regarded by
of, the Chief Executive and the Finance Director. A sub-committee
key stakeholders, and generally meets their expectations to provide
of the Disclosure Committee, the SOx Steering Committee, provides
an independent view of the Group’s control environment. It noted
assurance that ICFR have been designed, and are being implemented,
recommendations to ensure that Internal Audit remains relevant and
evaluated and disclosed appropriately, in accordance with applicable
valuable to BAT, a number of which are already being addressed by
requirements and subject to the oversight of the Chief Executive and
Internal Audit with a plan to address the remaining recommendations.
Finance Director. The activities of this sub-committee are directly
Financial reporting controls reported to the Disclosure Committee.
The Group has in place a series of policies, practices and controls in relation The outputs from the Disclosure Committee and SOx Steering
to the financial reporting and consolidation process, which are designed Committee were presented to and reviewed by the Committee.
to address key financial reporting risks, including risks arising from changes No material weaknesses were identified and the Committee was
in the business or accounting standards and to provide assurance of the satisfied that, where areas for improvement were identified, processes
completeness and accuracy of the Annual Report and Form 20-F. are in place to ensure that remedial action is taken and progress
A key area of focus is to assess whether the Annual Report and Form is monitored.
20-F and financial statements are ‘fair, balanced and understandable’ In 2019, the Committee also reviewed the scope of the external
in accordance with regulatory requirements, with particular regard to: auditors’ SOx procedures, and received reports on their progress with
Fair: Consistency of reporting between the financial statements and their independent assessment of ICFR across the Group.
narrative reporting of Group performance and coverage of an overall Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive and Senior
picture of the Group’s performance; Financial Officers
Balanced: Consistency of narrative reporting of significant accounting The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to the Chief
judgements and key matters considered by the Committee with Executive, the Finance Director, and other senior financial officers, as
disclosures of material judgements and uncertainties noted in the required by US securities laws and NYSE listing standards. No waivers
financial statements; appropriate prominence and explanation of or exceptions to the Code of Ethics were granted in 2019.
primary and adjusted measures; and
Understandable: Clarity and structure of the Annual Report and Form
20-F and financial statements, appropriate emphasis of key messages,
and use of succinct and focused narrative with strong linkage
throughout the report, to provide shareholders with the information
needed to assess the Group’s business, performance, strategy and
financial position.

88 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Annual review Political contributions


The Financial Reporting Council’s ‘Guidance on Risk Management and The Group does not make contributions to UK or European Union (EU)
Internal Control and Related Business Reporting’ provides guidance in political organisations or incur UK or EU political expenditure. The total
relation to issues of risk and internal control management and related amount of political contributions made to non-UK and non-EU political
financial and business reporting. parties in 2019 was £4,466,171 (2018: £3,718,540) as follows:
The processes described above, and the reports that they give rise RAI Companies reported political contributions totalling £4,466,171
to, enable the Board and the Committee to monitor risk and internal (US$5,703,300) for the full year 2019 to US political organisations
control management on a continuing basis throughout the year and and to non-federal-level political party and candidate committees,
to review its effectiveness at the year-end. The Board, with advice from in accordance with their contributions programme. No corporate
the Committee, has completed its annual review of the effectiveness of contributions were made to federal candidates or party committees
that system for 2019. and all contributions were made in accordance with applicable laws.
The Board is satisfied that the system of risk and internal control All political contributions made by RAI Companies are assessed and
management accords with the UK Corporate Governance Code approved in accordance with RAI’s policies and procedures to ensure
2018 and satisfies the requirements for internal controls over appropriate oversight and compliance with applicable laws.
financial reporting.
In accordance with the US Federal Election Campaign Act, RAI
Group Standards of Business Conduct Companies continue to support an employee-operated Political
The Committee is responsible for monitoring compliance with Action Committee (PAC), a non-partisan committee registered with
the SoBC, and reports on this to the Board. The SoBC requires all the US Federal Election Commission that facilitates voluntary political
staff to act with a high degree of business integrity, comply with donations by eligible employees of RAI Companies. According to US
applicable laws and regulations, and ensure that standards are never federal finance laws, the PAC is a separate segregated fund and is
compromised for the sake of results. Every Group company and all staff controlled by a governing board of individual employee-members of
worldwide, including senior management and the Board, are expected the PAC. In 2019, RAI Companies incurred expenses, as authorised by
to adhere to the SoBC. The SoBC and the Group’s ‘Delivery with US law, in providing administrative support to the PAC.
Integrity’ programme are discussed further on pages 30 to 32. No other political contributions were reported.
All Group companies have adopted the SoBC or local equivalent.
Information on compliance with the SoBC is gathered at a regional
and global level and SoBC incidents reports, including details of the
channels through which incidents are reported, are provided on a
regular basis to the Regional Audit and CSR Committees, Corporate
Audit Committee, and to the Committee. A breakdown of SoBC
contacts and SoBC allegations reported across the Group in 2019 is set
out at page 32.
The SoBC and information on the total number of SoBC contacts and
SoBC allegations reported in 2019 (including established breaches) is
available at bat.com/sobc
Speak Up
The Group maintains Speak Up channels which enable concerns
regarding SoBC compliance matters, including concerns about
possible improprieties in financial reporting, to be raised in confidence
(and anonymously should an individual wish) without fear of reprisal.
The SoBC includes the Group’s Speak Up policy, which is
supplemented by local procedures throughout the Group that
provide staff with further guidance on reporting matters and raising
concerns, and the channels through which they can do so. The Board
periodically reviews the Group’s Speak Up policy and reports arising
from Speak Up channels. The Board is satisfied that the Group’s Speak
Up policy and procedures enable proportionate and independent
investigation of matters raised, and ensure that appropriate follow-up
action is taken.
Further information about the Group’s Speak Up channels and Speak Up reports
in 2019 is provided at page 32

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 89


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL STATEMENT
ON REMUNERATION
– incorporate best practice policy features into the remuneration
strategy while maintaining policy elements which remain
appropriate for the Company.
The Remuneration Committee considers these objectives carefully
when deciding on executive and Group-wide remuneration matters,
to ensure there is an appropriate balance between competitiveness,
fairness, sustainability and pay for performance.
The Remuneration Committee looks to ensure that the performance
Dimitri metrics within the short and long-term incentive schemes continue to
Panayotopoulos be aligned to objectives integral to the Company’s long-term strategy.
Chairman of the Performance measures are reviewed every year to ensure the Company
Remuneration is providing focus, incentivising the right behaviours and creating
Committee value. To that end, the Remuneration Committee has decided to make
some important changes to the performance metrics for the 2020
Index to our Remuneration Report short-term incentive scheme:
Policy Report
– The introduction of a new metric ‘Deleveraging excluding foreign
1. Summary of our Directors’ Remuneration Policy 93 exchange’, with a 30% weighting attached to it. This metric will
2. Overview of what our Executive Directors provide a more holistic approach to cash management and capital
earned in 2019 and why 97 allocation, which underpins the Group’s commitment to drive
3. Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended
performance in this area following the acquisition of RAI in 2017.
31 December 2019 98
Further details are provided on page 50.

4. Executive Directors’ remuneration for the upcoming year 104 – The new metric will replace the ‘adjusted cash generated from
operations’ metric.
5. Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration
for the year ended 31 December 2019 105 – The Group share of key markets metric is retained with the current
6. Directors’ share interests 106 weighting of 10%. The ‘adjusted revenue growth from the strategic
portfolio’ metric and the ‘adjusted profit from operations’ metric are
7. Other disclosures 110
both retained with their current weightings of 30%.
8. The Remuneration Committee
and shareholder engagement 111 These changes to the performance metrics will apply to the short-term
incentive scheme in operation for the Executive Directors and the
The following Annual Report on Remuneration has been prepared in accordance Group’s wider senior management population, covering approximately
with the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and as prescribed in 1,200 employees. This will ensure the Group has a consistent, aligned
The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Group (Accounts and Reports)
short-term incentive footprint globally to provide focus, alignment
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 (the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report
with Group strategy and to promote effective engagement and
Regulations). @Where required and for the purpose of the audit conducted in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) data has been audited collaboration across its global management population. These changes
by KPMG and this is indicated appropriately.@ are set out in full on page 104.
Stakeholder engagement
The Board takes its corporate responsibilities very seriously.
Introduction Our programme of shareholder and wider stakeholder engagement
I am pleased to present to you the Directors’ Remuneration Report for in 2019 helped re-shape our Directors’ Remuneration Policy.
the year ended 31 December 2019. The report contains: Our Directors’ Remuneration Policy is strongly aligned with shareholder
interests and is reflective of best practice in the marketplace across
– a summary of the current Directors’ Remuneration Policy, approved
key policy areas such as pension alignment with the wider workforce,
at the 2019 AGM; and
shareholding requirements both during employment and post
– the Annual Remuneration Report, explaining how the policy has cessation, malus and clawback provisions in our incentive plans and
been implemented during 2019, and how it will be implemented the transparency of remuneration disclosures. We have continued our
in 2020. programme of engagement into 2020 regarding the remuneration of
the Finance Director and I would like to thank our shareholders and
Remuneration and strategy
wider stakeholders for their feedback.
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved in April 2019
with significant support from our shareholders. The Remuneration We value dialogue and diversity of opinion. This year, the Directors
Committee has primarily focused this year on ensuring that the new have engaged our global workforce through a variety of channels
policy is fully implemented together with reviewing the links to the including our global Your Voice survey, which has again provided a
Company’s long-term strategy delivery through our incentive schemes. rich body of feedback capturing employees’ opinions on a broad range
of topics including the Company’s performance, strategy, culture and
Our focus is to ensure that the Directors’ Remuneration Policy enables remuneration. Our approach to workforce engagement is explained in
the Company to: the Strategic Report, on pages 26 and 41.
– attract and retain top quality talent in the global marketplace; We have taken the opportunity to review our Directors’ Remuneration
– reward high levels of sustainable long-term performance in both an Report and have restructured and shortened it where possible to
appropriate and competitive manner to the benefit of shareholders simplify content, which we hope readers will find helpful.
and wider stakeholders;
– create close long-term links between the Company’s senior
management and its shareholders; and

90 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Group performance Executive Director remuneration


Our incentive plans are closely aligned to our strategy and the For 2020, the Remuneration Committee considered salary increases
performance metrics align with the key performance indicators for the Executive Directors in the context of their current positions
stated in the Strategic Report. relative to the market, their development in their roles, their individual
performance and the level of pay increases for UK employees (which
The Group has once again delivered an excellent operational
ranged between 0% and 6.5%, based on performance in the prior
performance in 2019, building on the long-term strategic growth
year, with an average increase of 2.5%).
agenda and surpassing the stretching targets set by the Remuneration
Committee. In 2019, the Group exceeded performance expectations, At the time of Jack Bowles’ and Tadeu Marroco’s appointments, the
with volume share gains in the Asia-Pacific Middle East and Europe Remuneration Committee set remuneration at a level to reflect the
North Africa regions together with increases in adjusted revenue fact that these were their first Executive Director appointments and
growth from the Strategic Portfolio, adjusted profit from operations significantly below the levels for previous incumbents in both roles and
and adjusted cash generated from operations (at constant rates of in the wider market.
exchange) on a Group basis. In addition, the Group delivered a very
Jack Bowles has now been in his role for a year and in the Board’s view
strong set of results with growth in adjusted, diluted EPS, revenue
has made an excellent start. He has led the Group to deliver a very
growth and a strong cash flow conversion rate.
strong operational performance in 2019, exceeding the stretching
These results are reflected positively in the outcomes for the Group’s performance expectations set by the Remuneration Committee which
Short-Term Incentive Scheme (STI), the International Executive translated into the performance delivery against key financial and
Incentive Scheme (IEIS), for which the corporate result across the strategic metrics. Further, he has successfully initiated and delivered
four measures (adjusted profit from operations, Group’s share of key a strategic review of the Group’s global operating model and
markets, adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio and organisation, re-purposing the business both in terms of its commercial
adjusted cash generated from operations) was 96%. focus and driving cultural change across the Group while accelerating
the development of new, strategic capabilities for the future. The view
The 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) award, based on results
of the Board is that Jack Bowles has established himself successfully and
across adjusted diluted EPS, relative TSR, adjusted revenue growth
is already demonstrating a track record of delivering strongly against
and the operating cash flow conversion ratio, will vest in March 2020
his priorities for the business.
at 69.3%. The Remuneration Committee has considered the vesting
result and concluded that this is an accurate reflection of the strong, In recognition of these points we believe it is the right time to ensure
sustained underlying performance of the Company in challenging that this continued development and performance is reflected
and volatile market conditions. It is also reflective, through the relative appropriately in his remuneration. The Remuneration Committee
TSR measure, of the movement in the Group’s share price during the has decided that the salary increase for Jack Bowles should be 9.5%.
performance period. Consequently, the absolute value attached to the Whilst this exceeds the top of the range of the salary increases for UK-
awards at the close of the three-year performance period is circa 55% based employees, this approach is in line with our approved Policy in
lower than the face value of the 2017 awards at grant. respect of recently appointed Executive Directors. Consequently, with
effect from 1 April 2020 Jack Bowles’ salary will be £1,287,000.
Following the determination of the outcomes for both the 2019 IEIS
and 2017 LTIP, the Remuneration Committee considered the results Upon appointment to the role of Finance Director on 5 August
against the underlying performance of the Group, and whether the 2019, Tadeu Marroco’s salary was set at £750,000. In reviewing the
movements in the Group’s share price across the preceding three-year remuneration for Tadeu Marroco, the Remuneration Committee has
period should be reflected in the IEIS and LTIP outcomes for Directors. considered both salary and the composition of the total remuneration
The Remuneration Committee considered that further adjustment to package. Tadeu Marroco has now been in his role for eight months
the IEIS and LTIP outcomes was not appropriate, in recognition of: and in the Board’s view has made an immediate and material
contribution to the delivery of Group results and performance against
– the strong underlying performance of the Group;
key financial metrics. In addition, he has played a key role in overseeing
– the structure of the LTIP being already designed to ensure that the the Group’s transformation agenda while bringing fresh impetus to the
value delivered to Directors is affected by share price movements, Group’s approach to stakeholder engagement.
through fixing the maximum number of shares at the time of grant;
Following engagement with shareholders in the first quarter of the
and
year, the Remuneration Committee has decided to adjust the LTIP
– share price movements are also reflected in the three tranches of award level for the Finance Director from 350% of annual basic salary
deferred bonus held by each of the Directors. to 400% of annual basic salary, from 2020 onwards. The adjustment
in award level is commensurate with the responsibilities for the
The performance of our key metrics that delivered the remuneration
Finance Director role and will enable a more appropriate balance
outcomes is summarised on page 97.
between the fixed and variable elements of remuneration in the future.
During engagement with shareholders on the Directors’ Remuneration
Policy in 2019 we discussed our intent to maintain an appropriate
level of differentiation with award levels between the Chief Executive
and the Finance Director and this very much remains our intention
and is reflected in the proposed change to the LTIP award level.
The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the new award level is
set appropriately, in particular relative to the Chief Executive, and does
not intend to review the award level again while the current Directors’
Remuneration Policy is in place.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 91


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL STATEMENT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Consequently, the shareholding requirements for the Finance Director Other initiatives in 2019
will be increased as follows: The Remuneration Committee has devoted a considerable amount
– During service as a Director, the shareholding requirement will be of time in 2019 to reviewing the Group’s remuneration strategy
increased to 400% of salary (from 350% of salary); and and related policies for its wider workforce. The Remuneration
Committee has focused on ensuring there is an appropriate degree of
– This requirement will also apply in full after ceasing service as a alignment between Group workforce remuneration and the Directors’
Director until the second anniversary of cessation of employment. Remuneration Policy, to make sure the Group’s remuneration agenda,
In this context, the Remuneration Committee decided that the salary practices and policies are both relevant across our markets and
increase for Tadeu Marroco should be 3%. Consequently, with effect supportive of Group strategy and ethos.
from 1 April 2020, Tadeu Marroco’s salary will be £772,500. An important area of focus has been our competitive position across
In its annual appraisal of the remuneration of Executive Directors, the key markets. The Company sources talent globally and remuneration
Remuneration Committee intends to keep their salaries under review, is a critical part of attracting and retaining the best people to lead our
to ensure they progress in line with development and performance business in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. In this
such that remuneration may be brought more closely into line with context, the significant pay differential between the US and the UK
the market over time. The Remuneration Committee may award continues to be challenging considering the international mobility of
increases above the average for UK employees over the next two years, the senior talent pool. Geographic differences in pay levels present
while remaining within the range of increases available for the wider challenges for the Group as a substantial part of our business is based
UK population, subject to the performance and development of the in the United States, which we will keep under close review.
Executive Directors in their roles and with consideration of pay matters The Remuneration Committee has reviewed both the short and Long-
among our wider workforce. This approach is consistent with how Term Incentive Plan arrangements below the Executive Director level
the Company reviews the remuneration of all its employees as they during 2019. As part of this review, the Remuneration Committee
develop and progress in their roles. considered it appropriate to establish a new Restricted Share Plan
Incentive plan awards from 2020 which will better align the remuneration strategy with our Group
strategy and ethos and recognises employee feedback in this area.
Following the downward adjustment to the 2019 LTIP award, the basis
The Group will put forward a resolution for shareholder approval at
for awards made under the LTIP in 2020 will return to the Company’s
its forthcoming AGM to establish the new Restricted Share Plan for its
usual practice where the share price for new awards is an average
senior management population, excluding the Executive Directors.
of the mid-market price across the three trading days prior to the
award being made. The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that During 2019, the Remuneration Committee conducted a detailed
this return to the Group’s established practice will result in awards review of the Group’s legacy defined benefit pension arrangements in
which are in proportion with previous awards made to the Directors. the UK and the Company is now consulting with employees in the UK
The Remuneration Committee retains discretion to review the concerning proposals to close defined benefit arrangements to future
formulaic LTIP outcome at vesting. accrual during 2020.
Pay and transparency In 2019, the Company initiated a competitive tender exercise for
The Remuneration Committee is very aware of the continued debate the provision of remuneration advisory services to the Remuneration
on executive remuneration and corporate governance, the emphasis Committee. Following the tender process, the Remuneration
on long-term alignment with shareholder interests and the importance Committee has appointed PwC LLP as the adviser to the Remuneration
of considering executive compensation in the broader context of the Committee from 15 January 2020. In addition, Meridian
Group’s employees. Compensation Partners LLC will be appointed to provide specific
advice and expertise in relation to the US market.
In March 2020, we will be publishing data relating to UK Gender Pay
in line with the statutory requirements. Upon reviewing the data prior Our focus in 2020
to publication, the Remuneration Committee noted that while men On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I acknowledge the scope
and women are rewarded equally for similar roles, the Group does of the tasks for the year ahead as we continue to embed our new
have a ‘gender pay gap’ as defined by the UK legislation. The pay gap Remuneration Policy and we continue our work to ensure the policy
is largely a reflection of having more men than women in senior roles remains strongly aligned with the Company’s long-term strategy and
and the Group has a comprehensive set of diversity initiatives in place shareholder interests. We were very pleased to receive a strong vote in
to drive progress on this issue. These are explained further on pages favour of our Directors’ Remuneration Policy last year and this year’s
41 and 81 and in our Gender Pay Report. As a result of our continued Annual Remuneration Report will be put forward for your consideration
focus we have seen an increase in the proportion of women in our and approval by an advisory vote at the AGM on 30 April 2020.
upper pay quartile in 2019, from 24% to 27%, contributing towards The Board places great value on the direct engagement and feedback
reducing our median pay gap from 35% to 33%, and we will continue from our shareholders and advisory bodies on our remuneration policy
our efforts in this area. and practices and I look forward to continuing this dialogue in 2020.
This year we are publishing for the first time our CEO to employee Dimitri Panayotopoulos
pay ratio for the 2019 financial year. We have adopted calculation Chairman, Remuneration Committee
method A which we believe to be the most robust and comprehensive 17 March 2020
means of assessment and is also reflective of shareholder preferences.
For the 2019 period, the CEO single figure used in the calculation is
a combination of remuneration data for both Nicandro Durante and
Jack Bowles, recognising the transition in the Group’s leadership which
took place in 2019. Consequently, the Group’s CEO to employee pay
ratio for 2019 was 86:1 at the median level, reflecting the diversity
of our business footprint and employee population across the UK.
Further details can be found on page 103.

92 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

ANNUAL REPORT
Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

ON REMUNERATION

1 Summary of our Directors’ Remuneration Policy


The Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Directors was approved by shareholders at the AGM
on 25 April 2019.
The full Directors’ Remuneration Policy is set out in the Remuneration Report 2018 contained in the Annual Report for the year ended
31 December 2018, which is available at bat.com
To assist in reviewing our Annual Report on Remuneration, we have summarised the key elements of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy
as it principally applies to remuneration paid during 2019.
Directors’ Remuneration Policy summary: our remuneration strategy
The Remuneration Committee’s remuneration principles seek to reward the delivery of the Group’s strategy in a simple and straightforward
manner which is aligned to shareholders’ long-term sustainable interests.
The remuneration structure comprises fixed and variable elements. These rewards are structured and designed to be both transparent and
stretching while recognising the skills and experience of the Executive Directors and ensuring rewards are competitive in the global marketplace.
The fixed elements comprise base salary, pension and other benefits. The variable elements are provided via two performance-based incentive
schemes (a single short-term cash and share incentive annual bonus plan (STI), and a single Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)).
In applying these principles, the Remuneration Committee maintains an appropriate balance between fixed pay and the opportunity to earn
performance-related remuneration with the performance-based elements forming, at maximum opportunity, between 80% and 90% of the
Executive Directors’ total remuneration. An annual review is conducted to ensure application and alignment of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy
with the business needs to promote the long-term success of the Group.

Strategic Purpose Key Features

Salary
To attract and retain high-calibre individuals – Normally paid in 12 equal monthly instalments during the year;
to deliver the Group’s long-term strategy
– Reviewed annually in February (changes effective from April) or subject to ad-hoc review
and to offer market-competitive levels of
on significant change of responsibilities;
guaranteed cash to reflect an individual’s
skills, experience and role within the Group. – Reviewed taking into account the factors including individual performance and appropriate
market data based on a Pay Comparator Group;
– Annual increases will generally be in the range of the increases in the base pay of other
UK-based employees in the Group and will not exceed 10% per annum; and
– Recently appointed Executive Directors’ base salaries may exceed the top of the range of the
salary increases for UK-based employees where the Remuneration Committee considers it
appropriate to reflect the accrual of experience.
Benefits
To provide market-competitive benefits The Company offers the following contractual benefits to Executive Directors:
consistent with the role which:
– A car or car allowance (maximum annual value £20,000);
– attract and retain high calibre individuals
– Use of a car and driver for personal and business use;
to deliver the Group’s long-term strategic
plans; and – Employment tax advice (as required but not exceeding £30,000 per annum);
– recognise that such talent is global in source – Tax equalisation payments (where appropriate);
and that the availability of certain benefits
– Private medical insurance, including general practitioner ‘walk in’ medical services;
(e.g. relocation, repatriation, taxation
compliance advice) will from time to time – Personal life and accident insurance (designed to pay out at a multiple of four and five times
be necessary to avoid such factors being an base salary, respectively);
inhibitor to accepting the role.
– Housing, education allowances or similar arrangements as appropriate to family circumstances;
and
– Other benefits may include Executive Directors and their partners’ attendance at hospitality or
similar functions, and the provision of benefits which may be treated as benefits for tax
purposes, such as the provision of home security and reimbursement of expenses incurred in
connection with their duties.
Pension
To provide competitive post-retirement – Only base salary is pensionable; and
benefit arrangements which recognise
– Defined contribution benefits – Executive Directors are eligible to receive a pension benefit
the external environment in the context
equivalent to 15% of base salary as a contribution into the defined contribution section of the
of attracting and retaining senior high
British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund or as a gross cash sum paid in lieu thereof.
calibre individuals to deliver the Group’s
The contribution rates are aligned with those available to our wider UK population.
long-term strategy.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 93


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Short-term incentives (STI)


– To incentivise the attainment of corporate Opportunity
targets aligned to the Group’s strategic – Chief Executive – Maximum 250%; on-target 125%.
objectives on an annual basis, with a
– Finance Director – Maximum 190%; on-target 95%.
deferred element to ensure alignment with
shareholders’ interests. Operation
– 50% of the incentive delivered as cash; 50% as deferred shares (DSBS) which vest after three
– To ensure, overall, a market-competitive
years. Deferred shares attract a dividend equivalent which is delivered in additional quarterly
package to attract and retain high calibre
interim dividend equivalent shares;
individuals to deliver the Group’s long-
term strategy. – The Remuneration Committee sets the performance targets each year at the beginning of the
performance period and is able to vary the exact measures and the weighting of them from
year to year;
– Performance measures for 2019 can be found on page 99 and for 2020 on page 104;
– The Remuneration Committee has discretion to adjust outcomes in circumstances where it
considers it is appropriate to do so to reflect the overall performance of the Company;
– In cases of identified poor individual performance, the corporate result may be reduced by
up to 50%; and
– Clawback and malus provisions are in place.
Long-term incentives (LTIP)
To put in place a combination of measures Opportunity
with appropriately stretching targets around – Maximum annual award of shares of 500% of salary for all Executive Directors.
the long-term plan that provides a balance
– Normal annual grants of 500% of salary for the Chief Executive and 400% of salary for the
relevant to the Company’s business and
Finance Director.
market conditions as well as alignment
between Executive Directors’ and Operation
shareholders’ interests. To facilitate the – LTIP awards vest only to the extent that:
appointment of senior high calibre individuals
– the performance conditions are satisfied at the end of the three-year performance period; and
required to deliver the Group’s long-term
strategy, and to promote the long-term – an additional vesting period of two years from the third anniversary of the date of grant has
success of the Company. been completed;
– Dividend equivalent shares are awarded at the end of the extended vesting period to the
extent that the awards vest;
– The Remuneration Committee sets the performance targets for the applicable performance
period each year;
– Vesting levels are based on the achievement of appropriately stretching targets against
performance measures aligned to the Group’s long-term strategy;
– Performance measures for the 2017-2019 performance period are detailed on page 100
and for the awards to be granted in 2020 are detailed on page 104;
– The Remuneration Committee has discretion to adjust the level of vesting in circumstances where
it considers it is appropriate to do so to reflect the overall performance of the Company; and
– Clawback and malus provisions are in place.
Shareholding requirements
– To strengthen the alignment between the Executive Directors are required to hold shares in the Company:
interests of the Executive Directors and
– during service as a Director, equal to the value of the same multiple of salary at which LTIP
those of shareholders by requiring Executive
awards are made to that Director (currently, 500% for the Chief Executive and 400% for the
Directors to build up a high level of personal
Finance Director from 2020 onwards); and
shareholding in the Company.
– after ceasing service as a Director, equal to the value of 100% of the shareholding requirement
– To ensure long-term alignment between
that applied while a Director for a period until the second anniversary of cessation of
the interests of the Executive Directors
employment with the Group.
and those of shareholders through the
operation of post-employment
shareholding requirements.
All-employee share plans
Executive Directors are eligible to participate – All-employee share schemes are the Sharesave Scheme and the Share Incentive Plan (SIP); and
in the Company’s all-employee share schemes
– Executive Directors are subject to the same limits on participation as other employees, as
which are designed to incentivise employees
defined by the applicable statutory provisions.
by giving them an opportunity to build
shareholdings in the Company.

94 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

How the policy addresses the factors set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018:
The summary of our remuneration principles and the key elements of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy align with the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2018 factors as follows:
Clarity and simplicity
Our policy provides an overall remuneration package that is transparent for our Executive Directors and shareholders alike; its simple structure has
a clear and straightforward link to the delivery of the Group’s long-term strategy. Principles driving fixed remuneration (salary, benefits, pension) are
closely aligned with the wider workforce and variable remuneration (STI and LTI) rewards delivery of financial and strategic objectives both in the
short and long-term.
Risk
The combination of performance target setting for the STI and LTI, the inclusion of provisions for discretionary adjustments and malus and
clawback provisions ensure that we reward our Executive Directors in accordance with high standards of governance while mitigating, as far
as possible, reputational and other risks arising from reward packages that are not proportionate to outcomes.
Predictability and proportionality
There is a clear link between the operation of our short and long-term incentive plan awards and the delivery of our strategy and long-term
performance. Variable remuneration at the Company accounts for between 80%-90% of an Executive Director’s total remuneration package,
ensuring that poor performance is not rewarded. Further detail on short and long-term incentive plan awards are detailed on pages 99 and 100.
Alignment to culture
The Remuneration Committee has worked extensively to develop a policy that aligns the Executive Directors closely to the wider workforce and
rewards long-term sustainable performance. The Remuneration Committee continually reviews the Policy, taking into account any feedback
received from engagement with the wider workforce and shareholders, to ensure it is aligned to the Company’s purpose and values, and
promotes the long-term success of the Company.

Summary of all-employee rewards at BAT: Principles of remuneration for wider workforce


The Group’s remuneration policies and practices are founded on a high degree of alignment and consistency across the organisation.
Accordingly, remuneration for senior management is determined taking into account the remuneration principles that apply to the Executive
Directors, and similar principles also form the basis of the remuneration arrangements for the wider workforce.
The Remuneration Committee is regularly updated on the pay principles and practices in operation across the Group, and considers them in
relation to the implementation of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, and in ensuring there is an appropriate degree of alignment throughout
the Group. The Board’s approach to engagement with the Group’s workforce worldwide is set out on pages 26 and 41. Engagement methods
available to the Group’s workforce include mechanisms for feedback and dialogue on the Group’s pay policies and practices. The Remuneration
Committee receives updates from management on feedback received during the year where relevant to remuneration matters considered by the
Remuneration Committee, and the Remuneration Committee takes feedback into account as applicable in determining executive remuneration.
The reward strategy for all employees is built around the following four strategic pillars and comprises fixed and variable remuneration elements:

Competitive yet sustainable Equitably differentiated


– Competitive package, able to attract and retain talent. – Differentiated on clear and objective criteria – level, performance
and experience.
– Agility to meet changing generational needs.
– Supported by unbiased processes and tools.
– Responsible cost structure to support profit delivery.
Transparent Aligned to shareholder interests
– Clear policies, openly communicated. – Competitive employment cost base and incentives that align the
interests of employees with those of shareholders.
– Individual total reward package statements form part of regular
annual cycle.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 95


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Fixed remuneration
Salary
– Salary is a key element of the total remuneration for all employees.
– Salary ranges for each grade are set by reference to external market data, and individual positioning within the set salary ranges will depend
on level of experience, responsibility and individual performance.
– Annual salary reviews typically take place in April each year.
In several markets Collective Labour Agreements (CLAs) exist covering some employees, therefore, some of the above principles may not apply.
Benefits and recognition
– Benefits provided to employees reflect local market practice and legislative requirements.
– The benefits architecture for the Group includes core benefits (such as medical insurance and life insurance) and local statutory benefits and
may be delivered as a combination of benefits in kind, cash allowance and flexible benefits.
– Additional financial and non-financial rewards can be made for outstanding contributions to the business in exceptional circumstances.
Pension
– Retirement benefits, typically in the form of a pension, are provided to employees based on local market practice.
– Under the UK Defined Contribution arrangements, the Company contributions for all employees is 10% of base salary rising to a maximum
of 15% on a matching basis. The total contribution to the defined contribution section of the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund is
restricted to £10,000 per annum in line with the Tapered Annual Allowance with the balance of any contributions due above this paid as a
cash allowance or, alternatively, paid into the Defined Contribution Unapproved Unfunded Retirement Benefits Scheme.
Variable remuneration
Short-term incentives
Short-term incentive schemes are designed to reward employees across the business for the delivery of financial, strategic and operational targets.
The Group operates various short-term incentive arrangements, as set out below, with participation dependent on role.
International Executive Incentive Scheme (IEIS) – globally aligned scheme for all managers in senior management roles (c. 1,200 employees),
including Executive Directors.
– Incentive opportunities for IEIS participants are defined globally for each eligible grade.
– A portion of any award receivable is deferred in BAT shares for three years, with the remaining portion paid in cash following year-end.
– Dividend-equivalent payments on all unvested deferred shares are paid quarterly in cash via payroll.
Corporate annual bonus plans – in operation for employees in corporate functions who are not eligible to participate in the IEIS.
– Designed to mirror the basic construct of the IEIS with opportunity levels set locally.
– Performance metrics aligned to those of the IEIS, however, not all are measured on a Group-wide basis but instead linked to the relevant
business unit.
Functional incentive schemes – in operation for non-corporate employees, examples include trade marketing or factory incentive schemes.
– Opportunity levels are set locally and vary by grade.
– Functional performance measures are incorporated into each scheme to ensure line of sight for participants.
Long-term incentives
– Senior managers are eligible to participate in the long-term incentive programme (LTIP), which rewards their contribution to the long-term
global performance of the Company aligned with Executive Directors.
– Opportunity levels are defined globally for each eligible grade.
– Awards are typically granted in March of each year, and vest following the end of a three-year performance period.
– Dividend-equivalent payments are paid on any shares vesting.
All-employee share schemes
– In the UK, all employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s all-employee share schemes – the Sharesave Scheme and the Share
Incentive Plan – both of which are HMRC-approved plans, which are designed to incentivise employees by giving them an opportunity
to build shareholdings in the Company.

96 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

2 Overview of what our Executive Directors earned in 2019 and why


What our Executive Directors earned in 2019 – audited@
Taxable Short-term Long-term Other
Single figure for Salary benefits incentives incentives Pension emoluments Total
Executive Directors £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000

2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 20191 20182 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Nicandro Durante 3
328 1,295 160 295 408 3,275 2,059 3,324 197 430 12 32 3,164 8,651
Jack Bowles4 1,175 – 262 – 2,824 – 642 – 216 – 19 – 5,138 –
Ben Stevens5 551 916 107 132 999 1,756 1,206 1,694 227 491 17 18 3,107 5,007
Tadeu Marroco6 301 – 79 – 560 – 512 – 46 – 1 – 1,499 –
Total 2,355 2,211 608 427 4,791 5,031 4,419 5,018 686 921 49 50 12,908 13,658

Notes:
1. The 2017 LTIP award is due to vest on 27 March 2022 for Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens and on 27 March 2020 for Jack Bowles and Tadeu Marroco based on completion of the three-year
performance period on 31 December 2019 and completion of the extended vesting period, as applicable. The value shown is based on the average share price for the three-month period ended
31 December 2019 of 2,920p. Given the share price performance since the date of grant of awards, none of the value shown in the table above is attributable to share price appreciation.
2. Long-term incentives shown for 2018: in accordance with the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations, estimates for the values of the vesting 2016 LTIP awards were given in the Annual Report
on Remuneration 2018; these amounts have been re-presented to show the actual market value on the date of vesting in 2019.
3. Nicandro Durante retired as an Executive Director on 1 April 2019. The amounts shown in the table above reflect remuneration received while an Executive Director of the Company.
4. Jack Bowles was appointed Chief Executive Designate on 1 November 2018 and was appointed as an Executive Director on 1 January 2019, before being appointed as Chief Executive effective
1 April 2019. The values shown for his LTIP are based on a share award granted prior to his appointment as an Executive Director with no apportionment having been applied to the LTIP value.
5. Ben Stevens ceased to be an Executive Director on 5 August 2019. The amounts shown in the table above reflect remuneration received while an Executive Director of the Company.
6. Tadeu Marroco was appointed Finance Director on 5 August 2019 and was appointed as an Executive Director on the same date. The amounts shown in the table above reflect remuneration received while
an Executive Director of the Company. The values shown for his LTIP are based on a share award granted prior to his appointment as an Executive Director with no apportionment having been applied to
the LTIP value.

Further information in respect of this remuneration can be found in Section 3 on page 98.
How this aligns to performance
Short-term incentives for the performance period ended in 2019
Vesting at:
Chief Executive: corporate performance – 240.3% of salary
Finance Director: corporate performance – 182.6% of salary
Adjusted profit from operations (APFO) Adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio at constant
at constant rates of exchange +6.6% growth rates of exchange
+7.3% growth
Group share of Key Markets Adjusted cash generated from operations (Adjusted CGFO)
+20 bps growth over 2018 at constant rates of exchange
Exceeded the maximum performance level set by the Remuneration
Committee (equivalent to 96.2% operating cash flow conversion)

Long-term incentives for the three-year performance period ended in 2019


Vesting at 69.3%
Total shareholder return (TSR) 0% achievement
21 out of 23 in FMCG comparator group 2017–2019 (0% of award vesting out of possible 20%)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth 90% achievement
9.4% CAGR at current rates of exchange (17.9% of award vesting out of possible 20%)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth 100% achievement
10% CAGR at constant rates of exchange (20% of award vesting out of possible 20%)
Adjusted revenue growth 57% achievement
4% CAGR at constant rates of exchange (11.4% of award vesting out of possible 20%)
Adjusted operating cash flow conversion ratio 100% achievement
101.8% ratio over the performance period (20% of award vesting out of possible 20%)

Non-GAAP measures
Adjusted profit from operations (APFO), adjusted cash generated from operations (Adjusted CGFO), adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted revenue
and operating cash flow conversion ratio are non-GAAP measures used by the Remuneration Committee to assess performance. Please refer
to pages 259 to 268 for definitions of these measures @and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measure
where applicable.@

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 97


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

3 Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2019


Total remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2019 – audited@
Nicandro Durante1 Jack Bowles2 Ben Stevens3 Tadeu Marroco4
2019 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Salary 328 1,295 1,175 551 916 301

Taxable benefits 5

– car allowance 4 16 20 8 14 8
– health insurance 2 7 13 9 10 5
– tax advice 38 62 30 – – 34
– use of Company driver 25 83 61 78 100 30
– home and personal security – 121 6 4 6 –
– relocation 58 – – – – –
– tax & social security6 – – 122 – – –
– other expenses related to individual and/or accompanied 33 6 10 8 2 2
attendance at Company functions/events
Total taxable benefits 160 295 262 107 132 79
Short-term incentives
STI vesting percentage (% of maximum) 50% 100% 96% 96% 100% 96%
STI: cash – Group performance cash element 408 1,637.5 1,412 999 877.8 280
STI: DSBS – Group performance deferred element – 1,637.5 1,412 - 877.8 280
Total short-term incentives (page 99) 408 3,275 2,824 999 1,756 560
Long-term incentives7,8
LTIP vesting percentage (% of maximum) 69.3% 70.5% 69.9% 69.3% 70.5% 69.9%
LTIP value to vest 1,733 2,813 540 1,015 1,434 431
Dividend equivalent9 326 511 102 191 260 81
Total long-term incentives (page 100) 2,059 3,324 642 1,206 1,694 512

Total pension-related benefits (page 101) 197 430 216 227 491 46
Other emoluments
Life insurance 8 29 15 13 15 1
Share Reward Scheme (value of ordinary shares awarded) 4 3 4 4 3 –
Sharesave Scheme (face value of discount on options granted) – – – – – –
Total other emoluments 12 32 19 17 18 1
Total remuneration 3,164 8,651 5,138 3,107 5,007 1,499

Notes:
1. Nicandro Durante retired as an Executive Director on 1 April 2019. The amounts shown in the table above reflect remuneration received while an Executive Director of the Company.
2. Jack Bowles was appointed Chief Executive Designate on 1 November 2018 and was appointed as an Executive Director on 1 January 2019, before being appointed as Chief Executive effective
1 April 2019.
3. Ben Stevens retired as an Executive Director on 5 August 2019. The amounts shown in the table above reflect remuneration received while an Executive Director of the Company.
4. Tadeu Marroco was appointed Finance Director on 5 August 2019 and was appointed as an Executive Director on the same date. The amounts shown in the table above reflect remuneration received while
an Executive Director of the Company.
5. Taxable benefits: the figures shown are gross amounts as, in line with the UK market, it is the normal practice for the Company to pay the tax which may be due on any benefits, with the exception of the car
or car allowance. The numbers presented above for tax advice are inclusive of applicable VAT and income tax.
6. Amount for Jack Bowles relates to tax equalisation and social security payments made during the year ended 31 December 2019.
7. The 2017 LTIP award is due to vest on 27 March 2022 for Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens and on 27 March 2020 for Jack Bowles and Tadeu Marroco based on completion of the three-year
performance period on 31 December 2019 and completion of the extended vesting period, as applicable. The value shown is based on the average share price for the three-month period ended
31 December 2019 of 2,920p.
8. LTIP award shown for 2018: the values disclosed in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2018 were estimated values as the award had not vested by the date of that report;
these amounts have been re-presented based on the actual market value on the date of vesting of 12 May 2019 of 2,839p.
9. LTIP dividend equivalent payments: the dividend equivalent payment that will attach to the LTIP award that is included in the Single Figure Table is reported. The values for the year ended 31 December
2018 have been restated on this basis.

98 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Short-term incentives for the year ended 31 December 2019


STI performance measures, weightings and results for year ended 31 December 2019 – audited@
STI: performance measure and target 2019 Description of measure 2019 Actual performance 2019

Adjusted profit from operations APFO is the adjusted profit from APFO growth over the prior year of 6.6%.
(APFO) (growth over prior year) operations at constant rates of exchange
Strategic Report: Delivering our strategy
Weighting: 30% for the year ended 31 December 2019.
– Productivity
Please refer to page 262 for the detailed
Threshold: 3.3% growth over 2018
description of APFO.
Maximum: 7.1% growth over 2018
Group’s share of Key Markets The Group’s retail volume share in its Global volume share in key markets grew by 20 bps.
(growth over prior year) Key Markets accounts for around 80% of
Strategic Report: Delivering our strategy – Growth
Weighting: 10% the volumes of the Group’s subsidiaries.
The Group’s share is calculated from
Threshold: 5 bps growth over 2018
data supplied by retail audit service
Maximum: 15 bps growth over 2018 providers and is re-based as and when
the Group’s Key Markets change. When
re-basing does occur, the Company will
also restate historical data and provide
fresh comparative data on the markets.
Adjusted revenue growth from the The Strategic Portfolio reflects the focus Adjusted revenue from the Strategic Portfolio grew by
Strategic Portfolio of the Group’s investment activity, and 7.3%.
(growth over prior year) is defined as Strategic Combustibles and
Strategic Report: Delivering our strategy – Growth
Weighting: 30% Strategic Traditional Oral products, and
New Category products. This measure is
Threshold: 2% growth over 2018
assessed at constant rates of exchange.
Maximum: 6% growth over 2018 Please refer to page 261 for the detailed
description of the Strategic Portfolio.

Adjusted cash generated from Adjusted CGFO is defined as the net Adjusted CGFO exceeded the maximum performance
operations (Adjusted CGFO) cash generated from operating activities, level set by the Remuneration Committee (equivalent
(as against adjusted budget) before the impact of adjusting items, to 96.2% operating cash flow conversion).
Weighting: 30% dividends paid to non-controlling
Strategic Report: Delivering our strategy
interests and received from associates,
Threshold: Equivalent to 91% operating – Productivity
net interest paid and net capital
cash flow conversion
expenditure.
Maximum: Equivalent to 96% operating
Adjusted CGFO is measured at constant
cash flow conversion
rates of exchange.

STI outcome for year ended 31 December 2019


STI award achieved
£’000
Available STI award as STI award achieved (Value shown in
% of base salary Group % result % of base salary Single Figure Table)4
Nicandro Durante1,2 250% 50% 125% 408
Jack Bowles3 250% 96% 240.3% 2,824
Ben Stevens1,5 190% 96% 182.6% 999
Tadeu Marroco1,3 190% 96% 182.6% 560

Notes:
1. The STI awards for Nicandro Durante, Ben Stevens and Tadeu Marroco have been calculated on a pro rata basis for their time spent as Executive Directors during 2019.
2. Nicandro Durante retired as an Executive Director on 1 April 2019. In line with our Directors’ Remuneration Policy in operation at the time, his Group result was based on an ‘on-target’ level of performance,
apportioned for the period he was an Executive Director and payment was made fully in cash in April 2019.
3. For Jack Bowles and Tadeu Marroco, 50% of the STI award will be paid in cash and 50% as an award under the DSBS. Awards made under the DSBS are in the form of free ordinary shares in the
Company that normally vest after three years and no further performance conditions apply in that period. In certain circumstances, such as resigning before the end of the three-year period, participants
may forfeit all of the shares.
4. Malus and clawback provisions apply.
5. In line with the current Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the STI payment to Ben Stevens will be made based on actual results, pro-rated and paid fully in cash in March 2020.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 99


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Long-term incentives (LTIP) for the year ended 31 December 2019


LTIP performance measures, weightings and results for the year ended 31 December 2019 – audited 3@
Description of measure and target for 2017 LTIP
LTIP: performance measure Performance period 1 January 2017 – 31 December 2019 Result achieved Vesting percentage
Relative TSR1 Ranked 21 0%
Relative to a peer group of 2017–2019 LTIP target out of 23 (out of maximum
international FMCG companies Threshold At median, 3% vests of 20%)
Weighting: 20% Maximum At upper quartile, 20% vests
EPS growth at current exchange rates 9.4% CAGR 17.9%
Compound annual growth 2017–2019 LTIP target (out of maximum
in adjusted diluted EPS measured Threshold At CAGR of 5%, 3% vests of 20%)
at current rates of exchange
Maximum At CAGR of 10%, 20% vests
Weighting: 20%
EPS growth at constant exchange rates 10% CAGR 20%
Compound annual growth 2017–2019 LTIP target (out of maximum
in adjusted diluted EPS measured Threshold At CAGR of 5%, 3% vests of 20%)
at constant rates of exchange
Maximum At CAGR of 10%, 20% vests
Weighting: 20%
Adjusted revenue2 4% CAGR 11.4%
Compound annual growth measured 2017–2019 LTIP target (out of maximum
at constant rates of exchange Threshold At CAGR of 3%, 3% vests of 20%)
Maximum At CAGR of 5%, 20% vests
Weighting: 20%
Adjusted Operating cash flow 101.8% ratio 20%
conversion ratio 2017–2019 LTIP target (out of maximum
Ratio over the performance period Threshold Ratio of 85%, 3% vests of 20%)
at current exchange rates
Maximum Ratio of 95%, 20% vests
Weighting: 20%
Total vesting level 69.3% vesting

Notes:
1. Relative TSR: the constituents of the FMCG peer group are listed on page 104.
2. The underpin for adjusted revenue growth measure: the adjusted revenue growth measure can only vest provided the corresponding three-year CAGR of APFO exceeds the CAGR of the threshold
performance level for APFO as approved annually in the STI and approved by the Board. The underpin was exceeded with reference to the APFO STI outcomes for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
3. The above figures account for the adjustment made in respect of the impact of the acquisition of RAI on the 2017 performance year within the 2017 LTIP awards. Further detail on the adjustment for the
2017 performance year was provided on page 94 of the 2018 Annual Report for the 2016 LTIP awards and the same will apply in respect of the 2017 LTIP awards.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

LTIP outcome for year ended 31 December 2019

Vesting % achieved Dividend equivalent Total value to vest


Number of ordinary (based on Number of ordinary Value of ordinary payment on £’000
shares subject to 2017–2019 shares shares to vest1 vesting 2
(Value shown in
award performance period) to vest £’000 £’000 Single Figure Table)
Nicandro Durante3 114,181 69.3% 59,346 1,733 326 2,059
Jack Bowles4 26,463 69.9% 18,497 540 102 642
Ben Stevens3 58,232 69.3% 34,750 1,015 191 1,206
Tadeu Marroco4 21,109 69.9% 14,755 431 81 512

The 2017 LTIP awards granted to Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens are subject to the LTIP extended vesting period and are therefore due to
vest on 27 March 2022, and will become exercisable on that same date. For Jack Bowles and Tadeu Marroco, the 2017 LTIP awards were made
prior to their appointments as Executive Directors, therefore the vesting date is 27 March 2020 and the shares will become exercisable on that
same date.
Notes:
1. The value of ordinary shares to vest shown above is based on the average share price for the three-month period ended 31 December 2019 of 2,920p.
2. The dividend equivalent amount shown above that will become payable on vesting is the value of the dividend equivalents accrued on the proportion of the award that is due to vest.
3. The number of shares to vest for Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens is calculated on a pro rata basis to reflect their total time as Executive Directors during the performance period of the awards.
4. The number of shares subject to awards made to Jack Bowles and Tadeu Marroco reflect the award opportunities available to them at the time of the award, prior to being appointed
as Executive Directors.

100 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Executive Directors’ pension entitlements and accruals for the year ended 31 December 2019 – audited@
Accrued pension Total Defined Contribution (DC) fund value as
at year-end 31 December 2019 £’000 at year-end 31 December 2019 £’000
Defined Benefits (DB) Defined Contribution (DC)
Unapproved Unfunded Unapproved Unfunded
Retirement Benefit Scheme British American Tobacco UK Retirement Benefit Scheme British American Tobacco UK
Pension values (UURBS) Pension Fund (UURBS)1 Pension Fund
Nicandro Durante (up to 1 April 2019) 182 – n/a n/a
Jack Bowles n/a n/a 669 318
Ben Stevens (up to 5 August 2019) 366 102 n/a n/a
Tadeu Marroco (from 5 August 2019) n/a n/a 502 165
Total 548 102 1,171 683

Note
1. The DC UURBS credit accrued over the year is increased in line with the Company’s Weighted Average Cost of Debt (WACD) over the year. For the year ended 31 December 2019, a provisional WACD of
3.3% has been used but this may be subject to change.

Nicandro Durante
Nicandro Durante’s UURBS pension entitlements are derived as follows:
– effective from 1 March 2006 (being the date of his appointment as a member of the Management Board), an accrual of 0.65% for each year
of service on a basic £ sterling salary comparable to that of a General Manager of Souza Cruz S.A. At retirement the pension will be based on
a 12 month average and will be provided through the UURBS; and
– with effect from 1 January 2011 (being the date of his appointment as Chief Executive Designate), Nicandro Durante commenced an accrual
of 2.5% for each year of service on a basic salary in excess of that stated above. At retirement the pension is based on a 12 month average and
will be provided through the UURBS.
The normal retirement date for Mr Durante was 13 September 2016.
The pension-related benefits disclosed in the single figures for Executive Directors’ remuneration represent Nicandro Durante’s net accrual for
the period, being the differential between his total pension entitlements as at 31 December 2018 (adjusted for inflation) and as at 1 April 2019,
multiplied by 20 in accordance with the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations.
Nicandro Durante receives a pension in payment from the Fundação Albino Souza Cruz (FASC) from Souza Cruz S.A., a Brazilian registered
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. This pension benefit has been in payment since April 2012 and for the period from 1 January 2019
to 31 March 2019 has amounted to approximately £90,169 (after adjusting for currency exchange).
Ben Stevens
Ben Stevens joined the UK Pension Fund after 1989, before the closure of its non-contributory defined benefit section to new members in April
2005. As a result, prior to 6 April 2006, he was subject to the HMRC cap on pensionable earnings (notionally £160,800 for the tax year 2018/19).
In addition, he has an unfunded pension promise from the Company in respect of earnings above the cap on an equivalent basis to the benefits
provided by the UK Pension Fund. This is provided through the UURBS. Further to the changes to the applicable tax regulations, Ben Stevens has
reached his lifetime allowance of £1.8 million and therefore has ceased accrual in the UK Pension Fund with all future benefits being provided
through the UURBS. During the year, there has been no change to the overall pension entitlement of Ben Stevens.
The normal retirement date for Mr Stevens was 27 July 2019.
Total accrued pension is the amount of pension that would be paid annually on retirement based on service to the end of the year.
The pension-related benefits disclosed in the single figures for Executive Directors’ remuneration represent Ben Stevens’ net accrual for the period,
being the differential between his total pension entitlements as at 31 December 2018 (adjusted for inflation) and as at 5 August 2019, multiplied
by 20 in accordance with the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations.
These commitments are included in note 12 in the Notes on the Accounts. UK Defined Benefit Pension Fund members are entitled to receive
increases in their pensions once in payment, in line with price inflation (as measured by the Retail Prices Index) and up to 6% per annum.
Jack Bowles
Jack Bowles became an Executive Director with effect from 1 January 2019 and is a member of the Company’s Defined Contribution (DC)
arrangements. The total Company contribution to the DC arrangements over the period 1 January to 31 December 2019 was £215,750. Of this,
£7,583 was paid to the funded British American Tobacco UK DC schemes and £208,167 was credited to the DC UURBS. These total amounts are
based on a Company contribution rate of 25% per annum of salary over the period 1 January 2019 to 30 April 2019 reducing to a rate of 15%
per annum of salary over the period 1 May 2019 to 31 December 2019.
Tadeu Marroco
Tadeu Marroco became an Executive Director with effect from 5 August 2019 and is a member of the Company’s Defined Contribution (DC)
arrangements. The total Company contribution paid to the DC arrangements over the period 5 August to 31 December 2019 was £45,882.
Of this, £3,160 was paid to the funded British American Tobacco UK DC schemes and £42,722 was credited to the DC UURBS. These total
amounts are based on a Company contribution rate of 15% per annum of salary over the period 5 August 2019 to 31 December 2019.
Notes:
1. UK Pension Fund: this is non-contributory. Voluntary contributions paid by an Executive Director and resulting benefits are not shown. No excess retirement benefits have been paid to or are receivable by
an Executive Director or past Executive Director.
2. Revised pension arrangements apply from May 2019 for new Executive Directors as detailed in the revised Directors’ Remuneration Policy on page 78 of the 2018 Annual Report.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 101


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Other information relating to Chief Executives’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2019
Chief Executives’ pay – comparative figures 2010 to 2019
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Chief Executives’
‘single figure’ of total
remuneration (£’000)
Paul Adams1
(to 28 February 2011) 8,858 5,961 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Nicandro Durante2
(to 1 April 2019) n/a 5,589 6,340 6,674 3,617 4,543 8,313 10,244 8,651 3,164
Jack Bowles3
(from 1 April 2019) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 3,512
Annual bonus (STI)
paid against maximum
opportunity (%)
Paul Adams1
(to 28 February 2011) 87.0 100 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Nicandro Durante2
(to 1 April 2019) n/a 100 85.0 81.3 73.2 100 100 97.2 100 50
Jack Bowles3
(from 1 April 2019) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 96
Long-term incentive
(LTIP) paid
against maximum
opportunity (%)
Paul Adams1
(to 28 February 2011) 100 100 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Nicandro Durante2
(to 1 April 2019) n/a 100 87.1 49.2 0.0 8.7 46.0 96.1 70.5 69.3
Jack Bowles3
(from 1 April 2019) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 69.9

Notes:
1. Paul Adams retired as Chief Executive on 28 February 2011. Historical data are taken from the Directors’ Remuneration Reports for the relevant years and is recast (as appropriate) on the basis of the
‘single figure’ calculation as prescribed in the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations.
2. Nicandro Durante retired as Chief Executive on 1 April 2019. Historical data are taken from the Directors’ Remuneration Reports for the relevant years and is recast (as appropriate) on the basis of the
‘single figure’ calculation as prescribed in the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations. His ‘single figure’ remuneration for the years ended 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2019 have been
time-apportioned to reflect the period he was Chief Executive.
3. Jack Bowles was appointed Chief Executive with effect from 1 April 2019. His ‘single figure’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2019 has been time-apportioned to reflect the period
he was Chief Executive.

Total shareholder return (TSR) performance:1 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019

450
British American Tobacco
400
FTSE 100
350
Value of hypothetical £100 holding

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
Dec 09 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19

Note:
1. Performance and pay chart: this shows the performance of a hypothetical investment of £100 in ordinary shares (as measured by the TSR for the Company) against a broad
equity market index (the FTSE 100 Index) over a period of 10 financial years starting from 1 January 2010 through to 31 December 2019 based on 30-trading-day average values.
A local currency basis is used for the purposes of the TSR calculation making it consistent with the approach to TSR measurement for the LTIP.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

102 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Percentage change in the Chief Executive’s remuneration


The following table shows the percentage change in the Chief Executive’s remuneration measured against a comparator group comprising the UK
employee population on UK employment contracts (2019: 2,980 individuals; 2018: 2,097 individuals). This comparator group is considered to be
the most appropriate group as Executive Directors are employed on UK contracts. Using a more widely-drawn group encompassing the worldwide
nature of the Group’s business would also present practical difficulties in collation and a less relevant comparator, given the significant variations in
employee pay across the Group, the differing economic conditions and wide variations in gross domestic product per capita.

Base salary Taxable benefits Short-term incentives


Percentage Percentage Percentage
2019 2018 change 2019 2018 change 2019 2018 change
£’000 £’000 % £’000 £’000 % £’000 £’000 %
Chief Executive 1,209 1,295 -6.7 357 295 21 2,526 3,275 -23
UK-based employees 71 75 -4.6 7 7 - 38 49 -23.5

Notes: UK-based employees:


1. The data for the UK-based employees comparator group are made up as follows as at 31 December 2019: (1) the weighted average base salaries; (2) the average taxable benefits per grade; and (3) the
weighted average bonus result based on that population as at that date.
2. The data for the UK-based employees for 2019 include non-management employees from an acquisition.
3. The data for the UK-based employees for 2018 for taxable benefits and short-term incentives have been restated. Taxable benefits data have been adjusted to reflect a change in calculation of the car
benefit and short-term incentives data have been adjusted to reflect actual results rather than on-target as reported in the 2018 Annual Report.
4. The Chief Executive figures for base salary, taxable benefits and short-term incentives for 2019 are calculated based on Nicandro Durante’s remuneration for the period 1 January to 31 March 2019 and
Jack Bowles’ remuneration for the period 1 April to 31 December 2019.

CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure


In line with the new disclosure requirement, the below table reflects the CEO pay ratio when compared to the employees at the 25th, median
and 75th percentile of the Group’s UK workforce.

Year Method 25th percentile pay ratio Median pay ratio 75th percentile pay ratio
2019 Option A 144:1 86:1 36:1

Notes:
1. Option A has been used to calculate the ratio as this has been viewed to be the most robust and comprehensive means of assessment and is also reflective of shareholder preferences.
2. Total pay and benefits are based on the workforce as at 1 December 2019 and include the annualised income for the earnings period 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.
3. Total pay and benefits for the CEO are based on the single figure calculation on page 97. The CEO single figure used in the calculation is a combination of remuneration data for both Nicandro Durante and
Jack Bowles, recognising the transition in the Group’s leadership which took place in 2019.
4. Total pay and benefits for the workforce is calculated as far as possible on the same basis as the CEO single figure calculation. This includes salary, taxable benefits, short-term incentive, long-term
incentive, dividends, pension benefits and any other remuneration receivable. For the purposes of this analysis, the following has been assumed:
– For all employees that are eligible for a car benefit, the applicable car allowance amounts have been used,
– For all employees that participate in the global International Executive Incentive Scheme or equivalent corporate incentive scheme, incentive pay-outs are calculated based on the same metrics; and
– For all employees that participate in the UK DC scheme, Company contributions of 15% of salary have been used.
5. For the calculation of the total pay and benefits for employees, employees on international assignment into and out of the UK have been included; however, assignment benefits, such as housing support,
education support, home leave allowance or relocation costs, have not been included as these are not consistent with the benefits included in the CEO single figure calculation.
6. For hourly paid employees who are not full time, total pay and benefits have been pro-rated based on full-time employee hours.
7. For employees who have joined part way through the year, pro rata income has been used to provide a full year figure.

The table below includes details of the total pay and benefits, as well as the salary component of remuneration for the employees identified
as being P25, P50 and P75.

25th percentile (P25) Median (P50) 75th percentile (P75)


Salary £31,253 £52,235 £91,756
Total Remuneration £46,216 £77,754 £183,179

The Company believes the median pay ratio for 2019 reflects the diversity of our business footprint and employee population across the UK.
The Group’s remuneration policies and practices are founded on a high degree of alignment and consistency, with total remuneration at all levels
providing a competitive package that enables the attraction and retention of talent while also providing equitable differentiated remuneration
based on grade, performance and experience. Further details on all-employee rewards at BAT can be found on pages 95 and 96.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 103


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

4 Executive Directors’ remuneration for the upcoming year


Base salary for 2020
The Remuneration Committee has determined the following salaries for the Executive Directors.

Base salary Base salary


from Percentage from
1 Apr 2020 change 1 Apr 2019
Executive Directors – salaries £ % £
Jack Bowles 1,287,000 9.5% 1,175,000
Tadeu Marroco1 772,500 3% 750,000

Notes:
1. 2019 Base salary for Tadeu Marroco reflects terms of his appointment as Finance Director effective from 5 August 2019.

Benefits and pension


No changes have been made to the provision of benefits or pension for 2020.
Short-term incentives for 2020 onwards
STI opportunity levels for Executive Directors will be in line with those set out in our Directors’ Remuneration Policy. STI metrics and weightings
are as follows:

2020 STI metrics & weightings


Group share of key markets 10%
Adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio1 30%
Adjusted profit from operations 30%
Deleveraging excluding foreign exchange2 30%
Total 100%

Notes:
1. The Strategic Portfolio is comprised of Strategic Combustibles, Strategic Traditional Oral products and New Category products. Please refer to page 261 for further details.
2. Description of the metric can be found on page 267.

Further detail is included in the description of the STI measures for the year ended 31 December 2019 on page 99.
Long-term incentives for 2020 onwards
The Chief Executive and Finance Director will be granted an LTIP award equal to 500% of salary and 400% of salary, respectively.
The performance measures and weightings for the LTIP award to be granted in 2020 will remain unchanged from those for 2019 awards.
The measures and targets for 2020 LTIP awards are set out below.

% of award % of award
vesting at vesting at
LTIP measures and performance ranges maximum threshold
Relative TSR 20 3
Median performance vs. FMCG peer group to upper quartile.
The current constituents of the FMCG peer group as at the date of this report are:
Altria Group Colgate-Palmolive Japan Tobacco Mondelez Procter & Gamble
International
Anheuser-Busch InBev Danone Johnson & Johnson Nestlé Reckitt Benckiser
Campbell Soup Diageo Kellogg PepsiCo Unilever
Carlsberg Heineken Kimberly-Clark Pernod Ricard

Coca-Cola Imperial Brands LVMH Philip Morris


International
EPS growth at current exchange rates 20 3
5%–10% compound annual growth in adjusted diluted EPS over the performance period
EPS growth at constant exchange rates 20 3
5%–10% compound annual growth in adjusted diluted EPS over the performance period
Adjusted revenue growth 20 3
3%–5% compound annual growth over the performance period
Adjusted operating cash flow conversion ratio 20 3
Ratio of 85%–95% over the performance period at current exchange rates
Total 100 15

104 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

5 Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2019 – audited@
The following table shows a single figure of remuneration for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors in respect of qualifying services
for the year ended 31 December 2019 together with comparative figures for 2018.

Chair/Committee
Base fee5 membership fees5 Taxable benefits1 Total remuneration
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Chairman
Richard Burrows 695 680 – – 137 116 832 796
Non-Executive Directors
Sue Farr 94 93 26 24 4 2 124 119
Dr Marion Helmes 94 93 26 24 13 12 133 129
Jerry Fowden (from 1 September 2019) 32 – 9 – 5 – 46 –
Luc Jobin2 94 93 26 24 77 41 197 158
Holly Keller Koeppel3 94 93 51 24 125 94 270 211
Savio Kwan 94 93 26 24 61 42 181 159
Dimitri Panayotopoulos 94 93 52 50 24 17 170 160
Kieran Poynter 94 93 64 86 1 – 159 179
Retired Non-Executive Directors
Ann Godbehere (to 25 April 2018) – 30 – 7 – 1 – 38
Pedro Malan (to 25 April 2018) – 30 – 7 – 15 – 52
Lionel Nowell, III (to 12 December 2018) – 88 – 23 – 79 – 190
Total 1,385 1,479 280 293 447 419 2,112 2,191

Notes:
1. Benefits: the Chairman’s benefits in 2019 comprised: health insurance and ‘walk-in’ medical services £15,000 (2018: £15,000); the use of a Company driver £81,000 (2018: £81,000); home and personal
security in the UK and Ireland £14,000 (2018: £4,000); hotel accommodation and related expenses incurred in connection with individual and/or accompanied attendance at certain business functions
and/or corporate events £4,000 (2018: £3,000); and commuting flights to London £23,000 (2018: £13,000). The benefits for the other Non-Executive Directors principally comprised travel-related expenses
incurred in connection with individual and/or accompanied attendance at certain business functions and/or events and ‘walk-in’ medical services. The figures shown are grossed-up amounts (as
appropriate) as, in line with the UK market, it is the normal practice for the Company to pay the tax that may be due on any benefits.
2. Pension: Luc Jobin receives a pension in respect of prior service to Imasco Limited (acquired in 2000 by the Group) and Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, a subsidiary of BAT. In 2019 this amount was
CAD$150,228.96 (£87,450.72) (2018: CAD$150,228.96 (£86,849.10)).
3. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of RAI (DCP): as a former outside director of RAI, Holly Keller Koeppel participated in the DCP under which she elected to defer payment of a portion of her RAI
retainers and meeting attendance fees to an RAI stock account. Following the acquisition of RAI by BAT, amounts deferred to a stock account (Deferred Stock Units or DSUs) mirror the performance of, and
receive dividend equivalents based on, BAT American Depository Shares (ADSs). The DSUs of Holly Keller Koeppel are disclosed as a note to ‘Summary of Directors’ share interests’ below. DSUs deferred
under the DCP will be paid in accordance with the terms of the DCP, section 409A of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Director’s existing deferral elections.
4. Committee memberships: are shown, together with changes during the year, in the reports of the respective committees in the Governance sections of the Directors’ Report.
5. Non-Executive Directors’ fees structure 2019: is set out in the table below.

Fees from Fees to


1 May 2019 30 April 2019
£ £

Base fee 94,500 92,700


Senior Independent Director – supplement 37,800 37,100
Audit Committee: Chairman 39,950 39,200
Audit Committee: Member 13,750 13,500
Nominations Committee: Chairman – –
Nominations Committee: Member 12,200 12,000
Remuneration Committee: Chairman 39,950 39,200
Remuneration Committee: Member 13,750 13,500

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ fees and remuneration for the upcoming year
As described in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2018, the Chairman’s fee was increased from £685,000
to £698,000 from 1 April 2019. In keeping with the level of pay awards granted to UK employees based on a 2.5% increase in budget, the
Remuneration Committee determined the Chairman’s fee will be £718,940 with effect from 1 April 2020 (+3%).
The fees for Non-Executive Directors are scheduled to be reviewed in April 2020 with any changes being effective from 1 May 2020.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 105


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

6 Directors’ share interests


Summary of Directors’ share interests – audited@
Outstanding scheme interests 31 Dec 2019

Unvested awards subject to Unvested awards Total ordinary


Ordinary shares performance measures and subject to continued Unvested shares subject Total of all interests in
held at continued employment employment only interests to outstanding ordinary shares at
31 Dec 2019 (LTIP) (DSBS) (Sharesave) scheme interests 31 Dec 2019
Executive Directors
Jack Bowles1,3 181,774 246,780 47,253 – 294,033 475,807
Tadeu Marroco2,3 39,033 85,414 28,193 761 114,368 153,401
Chairman
Richard Burrows 19,000 19,000
Non-Executive Directors
Sue Farr – –
Jerry Fowden4 2,000 2,000
Dr Marion Helmes 4,500 4,500
Luc Jobin4 45,236 45,236
Holly Keller Koeppel4,5 8,416 8,416
Savio Kwan3 7,082 7,082
Dimitri Panayotopoulos 3,300 3,300
Kieran Poynter 5,000 5,000
Former Directors6
Nicandro Durante 367,094 415,213 114,175 912 530,300 897,394
(retirement date 1 April 2019)
Ben Stevens
(retirement date 5 August 2019) 137,208 286,197 61,932 1,038 349,167 486,375

Notes:
1. Jack Bowles: ordinary shares held include 566 held by the trustees of the BAT Share Incentive Plan (SIP).
2. Tadeu Marroco: ordinary shares held include 828 held by the trustees of the SIP.
3. Changes from 31 December 2019: (a) Jack Bowles: acquisition of seven ordinary shares on 6 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment of dividend income under the SIP; acquisition of 1,172 ordinary
shares on 6 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment of dividend income under the Vested Share Account (VSA); and acquisition of 130 ordinary shares on 13 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment
of dividend income under the Deferred Shares Bonus Scheme (DSBS). (b) Tadeu Marroco: purchases of five ordinary shares on 2 January 2020, four ordinary shares on 5 February 2020 and five
ordinary shares on 4 March 2020 under the SIP; acquisition of 12 ordinary shares on 6 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment of dividend income under the SIP; acquisition of 432 ordinary shares
on 6 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment of dividend income under the VSA; and acquisition of 54 ordinary shares on 13 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment of dividend income under the
DSBS. (c) Savio Kwan: acquisition of 103 ordinary shares on 13 February 2020 as a result of reinvestment of dividend income. There were no changes in the interests of the Chairman and the other Non-
Executive Directors.
4. American Depositary Shares (ADSs): each of the interests in ordinary shares held by Jerry Fowden, Luc Jobin and Holly Keller Koeppel consists of an equivalent number of BAT ADSs each of which
represents one ordinary share in the Company.
5. Deferred Stock Units (DSUs): at the date of this report Holly Keller Koeppel, being a former director of RAI and a participant in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of RAI (DCP), holds DSUs
which were granted prior to becoming a Director of BAT. Each DSU entitles the holder to receive a cash payment upon ceasing to be a Director equal to the value of one BAT ADS. The number of DSUs
increases on each dividend date by reference to the value of dividends declared on the ADSs underlying the DSUs. Ms Koeppel currently holds 23,333.51 DSUs (31 December 2019: 22,996.63 DSUs).
6. Former Directors: Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens retired on 1 April 2019 and 5 August 2019, respectively. Ordinary shares held and outstanding share interests, included in the table above, are as at
their respective date of retirement.

106 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Executive Directors’ shareholding guidelines


Executive Directors are encouraged to build up a high level of personal shareholding to ensure a continuing alignment of interests with
shareholders. The shareholding guidelines require Executive Directors to hold ordinary shares equal to the value of a percentage of salary
as set out in the tables below.

As part of last year’s Directors’ Remuneration Policy review, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Remuneration
Committee introduced a new post-employment shareholding policy; Executive Directors are required to hold shares equivalent to 100%
of current shareholding requirements for two full years following the date of their departure. The Directors’ Remuneration Policy came into
effect on 26 April 2019, following approval by shareholders at our AGM, and therefore this new requirement applies to Ben Stevens who
retired after this date.

Value of eligible
No. of eligible ordinary shares Actual Shareholding
ordinary shares held at percentage (%) requirements Compliant with
held at 31 Dec 20191 of base salary at (% of base salary shareholding
31 Dec 2019 £m 31 Dec 2019 31 Dec 2019) requirement
Jack Bowles 206,252 6.7 567.2 500% Yes
Tadeu Marroco 53,147 1.7 229.0 350%5 See note 5
Value of eligible Post-employment
No. of eligible ordinary shares Actual shareholding
ordinary shares held at percentage (%) requirements Compliant with
held at retirement date4 of base salary at (% of base salary at shareholding
retirement date £m retirement date retirement date) requirement
Nicandro Durante (retirement date 1 April 425,120 13.3 1,017.4 N/A6 N/A
2019)
Ben Stevens (retirement date 5 August 2019) 195,968 5.8 632.0 350% Yes

Eligibility of shares: (a) unvested ordinary shares under the DSBS, which represent deferral of earned bonus, are eligible and count towards the
requirement on a net-of-tax basis; (b) unvested ordinary shares under the LTIP are not eligible and do not count towards the requirement during
the performance period, but the estimated notional net number of ordinary shares held during the LTIP Extended Vesting Period are eligible and
will count towards the requirement; and (c) ordinary shares held in trust under the all-employee share ownership plan (SIP) are not eligible and
do not count towards the shareholding requirement.
Non-Executive Directors are not subject to any formal shareholding requirements although they are encouraged to build a small interest
in ordinary shares during the term of their appointment.
Notes:
1. Value of ordinary shares shown above: this is based on the closing mid-market share price on 31 December 2019 of 3,231.5p.
2. Meeting the guidelines: if an Executive Director does not, at any time, meet the requirements of the shareholding guidelines, the individual may, generally, only sell a maximum of up to 50% of any ordinary
shares vesting (after tax) under the Company share plans until the threshold required under the shareholding guidelines has been met.
3. Waiver of compliance with guidelines: this is permitted with the approval of the Remuneration Committee in circumstances where a restriction on a requested share sale could cause undue hardship.
No such applications were received from the Executive Directors during 2019.
4. Value of ordinary shares shown above: this is based on the closing mid-market share price on 1 April 2019 of 3,135p for Nicandro Durante and the closing mid-market share price on 5 August 2019 of
2,980p for Ben Stevens.
5. Tadeu Marroco was appointed as an Executive Director on 5 August 2019, prior to which the shareholding requirement for Mr Marroco was set at a lower percentage of salary with Mr Marroco being
compliant with required percentage. Under the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, Executive Directors may generally sell a maximum of up to 50% of any shares vesting (after tax) under the Company’s share
plans until the threshold for shareholding requirements has been met and Mr Marroco is compliant with this policy requirement. In line with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the shareholding requirement
is equal to the value of the same multiple of salary at which LTIP awards are made to that Director, as such the shareholding requirement for Mr Marroco will increase to 400% in 2020.
6. Nicandro Durante is not subject to post-employment shareholding requirements due to his retirement and subsequent departure from the Company taking place prior to the approval of the Directors’
Remuneration Policy, effective 26 April 2019, which introduced the post-employment shareholding requirement.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 107


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Executive Directors’ outstanding scheme interests – audited@


Exercised/ End of Date from which
Awarded in Lapsed in released in At 31 Dec Exercise price performance exercisable or shares
Plan At 1 Jan 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 (p) period released

Nicandro Durante LTIP1 140,529 – 41,457 - 99,072 – 31 Dec 18 12 May 21


LTIP 2
114,181 – – - 114,181 – 31 Dec 19 27 Mar 22
LTIP3 160,503 – – - 160,503 – 31 Dec 20 26 Mar 23
DSBS 29,690 – – 29,690 – – 31 Dec 18 29 Mar 19
DSBS 28,545 – – 28,545 – – 31 Dec 19 2 Apr 19
DSBS 32,517 – – 32,517 – – 31 Dec 20 2 Apr 19
DSBS – 53,113 – 53,113 – – 31 Dec 21 2 Apr 19
Sharesave 543 – 50 493 – 3,091.50 – 2 Apr 19
Sharesave 369 – 369 – – – – –

Jack Bowles LTIP 1


31,943 – 9,232 22,711 – 2,947.00 31 Dec 18 12 May 19
LTIP 2
26,463 – – – 26,463 – 31 Dec 19 27 Mar 20
LTIP3 43,785 – – – 43,785 – 31 Dec 20 26 Mar 21
LTIP 3
– 176,532 – – 176,532 – 31 Dec 21 28 Mar 24
DSBS 11,473 – – 11,473 – – 31 Dec 18 29 Mar 19
DSBS 8,997 – – – 8,997 – 31 Dec 19 27 Mar 20
DSBS 12,064 – – – 12,064 – 31 Dec 20 26 Mar 21
DSBS – 26,192 – – 26,192 – 31 Dec 21 28 Mar 22
Sharesave – – – – – – – –
Sharesave – – – – – – – –

Ben Stevens LTIP1 71,669 – 21,143 – 50,526 – 31 Dec 18 12 May 21


LTIP 2
58,232 – – – 58,232 – 31 Dec 19 27 Mar 22
LTIP 3
80,264 – – – 80,264 – 31 Dec 20 26 Mar 23
LTIP3 – 97,175 – – 97,175 – 31 Dec 21 28 Mar 24
DSBS 19,468 – – 19,468 – – 31 Dec 18 29 Mar 19
DSBS 15,805 – – 15,805 – – 31 Dec 19 1 Oct 19
DSBS 17,655 – – 17,655 – – 31 Dec 20 1 Oct 19
DSBS – 28,472 – 28,472 – – 31 Dec 21 1 Oct 19
Sharesave 543 – – 543 – – – 1 Oct 19
Sharesave 495 – 495 – – – – –

Tadeu Marroco LTIP 1


21,315 – 6,161 15,154 – 2,753.75 31 Dec 18 12 May 19
LTIP2 21,109 – – – 21,109 – 31 Dec 19 27 Mar 20
LTIP 3
28,248 – – – 28,248 – 31 Dec 20 26 Mar 21
LTIP 3
– 36,057 – – 36,057 – 31 Dec 21 28 Mar 22
DSBS 7,655 – – 7,655 – – 31 Dec 18 29 Mar 19
DSBS 7,177 – – – 7,177 – 31 Dec 19 27 Mar 20
DSBS 7,783 – – – 7,783 – 31 Dec 20 26 Mar 21
DSBS – 13,233 – – 13,233 – 31 Dec 21 28 Mar 22
Sharesave 495 – – – 495 – 1 May 20 1 May 20
Sharesave 266 – – – 266 – 1 May 21 1 May 21

Notes:
1. Details of the performance condition for the LTIP awards granted in 2016 (which vested during 2019), and of achievement against that condition in the period to 31 December 2018,
were set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2018.
2. Details of the performance condition attached to 2017 LTIP awards, and of achievement against that condition in the period to 31 December 2019, are set out on page 100.
3. Details of the performance condition attached to 2018 and 2019 LTIP awards are set out on page 109.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

108 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Further details in relation to scheme interests granted during the year ended 31 December 2019
Proportion of
Price per Face value award vesting for Date from which
Ordinary shares ordinary share of award threshold Performance exercisable or
Plan awarded at award1 £’000 Exercise price performance (%) period shares released
Nicandro Durante DSBS 53,113 n/a n/a n/a 2 April 2019
Jack Bowles LTIP2 176,532 3,328p 5,875 n/a 15 2019–2021 28 Mar 24
DSBS 26,192 n/a n/a n/a 28 Mar 22
Ben Stevens3 LTIP2 97,175 3,328p 3,234 n/a 15 2019–2021 28 Mar 24
DSBS 28,472 n/a n/a n/a 1 Oct 19
Tadeu Marroco LTIP2 36,057 3,328p 1,200 n/a 20 2019-2021 28 Mar 22
DSBS 13,233 n/a n/a n/a 28 Mar 22

Notes:
1. The 2019 LTIP award was made on the basis of the Group’s closing share price on 25 February 2019, increased by 15%, with a resulting share price of £33.28.
2. Details of the performance condition attached to these LTIP awards are set out below.
3. Any LTIP award vesting for Ben Stevens will be pro rata based on the period he was employed during the three-year performance period.

Further details in relation to performance conditions attaching to outstanding scheme interests

LTIP awards granted in 2018 LTIP awards granted in 2019


1 January 2018–31 December 2020 1 January 2019–31 December 2021
Weighting Threshold Maximum Weighting Threshold Maximum
Relative TSR 20% At median, At upper 20% At median, At upper
Ranking against a peer group of international 3% of award quartile, 20% 3% of award quartile, 20%
FMCG companies vests of award vests vests of award vests
EPS growth at current exchange rates 20% At 5% CAGR, At 10% CAGR, 20% At 5% CAGR, At 10% CAGR,
Compound annual growth in adjusted diluted 3% of award 20% of award 3% of award 20% of award
EPS measured at current rates of exchange vests vests vests vests
EPS growth at constant exchange rates 20% At 5% CAGR, At 10% CAGR, 20% At 5% CAGR, At 10% CAGR,
Compound annual growth in adjusted diluted 3% of award 20% of award 3% of award 20% of award
EPS measured at constant rates of exchange vests vests vests vests
Adjusted revenue growth 20% At 3% CAGR, At 5% CAGR, 20% At 3% CAGR, At 5% CAGR,
Compound annual growth measured at constant 3% of award 20% of award 3% of award 20% of award
rates of exchange vests vests vests vests
Adjusted operating cash flow conversion ratio 20% At 85%, 3% At 95%, 20% 20% At 85%, 3% At 95%, 20%
Measured at current rates of exchange, of award vests of award vests of award vests of award vests
as a percentage of APFO

For LTIP awards granted to Executive Directors from 2016 onwards, an additional vesting period of two years applies from the third anniversary of
the date of grant.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 109


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

7 Other disclosures
Retirement of Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens – audited@
Both Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens retired as Executive Directors during 2019. The terms and conditions of their retirement were
determined by the Remuneration Committee in accordance with the Company’s shareholder-approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy in place
at the time of their respective retirements. They did not receive any additional payments during their time as Executive Directors outside of the
normal approach to executives who are departing by reason of retirement.
Details of remuneration paid to Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens in respect of their services as Executive Directors in 2019 are set out in the
single figure table on page 97 and accompanying notes. Further details on their remuneration arrangements on retirement are provided below.

Nicandro Durante Ben Stevens


Date of retirement Retired as Chief Executive and from the Board of the Stepped down as Finance Director and from the Board of
Company with effect from 1 April 2019. the Company with effect from 5 August 2019. He remained
an employee of the Company until his retirement on
30 September 2019. Accordingly, Ben Stevens’ entitlement
to salary and all other contractual benefits associated with
his employment continued until 30 September 2019.
STI for 2019 Both Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens were eligible to participate in the STI for 2019 pro-rated for the period they
were employed during the year. STI outcomes are set out on page 99 relating to the periods as Executive Directors in
2019. The STI outcome for the period during which Mr Stevens remained an employee but was no longer an Executive
Director is £263,500 and will be paid fully in cash in March 2020.
LTI for 2019 Not eligible to receive an LTIP grant in 2019. Granted an LTIP award with a face value equal to 350% of salary.
Treatment of For the purposes of outstanding DSBS and LTIP awards, the Remuneration Committee determined that both Nicandro
outstanding DSBS Durante and Ben Stevens would be classified ‘good leavers’. They therefore received full and immediate vesting of all
and LTIP awards outstanding DSBS awards in line with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and rules of the DSBS.
– For Nicandro Durante this amounted to 114,175 ordinary shares.
– For Ben Stevens this amounted to 61,932 ordinary shares.
Outstanding LTIP awards will only vest following completion of the three-year performance period and the additional two-year
extended vesting period, and will remain subject to the achievement of the relevant performance conditions and any shares vesting
will be time pro-rated based on the number of months worked in each performance period. In Ben Stevens’ Single Figure
information on page 97 the shares vesting from the 2017 LTIP award relate to his period as an Executive Director in the performance
period. The number of shares vesting from the 2017 LTIP award that relate to the period from 5 August 2019 to 30 September
2019, the period during which Mr Stevens remained an employee but was no longer an Executive Director, within the performance
period is 2,242.
Dividend equivalent Both Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens remain eligible to receive dividend equivalent payments in respect of any shares
payments vesting from LTIP awards.
For Nicandro Durante these payments will be made in cash. For Ben Stevens these payments will be made in cash for
For the DSBS awards vesting in 2019, this amounted to a awards granted prior to 2019 and in shares for awards
cash sum of £25,330. granted in 2019. For the DSBS awards vesting in 2019,
this amounted to a cash sum of £9,340 and 132 shares.
Pension arrangements Following his retirement, Nicandro Durante received a pension Following his retirement, Ben Stevens received a pension in
in accordance with the provisions of the UK UURBS, which accordance with the provisions of the BATUKPF and UK
generates an initial annual pension (before any commutation) UURBS arrangements. The indicative total pension
of approximately £181,693. This will increase in future years in entitlement as at the 30 September 2019 is £467,745 per
line with the provisions of the UK UURBS. annum.
As set out on page 101, Nicandro Durante will also continue to
receive his pension payment from Fundação Albino Souza Cruz
(FASC) S.A., a Brazilian registered wholly-owned subsidiary.
Other emoluments Eligible to be reimbursed for: Eligible to be reimbursed for:
– Reasonable relocation and shipment costs (up to – Any tax advice (up to £30,000) received in relation to
£200,000) to assist with his move back to Brazil following his retirement.
his retirement; and
– Any tax advice (up to £30,000) received in relation to There were no actual costs incurred for tax advice.
his retirement.
These costs amounted to a total of £96,000, including
where relevant any tax payable on such reimbursement.
All-employee Share interests held under the Company’s all-employee share plans were treated in accordance with the terms of the
share schemes plans and the applicable HMRC requirements.
As at 1 April 2019, Nicandro Durante was eligible to receive As at 30 September 2019, Ben Stevens was eligible to
all 2,486 shares he held in the SIP and had six months receive all 842 shares he held in the SIP and had six
within which to exercise a maximum of 625 options held months within which to exercise a maximum of 1,030
under the Sharesave Scheme. options held under the Sharesave Scheme.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

110 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Payments to former Directors and payments for loss of office: All payments made to Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens were in accordance
with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and have been reported in the appropriate section of this report.
Relative importance of spend on pay
To illustrate the relative importance of the remuneration of the Directors in the context of the Group’s finances overall, the Remuneration
Committee makes the following disclosure:

2019 2018
Item £m £m % change
Remuneration of Group employees1 3,221 3,005 7.2
Remuneration of Executive Directors 13 14 -5.5
Remuneration of Chairman and Non-Executive Directors 2 2 -3.7
Total dividends2 4,598 4,347 5.8

Notes:
1. Total remuneration of Group employees: this represents the total employee benefit costs for the Group, set out on page 140 within note 3(a) in the Notes on the Accounts.
2. Total dividends: this represents the total dividends paid in 2019. The figure for 2018 has been restated from that reported in the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report so that it reflects dividends paid in the
year rather than dividends declared in the year as was reported in the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report. For further details please refer to page 47.

Shareholder dilution – options and awards outstanding


Satisfaction of Company share plan awards in accordance with the Investment New ordinary shares issued by the Company during the year ended
Association’s Principles of Remuneration 31 December 2019
– by the issue of new ordinary shares; – 104,854 ordinary shares issued by the Company in relation to the
Sharesave Scheme;
– ordinary shares issued from treasury only up to a maximum of 10%
of the Company’s issued share capital in a rolling 10-year period; – a total of 1,035,438 Sharesave Scheme options over ordinary shares in
the Company were outstanding at 31 December 2019, representing
– within this 10% limit, the Company can only issue (as newly issued
0.05% of the Company’s issued share capital (excluding shares held in
ordinary shares or from treasury) 5% of its issued share capital to
treasury); and
satisfy awards under discretionary or executive plans; and
– options outstanding under the Sharesave Scheme are exercisable
– the rules of the Company’s Deferred Share Bonus Scheme do not
until the end of October 2023 at option prices ranging from 2,600p
allow for the satisfaction of awards by the issue of new
to 4,056p.
ordinary shares.

8 The Remuneration Committee and shareholder engagement


Remuneration Committee current members
Dimitri Panayotopoulos (Chairman)
Sue Farr
Dr Marion Helmes (from 14 January 2019)
Savio Kwan

Role
As set out in the Terms of Reference, the Remuneration Committee is responsible for:
– determining and proposing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (covering salary, benefits, performance-based variable rewards and retirement
benefits) for shareholder approval;
– determining, within the terms of the approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the specific remuneration packages for the Chairman and the
Executive Directors, on appointment, on review and, if appropriate, any compensation payment due on termination of appointment;
– the setting of targets applicable for the Company’s performance-based variable reward scheme and determining achievement against those
targets, exercising discretion where appropriate and as provided by the applicable scheme rules and the Directors’ Remuneration Policy;
– reviewing Group workforce remuneration and related policies, and the alignment of incentives and rewards with Group culture, taking these
into account when setting the policy for Executive Director remuneration. Providing feedback to the Board on workforce reward, incentives
and conditions applicable across the Group and supporting the Board’s monitoring of the Group’s culture and its alignment with the Group’s
purpose, values and strategy;
– setting remuneration for members of the Management Board and the Company Secretary; and
– monitoring and advising the Board on any major changes to the policy on employee benefit structures for the Group.
Remuneration Committee terms of reference
Revised Remuneration Committee terms of reference have been adopted by the Board to reflect revisions to internal governance processes to
align with the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018. Further detail on the revisions can be found in the Annual Report on
Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2018.
For the Remuneration Committee’s terms of reference see:
www.bat.com/governance

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 111


Remuneration Report

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION


CONTINUED

Attendance at meetings in 20191


Attendance/ Attendance/
Member Eligible to attend Eligible to attend
Name since Scheduled Ad Hoc
Dimitri Panayotopoulos 2015 4/4 2/2
Sue Farr 2016 4/4 2/2
Marion Helmes2(b) 2019 4/4 2/2
Luc Jobin2(c) 2017–2019 0/0 0/0
Savio Kwan 2016 4/4 2/2

Notes:
1. Number of meetings in 2019: the Committee held six meetings in 2019, two of which were ad hoc.
2. Membership: (a) all members of the Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 Provisions 10 and 32 and applicable NYSE
listing standards; (b) Marion Helmes was appointed as a member of the Committee with effect from 14 January 2019; and (c) Luc Jobin ceased to be a member of the Committee with effect from
14 January 2019.
3. Other attendees: the Chairman, the Chief Executive, the Director, Talent and Culture, the Group Head of Reward and other senior management, including the Company Secretary, may be consulted and
provide advice, guidance and assistance to the Remuneration Committee. They may also attend Committee meetings (or parts thereof) by invitation. Neither the Chairman, any Executive Director nor
member of senior management plays any part in determining their own respective remuneration.
4. Deloitte LLP: as the Remuneration Committee’s remuneration consultants during 2019, they attended meetings of the Remuneration Committee in 2019. As a member of the Remuneration Consultants
Group (RCG), Deloitte agrees to the RCG Code of Conduct which seeks to clarify the scope and conduct of the role of executive remuneration consultants when advising UK-listed companies.

Remuneration Committee advisers during 2019


Independent Other services provided
external advisers Services provided to the Remuneration Committee Fees to the Company
Deloitte LLP General advice on remuneration matters including: market 2019: £76,000 Tax, corporate finance and
trends and comparator group analysis; policy review and 2018: £136,700 consulting services to Group
shareholder engagement perspectives; and independent companies worldwide.
measurement of the relative TSR performance conditions.
Herbert Smith Advice in respect of share plan regulations is provided to the Fees relate to advice General corporate legal
Freehills LLP Company and is available to the Remuneration Committee. given to the Company. and tax advice principally
in the UK.
Ernst & Young LLP Provision of employment tax advice regarding Executive Fees relate to advice Tax, corporate finance and
Directors’ international pension planning. given to the Company. consulting services to Group
companies worldwide.
KPMG LLP Specified procedures to assist in the assessment of the 2019: £28,000 Audit and tax services and
calculations of the STI bonus outcomes and future targets. 2018: £18,000 other non-audit services.

Regular work programme 2019


The Remuneration Committee:
– reviewed the Chairman’s fee from 1 April 2019 with specific reference to the level of salary increases granted to UK employees;
– reviewed salaries for members of the Management Board and the Company Secretary from 1 April 2019, taking into account market
positioning and the level of salary increases granted to UK employees;
– assessed the achievement against the targets for the 2018 STI award and set the STI targets for 2019;
– assessed the achievement against the performance conditions for the vesting of the LTIP 2016 award, determined the contingent level of LTIP
awards for March 2019 and reviewed the associated performance conditions;
– assessed the achievement against the targets for the 2018 Share Reward Scheme and set the targets for the 2019 award;
– monitored the continued application of the Company’s shareholding guidelines for the Executive Directors and members of the
Management Board;
– reviewed the Annual Statement and the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2018 prior to its approval by the
Board and subsequent proposal to shareholders at the Company’s AGM on 25 April 2019;
– analysed the 2019 AGM voting results relating to remuneration resolutions and reviewed market trends in the context of that annual general
meeting season;
– reviewed updates on achievement against the performance measures for the six months ended 30 June 2019 for the STI 2019 and
outstanding LTIP awards; and
– reviewed the Remuneration Committee’s effectiveness following the externally-facilitated evaluation process, discussed further on page 78.
Directors’ Remuneration Policy
Prior to the Company’s AGM on 25 April 2019, the Remuneration Committee concluded its review of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, taking
into account shareholder feedback and the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, and determined the new Directors’
Remuneration Policy proposed for shareholder approval at the 2019 AGM.

112 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

Other matters 2019


The Remuneration Committee:
– approved the remuneration package in respect of the appointment of Tadeu Marroco as the Finance Director from 5 August 2019 and
increase in LTIP award level applicable to awards from 1 January 2020. The Remuneration Committee Chairman has led a programme of
shareholder engagement in relation to this matter;
– approved the arrangements applicable to the retirement of Nicandro Durante as Chief Executive from 1 April 2019 and the arrangements
applicable to the retirement of Ben Stevens as Finance Director from 5 August 2019;
– conducted a detailed review of the Group’s legacy defined pension arrangements in the UK. Consultation with impacted employees is now in
progress in respect of proposals to close defined benefit arrangements to future accrual during 2020;
– reviewed the Group’s workforce remuneration strategy and related policies and their alignment with Executive Directors’ remuneration and,
more broadly, their alignment with the Group’s culture. As part of this review, the Remuneration Committee endorsed changes to the Group’s
remuneration strategy and policies for the Group’s management population to enhance alignment with Group strategy and culture, including
proposals to introduce a restricted share plan;
– approved changes to the constituents for the STI volume share metrics, based on market changes and reporting capabilities;
– reviewed the UK gender pay report for 2018 for applicable UK Group companies prior to publication in March 2019;
– reviewed indicative Chief Executive pay ratio analysis prior to inclusion in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended
31 December 2019; and
– conducted a competitive tender exercise to select new remuneration advisers to the Remuneration Committee, prior to the appointment of
PwC LLP from 15 January 2020. In addition, Meridian Compensation Partners LLP will be appointed to provide specific advice and expertise in
relation to the US market.

Voting on the Remuneration Report at the 2019 AGM and engagement with shareholders
At the AGM on 25 April 2019, the shareholders considered and voted on the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report as set out on the table below.
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the AGM on 25 April 2019. A summary of this Policy is on pages 93 to
94. No other resolutions in respect of Directors’ remuneration or incentives were considered at the 2019 AGM. Further information regarding
shareholder engagement in relation to remuneration matters is set out in the Annual Statement on Remuneration on page 90.

Approval of Directors’ Approval of Directors’


Remuneration Policy¹ Remuneration Report²
2019 2019
Percentage for 92.63 87.71
Votes for (including discretionary) 1,641,331,721 1,554,311,783
Percentage against 7.37 12.29
Votes against 130,661,885 217,722,528
Total votes cast excluding votes withheld 1,771,993,606 1,772,034,311
Votes withheld³ 1,820,757 1,780,043
Total votes cast including votes withheld 1,773,814,363 1,773,814,354

Notes:
1. Directors’ Remuneration Policy: was approved by shareholders at the AGM on 25 April 2019 and is set out in full in the 2018 Annual Report on Remuneration. A summary of this Policy is on pages 93 to 94
of this Remuneration Report 2019.
2. Directors’ Remuneration Report: does not include the part of the Remuneration Report containing the Remuneration Policy (see note 1 above).
3. Votes withheld: these are not included in the final proxy figures as they are not recognised as a vote in law.

The Directors’ Remuneration Report has been approved by the Board on 17 March 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Dimitri Panayotopoulos
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
17 March 2020

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 113


Governance

RESPONSIBILITY
Composition,
Leadership Division of succession, Audit, risk, Responsibility
and purpose responsibilities evaluation internal control Remuneration of Directors

OF DIRECTORS

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in Directors’ declaration in relation to relevant


respect of the Annual Report and the financial audit information@
statements@ Having made appropriate enquiries, each of the Directors who held
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and office at the date of approval of this Annual Report confirms that:
the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with – to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, there is no
applicable law and regulations. relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent are unaware; and
Company financial statements for each financial year. Under that – he or she has taken all steps that a Director might reasonably be
law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements expected to have taken in order to make himself or herself aware
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as of relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s
adopted by the European Union (IFRS as adopted by the EU) and auditors are aware of that information.
applicable law and have elected to prepare the Company financial
statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards, including Responsibility statement of the Directors
FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. In preparing these Group in respect of the annual financial report@
financial statements, the Directors have also elected to comply with
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(IFRS as issued by the IASB). – the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable
set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets,
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of their profit
or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and Company – the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report include a fair review of
financial statements, the Directors are required to: the development and performance of the business and the position
of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation
– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks
– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and uncertainties that they face.
and reliable;
We consider the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair,
– for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been balanced and understandable and provides information necessary
prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and IFRS for shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance,
as issued by the IASB; business model and strategy.
– for the Company financial statements, state whether applicable This responsibility statement has been approved and is signed by order
UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any of the Board by:
material departures disclosed and explained in the Company
financial statements; Richard Burrows Tadeu Marroco
Chairman Finance Director
– assess the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going 17 March 2020
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; British American Tobacco p.l.c.
and Registered in England and Wales No. 3407696
– use the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors
either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that its
financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to
safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and
other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible
for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, Directors’
Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that
comply with that law and those regulations.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of
the Annual Report included on the Company’s website. Legislation
in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F
as filed with the SEC.

114 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT


@
To the members of British American Tobacco p.l.c. only

1 Our opinion is unmodified


We have audited the financial statements of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2019 which
comprise the Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group and parent Company Statement of Changes
in Equity, the Group and parent Company Balance Sheets, the Group Cash Flow Statements and the related notes, including accounting policies
in note 1.
In our opinion:
– the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and
of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
– the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the
European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU);
– the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK accounting standards, including FRS 101
Reduced Disclosure Framework; and
– the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
Additional opinion in relation to IFRSs as issued by the IASB
As explained in the note to the Group financial statements, the Group, in addition to complying with its legal obligation to apply IFRSs as
adopted by the EU, has also applied IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
In our opinion, the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are
described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is
consistent with our report to the Audit Committee.
We were first appointed as auditor by the Directors on 23 March 2015. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the 5 financial years
ended 31 December 2019. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with,
UK ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that
standard were provided.

2 Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement


Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements and
include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had
the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.
We summarise below the key audit matters (unchanged from 2018), in decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion
above, together with our key audit procedures to address those matters and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those
procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of,
our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion. We do not
provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Contingent liabilities arising from litigation in Canada
Refer to page 84 (Audit Committee report), page 135 (accounting policy) and pages 201 to 203 and 210 (financial disclosures). Risk vs 2018:
The risk:
Dispute outcome: The Group is subject to a large number of claims including class actions, which could have a significant impact on the
results if potential exposures were to materialise. For our 2019 audit we believe the most significant risk relates to ongoing litigation in Canada.
Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (“Imperial”) has received an unfavourable judgement on the smoking and health class actions certified by the
Quebec Superior Court. As a result of this judgement, Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (“Imperial”) has filed for creditor protection under the
Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”). In seeking protection under the CCAA, Imperial will look to resolve not only the Quebec
case but also all other tobacco litigation in Canada under an efficient and court supervised process, while continuing to trade in the normal
course of business.
The amounts involved are significant, and the Group’s application of accounting standards to determine the amount, if any, to be provided as a
liability or disclosed as a contingent liability, is inherently subjective. Significant judgement was involved in auditing this determination, including
evaluating the Group’s assessment of the relevant law, historical and pending court rulings, and the Group’s ability to estimate the likelihood and
extent of any future economic outflow arising from the ultimate resolution of the litigation.
The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that the potential exposure to litigation has a high degree of
judgement, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly many
times that amount.

@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 115


Financial Statements

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT


CONTINUED

Our procedures included:


Control design and operation: Evaluating the processes and controls within the litigation process, including controls over the interpretation
of relevant law and related court rulings and estimation of the likelihood and extent of any future economic outflow arising from the ultimate
resolution of the litigation, by attending regular meetings with in-house legal counsel and review of Board and sub-committee meeting minutes;
Enquiry of lawyers: Reading letters received directly from the Group’s external and internal legal counsel that evaluated the current status of
legal proceedings and quantified the estimate of any economic outflow arising from the ultimate resolution of the litigation. We also inquired of
internal and external legal counsel to evaluate their basis for conclusion in their respective letters; and
Assess local legal precedence: Assessing relevant historical and recent judgements passed by the judicial court authorities in relation to the
Canadian litigation and reading the related Canadian court rulings and challenging the Company’s interpretation of the Canadian legal
proceedings and the related contingent liability disclosures.
Our results:
From the evidence obtained, we found the Group’s treatment of the contingent liabilities and related disclosures arising from litigation in Canada
to be acceptable.
Goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives impairment analysis – arising from the Reynolds American Inc.
acquisition in 2017.
Refer to pages 84 to 85 (Audit Committee report), page 132 (accounting policy) and pages 152 to 155 (financial disclosures). Risk vs 2018:
The risk:
Subjective assessment: As a result of the acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”) in 2017, the Group, as at 31 December 2019 has goodwill
and trademarks with indefinite lives of £33,761 million and £71,032 million, respectively (2018: goodwill of £35,117 million and trademarks with
indefinite lives of £73,885 million). There is significant judgement with regard to assumptions and estimates involved in the Group’s forecasting
of future cash flows, which form the basis of the assessment of the recoverability of the trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill. There is
significant auditor judgement involved in: (i) evaluating the short- and medium-term budgeted net revenues forecasted by management (“Key
Revenue Forecast”) in the evaluation of the recoverability of trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill allocated to the RAI cash-generating
unit; and (ii) evaluating any impact of the potential menthol ban into the cash flow forecast or the discount rate for the Newport indefinite lived
trademark and goodwill allocated to the RAI cash-generating unit.
The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that the value in use calculations of both trademarks with
indefinite lives and goodwill has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our
materiality for the financial statements as a whole. The financial statements (note 8) disclose the sensitivity of the carrying amounts of relevant
trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill estimated by the Group.
Our procedures included:
Control design and operation: Assessing controls over the impairment process, including controls over the Key Revenue Forecast relating to
indefinite lived trademarks and the RAI cash-generating unit;
Benchmarking and assessing assumptions: Comparing RAI’s Key Revenue Forecast to externally derived publicly and privately available data,
including, broker and analyst reports, industry reports, media reports, macro-economic assumptions, academic and scientific studies and
regulatory changes. In addition, and specifically for the Newport indefinite lived trademark, using elements of this information to critically assess
the Group’s assertion that the potential menthol ban does not significantly impact the cash flow forecast or the discount rate, based on the
likelihood, timing, nature and extent of proposed regulatory changes in the US market;
Historical comparisons: Challenging the reasonableness of the assumptions, particularly forecast revenue, by comparing the historical projected
sales, cash flows and projected brand profitability to actual results to assess the Group’s ability to accurately forecast; and
Sensitivity analysis: Performing sensitivity analysis on the Key Revenue Forecast; and
Assessing transparency: Assessing whether the Group’s disclosures detail the key estimates and judgements with regard to the impairment testing
of trademarks with indefinite lives and the goodwill arising from the RAI acquisition.

116 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Our results:
We found the conclusion that there is no impairment of trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill arising from the RAI acquisition to be
acceptable (2018: acceptable).
Recoverability of parent Company’s investment in subsidiaries.
Refer to page 249 (accounting policy) and pages 250 (financial disclosures). Risk vs 2018:
Low risk, high value: The carrying amount of the Parent Company’s investments in subsidiaries is £27,908 million (2018: £27,901 million)
which represents 80% (2018: 77%) of the Company’s total assets. Their recoverability is not a high risk of significant misstatement or subject to
significant judgement.
However, due to the materiality of investments in subsidiaries in the context of the Parent Company financial statements, this is considered to be
the area that had the greatest effect on our overall parent Company audit.
Our procedures included:
Tests of detail: Comparing the carrying amount of a sample of the highest value investments, representing 100% (2018: 100%) of the total
investment balance with the relevant subsidiaries’ draft balance sheet to identify whether their net assets, being an approximation of their
minimum recoverable amount, were in excess of their carrying amount and assessing whether those subsidiaries have historically been profit-
making.
Our results:
We found the conclusion that there is no impairment of the investment in subsidiaries to be acceptable (2018: acceptable).

3 Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit


Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £420 million (2018: £420 million), determined with reference to a benchmark
of Group profit before taxation. This represents 4.8% (2018: 4.8%) of the Group’s reported profit before taxation. Materiality for the Parent
Company financial statements as a whole was set at £50 million (2018: £50 million) by reference to component materiality. This is lower than the
materiality we would otherwise have determined by reference to Company net assets.
We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £20 million (2018: £20 million) in
addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
We evaluate misstatements not only by reference to the above quantitative thresholds but also in combination with the nature of the
misstatement. This is in order to arrive at an evaluation of whether the item could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions
of users taken on the basis of these financial statements, as that is the definition of materiality. Accordingly, a misstatement larger than these
amounts could be immaterial, and with respect to the matter referred to in note 18 we found the directors’ judgement that it was immaterial to
be an acceptable judgement.
Scope of our audit
The Group operates three shared service centres (2018: three) in Romania, Malaysia and Costa Rica, the outputs of which are included in
the financial information of the reporting components they service and therefore they are not separate reporting components. Each of the
service centres is subject to specified risk-focused audit procedures, predominantly the testing of transaction processing and review controls.
Additional procedures are performed at certain reporting components to address the audit risks not covered by the work performed over the
shared service centres.
We performed full scope audits for Group reporting purposes of 23 components (2018: 23 components). Audits of these components were
performed using materiality levels assigned by the group audit team, which were lower than the materiality level for the Group as a whole,
ranging from £35 million to £235 million (2018: £35 million to £220 million), and determined by reference to the size and risk profile of
the components.
Audits of one or more account balances were performed in respect of a further 12 components (2018: 14), using a materiality ranging from
£35 million to £70 million (2018: £1 to £50 million) assigned by the Group audit team. Specified audit procedures have been performed at 3
components (2018: 2) using a materiality ranging from £35 million to £50 million. These 15 components for which we performed work other
than full scope audits for group reporting purposes were not individually significant but were included in the scope of our Group reporting work
in order to provide further coverage over the Group’s results. This is consistent with the approach that was adopted in 2018.
The work on 33 of the 38 components (2018: 32 of the 39 components) was performed by component auditors and the rest, including the audit
of the Parent Company, was performed by the Group team.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 117


Financial Statements

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT


CONTINUED

The percentages of the Group’s revenue, the total profits and losses that make up the Group’s revenue, Group’s profit before taxation and the
Group’s total assets represented by the components within the scope of our work and procedures performed at corporate level are as follows:

Group revenue Group profit before tax Group total assets

83% 73% 96%


(82% 2018) (78% 2018) (97% 2018)

3% 1%

3%

7%
6%
76% 76% 62% 55% 94% 92%
16%
5%

13%

Full scope for Group audit purposes 2019 Full scope for Group audit purposes 2018 Residual components
Audit of one or more account balances 2019 Audit of one or more account balances 2018
Specified risk-focused audit procedures 2019 Specified risk-focused audit procedures 2018

The remaining 17% (2018: 18%) of total group revenue, 27% (2018: 22%) of group profit before tax and 4% (2018: 3%) of total group assets is
represented by 300 (2018: 347) reporting components, none of which individually represented more than 5% (2018: 2%) of any of total group
revenue, group profit before tax or total group assets. For the residual components, we performed analysis at an aggregated group level to re-
examine our assessment that there were no significant risks of material misstatement within these.
The Group team instructed component auditors, and the auditors of the shared service centres, as to the significant areas to be covered,
including the relevant risks detailed above and the information to be reported back.
The Group team visited two (2018: two) component locations in Canada and the United States (2018: Canada and the United States) for the
purpose of performing detailed file reviews. In addition, the Group team visited the shared service centres in Costa Rica, Malaysia and Romania
(2018: Costa Rica, Malaysia and Romania) as well as visiting a further two (2018: three) component locations in Brazil and Mexico (2018:
Bangladesh, South Africa and Italy) for business understanding and risk assessment purposes. In addition, the Group audit team held audit
risk planning and strategy conferences in the United Kingdom and Malaysia which component auditors attended. Further to these visits and
conferences, the Group team also held telephone and/or online meetings as part of the audit planning phase to explain our audit instructions
and discuss the component auditors’ plans as well as performing detailed remote file reviews upon completion of the component auditors’
engagements. The findings reported to the Group audit team were discussed in more detail, and any further work required by the Group team
was then performed by the component auditor.

118 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

4 We have nothing to report on going concern


The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Company or the Group or
to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Company’s and the Group’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have
also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern for
at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the going concern period”).
Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material uncertainty related to going
concern, to make reference to that in this audit report. However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events
may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of reference to a
material uncertainty in this auditor’s report is not a guarantee that the Group and the Company will continue in operation.
In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Group’s and Company’s business model and analysed how
those risks might affect the Group’s and Company’s financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period. The risks
that we considered most likely to adversely affect the Group’s and Company’s available financial resources over this period were:
– The enactment of regulation that significantly impairs the Group’s ability to communicate, differentiate, market or launch its products;
– Product liability, regulatory or other significant cases may be lost or compromised resulting in a material loss or other consequence.
As these were risks that could potentially cast significant doubt on the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, we considered
sensitivities over the level of available financial resources indicated by the Group’s financial forecasts taking account of reasonably possible (but not
unrealistic) adverse effects that could arise from these risks individually and collectively, and evaluated the achievability of the actions the Directors consider
they would take to improve the position should the risks materialise. We also considered less predictable but realistic second order impacts, such as the
impact of Brexit and COVID-19 and the erosion of customer or supplier confidence, which could result in a rapid reduction of available financial resources.
Based on this work, we are required to report to you if:
– we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in Note 1 to the financial statements on the use
of the going concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt over the Group and Company’s use of
that basis for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements; or
– the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 51 is materially inconsistent with our audit knowledge.
We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not identify going concern as a key audit matter.

5 We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report


The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. Our opinion on
the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated
below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit work, the
information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we
have not identified material misstatements in the other information.
Strategic report and Directors’ report
Based solely on our work on the other information:
– we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors’ report;
– in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the financial statements; and
– in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
Directors’ remuneration report
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 119


Financial Statements

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT


CONTINUED

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability


Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
– the Directors’ confirmation within the viability statement on page 58 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and
principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity;
– the Principal Group Risks disclosures describing these risks and explaining how they are being managed and mitigated; and
– the Directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done
so and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the
Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Principal Group Risks. We have nothing to report in this respect.
Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our financial statements audit. As we
cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were
reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and the
Parent Company’s longer-term viability.
Corporate governance disclosures
We are required to report to you if:
– we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit and the Directors’
statement that they consider that the annual report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy; or
– the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to
the Audit Committee.
We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance Statement does not properly disclose a departure from the provisions of the UK
Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review.
We have nothing to report in these respects.

6 We have nothing to report on the other matters on which we are required to report by exception
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
– adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
branches not visited by us; or
– the parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns; or
– certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
– we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
We have nothing to report in these respects.

120 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

7 Respective responsibilities
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 114, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial statements
including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and Parent Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless
they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or other irregularities (see below), or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high
level of assurance, but does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when
it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud, other irregularities or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.
A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.
Irregularities – ability to detect
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our
general commercial and sector experience and through discussion with the Directors and other management (as required by auditing standards),
and from inspection of the Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the Directors and other management the policies
and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team
and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. This included communication from the Group audit team to
component audit teams of relevant laws and regulations identified at group level.
The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including
related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation and taxation legislation and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws
and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on
amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation or the loss of the Group’s licence to
operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: impact of laws and regulations related to anti-bribery and
corruption (reflecting the legislative environment of operating with a diverse geographic footprint) and tobacco control and product liability
(reflecting the nature of the operating businesses). Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with
these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Through these procedures, we became aware of actual or suspected non-compliance and considered the effect as part of our procedures on the
related financial statements items. Further details in respect of tobacco control and product liability is set out in the key audit matter disclosures in
section 2 of this report.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the
financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the
further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements,
the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained
a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override
of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws
and regulations.

8 The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and terms
of our engagement by the Company. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we
are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and further matters we are required to state to them in accordance with terms agreed with the
Company, and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Mark Baillache (Senior Statutory Auditor)


For and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
15 Canada Square
London
E14 5GL
17 March 2020

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 121


Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED


PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c.>>
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122 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

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BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 123


Financial Statements

GROUP INCOME
STATEMENT

For the years ended 31 December


2019 2018 2017
Notes £m £m £m
Revenue1 2 25,877 24,492 19,564
Raw materials and consumables used (4,599) (4,664) (4,520)
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress 3(h) 162 114 (513)
Employee benefit costs 3(a),(e) (3,221) (3,005) (2,679)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs 3(b),(e),(f),(h) (1,512) (1,038) (902)
Other operating income 3(e),(i) 163 85 144
Loss on reclassification from amortised cost to fair value (3) (3) –
Other operating expenses 3(c),(d),(e),(g),(h) (7,851) (6,668) (4,682)
Profit from operations 2 9,016 9,313 6,412
Net finance costs 4 (1,602) (1,381) (1,094)
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 2,5 498 419 24,209

Profit before taxation 7,912 8,351 29,527


Taxation on ordinary activities 6 (2,063) (2,141) 8,129
Profit for the year 5,849 6,210 37,656

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 5,704 6,032 37,485
Non-controlling interests 145 178 171
5,849 6,210 37,656

Earnings per share


Basic 7 249.7p 264.0p 1,833.9p
Diluted 7 249.0p 263.2p 1,827.6p

1. Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes of £39,826 million, £38,553 million and £37,780 million for the years ended 31 December 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

124 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

GROUP STATEMENT OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the years ended 31 December


2019 2018 2017
Notes £m £m £m
Profit for the year 5,849 6,210 37,656
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: (3,216) 3,099 (3,809)
Differences on exchange (2,967) 3,868 (3,084)
Cash flow hedges
– net fair value losses (246) (58) (264)
– reclassified and reported in profit for the year 53 17 109
– reclassified and reported in total assets – – (16)
Investments held at fair value
– net fair value losses – – (27)
Net investment hedges
– net fair value gains/(losses) 21 (472) 425
– differences on exchange on borrowings (18) (236) (68)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax 5 (115) (38) (918)
Tax on items that may be reclassified 6(f) 56 18 34
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: (507) 115 681
Retirement benefit schemes
– net actuarial (losses)/gains 11 (582) 138 833
– surplus recognition 11 (7) 4 (6)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax 5 7 6 25
Tax on items that will not be reclassified 6(f) 75 (33) (171)
Total other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax (3,723) 3,214 (3,128)
Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 2,126 9,424 34,528

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 2,000 9,239 34,361
Non-controlling interests 126 185 167
2,126 9,424 34,528

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 125


Financial Statements

GROUP STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN EQUITY

Attributable to owners of the parent


Share
premium,
capital Total
redemption attributable Non-
Share and merger Other Retained to owners controlling Total
capital reserves reserves earnings of parent interests equity
Notes £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Balance at 1 January 2019 614 26,606 (333) 38,557 65,444 244 65,688
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
for the year comprising: – – (3,190) 5,190 2,000 126 2,126
Profit for the year – – – 5,704 5,704 145 5,849
Other comprehensive expense for the year – – (3,190) (514) (3,704) (19) (3,723)
Other changes in equity
Cash flow hedges reclassified and reported
in total assets – – (32) – (32) – (32)
Employee share options
– value of employee services 24 – – – 115 115 – 115
– proceeds from shares issued – 3 – – 3 – 3
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares 18(c) – – – (3,476) (3,476) – (3,476)
– to non-controlling interests – – – – – (148) (148)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership trusts – – – (117) (117) – (117)
Other movements non-controlling interests 23 – – – – – 36 36
Other movements – – – (35) (35) – (35)
Balance at 31 December 2019 614 26,609 (3,555) 40,234 63,902 258 64,160

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Attributable to owners of the parent


Share
premium,
capital Total
redemption attributable Non-
Share and merger Other Retained to owners controlling Total
capital reserves reserves earnings of parent interests equity
Notes £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Balance at 31 December 2017 614 26,602 (3,392) 36,935 60,759 222 60,981
Accounting policy change (IFRS 9) (note 30) – – (9) (29) (38) – (38)
Revised balance at 1 January 2018 614 26,602 (3,401) 36,906 60,721 222 60,943
Total comprehensive income
for the year comprising: – – 3,090 6,149 9,239 185 9,424
Profit for the year – – – 6,032 6,032 178 6,210
Other comprehensive income for the year – – 3,090 117 3,207 7 3,214
Other changes in equity
Cash flow hedges reclassified and reported
in total assets – – (22) – (22) – (22)
Employee share options
– value of employee services 24 – – – 121 121 – 121
– proceeds from shares issued – 4 – – 4 – 4
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares 18(c) – – – (4,463) (4,463) – (4,463)
– to non-controlling interests – – – – – (163) (163)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership trusts – – – (139) (139) – (139)
Non-controlling interests – acquisitions 23 – – – (11) (11) – (11)
Other movements – – – (6) (6) – (6)
Balance at 31 December 2018 614 26,606 (333) 38,557 65,444 244 65,688

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

126 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Attributable to owners of the parent


Share
premium,
capital Total
redemption attributable Non-
Share and merger Other Retained to owners controlling Total
capital reserves reserves earnings of parent interests equity
Notes £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Balance at 1 January 2017 507 3,931 413 3,331 8,182 224 8,406
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
for the year comprising: – – (3,805) 38,166 34,361 167 34,528
Profit for the year – – – 37,485 37,485 171 37,656
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for
the year – – (3,805) 681 (3,124) (4) (3,128)
Other changes in equity
Employee share options
– value of employee services 24 – – – 105 105 – 105
– proceeds from shares issued – 5 – – 5 – 5
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares 18(c) – – – (4,465) (4,465) – (4,465)
– to non-controlling interests – – – – – (169) (169)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership trusts – – – (205) (205) – (205)
Shares issued – RAI acquisition 23 107 22,666 – – 22,773 – 22,773
Other movements – – – 3 3 – 3
Balance at 31 December 2017 614 26,602 (3,392) 36,935 60,759 222 60,981

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 127


Financial Statements

GROUP
BALANCE SHEET

31 December
2019 2018
Notes £m £m
Assets
Intangible assets 8 118,787 124,013
Property, plant and equipment 9 5,518 5,166
Investments in associates and joint ventures 10 1,860 1,737
Retirement benefit assets 11 430 1,147
Deferred tax assets 12 424 344
Trade and other receivables 13 248 685
Investments held at fair value 14 12 39
Derivative financial instruments 15 452 556
Total non-current assets 127,731 133,687
Inventories 16 6,094 6,029
Income tax receivable 122 74
Trade and other receivables 13 4,093 3,588
Investments held at fair value 14 123 178
Derivative financial instruments 15 313 179
Cash and cash equivalents 17 2,526 2,602
13,271 12,650
Assets classified as held-for-sale 3 5
Total current assets 13,274 12,655
Total assets 141,005 146,342
Equity – capital and reserves
Share capital 18(a) 614 614
Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves 18(b) 26,609 26,606
Other reserves 18(c) (3,555) (333)
Retained earnings 18(c) 40,234 38,557
Owners of the parent 63,902 65,444
Non-controlling interests 18(d) 258 244
Total equity 64,160 65,688
Liabilities
Borrowings 19 37,804 43,284
Retirement benefit liabilities 11 1,459 1,665
Deferred tax liabilities 12 17,050 17,776
Other provisions for liabilities 20 388 331
Trade and other payables 21 1,034 1,055
Derivative financial instruments 15 287 214
Total non-current liabilities 58,022 64,325
Borrowings 19 7,562 4,225
Income tax payable 683 853
Other provisions for liabilities 20 670 318
Trade and other payables 21 9,727 10,631
Derivative financial instruments 15 181 302
Total current liabilities 18,823 16,329
Total equity and liabilities 141,005 146,342

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
On behalf of the Board

Richard Burrows
Chairman
17 March 2020

128 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

GROUP CASH
FLOW STATEMENT

For the years ended 31 December


2019 2018 2017
Notes £m £m £m
Profit from operations 9,016 9,313 6,412
Adjustments for
 – depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs 3(b) 1,512 1,038 902
 – (increase)/decrease in inventories (371) (192) 1,409
 – (increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (699) 502 (732)
 – decrease/(increase) in receivables related to the charge in respect
of the Quebec Class Actions 13 436 – (130)
 – (decrease)/increase in provision for Master Settlement Agreement 3(d) (124) 1,364 (934)
 – increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 730 123 (685)
 – decrease in net retirement benefit liabilities (40) (100) (131)
 – increase/(decrease) in other provisions for liabilities 382 (107) (78)
 – other non-cash items 106 31 86
Cash generated from operating activities 10,948 11,972 6,119
Dividends received from associates 252 214 903
Tax paid (2,204) (1,891) (1,675)
Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 80 52 83
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (664) (758) (791)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 34 38 95
Purchases of intangibles (151) (185) (187)
Purchases of investments (191) (320) (170)
Proceeds on disposals of investments 339 167 160
Acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. net of cash acquired – – (17,657)
Investment in associates and acquisitions of other subsidiaries net of cash acquired (86) (32) (77)
Proceeds on disposal of non-core business net of cash disposed – 17 –
Net cash used in investing activities (639) (1,021) (18,544)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid (1,601) (1,557) (1,106)
Interest element of lease liabilities (32) (2) (1)
Capital element of lease liabilities (154) (10) (7)
Proceeds from increases in and new borrowings 4,247 2,111 40,937
(Outflows)/inflows relating to derivative financial instruments (564) 49 (406)
Purchases of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts (117) (139) (205)
Reductions in and repayments of borrowings (5,640) (5,586) (20,827)
Dividends paid to owners of the parent (4,598) (4,347) (3,465)
Capital injection from/(purchases of) non-controlling interests 20 (11) –
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (157) (142) (167)
Other 3 4 6
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities (8,593) (9,630) 14,759
Net cash flows (used in)/generated from operating, investing and financing activities (236) (356) 1,562
Differences on exchange (57) (138) (391)
(Decrease)/increase in net cash and cash equivalents in the year (293) (494) 1,171
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2,328 2,822 1,651
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 17 2,035 2,328 2,822

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 129


Financial Statements

NOTES ON
THE ACCOUNTS

1 Accounting policies – the review of applicable exchange rates for transactions with and
Basis of preparation translation of entities in territories where there are restrictions on the
free access to foreign currency, or multiple exchange rates.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards The critical accounting estimates include:
(“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board – the review of asset values, especially indefinite life assets such as
(“IASB”) and IFRS as adopted by the European Union (“EU”)@, and goodwill and certain trademarks and similar intangibles. The key
in accordance with the provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006 assumptions used in respect of the impairment testing are the
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS@. IFRS as adopted by determination of cash-generating units, the budgeted and forecast
the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. cash flows of these units, the long-term growth rate for cash flow
The differences have no impact on the Group’s consolidated financial projections and the rate used to discount the cash flow projections.
statements for the periods presented. These are described in note 8;
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going – the estimation of and accounting for retirement benefit costs.
concern basis under the historical cost convention except as described The determination of the carrying value of assets and liabilities, as
in the accounting policy below on financial instruments. well as the charge for the year, and amounts recognised in other
With effect from 1 January 2019, the Group has applied IFRS 16 Leases comprehensive income, involves judgements made in conjunction
to contractual arrangements which are, or contain, leases of assets, and with independent actuaries. These involve estimates about uncertain
consequently recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities at the future events based on the environment in different countries,
commencement of the leasing arrangement, with the assets included including life expectancy of scheme members, salary and pension
as part of property, plant and equipment in note 9 and the liabilities increases, inflation, as well as discount rates and asset values at the
included as part of borrowings in note 19. In adopting IFRS 16, the year-end. The assumptions used by the Group and sensitivity analysis
Group has applied the modified retrospective approach with no are described in note 11; and
restatement of prior periods, as permitted by the Standard. The impact – the estimation of amounts to be recognised in respect of taxation
on the Group is shown in note 30. Total assets and total equity and and legal matters, and the estimation of other provisions for liabilities
liabilities on 1 January 2019 have both increased by £607 million. and charges are subject to uncertain future events, may extend
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires over several years and so the amount and/or timing may differ from
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the current assumptions. The accounting policy for taxation is explained
reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and below. The recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities, together
the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial with a note of unrecognised amounts, are shown in note 12, and
statements. The key estimates and assumptions are set out in a contingent tax asset is explained in note 6(b). Other provisions
the accounting policies below, together with the related notes to for liabilities and charges are as set out in note 20. Litigation related
the accounts. deposits are shown in note 13. The application of these accounting
policies to the payments made and credits recognised under
The critical accounting judgements include: the Master Settlement Agreement by Reynolds American Inc.
– the identification and quantification of adjusting items, which are (“Reynolds” or “RAI”) is described in note 3(d).
separately disclosed as memorandum information, is explained Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience
below and the impact of these on the calculation of adjusted and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the
earnings per share is described in note 7; circumstances and constitute management’s best judgement at the
– the determination that an error, identified following a review by the date of the financial statements. In the future, actual experience
Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) and discussed in note 18(e), may deviate from these estimates and assumptions, which could
was immaterial for restatement of the prior periods as, whilst the affect the financial statements as the original estimates and
effect was to overstate liabilities and reduce equity by £1.0 billion in assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the year in which
2017 and £1.1 billion in 2018, it did not affect the primary users of the circumstances change.
the financial statements as there was no impact to the amount or These consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue
timing of the dividends received; by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2020.
– the determination as to whether to recognise provisions and the Basis of consolidation
exposures to contingent liabilities related to pending litigation or
other outstanding claims, as well as other contingent liabilities. The consolidated financial information includes the financial
The accounting policy on contingent liabilities, which are not statements of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and its subsidiary
provided for, is set out below and the contingent liabilities of the undertakings, collectively “the Group”, together with the Group’s
Group are explained in note 27. Judgement is necessary to assess the share of the results of its associates and joint arrangements.
likelihood that a pending claim is probable (more likely than not to A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. The Group controls
succeed), possible or remote; an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable
– the determination as to whether control (subsidiaries), joint control returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect
(joint arrangements), or significant influence (associates) exists those returns through its power over the entity.
in relation to the investments held by the Group. This is assessed Associates comprise investments in undertakings, which are not
after taking into account the Group’s ability to appoint Directors to subsidiary undertakings or joint arrangements, where the Group’s
the entity’s Board, its relative shareholding compared with other interest in the equity capital is long term and over whose operating
shareholders, any significant contracts or arrangements with the entity and financial policies the Group exercises a significant influence.
or its other shareholders and other relevant facts and circumstances. They are accounted for using the equity method.
The application of these policies to Group subsidiaries in territories
including Canada and Malaysia is explained in note 28; and

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part


of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

130 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

1 Accounting policies continued Revenue


Joint arrangements comprise contractual arrangements where two Revenue principally comprises sales of cigarettes, other tobacco
or more parties have joint control and where decisions regarding products, and nicotine products, to external customers.
the relevant activities of the entity require unanimous consent. Revenue excludes duty, excise and other taxes related to sales in the
Joint operations are jointly-controlled arrangements where the period and is stated after deducting rebates, returns and other similar
parties to the arrangement have rights to the underlying assets and discounts and payments to direct and indirect customers. Revenue is
obligations for the underlying liabilities relating to the arrangement. recognised when control of the goods is transferred to a customer; this
is usually evidenced by a transfer of the significant risks and rewards of
The Group accounts for its share of the assets, liabilities, income ownership upon delivery to the customer, which in terms of timing is
and expenses of any such arrangement. Joint ventures comprise not materially different to the date of shipping.
arrangements where the parties to the arrangement have rights to
the net assets of the arrangement. They are accounted for using the Retirement benefit costs
equity method. The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution
Foreign currencies and hyperinflationary territories schemes including post-retirement healthcare schemes. For defined
benefit schemes, the actuarial cost charged to profit from operations
The functional currency of the Parent Company is sterling and this is consists of current service cost, net interest on the net defined benefit
also the presentation currency of the Group. The income and cash flow liability or asset, past service cost and the impact of any settlements.
statements of Group undertakings expressed in currencies other than The net deficit or surplus for each defined benefit pension scheme
sterling are translated to sterling using exchange rates applicable to is calculated in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits based on
the dates of the underlying transactions. Average rates of exchange in the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance
each year are used where the average rate approximates the relevant sheet date less the fair value of the scheme assets adjusted, where
exchange rate at the date of the underlying transactions. Assets and appropriate, for any surplus restrictions or the effect of minimum
liabilities of Group undertakings are translated at the applicable rates funding requirements.
of exchange at the end of each year. In territories where there are
restrictions on the free access to foreign currency or multiple exchange Some benefits are provided through defined contribution schemes
rates, the applicable rates of exchange are regularly reviewed. and payments to these are charged as an expense as they fall due.
The differences between retained profits translated at average and Share-based payments
closing rates of exchange are taken to reserves, as are differences The Group has equity-settled and cash-settled share-based
arising on the retranslation to sterling (using closing rates of exchange) compensation plans.
of overseas net assets at the beginning of the year, and are presented
as a separate component of equity. They are recognised in the income Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at
statement when the gain or loss on disposal of a Group undertaking the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the
is recognised. equity-settled share-based payments is expensed over the vesting
period, based on the Group’s estimate of awards that will eventually
Foreign currency transactions are initially recognised in the functional vest. For plans where vesting conditions are based on total shareholder
currency of each entity in the Group using the exchange rate ruling at returns, the fair value at date of grant reflects these conditions, whereas
the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting earnings per share vesting conditions are reflected in the calculation
from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of of awards that will eventually vest over the vesting period. For cash-
foreign currency assets and liabilities at year-end rates of exchange are settled share-based payments, a liability equal to the portion of the
recognised in the income statement, except when deferred in equity services received is recognised at its current fair value determined at
as qualifying cash flow hedges, on intercompany net investment each balance sheet date. Fair value is measured by the use of the Black-
loans and qualifying net investment hedges. Foreign exchange gains Scholes option pricing model, except where vesting is dependent
or losses recognised in the income statement are included in profit on market conditions when the Monte-Carlo option pricing model is
from operations or net finance costs depending on the underlying used. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based
transactions that gave rise to these exchange differences. on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability,
In addition, for hyperinflationary countries where the effect on exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.
the Group results would be significant, the financial statements in Research and development
local currency are adjusted to reflect the impact of local inflation Research expenditure is charged to income in the year in which it is
prior to translation into sterling, in accordance with IAS 29 Financial incurred. Development expenditure is charged to income in the year
Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies. Where applicable, IAS 29 it is incurred, unless it meets the recognition criteria of IAS 38 Intangible
requires all transactions to be indexed by an inflationary factor to the Assets to be capitalised as an intangible asset.
balance sheet date, potentially leading to a monetary gain or loss on
indexation. In addition, the Group assesses the carrying value of fixed Taxation
assets after indexation and applies IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, where Taxation is chargeable on the profits for the period, together with
appropriate, to ensure that the carrying value correctly reflects the deferred taxation.
economic value of such assets.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax
The results and balance sheets of operations in hyperinflationary laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in
territories are translated at the period end rate. In the case of the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint
Venezuela, the Group uses an estimated exchange rate calculated by arrangements operate and generate taxable income.
reflecting the development of the general price index since the Group
last achieved meaningful repatriation of dividends. Deferred taxation is provided in full using the liability method for
temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for
taxation purposes. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent
that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which the asset can be utilised.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 131


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

1 Accounting policies continued Property, plant and equipment


Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates that have been enacted Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected depreciation and impairment. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-
to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or deferred tax line basis to write off the assets over their useful economic life.
liability is settled. No depreciation is provided on freehold land or assets classified as
held-for-sale. Freehold and leasehold property are depreciated at rates
Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it between 2.5% and 4% per annum, and plant and equipment at rates
relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly between 3% and 25% per annum.
in equity, in which case it is recognised in the statement of other
comprehensive income or the statement of changes in equity. With effect from 1 January 2018, the Group has changed certain
estimates of useful economic lives for cigarette-making machinery
The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery across the Group, harmonising depreciation rates used by the historical
of a number of taxes. With effect from 1 January 2019, the Group BAT Group and by Reynolds American Inc. from 14 years and 30 years,
has adopted the requirements of IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income respectively, to a standard 20-year life (5% per annum).
Tax Treatments which clarifies how to apply the recognition and
measurement requirements in IAS 12 Income Taxes. The interpretation Capitalised interest
requires that, where there is uncertainty as to whether a particular Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition,
tax treatment will be accepted by the relevant taxation authority, the construction or production of intangible assets or property, plant and
financial statements reflect the probable outcome. Where it is not equipment that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its
considered probable that a particular tax treatment will be accepted intended use or sale, are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset.
by the relevant taxation authority, estimated amounts are determined
based on the most likely amount or expected value, depending Leased assets
on which method is expected to better predict the resolution of With effect from 1 January 2019, the Group has applied IFRS 16 Leases
the uncertainty. The impact on the Group’s profit and equity from to contractual arrangements which are, or contain, leases of assets, and
the adoption of IFRIC 23 was not material. Prior to 1 January 2019, consequently recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities at the
liabilities or assets for these payments or recoveries were recognised commencement of the leasing arrangement, with the assets included
at such time as an outcome became probable and when the amount as part of property, plant and equipment in note 9 and the liabilities
could reasonably be estimated. included as part of borrowings in note 19.
Goodwill In adopting IFRS 16, the Group has applied the modified retrospective
Goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised and any impairment of approach with no restatement of prior periods, as permitted by
goodwill is recognised immediately in the income statement and is not the Standard. The impact on the Group of implementing the new
subsequently reversed. Standard is shown in note 30.

Goodwill in respect of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. The Group has taken advantage of certain practical expedients
In respect of associates and joint ventures, goodwill is included in the available under the Standard, including “grandfathering” previously
carrying value of the investment in the associated company or joint recognised lease arrangements such that contracts were not reassessed
venture. On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or joint venture, the at the implementation date as to whether they were, or contained,
attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the a lease, and leases previously classified as finance leases under IAS 17
profit or loss on disposal. Leases remained capitalised on the adoption of IFRS 16. In addition, as
part of the implementation, the Group has applied a single discount
Intangible assets other than goodwill rate to portfolios of leases with reasonably similar characteristics,
The intangible assets shown on the Group balance sheet consist mainly has assessed whether individual leases are onerous prior to applying
of trademarks and similar intangibles, including certain intellectual the Standard, has applied hindsight in determining the lease term if
property, acquired by the Group’s subsidiary undertakings and the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease, and
computer software. has not applied the capitalisation requirements of the Standard to
leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of
Acquired trademarks and similar assets are carried at cost less initial application.
accumulated amortisation and impairment. Trademarks with indefinite
lives are not amortised but are reviewed annually for impairment. For leasing arrangements entered into after 1 January 2019, the
Other trademarks and similar assets are amortised on a straight-line Group has also adopted several practical expedients available under
basis over their remaining useful lives, consistent with the pattern of the Standard including not applying the requirements of IFRS 16 to
economic benefits expected to be received, which do not exceed 20 leases of intangible assets, applying the portfolio approach where
years. Any impairments of trademarks are recognised in the income appropriate to do so, not applying the recognition and measurement
statement but increases in trademark values are not recognised. requirements of IFRS 16 to short-term leases (leases of less than
12 months maximum duration) and to leases of low-value assets.
Computer software is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and Except for property-related leases, non-lease components have not
impairment, and, with the exception of global software solutions, is been separated from lease components.
amortised on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three years
to five years. Global software solutions are software assets designed The Group will continue to report recognised assets and liabilities
to be implemented on a global basis and used as a standard solution under leases within property, plant and equipment and borrowings
by all of the operating companies in the Group. These assets are respectively rather than show these as separate line items on the face
amortised on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding 10 years. of the balance sheet.

132 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

1 Accounting policies continued Inventories


Lease liabilities are initially recognised at an amount equal to the Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
present value of estimated contractual lease payments at the inception Cost is based on the weighted average cost incurred in acquiring
of the lease, after taking into account any options to extend the term inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition,
of the lease. Lease commitments are discounted to present value using which will include raw materials, direct labour and overheads, where
the interest rate implicit in the lease if this can be readily determined, appropriate. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less costs
or the applicable incremental rate of borrowing, as appropriate. Right- to completion and sale. Tobacco inventories which have an operating
of-use lease assets are initially recognised at an amount equal to the cycle that exceeds 12 months are classified as current assets, consistent
lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs in relation to the assets, with recognised industry practice.
then depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their estimated Financial instruments
useful lives.
The Group’s business model for managing financial assets is set
Prior to 1 January 2019, the Group applied IAS 17 Leases. out in the Group Treasury Manual which notes that the primary
Arrangements where the Group had substantially all the risks and objective with regard to the management of cash and investments is
rewards of ownership of the leased asset were classified as finance to protect against the loss of principal. Additionally, the Group aims:
leases and were included as part of property, plant and equipment. to maximise Group liquidity by concentrating cash at the Centre;
Finance lease assets were initially recognised at an amount equal to to align the maturity profile of external investments with that of the
the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum forecast liquidity profile; to wherever practicable, match the interest
lease payments at the inception of the lease, then depreciated rate profile of external investments to that of debt maturities or fixings;
over the shorter of the lease term and their estimated useful lives. and to optimise the investment yield within the Group’s investment
Lease payments due were shown as a liability within borrowings. parameters. The majority of financial assets are held in order to collect
Lease payments were shown within financing activities in the cash contractual cash flows (typically cash and cash equivalents and loans
flow statement and consisted of capital and finance charge elements, and other receivables) but some assets (typically investments) are held
with the finance element charged to the income statement. Under IAS for investment potential.
17, leases which were not classified as finance leases were classified
as operating leases and such arrangements were not capitalised. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the
Rental payments under operating leases were charged to operating Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the relevant
profit on a straight-line basis over the lease term. instrument and derecognised when it ceases to be a party to such
provisions. Such assets and liabilities are classified as current if they are
Impairment of non-financial assets expected to be realised or settled within 12 months after the balance
Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events indicate that the sheet date. If not, they are classified as non-current. In addition,
carrying amount of a cash-generating unit may not be recoverable. current liabilities include amounts where the entity does not have an
In addition, assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested annually unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve
for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised to the extent that the months after the balance sheet date.
carrying value exceeds the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to With effect from 1 January 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 9 Financial
sell and its value-in-use. Instruments with no revision of prior periods, as permitted by
A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets the Standard. The cumulative impact of adopting the Standard,
that generates cash flows which are largely independent of the cash including the effect of tax entries, was recognised as a restatement
flows from other assets or groups of assets. At the acquisition date, of opening reserves in 2018. IFRS 9 changed the classification and
any goodwill acquired is allocated to the relevant cash-generating measurement of financial assets. The category of ‘available-for-sale
unit or group of cash-generating units expected to benefit from the investments’ was replaced with ‘financial assets at Fair Value through
acquisition for the purpose of impairment testing of goodwill. Profit and Loss’ (for most investments) and ‘financial assets at Fair
Value through Other Comprehensive Income’ (for qualifying equity
Impairment of financial assets held at amortised cost investments). Certain loans and receivables which did not meet the
With effect from 1 January 2018, loss allowances for expected tests for amortised cost classification under IFRS 9 were reclassified as
credit losses on financial assets which are held at amortised cost are financial assets at Fair Value through Profit and Loss at the same date.
recognised on initial recognition of the underlying asset. As permitted The Group uses the term ‘investments held at fair value’ to refer to all
by IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, loss allowances on trade receivables of these financial assets both pre- and post- the adoption of IFRS 9.
arising from the recognition of revenue under IFRS 15 Revenue from
Contracts with Customers are initially measured at an amount equal In addition, with effect from 1 January 2019, the Group has
to lifetime expected losses. Allowances in respect of loans and other early adopted the Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 Financial
receivables are initially recognised at an amount equal to 12-month Instruments: Disclosures with regard to Interest Rate Benchmark
expected credit losses. Allowances are measured at an amount equal Reform. The Amendment provides an exemption for certain hedging
to the lifetime expected credit losses where the credit risk on the relationships directly affected by changes in interest rate benchmarks
receivables increases significantly after initial recognition. where the reform gives rise to uncertainties regarding the interest rate
designated as a hedged risk, or the timing or amount of interest rate
Prior to 1 January 2018, financial assets were reviewed for impairment cashflows of either the hedged item or of the hedging instrument,
at each balance sheet date, or whenever events indicated that the such that without the exemption the relationship might not qualify for
carrying amount might not be recoverable. hedge accounting. The impact on the Group’s profit was not material.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 133


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

1 Accounting policies continued – for derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, the carrying
Non-derivative financial assets are classified on initial recognition in value of the hedged item is adjusted for the fair value changes
accordance with the Group’s business model as investments, loans and attributable to the risk being hedged, with the corresponding entry
receivables, or cash and cash equivalents and accounted for as follows: being made in the income statement. The changes in fair value of
these derivatives are also recognised in the income statement;
– Investments: These are non-derivative financial assets that cannot be
classified as loans and other receivables or cash and cash equivalents. – for derivatives that are designated as hedges of net investments in
Dividend and interest income on these investments are included foreign operations, the changes in their fair values are recognised
within finance income when the Group’s right to receive payments directly in other comprehensive income, to the extent that they
is established. This category includes financial assets at fair value are effective, with the ineffective portion being recognised in the
through profit and loss, financial assets at fair value through other income statement. Where non-derivatives such as foreign currency
comprehensive income and, prior to 1 January 2018, available-for- borrowings are designated as net investment hedges, the relevant
sale investments as previously defined by IAS 39. exchange differences are similarly recognised. The accumulated
gains and losses are reclassified to the income statement when the
– Loans and other receivables: These are non-derivative financial assets foreign operation is disposed of; and
with fixed or determinable payments that are solely payments
of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding, – for derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not
that are primarily held in order to collect contractual cash flows. designated as hedges, the changes in their fair values are recognised
These balances include trade and other receivables and are in the income statement in the period in which they arise. These are
measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate referred to as ‘held-for-trading’.
method, and stated net of allowances for credit losses. In addition, In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to
as explained in note 13, certain litigation related deposits are document prospectively the economic relationship between the item
recognised as assets within loans and other receivables where being hedged and the hedging instrument. The Group is also required
management has determined that these payments represent to demonstrate an assessment of the economic relationship between
a resource controlled by the entity as a result of past events. the hedged item and the hedging instrument, which shows that the
These deposits are held at the fair value of consideration transferred hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness
less impairment, if applicable, and have not been discounted. testing is re-performed periodically to ensure that the hedge has
– Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash remained, and is expected to remain, highly effective.
in hand and deposits held on call, together with other short-term Hedge accounting is discontinued when a hedging instrument is
highly liquid investments including investments in certain money derecognised (e.g. through expiry or disposal), or no longer qualifies
market funds. Cash equivalents normally comprise instruments with for hedge accounting. Where the hedged item is a highly probable
maturities of three months or less at their date of acquisition. In the forecast transaction, the related gains and losses remain in equity
cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of until the transaction takes place, when they are reclassified to the
bank overdrafts, which are included as current borrowings in the income statement in the same manner as for cash flow hedges as
liabilities section on the balance sheet. described above. When a hedged future transaction is no longer
Fair values for quoted investments are based on observable market expected to occur, any related gains and losses, previously recognised
prices. If there is no active market for a financial asset, the fair value in other comprehensive income, are immediately reclassified to the
is established by using valuation techniques principally involving income statement.
discounted cash flow analysis. Derivative fair value changes recognised in the income statement are
Non-derivative financial liabilities, including borrowings and trade either reflected in arriving at profit from operations (if the hedged item
payables, are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest is similarly reflected) or in finance costs.
method. For borrowings, their carrying value includes accrued interest The Group’s accounting policies for financial instruments prior to
payable, as well as unamortised issue costs. As shown in note 19, the adoption of IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018, were as set out above,
certain borrowings are subject to fair value hedges, as defined below. except for the following: non-derivative financial assets were classified
Derivative financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised, and on initial recognition as available-for-sale investments, loans and
subsequently measured, at fair value, which includes accrued interest receivables or cash and cash equivalents. Available-for-sale investments
receivable and payable where relevant. Changes in their fair values are were non-derivative financial assets that could not be classified
recognised as follows: as loans and receivables or cash and cash equivalents. Apart from
available-for-sale investments, non-derivative financial assets were
– for derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges, the changes stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, subject
in their fair values are recognised directly in other comprehensive to reduction for allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.
income, to the extent that they are effective, with the ineffective These estimates for irrecoverable amounts were recognised when there
portion being recognised in the income statement. Where the was objective evidence that the full amount receivable would not be
hedged item results in a non-financial asset, the accumulated collected according to the original terms of the asset. Available-for-
gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive sale investments were stated at fair value, with changes in fair value
income, are included in the initial carrying value of the asset (basis being recognised directly in other comprehensive income. When such
adjustment) and recognised in the income statement in the same investments were derecognised (e.g. through disposal) or became
periods as the hedged item. Where the underlying transaction impaired, the accumulated gains and losses, previously recognised
does not result in such an asset, the accumulated gains and losses in other comprehensive income, were reclassified to the income
are reclassified to the income statement in the same periods as the statement within ‘finance income’. Dividend and interest income on
hedged item; available-for-sale investments were included within ‘finance income’
when the Group’s right to receive payments was established.

134 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

1 Accounting policies continued Provisions


Dividends Provisions are recognised when either a legal or constructive obligation
In 2017 and 2018, dividend distributions to the Company’s as a result of a past event exists at the balance sheet date, it is probable
shareholders were recognised as a liability on the Group’s financial that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the
statements in the period in which they were approved by shareholders obligation and a reasonable estimate can be made of the amount of
(final dividends) or confirmed by the Directors (interim dividends). the obligation.
With effect from 1 January 2018, the Company has moved to four Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
interim quarterly dividend payments. As referred to in note 18(e), from Subsidiaries and associate companies are defendants in tobacco-related
2019 the Company recognises the interim dividend in the period in and other litigation. Provision for this litigation (including legal costs)
which it is paid. This change has no impact to the timing of when is made at such time as an unfavourable outcome becomes probable
shareholders will receive the dividend. and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Segmental analysis Contingent assets are possible assets whose existence will only be
The Group is organised and managed on the basis of its geographic confirmed by future events not wholly within the control of the entity
regions. These are the reportable segments for the Group as they and are not recognised as assets until the realisation of income is
form the focus of the Group’s internal reporting systems and are virtually certain.
the basis used by the chief operating decision maker, identified
as the Management Board, for assessing performance and Where a provision has not been recognised, the Group records its
allocating resources. external legal fees and other external defence costs for tobacco-related
and other litigation as these costs are incurred.
The Group is primarily a single product business providing cigarettes
and other tobacco products. While the Group has clearly differentiated As explained in note 13, certain litigation-related deposits are
brands, global segmentation between a wide portfolio of brands is not recognised as assets within loans and other receivables where
part of the regular internally reported financial information. The results management has determined that these payments represent a
of New Category products are reported as part of the results of each resource controlled by the entity. These deposits are held at the fair
geographic region, and are not currently material to the Group. value of consideration transferred less impairment, if applicable, and
have not been discounted.
The prices agreed between Group companies for intra-group sales of
materials, manufactured goods, charges for royalties, commissions, Repurchase of share capital
services and fees, are based on normal commercial practices which When share capital is repurchased the amount of consideration paid,
would apply between independent businesses. Royalty income, less including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction
related expenditure, is included in the region in which the licensor from equity. Repurchased shares which are not cancelled, or shares
is based. purchased for the employee share ownership trusts, are classified as
treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.
Adjusting items
Adjusting items are significant items of income or expense in Future changes to accounting policies
revenue, profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and Certain changes to IFRS will be applicable to the Group
the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint financial statements in future years, but will not have a material
ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are effect on reported profit or equity or on the disclosures in the
relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial financial statements.
performance because of their size, nature or incidence. In identifying
and quantifying adjusting items, the Group consistently applies a
policy that defines criteria that are required to be met for an item to
be classified as adjusting. These items are separately disclosed in the
segmental analyses or in the notes to the accounts as appropriate.
The Group believes that these items are useful to users of the Group
financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying
business performance and are used to derive the Group’s principal
non-GAAP measures of adjusted revenue, adjusted profit from
operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share, @operating cash
flow conversion ratio and adjusted cash generated from operations@,
all of which are before the impact of adjusting items and which are
reconciled from revenue, profit from operations, diluted earnings
per share, @cash conversion ratio and net cash generated from
operating activities@.

@ Denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F
as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 135


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

2 Segmental analyses
As the chief operating decision maker, the Management Board reviews external adjusted revenues and adjusted profit from operations to evaluate
segment performance and allocate resources to the overall business. The results of New Categories (comprising Tobacco Heating Products,
Vapour products and Modern Oral products) are reported to the Management Board as part of the results of each geographic region. However,
additional information has been provided based on product category. Interest income, interest expense and taxation are centrally managed and
accordingly such items are not presented by segment as they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability.
The four geographic regions are the reportable segments for the Group as they form the focus of the Group’s internal reporting systems and
are the basis used by the Management Board for assessing performance and allocating resources. The Management Board reviews current and
prior year adjusted segmental revenue, adjusted profit from operations of subsidiaries and joint operations, and adjusted post-tax results of
associates and joint ventures at constant rates of exchange. The constant rate comparison provided for reporting segment information is based
on a retranslation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year results of the Group, including intercompany royalties payable in foreign
currency to UK entities. However, the Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains and losses in operations which are generated by
movements in exchange rates.
In respect of the United States region, all financial statements and financial information provided by or with respect to the US business or
RAI (and/or RAI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “RAI Group”)) are prepared on the basis of US GAAP and constitute the primary financial
statements or financial information of the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group). Solely for the purpose of consolidation within the results
of BAT p.l.c. and the BAT Group, this financial information is then converted to IFRS as issued by the IASB and adopted by the EU. To the extent
any such financial information provided in these financial statements relates to the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group), it is provided as an
explanation of the US business’s or RAI’s (and/or the RAI Group’s) primary US GAAP based financial statements and information.
The following table shows 2019 revenue and adjusted revenue at current rates, and 2019 adjusted revenue translated using 2018 rates of
exchange. The 2018 figures are stated at the 2018 rates of exchange.

2019 2018
Adjusted Adjusted Adjusting
Revenue Revenue items Revenue
Constant Translation Current Current Current Adjusted Adjusting
rates exchange rates rates rates Revenue items Revenue
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
United States 9,917 456 10,373 – 10,373 9,495 – 9,495
APME 5,157 (4) 5,153 – 5,153 4,882 – 4,882
AMSSA 4,491 (230) 4,261 – 4,261 4,111 – 4,111
ENA 6,118 (78) 6,040 50 6,090 5,824 180 6,004
Revenue 25,683 144 25,827 50 25,877 24,312 180 24,492

Note: adjusting items in revenue are in respect of excise included in goods acquired from a third party under short-term arrangements and then passed on to customers. This is deemed as adjusting due to
the distorting nature to revenue and operating margin.

The following table shows 2018 revenue and adjusted revenue at current rates, and 2018 adjusted revenue translated using 2017 rates of
exchange. The 2017 figures are stated at the 2017 rates of exchange.

2018 2017
Adjusted Adjusted Adjusting
Revenue Revenue items Revenue
Constant Translation Current Current Current Adjusted Adjusting
rates exchange rates rates rates Revenue items Revenue
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
United States 9,838 (343) 9,495 – 9,495 4,160 – 4,160
APME 5,250 (368) 4,882 – 4,882 4,973 – 4,973
AMSSA 4,560 (449) 4,111 – 4,111 4,323 – 4,323
ENA 6,112 (288) 5,824 180 6,004 5,850 258 6,108
Revenue 25,760 (1,448) 24,312 180 24,492 19,306 258 19,564

Note: adjusting items in revenue are in respect of excise included in goods acquired from a third party under short-term arrangements and then passed on to customers. This is deemed as adjusting due to
the distorting nature to revenue and operating margin.

136 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

2 Segmental analyses continued


The following table shows 2019 profit from operations and adjusted profit from operations at current rates, and 2019 adjusted profit from
operations translated using 2018 rates of exchange. The 2018 figures are stated at the 2018 rates of exchange.

2019 2018
Adjusted* Adjusted*
segment segment Segment
result result result Adjusted*
Constant Translation Current Adjusting* Current segment Adjusting* Segment
rates exchange rates items rates result items result
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
United States 4,798 238 5,036 (626) 4,410 4,511 (505) 4,006
APME 2,102 (43) 2,059 (306) 1,753 1,948 (90) 1,858
AMSSA 1,912 (70) 1,842 (638) 1,204 1,738 (194) 1,544
ENA 2,220 (27) 2,193 (544) 1,649 2,150 (245) 1,905
Profit from operations 11,032 98 11,130 (2,114) 9,016 10,347 (1,034) 9,313
Net finance costs (1,466) (56) (1,522) (80) (1,602) (1,385) 4 (1,381)
APME 463 7 470 25 495 384 32 416
ENA 3 – 3 – 3 3 – 3
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures 466 7 473 25 498 387 32 419
Profit/(loss) before taxation 10,032 49 10,081 (2,169) 7,912 9,349 (998) 8,351
Taxation (charge)/credit
on ordinary activities (2,498) (3) (2,501) 438 (2,063) (2,364) 223 (2,141)
Profit for the year 5,849 6,210

* The adjustments to profit from operations, net finance costs, the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures and taxation are explained in notes 3(e) to 3(h), note 4(b), note 5(a),
and note 6(b), 6(d) and 6(e), respectively.

The following table shows 2018 profit from operations and adjusted profit from operations at current rates, and 2018 adjusted profit from
operations translated using 2017 rates of exchange. The 2017 figures are stated at the 2017 rates.

2018 2017
Adjusted* Adjusted*
segment segment Segment
result result result Adjusted*
Constant Translation Current Adjusting* Current segment Adjusting* Segment
rates exchange rates items rates result items result
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
United States 4,686 (175) 4,511 (505) 4,006 1,928 (763) 1,165
APME 2,099 (151) 1,948 (90) 1,858 2,049 (147) 1,902
AMSSA 1,922 (184) 1,738 (194) 1,544 1,782 (134) 1,648
ENA 2,217 (67) 2,150 (245) 1,905 2,170 (473) 1,697
Profit from operations 10,924 (577) 10,347 (1,034) 9,313 7,929 (1,517) 6,412
Net finance costs (1,415) 30 (1,385) 4 (1,381) (889) (205) (1,094)
United States – – – – – 624 23,195 23,819
APME 417 (33) 384 32 416 384 29 413
ENA 3 – 3 – 3 4 (27) (23)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures 420 (33) 387 32 419 1,012 23,197 24,209
Profit/(loss) before taxation 9,929 (580) 9,349 (998) 8,351 8,052 21,475 29,527
Taxation (charge)/credit
on ordinary activities (2,508) 144 (2,364) 223 (2,141) (2,091) 10,220 8,129
Profit for the year 6,210 37,656

* The adjustments to profit from operations, net finance costs, the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures and taxation are explained in notes 3(e) to 3(h), note 4(b), note 5(a),
and note 6(b), 6(d) and 6(e), respectively.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 137


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

2 Segmental analyses continued


Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of £11,032 million (2018: £10,924 million; 2017: £7,605 million) excludes certain depreciation,
amortisation and impairment charges as explained in notes 3(e), 3(f) and 3(h). These are excluded from segmental profit from operations at
constant rates as follows:

2019 2018
Adjusted
depreciation, Adjusted
amortisation depreciation, Depreciation, Adjusted
and amortisation amortisation depreciation, Depreciation,
impairment and and amortisation amortisation
Constant Translation impairment Adjusting impairment and Adjusting and
rates exchange Current rates items Current rates impairment items impairment
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
United States 249 9 258 391 649 154 289 443
APME 162 1 163 182 345 105 22 127
AMSSA 140 (3) 137 35 172 101 115 216
ENA 218 (2) 216 130 346 143 109 252
769 5 774 738 1,512 503 535 1,038

2018 2017
Adjusted Adjusted
depreciation, depreciation, Depreciation, Adjusted
amortisation amortisation amortisation depreciation, Depreciation,
and and and amortisation amortisation
impairment Translation impairment Adjusting impairment and Adjusting and
Constant rates exchange Current rates items Current rates impairment items impairment
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
United States 158 (4) 154 289 443 59 116 175
APME 111 (6) 105 22 127 111 24 135
AMSSA 100 1 101 115 216 102 32 134
ENA 148 (5) 143 109 252 162 296 458
517 (14) 503 535 1,038 434 468 902

138 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

2 Segmental analyses continued


Additional information by product category
Although the Group’s operations are managed on a Regional basis, additional information for revenue is provided based on product category
as follows:

2019 2018
Adjusted Adjusted Adjusting
Revenue Revenue items Revenue
Constant Translation Current Current Current Adjusted Adjusting
rates exchange rates rates rates Revenue items Revenue
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Combustibles 22,892 59 22,951 50 23,001 21,892 180 22,072
New Categories 1,214 41 1,255 – 1,255 917 – 917
Vapour 392 9 401 – 401 318 – 318
THP 693 35 728 – 728 565 – 565
Modern Oral 129 (3) 126 – 126 34 – 34
Traditional Oral 1,036 45 1,081 – 1,081 941 – 941
Other 541 (1) 540 – 540 562 – 562
Revenue 25,683 144 25,827 50 25,877 24,312 180 24,492

2018 2017
Adjusted Adjusted Adjusting
Revenue Revenue items Revenue
Constant Translation Current Current Current Adjusted Adjusting
rates exchange rates rates rates Revenue items Revenue
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Combustibles 23,251 (1,359) 21,892 180 22,072 17,913 258 18,171
New Categories 937 (20) 917 – 917 385 – 385
Vapour 325 (7) 318 – 318 168 – 168
THP 576 (11) 565 – 565 202 – 202
Modern Oral 36 (2) 34 – 34 15 – 15
Traditional Oral 975 (34) 941 – 941 415 – 415
Other 597 (35) 562 – 562 593 – 593
Revenue 25,760 (1,448) 24,312 180 24,492 19,306 258 19,564

External revenue and non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets and retirement benefit assets are analysed between
the UK and all foreign countries at current rates of exchange as follows:
United Kingdom All foreign countries Group
Revenue is based 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
on location of sale £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
External revenue 178 184 203 25,699 24,308 19,361 25,877 24,492 19,564

United Kingdom All foreign countries Group


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Intangible assets 492 529 118,295 123,484 118,787 124,013
Property, plant and equipment 333 404 5,185 4,762 5,518 5,166
Investments in associates and joint ventures 8 – 1,852 1,737 1,860 1,737

The consolidated results of RAI companies operating in the United States met the criteria for separate disclosure under the requirements of
IFRS 8 Operating Segments. Revenue arising from the operations of RAI, inclusive of the sales made to fellow Group companies, in 2019, 2018 and
in 2017 since the date of acquisition was £10,417 million, £9,506 million and £4,160 million, respectively. Non-current assets attributable to the
operations of RAI were £109,186 million (2018: £113,935 million).
The main acquisitions comprising the goodwill balance of £44,316 million (2018: £46,163 million), included in intangible assets, are provided
in note 8. Included in investments in associates and joint ventures are amounts of £1,794 million (2018: £1,682 million) attributable to the
investment in ITC Ltd. Further information is provided in notes 5 and 10.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 139


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

3 Profit from operations


Enumerated below are movements in costs that have impacted profit from operations in 2019, 2018 and 2017. These include changes in our
underlying business performance, as well as the impact of adjusting items, as defined in note 1, in profit from operations (note 3(e) to 3(h)).
(a) Employee benefit costs
2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
Wages and salaries 2,651 2,463 2,131
Social security costs 223 207 216
Other pension and retirement benefit costs (note 11) 227 212 215
Share-based payments – equity and cash-settled (note 24) 120 123 117
3,221 3,005 2,679

(b) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs


2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
Intangibles – amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles 508 377 383
– amortisation and impairment of other intangibles 108 111 140
– impairment of goodwill (note 3(h)) 194 – –
Property, plant and equipment – depreciation and impairment 702 550 379
1,512 1,038 902

Intangibles – amortisation and impairment


The acquisition of businesses has resulted in the capitalisation of certain trademarks and similar intangibles. The amortisation and impairment of
these acquired trademarks and similar intangibles are charged to the income statement as adjusting, as explained in note 3(f).
Property, plant and equipment – depreciation and impairment
Included in depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment are:
– Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use assets of £178 million (2018: £6 million; 2017: £5 million); and
– Gains and losses recognised on the sale of property, plant and equipment.
Included in impairment of property, plant and equipment are impairment costs for obsolete machines in relation to downsizing and factory
rationalisation mentioned in note 3(e). In 2018, the Group recognised an impairment charge of £110 million in respect of the operations in
Venezuela mentioned in note 3(h).
With effect from 1 January 2018, cigarette making machinery within property, plant and equipment is depreciated at 5% per annum (previously, between
3% and 7% per annum). The impact of this change in accounting estimate is a net reduction in depreciation expense for 2018 of £53 million.

140 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

3 Profit from operations continued


(c) Other operating expenses include:
2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
Research and development expenses (excluding employee benefit costs and depreciation) 126 105 80
Exchange differences 22 (15) (6)
Hedge ineffectiveness within operating profit (5) (8) –
Expense relating to short-team leases 16 – –
Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets 1 – –
Rent of plant and equipment (operating leases) – minimum lease payments – 61 41
Rent of property (operating leases) – minimum lease payments – 110 85
Auditor’s remuneration
Total expense for audit services pursuant to legislation:
– fees to KPMG LLP for Parent Company and Group audit 6.8 6.3 6.3
– fees to KPMG LLP firms and associates for local statutory and Group reporting audits 9.0 8.8 11.3
Total audit fees expense – KPMG LLP firms and associates 15.8 15.1 17.6
Audit fees expense to other firms 0.1 0.2 0.2
Total audit fees expense 15.9 15.3 17.8
Fees to KPMG LLP firms and associates for other services:
– audit-related assurance services 8.5 9.4 8.0
– other assurance services 0.5 0.3 4.1
– tax advisory services – – –
– tax compliance – – 0.2
– audit of defined benefit schemes of the Company 0.4 0.4 –
– other non-audit services – – –
9.4 10.1 12.3

The total auditor’s remuneration to KPMG firms and associates included above are £25.2 million (2018: £25.2 million; 2017: £29.9 million).
During 2019, the Group incurred expenditure of £4.4 million (2018: £8.7 million; 2017: £nil million) within audit-related assurance services
associated with the controls attestation of the Group’s compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404.
During 2017, the Group incurred additional expenditure with the Group’s auditor, as part of the acquisition of the remaining shares in RAI not
previously owned. This was due to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration requirements to re-audit 2015 and 2016 under
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) standards, to audit the purchase price allocation, to provide assurance services on the
registration documents and to provide, amongst other things, assurance services with regards to the planned 2018 implementation of Sarbanes-
Oxley Section 404. Accordingly, the following costs, related to the acquisition of RAI and treated as an adjusting item, were incurred within the
respective categories: audit-related assurance service of £7.7 million and other assurance services of £3.5 million.
Under SEC regulations, the remuneration to KPMG firms and associates of £25.1 million in 2019 (2018: £25.2 million; 2017: £30.1 million)
is required to be presented as follows: audit fees £24.7 million (2018: £24.7 million; 2017: £29.2 million), audit-related fees £0.4 million
(2018: £0.4 million; 2017: £0.5 million), tax fees £nil million (2018: £nil million; 2017: £0.2 million) and all other fees £0.1 million
(2018: £0.1 million; 2017: £0.2 million).
Total research and development costs including employee benefit costs and depreciation are £376 million (2018: £258 million;
2017: £191 million). Included in the 2019 research and development costs is £65 million of costs primarily related to packages in respect of
employee benefit reductions as part of the Group’s 2019 restructuring initiative (Quantum), as discussed in note 3(e).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 141


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

3 Profit from operations continued


(d) Master Settlement Agreement
In 1998, the major US cigarette manufacturers (including the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Lorillard and Brown & Williamson, businesses
which are now part of the RAI Group) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with attorneys general representing most US states
and territories. The MSA imposes a perpetual stream of future payment obligations on the major US cigarette manufacturers. The amounts of
money that the participating manufacturers are required to annually contribute are based upon, amongst other things, the volume of cigarettes
sold and market share (based on cigarette shipments in that year).
During 2012, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (SFNTC), various other tobacco manufacturers, 17 states, the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico reached an agreement related to the Non-Participating Manufacturer (NPM) adjustment under the MSA
and three more states joined the agreement in 2013. Under this agreement, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has received credits of more than
US$1 billion, in respect of its Non-Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims related to the period from 2003 to 2012. These credits
have been applied against the companies’ MSA payments over a period of five years from 2013, subject to, and dependent upon, meeting the
various ongoing performance obligations. During 2014, two additional states agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2003
to 2012. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has received US$170 million in credits, which has been applied over a five-year period from 2014.
During 2015, another state agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2004 to 2014. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has
received US$285 million in credits, which will be applied over a four-year period from 2016. During 2016, no additional states agreed to settle
NPM disputes. During 2017, two more states agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2004 to 2014. It is estimated that
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company will receive US$61 million in credits, which will be applied over a five-year period from 2017. During 2018,
nine more states agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2004 to 2019, with an option through 2022, subject to certain
conditions. It is estimated that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company will receive US$182 million in credits for settled periods through 2017, which
will be applied over a five-year period from 2018. Also, in 2018, one additional state agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the
period 2004 to 2024, subject to certain conditions. It is estimated that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company will receive US$205 million in credits for
settled periods through 2017, which will be applied over a five-year period from 2019. Credits in respect of future years’ payments and the NPM
Adjustment claims would be accounted for in the applicable year and will not be treated as adjusting items. Only credits in respect of prior year
payments are included as adjusting items.
The BAT Group is subject to substantial payment obligations under the MSA and the state settlement agreements with the states of Mississippi,
Florida, Texas and Minnesota (such settlement agreements, collectively State Settlement Agreements). RAl’s operating subsidiaries’ expenses
and payments under the MSA and the State Settlement Agreements for 2019 amounted to US$2,762 million (2018: US$2,741 million; 2017:
US$2,856 million) in respect of settlement expenses and US$2,918 million (2018: US$917 million; 2017: US$4,612 million) in respect of
settlement cash payments.
(e) Restructuring and integration costs
Restructuring costs reflect the costs incurred as a result of initiatives to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of the Group as a globally
integrated enterprise, including the relevant operating costs of implementing the operating model. These costs represent additional expenses
incurred, which are not related to the normal business and day-to-day activities.
The operating model includes revised organisation structures, standardised processes and shared back office services underpinned by a global
single instance of SAP. These initiatives also include a review of the Group’s manufacturing operations, supply chain, overheads and indirect costs,
organisational structure and systems and software used.
The costs of the Group’s initiatives together with the costs of integrating acquired businesses into existing operations, including acquisition costs,
are included in profit from operations under the following headings:

2019 2018 2017


£m £m £m
Employee benefit costs 364 176 193
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs 63 48 85
Other operating expenses 145 145 330
Other operating income (7) (6) (8)
565 363 600

The adjusting charge in 2019 relates to the ongoing restructuring costs associated with the implementation of revisions to the Group’s operating
model. These costs are mainly in relation to a programme, known as Quantum, to simplify the business and create a more efficient, agile and
focused company. This includes the cost of packages in respect of permanent headcount reduction and permanent employee benefit reductions
in the Group. The costs also cover the downsizing and factory rationalisation activities in Germany, Russia and APME. Included in other operating
income are amounts related to cash and reversal of deferred consideration associated with the acquisition of TDR d.o.o. (TDR) (note 23).
Restructuring and integration costs in 2018 include integration costs associated with the acquisition of RAI and ongoing costs of implementing
the revisions to the Group’s operating model. This includes the cost of packages in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent
employee benefit reductions in the Group. The costs also cover downsizing activities in Russia, Germany and APME. Included in other operating
income are gains from the sale of land and buildings in the Netherlands.
Restructuring and integration costs in 2017 include adviser fees and costs incurred related to the acquisition of the remaining shares in RAI not
already owned by the Group, that completed on 25 July 2017 (note 23). It also includes the implementation of a new operating model and the
cost of redundancy packages in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in the Group. The costs
also cover integration costs incurred as a result of the RAI acquisition, factory closure and downsizing activities in Germany and Malaysia, certain
exit costs and asset write-offs related to the withdrawal from the Philippines. Included in other operating income are gains from the sale of land
and buildings in Brazil.

142 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

3 Profit from operations continued


(f) Amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles
Acquisitions including RAI, TDR d.o.o. (TDR) and Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni (ST) in previous years, have resulted in the capitalisation of
trademarks and similar intangibles which are amortised over their expected useful lives, which do not exceed 20 years. The amortisation and
impairment charge of £481 million (2018: £377 million; 2017: £383 million) is charged as adjusting and included in depreciation, amortisation
and impairment costs in the income statement. In 2019, the Group incurred an impairment charge of £129 million, primarily related to a partial
impairment of the Kodiak brand, as explained in note 8(c).
(g) Fox River
As explained in note 27, a Group subsidiary has certain liabilities in respect of indemnities given on the purchase and disposal of former businesses
in the United States and, in 2011, the subsidiary provided £274 million in respect of claims in relation to environmental clean-up costs of the
Fox River.
On 30 September 2014, a Group subsidiary, NCR, Appvion and Windward Prospects entered into a Funding Agreement with regard to the costs
for the clean-up of Fox River.
In January 2017, NCR and Appvion entered into a consent decree with the US Government to resolve how the remaining clean-up will be
funded and to resolve further outstanding claims between them. The Consent Decree was approved by a US District Judge in August 2017.
The US Government enforcement action against NCR was terminated as a result of that order and contribution claims from the Potentially
Responsible Parties (“PRPs”) against NCR were dismissed. On 4 January 2019, the US Government, P. H. Glatfelter and Georgia-Pacific (the
remaining Fox River PRPs) sought approval for a separate Consent Decree to bring an end to all litigation concerning the Fox River clean-up.
This Consent Decree was approved by the District Court of the Eastern District of Wisconsin on 14 March 2019 and concludes all existing
litigation on the Fox River.
In July 2016, the High Court ruled in a Group subsidiary’s favour that a dividend of €135 million paid by Windward to Sequana in May 2009
was a transaction made with the intention of putting assets beyond the reach of the Group subsidiary and of negatively impacting its interests.
On 10 February 2017, further to a hearing in January 2017 to determine the relief due, the Court found in the Group subsidiary’s favour, ordering
that Sequana must pay an amount up to the full value of the dividend plus interest which equates to around US$185 million, related to past and
future clean-up costs. The Court granted all parties leave to appeal and Sequana a stay in respect of the above payments. In June 2018, the Court
of Appeal heard arguments in the Sequana Claims Appeal (as defined in note 27). On 6 February 2019, the Court of Appeal gave judgment
upholding the High Court’s findings, with one immaterial change to the method of calculating the damages awarded. Sequana therefore remains
liable to pay the above mentioned dividend. Due to the uncertain outcome of the case no asset has been recognised in relation to this ruling.
In February 2017, Sequana entered into a process in France seeking court protection (the “Sauvegarde”), exiting the Sauvegarde in June 2017.
On 7 March 2019, Sequana announced that it was unable to pay its debts and that it had applied to convert the Sauvegarde into “redressement
judiciaire”, a form of insolvent receivership. On 15 May 2019, the Nanterre Commercial Court made an order placing Sequana into formal
liquidation proceedings (“liquidation judiciaire”). No payments have been received.
The provision is £73 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £108 million). Based on the Funding Agreement, £35 million has been paid in
2019, which includes legal costs of £3 million (2018: £30 million, including legal costs of £5 million; 2017: £25 million, including legal costs of
£7 million).
(h) Other adjusting items
Included within ‘other operating expenses’
In 2019, the Group incurred £874 million (2018: £294 million; 2017: £69 million) of other adjusting items which have been adjusted within
‘other operating expenses’. The charge in 2019 includes £436 million in respect of the Quebec class actions as explained in note 27.
On 12 August 2019, the Russian tax authority issued a final audit report to JSC British American Tobacco-SPb (BAT SpB) related to the application
of legislation introduced in 2017 that prospectively limited the amount of production that could take place prior to excise tax increases,
without being subject to higher excise tax rates. The Final audit report seeks to retrospectively apply the legislation to the years 2015 to 2017.
On 13 September 2019, BAT SpB submitted an appeal to the Federal Tax Services (FTS) objecting to the findings which was discussed in October
2019. The FTS accepted some of BAT SpB’s arguments and, on 27 January 2020, a final claim was issued by the FTS. As a consequence, the
Group recognised a charge of £202 million included in other adjusting items. The Group also recognised an interest charge of £50 million (note
4(b)).
Also included in 2019 are £236 million (2018: £178 million) of litigation costs which includes the Engle progeny litigation.
In 2017, the Group impaired £69 million of certain assets related to a third-party distributor (Agrokor) in Croatia. This has been adjusted within
‘other operating expenses’.
Included within ‘Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress’
In 2017, the release of the fair value acquisition accounting adjustments to finished goods inventories of £465 million on the RAI acquisition has
been adjusted within ‘Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress’.
Included within ‘depreciation, amortisation and impairment’
During 2019, the Group impaired the goodwill arising from the Bentoel acquisition, amounting to £172 million, goodwill arising from the
VapeWild acquisition of £12 million and goodwill arising from the Highendsmoke acquisition of £10 million as explained in note 8.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 143


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

3 Profit from operations continued


In 2018, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) recognised the specific issues related to Venezuela and proposed that companies
with exposure to Venezuela use an ‘estimated’ exchange rate rather than the official exchange rate, as otherwise required under IAS 21.
Accordingly, the Group has used an exchange rate calculated with reference to the estimated inflation since the latest dividend payment in
2010. In addition, the net assets of the Group’s Venezuelan operations are subject to accounting adjustments IAS 29 Financial Reporting in
Hyperinflationary Economies, as they are revalued, for accounting purposes, from their acquisition date to the balance sheet date. However,
management believes that such a revaluation is not reflective of the recoverable value of those assets and have incurred an impairment charge
of £110 million. This charge has been treated as an adjusting item as it does not reflect the underlying performance of the Group. The Group
has also recognised a gain of £45 million within net finance costs (note 4(b)), being the partial counter-party to the above non-monetary asset
movement, generating a monetary gain due to hyperinflation accounting under IAS 29.
(i) Other operating income
Other operating income comprises income that is associated with the Group’s normal activities, but which falls outside the definition of turnover
and includes one-off capital profits on property sales and one-off disposals of fixed assets.
In 2019, as explained in note 27, the Group recognised £86 million in respect of a tax case in Brazil. In addition, as discussed in note 3(e) above,
certain items of operating income have been incurred as part of the Group’s restructuring and integration activities.

4 Net finance costs


(a) Net finance costs/(income)
2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
Interest expense 1,676 1,592 1,079
Interest expense on lease liabilities 32 1 2
Facility fees 10 13 13
Interest related to adjusting tax payables (note 4(b)) 80 41 43
Acquisition of RAI (note 4(b)) – – 153
Fair value changes on derivative financial instruments and hedged items 367 (154) (149)
Hedge ineffectiveness (note 4(b)) – – 9
Venezuela hyperinflation (note 4(b)) – (45) –
Exchange differences on financial liabilities (353) 36 47
Finance costs 1,812 1,484 1,197
Interest under the effective interest method (84) (68) (83)
Dividend income – – (1)
Exchange differences on financial assets (126) (35) (19)
Finance income (210) (103) (103)
Net finance costs 1,602 1,381 1,094

The Group manages foreign exchange gains and losses and fair value changes on a net basis excluding adjusting items, which are explained in
note 4(b). The derivatives that generate the fair value changes are explained in note 15.
Facility fees principally relate to the Group’s central banking facilities.
(b) Adjusting items included in net finance costs
Adjusting items are significant items in net finance costs which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding
of the Group’s underlying financial performance.
In 2019, the Group incurred interest on adjusting tax payables of £80 million (2018: £41 million; 2017: £43 million). This included interest of
£28 million (2018: £25 million; 2017: £25 million) in relation to the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO) (note 6(b)) and
interest of £50 million (2018: £nil; 2017: £nil) in respect of the Russia excise dispute (note 3(h)).
In 2018, the Group recognised a monetary gain of £45 million related to the application of hyperinflationary accounting in Venezuela (note 3(h)).
In 2017, the Group incurred pre-financing costs related to the acquisition of RAI of £153 million.
Also in 2017, the Group realised a £9 million charge in relation to the reversal of a gain recognised in 2016, related to hedge ineffectiveness
on external swaps following the referendum regarding ‘Brexit’. These amounts were deemed to be adjusting as it is not representative of the
underlying performance of the business.

144 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

5 Associates and joint ventures


2019 2018 2017
Group’s Group’s Group’s
Total share Total share Total share
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue 7,581 2,158 7,235 2,058 14,085 4,794
Profit from operations* 2,386 704 2,128 630 4,342 24,854
Net finance costs (7) (2) (8) (3) (279) (116)
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,379 702 2,120 627 4,063 24,738
Taxation on ordinary activities (666) (196) (678) (201) (1,441) (522)
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 1,713 506 1,442 426 2,622 24,216
Non-controlling interests (27) (8) (24) (7) (22) (7)
Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 1,686 498 1,418 419 2,600 24,209

The post-tax results above include:


– issue of shares and change in shareholding 86 25 75 22 98 29
– gain on deemed divestment of RAI – – – – – 23,288
– other – – 35 10 (283) (120)

* The gain on deemed divestment of RAI is recognised in the Group’s share of associates profit from operations.

Enumerated below are movements that have impacted the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures in 2019, 2018 and 2017.
(a) Adjusting items
In 2019, the Group’s interest in ITC Ltd. (ITC) decreased from 29.57% to 29.46% (2018: 29.71% to 29.57%; 2017: 29.89% to 29.71%) as a
result of ITC issuing ordinary shares under the ITC Employee Share Option Scheme. The issue of these shares and change in the Group’s share
of ITC resulted in a gain of £25 million (2018: £22 million; 2017: £29 million), which is treated as a deemed partial disposal and included in the
income statement.
In 2018, ITC has also recognised an adjusting gain in respect of the release of certain provisions related to a tax claim, the Group’s share of which
was £10 million.
On 25 July 2017, the Group announced the completion of the acquisition of the 57.8% of RAI the Group did not already own. As at this date RAI
ceased to be reported as an associate and has become a fully owned subsidiary. Accordingly, as at that date, the Group was deemed to divest
its investment in RAI as an associate and consolidated RAI in accordance with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements. This resulted in a gain of
£23,288 million that has been reported in the Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures.
In 2017, due to a deterioration in the financial performance of Tisak d.d. (Tisak), linked to the financial difficulties associated with a third-party
distributor (Agrokor) in Croatia, the Group impaired the carrying value of this investment. This resulted in a charge of £27 million to the income
statement that has been reported as an ‘other’ adjusting item.
In 2017, RAI recognised, prior to acquisition by the Group, the following amounts in ‘other’: transaction costs associated with the acquisition
by the Group of US$125 million, the Group’s share of which is £33 million (net of tax), deferred tax charges in respect of temporary differences
on trademarks of US$51 million, the Group’s share of which is £18 million, restructuring charges of US$79 million, the Group’s share of which
is £14 million (net of tax) and costs in respect of a number of Engle progeny lawsuits and other tobacco litigation charges that amounted
to US$162 million, the Group’s share of which is £32 million (net of tax). Additionally, there is income of US$17 million related to the Non-
Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims of the states no longer challenging the findings of non-diligence entered against them by
an Arbitration Panel, the Group’s share of which is £4 million (net of tax).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 145


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

5 Associates and joint ventures continued


(b) Master Settlement Agreement
For information on the Master Settlement Agreement applicable to RAI as an associate for the period up to and including 24 July 2017 (note 3(d)).
(c) Other financial information
The Group’s share of the results of associates and joint ventures is shown in the table below.

2019 2018 2017


Group’s Group’s Group’s
share share share
£m £m £m
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation
– attributable to owners of the Parent 498 419 24,209
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be reclassified to profit & loss (115) (38) (918)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit & loss 7 6 25
Total comprehensive income 390 387 23,316

Summarised financial information of the Group’s associates and joint ventures is shown below.

2019
ITC Others Total
£m £m £m
Revenue 5,556 2,025 7,581
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,322 57 2,379
Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 1,646 40 1,686
Other comprehensive income (365) – (365)
Total comprehensive income 1,281 40 1,321

2018
ITC Others Total
£m £m £m
Revenue 5,072 2,163 7,235
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,059 61 2,120
Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 1,373 45 1,418
Other comprehensive income (110) – (110)
Total comprehensive income 1,263 45 1,308

2017
RAI* ITC Others Total
£m £m £m £m
Revenue 5,525 6,607 1,953 14,085
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 2,017 2,054 (8) 4,063
Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 1,261 1,362 (23) 2,600
Other comprehensive income (595) (135) (8) (738)
Total comprehensive income 666 1,227 (31) 1,862

* The information presented above for RAI is for the period from 1 January 2017 up to and including 24 July 2017 (see note 23).

146 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

6 Taxation on ordinary activities


(a) Summary of taxation on ordinary activities
2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
UK corporation tax 8 60 26
Comprising:
– current year tax expense 41 66 26
– adjustments in respect of prior periods (33) (6) –
Overseas tax 2,047 2,455 1,617
Comprising:
– current year tax expense 2,074 2,460 1,615
– adjustments in respect of prior periods (27) (5) 2
Total current tax 2,055 2,515 1,643
Deferred tax 8 (374) (9,772)
Comprising:
– deferred tax relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences 55 (304) (152)
– deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates (47) (70) (9,620)
2,063 2,141 (8,129)

(b) Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order


The Group is the principal test claimant in an action in the United Kingdom against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the Franked
Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO). There are 25 corporate groups in the FII GLO. The case concerns the treatment for UK
corporate tax purposes of profits earned overseas and distributed to the UK.
The original claim was filed in 2003. The trial of the claim was split broadly into issues of liability and quantification. The main liability issues were
heard by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in the UK and the European Court of Justice in the period to November 2012.
The detailed technical issues of the quantification mechanics of the claim were heard by the High Court during May and June 2014 and the
judgment handed down on 18 December 2014. The High Court determined that in respect of issues concerning the calculation of unlawfully
charged corporation tax and advance corporation tax, the law of restitution including the defence on change of position and questions
concerning the calculation of overpaid interest, the approach of the Group was broadly preferred. The conclusion reached by the High Court
would, if upheld, produce an estimated receivable of £1.2 billion for the Group. Appeals on a majority of the issues were made to the Court
of Appeal, which heard the arguments in June 2016. The Court of Appeal determined in November 2016 on the majority of issues that the
conclusion reached by the High Court should be upheld. The Supreme Court has notified the parties in the FII GLO that the outstanding appeal
issues will be heard in two separate trials in 2020. In July 2018, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the Prudential Assurance
Company Ltd case, which is closely related to the FII GLO. Applying the Prudential judgment reduces the value of the FII claim to approximately
£0.6 billion, mainly as the result of the application of simple interest.
During 2015, HMRC paid to the Group a gross amount of £1,224 million in two separate payments. The payments made by HMRC have been
made without any admission of liability and are subject to refund were HMRC to succeed on appeal. The second payment in November 2015
followed the introduction of a new 45% tax on the interest component of restitution claims against HMRC. HMRC held back £261 million
from the second payment contending that it represents the new 45% tax on that payment, leading to total cash received by the Group of
£963 million. Actions challenging the legality of the withholding of the 45% tax have been lodged by the Group. The First Tier Tribunal found in
favour of HMRC in July 2017 and the Group’s appeal to the Upper Tribunal was heard in July 2018 and judgment has not yet been handed down.
Due to the uncertainty of the amounts and eventual outcome the Group has not recognised any impact in the Income Statement in the current
or prior period. The receipt, net of the deduction by HMRC, is held as deferred income as disclosed in note 21. Any future recognition as
income will be treated as an adjusting item, due to the size of the amount, with interest of £28 million for the 12 months to 31 December 2019
(2018: £25 million; 2017: £25 million) accruing on the balance, which was also treated as an adjusting item.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 147


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

6 Taxation on ordinary activities continued


(c) Factors affecting the taxation charge
The taxation charge differs from the standard 19% (2018: 19%; 2017: 19%) rate of corporation tax in the UK. The major causes of this difference
are listed below:

2019 2018 2017


£m % £m % £m %
Profit before tax 7,912 8,351 29,527
Less: share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures (see note 5) (498) (419) (24,209)
7,414 7,932 5,318

Tax at 19% (2018 and 2017: 19%) on the above 1,409 19.0 1,507 19.0 1,010 19.0
Factors affecting the tax rate:
Tax at standard rates other than UK corporation tax rate 353 4.8 384 4.8 389 7.3
Other national tax charges 147 2.0 204 2.6 119 2.2
Permanent differences 122 1.6 7 0.1 40 0.8
Overseas tax on distributions – – – – 25 0.5
Overseas withholding taxes 106 1.4 155 1.9 191 3.6
Double taxation relief on UK profits (29) (0.4) (35) (0.4) (29) (0.5)
Unutilised/(utilised) tax losses 16 0.2 5 0.1 (38) (0.7)
Adjustments in respect of prior periods (60) (0.8) (11) (0.1) 2 0.0
Deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates (47) (0.6) (70) (0.9) (9,620) (180.9)
Deemed US repatriation tax – – – – 34 0.6
Release of deferred tax on unremitted earnings of associates – – – – (180) (3.4)
Additional net deferred tax charges/(credits) 46 0.6 (5) (0.1) (72) (1.4)
2,063 27.8 2,141 27.0 (8,129) (152.9)

(d) Adjusting items included in taxation


In 2019, adjusting items in taxation total a credit of £65 million relating primarily to changes in US state tax rates, relating to the revaluation of
deferred tax liabilities arising on trademarks recognised in the RAI acquisition in 2017.
In 2018, adjusting items in taxation relate to a £79 million credit due to changes in US state tax rates in the period, relating to the revaluation of
deferred tax liabilities arising on trademarks recognised in the RAI acquisition in 2017, and a £55 million charge related to retrospective guidance
issued by a tax authority in the ENA region regarding the application of withholding tax (WHT) between 2015 and 2017.
On 22 December 2017, the United States Government enacted comprehensive tax legislation which, among other things, changed the Federal
tax rate to 21% from 1 January 2018. This revised rate has been used to revalue net deferred tax liabilities in the United States, leading to a
credit to the income statement of £9,620 million. The net deferred tax liabilities largely relate to the difference in tax value versus the fair market
value of trademarks accounted for under IFRS as part of the RAI acquisition. The legislation also imposed a one-time deemed repatriation tax on
accumulated foreign earnings. The impact of the repatriation tax, less foreign tax credits, was £34 million. IFRS also requires entities to provide
deferred taxation on the undistributed earnings of associates and joint ventures. From the date of the acquisition of the remaining shares in RAI
not already owned by the Group, the Group has consolidated the results of RAI as a wholly-owned subsidiary and as such the deferred tax liability
of £180 million on unremitted earnings of RAI as an associate was released to the income statement in 2017.
(e) Tax on adjusting items
In addition, the tax on adjusting items, separated between the different categories, as per note 7, amounted to £373 million (2018: £199 million;
2017: £454 million). The adjustment to the adjusted earnings per share (note 7) also includes £17 million (2018: £6 million; 2017: £4 million) in
respect of the non-controlling interests’ share of the adjusting items net of tax.
(f) Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income
2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
Current tax (7) (8) (4)
Deferred tax 138 (7) (133)
Credited/(charged) to other comprehensive income 131 (15) (137)

The tax relating to each component of other comprehensive income is disclosed in note 18.

148 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

7 Earnings per share


2019 2018 2017
Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average
number of Earnings number of Earnings number of Earnings
Earnings shares per share Earnings shares per share Earnings shares per share
£m m pence £m m pence £m m pence
Basic earnings per share
(ordinary shares of 25p each) 5,704 2,284 249.7 6,032 2,285 264.0 37,485 2,044 1,833.9
Share options – 7 (0.7) – 7 (0.8) – 7 (6.3)
Diluted earnings per share 5,704 2,291 249.0 6,032 2,292 263.2 37,485 2,051 1,827.6

Adjusted earnings per share calculation


Earnings have been affected by a number of adjusting items, which are described in notes 3 to 6. Adjusting items are significant items in the
profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually
or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance. The Group believes that
these items are useful to users of the Group financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying business performance. To illustrate
the impact of these items, an adjusted earnings per share calculation is shown below.

Basic
2019 2018 2017
Earnings Earnings Earnings
Earnings per share Earnings per share Earnings per share
Notes £m pence £m pence £m pence
Basic earnings per share 5,704 249.7 6,032 264.0 37,485 1,833.9
Effect of restructuring and integration costs 3(e) 565 24.7 363 15.9 600 29.4
Tax and non-controlling interests on restructuring
and integration costs (101) (4.4) (83) (3.6) (133) (6.5)
Effect of amortisation and impairment of goodwill,
trademarks and similar intangibles 3(f), (h) 675 29.6 377 16.5 383 18.7
Tax and non-controlling interests on amortisation
and impairment of goodwill, trademarks and
similar intangibles (115) (5.0) (78) (3.4) (90) (4.4)
Effect of associates’ adjusting items net of tax 5(a) (25) (1.1) (32) (1.4) (23,197) (1,134.9)
Effect of Quebec class action 3(h) 436 19.1 – – – –
Tax on Quebec class action (124) (5.4) – – – –
Effect of Russia excise dispute 3(h) 202 8.9 – – – –
Tax on Russia excise dispute (16) (0.7) – – – –
Effect of hyperinflation on Venezuela retained earnings 3(h),4(b) – – 65 2.8 – –
Other adjusting items 3(h) 236 10.3 184 8.0 534 26.1
Tax effect on other adjusting items (50) (2.2) (44) (1.9) (184) (8.9)
Deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates 6 (49) (2.2) (79) (3.5) (9,586) (469.0)
Release of deferred tax on unremitted earnings
from associates 6(d) – – – – (180) (8.8)
Effect of interest on FII GLO settlement and other 4(b) 80 3.5 41 1.8 43 2.1
Effect of retrospective guidance on WHT 6(d) – – 55 2.4 – –
Effect of adjusting finance costs in relation
to acquisition of RAI 4(b) – – – – 153 7.5
Tax effect of adjusting finance costs in relation
to acquisition of RAI – – – – (49) (2.4)
Effect of hedge ineffectiveness 4(b) – – – – 9 0.4
Tax effect on hedge ineffectiveness – – – – (2) (0.1)
Adjusted earnings per share (basic) 7,418 324.8 6,801 297.6 5,786 283.1

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 149


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

7 Earnings per share continued


Diluted
2019 2018 2017
Earnings Earnings Earnings
Earnings per share Earnings per share Earnings per share
Notes £m pence £m pence £m pence
Diluted earnings per share 5,704 249.0 6,032 263.2 37,485 1,827.6
Effect of restructuring and integration costs 3(e) 565 24.7 363 15.8 600 29.3
Tax and non-controlling interests on restructuring
and integration costs (101) (4.4) (83) (3.6) (133) (6.5)
Effect of amortisation and impairment of goodwill,
trademarks and similar intangibles 3(f), (h) 675 29.5 377 16.4 383 18.7
Tax and non-controlling interests on amortisation
and impairment of goodwill, trademarks and
similar intangibles (115) (5.0) (78) (3.4) (90) (4.4)
Effect of associates’ adjusting items net of tax 5(a) (25) (1.1) (32) (1.4) (23,197) (1,131.0)
Effect of Quebec class action 3(h) 436 19.0 – – – –
Tax on Quebec class action (124) (5.4) – – – –
Effect of Russia excise dispute 3(h) 202 8.8 – – – –
Tax on Russia excise dispute (16) (0.7) – – – –
Effect of hyperinflation on Venezuela retained earnings 3(h), 4(b) – – 65 2.8 – –

Other adjusting items 3(h) 236 10.3 184 8.0 534 26.0
Tax effect on other adjusting items (50) (2.2) (44) (1.9) (184) (8.9)
Deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates 6 (49) (2.2) (79) (3.4) (9,586) (467.4)
Release of deferred tax on unremitted earnings
from associates 6(d) – – – – (180) (8.8)
Effect of interest on FII GLO settlement and other 4(b) 80 3.5 41 1.8 43 2.1
Effect of retrospective guidance on WHT 6(d) – – 55 2.4 – –
Effect of adjusting finance costs in relation
to acquisition of RAI 4(b) – – – – 153 7.5
Tax effect of adjusting finance costs in relation
to acquisition of RAI – – – – (49) (2.4)
Effect of hedge ineffectiveness 4(b) – – – – 9 0.4
Tax effect on hedge ineffectiveness – – – – (2) (0.1)
Adjusted earnings per share (diluted) 7,418 323.8 6,801 296.7 5,786 282.1

150 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

7 Earnings per share continued


Headline earnings per share as required by the JSE Limited
The presentation of headline earnings per share, as an alternative measure of earnings per share, is mandated under the JSE Listing Requirements.
It is calculated in accordance with Circular 1/2019 ‘Headline Earnings’, as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Basic
2019 2018 2017
Earnings Earnings Earnings
Earnings per share Earnings per share Earnings per share
£m pence £m pence £m pence
Basic earnings per share 5,704 249.7 6,032 264.0 37,485 1,833.9
Effect of impairment of intangibles, property, plant and equipment
and assets held-for-sale 518 22.7 238 10.3 179 8.7
Tax and non-controlling interests on impairment of intangibles
and property, plant and equipment (79) (3.5) (65) (2.8) (35) (1.7)
Effect of losses/(gains) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
and held-for-sale assets 7 0.3 (11) (0.5) (48) (2.3)
Tax and non-controlling interests on disposal of property, plant
and equipment and held-for-sale assets (1) – 4 0.2 13 0.6
Effect of gains on disposal of businesses, non-current investments
and brands – – (10) (0.4) – –
Tax on gains on disposal of businesses, non-current investments
and brands – – 2 0.1 – –
Gain on deemed disposal of RAI associate – – – – (23,288) (1,139.3)
Write-off of investment in associate – – – – 27 1.3
Issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate (25) (1.1) (22) (1.0) (29) (1.4)
Headline earnings per share (basic) 6,124 268.1 6,168 269.9 14,304 699.8

Diluted
2019 2018 2017
Earnings Earnings Earnings
Earnings per share Earnings per share Earnings per share
£m pence £m pence £m pence
Diluted earnings per share 5,704 249.0 6,032 263.2 37,485 1,827.6
Effect of impairment of intangibles, property, plant and equipment
and assets held-for-sale 518 22.5 238 10.3 179 8.6
Tax and non-controlling interests on impairment of intangibles
and property, plant and equipment (79) (3.4) (65) (2.8) (35) (1.7)
Effect of losses/(gains) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
and held-for-sale assets 7 0.3 (11) (0.5) (48) (2.3)
Tax and non-controlling interests on disposal of property, plant
and equipment and held-for-sale assets (1) – 4 0.2 13 0.6
Effect of gains on disposal of businesses, non-current investments
and brands – – (10) (0.4) – –
Tax on gains on disposal of businesses, non-current investments
and brands – – 2 0.1 – –
Gain on deemed disposal of RAI associate – – – – (23,288) (1,135.4)
Write-off of investment in associate – – – – 27 1.3
Issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate (25) (1.1) (22) (1.0) (29) (1.4)
Headline earnings per share (diluted) 6,124 267.3 6,168 269.1 14,304 697.3

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 151


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

8 Intangible assets
(a) Overview of intangible assets
2019
Trademarks
and Assets in
Computer similar the course of
Goodwill software intangibles development Total
£m £m £m £m £m
1 January
Cost 46,163 1,101 78,736 125 126,125
Accumulated amortisation and impairment (698) (1,414) (2,112)
Net book value at 1 January 46,163 403 77,322 125 124,013
Differences on exchange (1,676) (2) (2,976) – (4,654)
Additions
– internal development – – – 148 148
– acquisitions (note 23) 23 – 54 – 77
– separately acquired – – 7 6 13
Reallocations – 134 30 (164) –
Amortisation charge – (105) (361) – (466)
Impairment (194) (3) (147) – (344)
31 December
Cost 44,316 1,207 75,726 115 121,364
Accumulated amortisation and impairment (780) (1,797) (2,577)
Net book value at 31 December 44,316 427 73,929 115 118,787

2018
Trademarks
and Assets in
Computer similar the course of
Goodwill software intangibles development Total
£m £m £m £m £m
1 January
Cost 44,147 1,119 74,136 71 119,473
Accumulated amortisation and impairment (672) (1,016) (1,688)
Net book value at 1 January 44,147 447 73,120 71 117,785
Differences on exchange 2,024 – 4,483 – 6,507
Additions
– internal development – – – 120 120
– acquisitions (note 23) 14 – 13 – 27
– separately acquired – – 62 – 62
Reallocations (22) 58 30 (66) –
Amortisation charge – (102) (342) – (444)
Impairment – – (44) – (44)
31 December
Cost 46,163 1,101 78,736 125 126,125
Accumulated amortisation and impairment (698) (1,414) (2,112)
Net book value at 31 December 46,163 403 77,322 125 124,013

(b) Goodwill
Goodwill of £44,316 million (2018: £46,163 million) is included in intangible assets in the balance sheet of which the following are the
significant acquisitions: RAI £33,761 million (2018: £35,117 million); Rothmans Group £4,704 million (2018: £4,856 million); Imperial Tobacco
Canada £2,335 million (2018: £2,307 million); ETI (Italy) £1,396 million (2018: £1,478 million) and ST (principally Scandinavia) £1,048 million
(2018: £1,111 million). The principal allocations of goodwill in the Rothmans’ acquisition are to the cash-generating units of Europe and South
Africa, with the remainder mainly relating to operations in the domestic and export markets in the United Kingdom and operations in APME.

152 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

8 Intangible assets continued


During 2019, the Group recognised a goodwill impairment charge of £194 million as explained in note 8(e)(iv) below.
(c) Trademarks and similar intangibles
Trademarks and similar intangibles with indefinite lives
Included in the net book value of trademarks and similar intangibles are trademarks relating to the acquisition of RAI with indefinite lives
amounting to £71,032 million (2018: £73,885 million). These trademarks, including Newport, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Grizzly and Pall
Mall, all of which are part of the Group’s Strategic Portfolio of key brands, form the core focus of the US business and receive significant support
in the form of dedicated internal resources, forecasting and, where appropriate, marketing investment. These trademarks have significant market
share and positive cash flow growth expectations. There are no regulatory or contractual restrictions on the use of the trademarks, and there are
no plans by management to significantly redirect resources elsewhere. Consequently, in the view of management, these trademarks do not have
a foreseeable and definite end to their ability to generate future cash flows and hence are not amortised.
Trademarks and similar intangibles with definite lives
Included in the net book value of trademarks and similar intangibles are trademarks relating to the acquisition of RAI £2,590 million
(2018: £3,013 million), Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni (ST) £175 million (2018: £209 million) and TDR d.o.o. £17 million (2018: £40 million).
In 2019, as a result of declining volumes, the Group recognised a partial impairment of the Kodiak brand of £63 million. In addition, as a result
of the regulatory uncertainty in the US vaping market, the Group will not submit Premarket Tobacco Applications (PMTA) for the vaping e-liquids
purchased as part of the VapeWild acquisition (note 23). As a consequence, the Group recognised an impairment charge of £37 million in respect
of the brands acquired as part of the acquisition. The Group will withdraw the VapeWild products from the market in May 2020. Also in 2019, the
Group announced that it was simplifying its New Category product portfolio, with vapour products to be branded VUSE, modern oral products
to be branded VELO and tobacco heating products continuing to be branded glo. As a result, the carrying values of trademarks and similar
intangible assets acquired as part of the Chic, Must Have Limited and Quantus/Highendsmoke business combinations (see note 23), amounting
to £29 million in total, have been fully impaired, as the acquired trademarks will no longer generate future economic benefits.
During 2018, a purchase price allocation adjustment was recognised in respect of the provisional goodwill recognised as a result of the Group
acquiring certain tobacco assets, including a distribution company, from Bulgartabac Holdings AD in Bulgaria. The provisional goodwill of
£22 million was reclassified to trademarks and similar intangibles with definite lives.
(d) Computer software and assets in the course of development
Included in computer software and assets in the course of development are internally developed assets with a carrying value of £516 million
(2018: £523 million). The costs of internally developed assets include capitalised expenses of employees working full time on software
development projects, third-party consultants, and software licence fees from third-party suppliers.
The Group has £4 million of future contractual commitments (2018: £6 million) related to intangible assets.
(e) Impairment testing
(i) Estimation uncertainty
As described in note 1, the critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the review of
asset values, especially indefinite life assets such as goodwill and certain trademarks and similar intangibles.
There is significant judgement with regard to assumptions and estimates involved in the forecasting of future cash flows, which form the basis
of the assessment of the recoverability of these assets, with the effect that the value-in-use of calculations incorporate estimation uncertainty,
particularly for certain assets held in relation to the Canada and US markets.
(ii) Impairment testing – Trademarks and similar intangibles with indefinite lives (‘brands’)
The trademarks and similar intangibles have been tested for impairment in line with the following methodology. The recoverable amounts of
trademarks and similar intangibles with indefinite lives have been determined on a value-in-use basis. The value-in-use calculations use cash flows
based on detailed brand budgets prepared by management using projected sales volumes, revenues and projected brand profitability covering a
five-year to 10-year horizon depending on the brand and, thereafter, grown into perpetuity. Corporate costs are allocated to the brand budgets
based on either specific allocations, where appropriate, or based on volumes. The pre-tax discount rates, ranging between 8.32% and 9.02%,
and long-term growth rates, ranging between 0.75% and 1.0%, applied to the brand value-in-use calculations have been determined by local
management based on experience, specific market and brand trends and pricing and cost expectations. Following the application of a reasonable
range of sensitivities, there was no indication of impairment.
Refer to note 8(e)(v) for further information on the Newport brand impairment testing. As the trademarks and similar intangibles with indefinite
lives relate to the acquisition of RAI, the brand budgets used in the value-in-use calculations have been incorporated into the budget information
used in the impairment testing of the RAI goodwill.
(iii) Cash-generating units and information on goodwill impairment testing
In 2019, goodwill was allocated for impairment testing purposes to 21 (2018: 19) individual cash-generating units – two in the United States
(2018: one), five in APME (2018: five), seven in AMSSA (2018: six) and seven in ENA (2018: seven).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 153


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

8 Intangible assets continued


2019 2018
Carrying Pre-tax Carrying Pre-tax
amount discount rate amount discount rate
£m % £m %
Cash-generating unit
RAI 33,761 7.3 35,117 7.7
Canada 2,335 19.1 2,307 7.5
Europe 4,809 6.2 5,069 7.5
South Africa 598 9.3 605 10.6
Australia 711 6.7 740 7.9
Singapore 599 6.4 615 6.6
Malaysia 435 7.5 448 8.2
Other 1,068 6.8 1,262 7.9
Total 44,316 46,163

For CGU Other the weighted average pre-tax discount rate has been used.

The recoverable amounts of all cash-generating units have been determined on a value-in-use basis. The key assumptions for the recoverable
amounts of all units are the budgeted volumes, revenues, operating margins and long-term growth rates, which directly impact the cash
flows, and the discount rates used in the calculation. The long-term growth rate is used purely for the impairment testing of goodwill under
IAS 36 Impairment of Assets and does not reflect long-term planning assumptions used by the Group for investment proposals or for any
other assessments.
Pre-tax discount rates, as shown above, were used in the impairment testing, based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, taking
into account the cost of capital and borrowings, to which specific market-related premium adjustments are made. These adjustments are
derived from external sources and are based on the spread between bonds (or credit default swaps, or similar indicators) issued by the US or
comparable governments and by the relevant local government, adjusted for the Group’s own credit market risk. For ease of use and consistency
in application, these results are periodically calibrated into bands based on internationally recognised credit ratings. The long-term growth rates
and discount rates have been applied to the budgeted cash flows of each cash-generating unit. These cash flows have been determined by local
management based on experience, specific market and brand trends as well as pricing and cost expectations. These have been endorsed by
Group management as part of the consolidated Group’s budget.
(iv) Impairment testing – Goodwill (excluding RAI and Canada)
The value-in-use calculations use cash flows based on detailed financial budgets prepared by management covering a one-year period
extrapolated over a 10-year horizon with growth of 4% in years 2 to 10, including 2% inflation (2018: 2% inflation), after which a total growth
rate of 2 % (2018: 2%) has been assumed as the long-term volume decline is more than offset by pricing to drive revenue growth. A 10-year
horizon is considered appropriate based on the Group’s history of profit and cash growth, its well-balanced portfolio of brands and the industry
in which it operates. In some instances, such as recent acquisitions, start-up ventures or in specific cases, the forecast is expanded to reflect the
medium-term plan of the country or market management spanning five years or beyond. Following the application of a reasonable range of
sensitivities to all the cash-generating units, and after reflecting the impairments below, there was no indication of any further impairment.
In 2009, the Group acquired Bentoel and the goodwill arising from this acquisition was assigned to the Indonesia cash-generating unit.
During 2019, the Indonesian government announced a significant increase in excise effective 1 January 2020. The recoverable amount of the
Indonesia cash-generating unit has been determined on a value-in-use basis using a 10-year forecast with cash flows after year 10 extrapolated as
described above. The 10-year forecast has been prepared to take into account the expected decline in revenue and the impact this will have on
net revenue, operating profit and cash flows. The extent of the significant increase in excise is such that the forecast cash flows do not support
the carrying value of goodwill and therefore the goodwill of £172 million has been fully impaired. The other assets held by the Indonesian cash-
generating unit were assessed for impairment and based on the recoverable amounts, no impairment charges were recognised.
As explained in note 8(c) above, in addition to the impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles, the goodwill associated with the acquisitions
of VapeWild and Quantus/Highendsmoke (note 23) have been impaired in full amounting to £12 million and £10 million, respectively.
(v) Impairment testing – RAI
Goodwill relating to RAI and the Newport trademark
On 15 November 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an intention to ban flavoured vaping products and menthol
cigarette. Management recognises that the FDA announcement in 2018 does not itself constitute a ban on menthol in cigarettes, and any
proposed regulation of menthol in cigarettes would need to be introduced through the established US comprehensive rule-making process, the
timetable and outcome for which was, and remains, uncertain. In addition, it is unclear how any such potential US regulation might affect the
manufacture and marketing of Group combustible brands containing menthol.
Having considered the combination of the risk of implementation and impact of any change in regulations, the Group has not recognised any
impairment in 2019 or 2018 on either the Newport brand or RAI goodwill, as management concluded that there would not be a significant
impact to the value-in-use. The base case scenario used in the impairment model therefore does not include any potential impact of changes in
regulation in relation to menthol flavourings in combustibles.

154 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

8 Intangible assets continued


The carrying amounts for RAI goodwill and Newport were £33,761 million and £30,179 million respectively (2018: £35,117 million and
£31,391 million). The value-in-use calculations for brands, as described in note 8(e)(ii) above, have been incorporated in the base case scenario
used in the RAI goodwill model. The value-in-use calculations have been prepared based on a five-year cash flow forecast, which assumes long-
term volume decline of cigarettes. This decline is more than offset by pricing. After this forecast period a growth rate of 2% has been assumed for
RAI goodwill and 1% for Newport and a pre-tax discount rate of 7.3% (2018: 7.7%) and 8.6% (2018: 8.7%), respectively.
The excess of value-in-use earnings over the carrying values (“headroom”) of the RAI goodwill and Newport brand would be reduced to nil if the
following individual changes, none of which are considered reasonably possible by management, were made to the key assumptions used in the
impairment model. For RAI goodwill, the change in revenue assumption is based on combustibles revenue in the five-year forecast reducing by
13.4% in each year and assumes that other assumptions are not changed. For Newport, the change in revenue assumption is based on Newport
revenue in the five-year forecast reducing by 11.9% in each year and assumes that other assumptions are not changed.

RAI goodwill Newport


% %
Assumptions
Decrease in revenue by 13.4 11.9
Increase in pre-tax discount rate by 1.4 0.6

(vi) Impairment testing – Canada


Goodwill relating to Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd (ITCAN)
In March 2019, ITCAN obtained an Initial Order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granting it protection under the Companies’ Creditors
Arrangement Act (“CCAA”). If the CCAA bankruptcy protection were to end, significant liabilities might crystallise. As a consequence, to reflect
the risk to future operating cash flows, the value-in-use calculations have been prepared based on a five-year cash flow forecast, after which a
growth rate of -1.8% and a pre-tax discount rate of 19.1% (2018: 7.5%) have been assumed. Further information on the Quebec Class Actions
and CCAA can be found in note 27.
In addition to the increase in discount rate, a reasonable range of sensitivities was applied to the value-in-use calculation and there was no
indication of impairment.
The excess of value-in-use earnings over the carrying values (“headroom”) of the ITCAN goodwill would be reduced to nil if the following
individual changes, none of which are considered reasonably possible by management, were made to the key assumptions used in the
impairment model. The change in revenue assumption is based on combustibles revenue in the five-year forecast reducing by 19% in each year
and assumes that other assumptions are not changed.

Canada
goodwill
%
Assumptions
Decrease in revenue by 19.0
Increase in pre-tax discount rate by 10.3

The £2,335 million of goodwill relating to ITCAN on the Group’s balance sheet at 31 December 2019 will continue to be reviewed on a regular
basis. Any future impairment charge would result in a non-cash charge to the income statement that will be treated as an adjusting item.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 155


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

9 Property, plant and equipment


Overview of property, plant and equipment, including right-of-use assets

2019
Plant, Plant,
equipment equipment Assets in the
Freehold Leasehold and other and other course of
property property owned leased construction Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
31 December
Cost 1,515 268 5,730 33 1,108 8,654
Accumulated depreciation and impairment (411) (129) (2,931) (17) (3,488)
Net book value at 31 December 1,104 139 2,799 16 1,108 5,166
Accounting policy change (IFRS 16) (note 30) 470 140 610
Net book value at 1 January 1,104 609 2,799 156 1,108 5,776
Differences on exchange (56) (30) (136) (9) (51) (282)
Additions
– right-of-use assets – 85 – 77 162
– separately acquired 3 1 46 – 566 616
– acquisition of subsidiaries (note 23) – 4 2 – – 6
Reallocations 73 12 610 – (695) –
Depreciation (37) (114) (308) (62) (521)
Impairment (6) (2) (159) – (7) (174)
Right-of-use assets – reassessments, modifications and terminations – (9) – (18) (27)
Disposals (5) – (27) – (32)
Net reclassifications as held-for-sale – – (6) – (6)
31 December
Cost 1,503 785 5,795 215 921 9,219
Accumulated depreciation and impairment (427) (229) (2,974) (71) – (3,701)
Net book value at 31 December 1,076 556 2,821 144 921 5,518

2018
Plant, Assets in the
Freehold Leasehold equipment course of
property property and other construction Total
£m £m £m £m £m
1 January
Cost 1,455 267 5,552 917 8,191
Accumulated depreciation and impairment (369) (124) (2,816) (3,309)
Net book value at 1 January 1,086 143 2,736 917 4,882
Differences on exchange 76 4 27 (5) 102
Additions
– separately acquired 5 1 41 722 769
Reallocations 58 2 466 (526) –
Depreciation (34) (11) (318) (363)
Impairment (74) – (120) (194)
Disposals (13) – (17) (30)
31 December
Cost 1,515 268 5,763 1,108 8,654
Accumulated depreciation and impairment (411) (129) (2,948) (3,488)
Net book value at 31 December 1,104 139 2,815 1,108 5,166

In 2018, the differences on exchange include £149 million of indexation in respect of the operations in Venezuela. However, management
believes that such a revaluation is not reflective of the fair value of assets in Venezuela and an impairment charge of £110 million has been
recognised, as explained in note 3(h).
Also in 2018, the closing balance of ‘plant, equipment and other’ includes £16 million of leased assets (£33 million of cost and £17 million of
accumulated depreciation). Upon adoption of IFRS 16 Leases prospectively from 1 January 2019, the right-of-use assets have been reported in a
separate asset class, ‘plant, equipment and other leased’, as explained in note 30.

156 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

9 Property, plant and equipment continued


Right-of-use assets
The Group’s leasehold property arrangements relate mostly to office, retail space and warehouse facilities occupied by Group subsidiaries
worldwide, whereas the ‘plant, equipment and other’ leasing arrangements relate principally to the lease of the distribution fleet, industrial
equipment as well as tobacco vending machines by the Group’s subsidiaries. Upon adoption of IFRS 16 Leases, £610 million worth of right-of-
use assets have been capitalised as at 1 January 2019. During 2019, further additions of £135 million (net of reassessments, modifications and
terminations) were made to the Group assets portfolio.
As explained in note 11, contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund are secured by a charge over the Group’s Head Office
(Globe House). Globe House is included in freehold property above with a carrying value of £184 million (2018: £185 million).

2019 2018
£m £m
Cost of freehold land within freehold property on which no depreciation is provided 261 255
Leasehold land and property comprises
– net book value of long leasehold 83 100
– net book value of short leasehold 473 46
556 146
Contracts placed for future expenditure 133 141

10 Investments in associates and joint ventures


2019 2018
£m £m
1 January 1,737 1,577
Total comprehensive income (note 5) 390 387
Dividends (239) (211)
Additions (note 23) 8 –
Other equity movements (36) (16)
31 December 1,860 1,737
Non-current assets 1,237 1,225
Current assets 1,085 953
Non-current liabilities (74) (71)
Current liabilities (388) (370)
1,860 1,737
ITC Ltd. (Group’s share of the market value is £9,099 million (2018: £11,465 million)) 1,794 1,682
Other listed associates (Group’s share of the market value is £221 million (2018: £183 million)) 22 20
Unlisted associates 44 35
1,860 1,737

The Group’s investment in Tisak d.d. (Tisak) was acquired as part of the TDR transaction (note 23). During 2016, the Group entered into an
agreement with Tisak’s parent Agrokor d.d. (Agrokor) to convert certain outstanding trading balances into long-term loans and an additional
shareholding in Tisak. As part of the agreement, Agrokor had the right to reacquire the additional shareholding in Tisak. As a consequence of this,
while the Group had legal ownership of the additional shareholding, it did not consider that the shares provided any additional equity interest
and continued to account for 26% of the equity of Tisak. In 2017, due to the financial difficulties of Agrokor and Tisak, the Group fully impaired
this investment. This resulted in a charge of £27 million to the income statement that has been reported as an adjusting item in note 5. In July
2018, Agrokor’s creditors approved a settlement plan proposed by Agrokor’s administrators. The settlement plan has not returned any value to
the Group and Tisak is expected to be liquidated in 2020.
Included within the dividends amount of £239 million (2018: £211 million) are £231 million (2018: £204 million) attributable to dividends
declared by ITC.
The principal associate undertaking of the Group is ITC Ltd. (“ITC”) as shown under associates undertakings and joint ventures.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 157


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

10 Investments in associates and joint ventures continued


ITC Ltd.
ITC is an Indian conglomerate based in Kolkata and maintains a presence in cigarettes, hotels, paper and packaging, agri-business and other fast-
moving goods (e.g. confectionery, branded apparel, personal care, stationery and safety matches). BAT’s interest in ITC is 29.46%.
ITC prepares accounts on a quarterly basis with a 31 March year-end. As permitted by IAS 28, results up to 30 September 2019 have been used
in applying the equity method. This is driven by the availability of information at the half-year, to be consistent with the treatment in the Group’s
interim accounts. Any further information available after the date used for reporting purposes is reviewed and any material items adjusted for in
the final results. The latest published information available is at 31 December 2019.

2019 2018
£m £m
Non-current assets 4,124 4,106
Current assets 3,234 2,823
Non-current liabilities (237) (238)
Current liabilities (1,031) (1,002)
6,090 5,689

Group’s share of ITC Ltd. (2019: 29.46%; 2018: 29.57%) 1,794 1,682

11 Retirement benefit schemes


The Group’s subsidiary undertakings operate over 190 retirement benefit arrangements worldwide including arrangements required by local
employment laws. The majority of scheme members (including deferred and retired members) belong to defined benefit schemes. The majority
of defined benefit schemes are funded externally, and many are closed to new entrants. The Group also operates a number of defined
contribution schemes, and the majority of employees actively accruing retirement benefits do so as members of these arrangements.
The liabilities arising in the defined benefit schemes are determined in accordance with the advice of independent, professionally qualified
actuaries, using the projected unit credit method. It is Group policy that all schemes are formally valued at least every three years.
The principal schemes are in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Netherlands and Switzerland. Together, schemes in these territories account for
around 95% of the total obligations of the Group’s defined benefit pension arrangements. These obligations consist mainly of final salary pension
schemes which provide benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life. The level of benefits provided depends
on members’ length of service and their salary in the final years leading up to retirement. In addition, the Group operates several healthcare
benefit schemes, of which the most significant are in the US and Canada. The liabilities in respect of healthcare benefits are also assessed by
qualified independent actuaries, applying the projected unit credit method.
All of these arrangements, including funded schemes where formal trusts or equivalents are required, have been developed and are operated in
accordance with local practices and regulations where applicable in the countries concerned. For example, in the US, the main funded pension
schemes are the Reynolds American Retirement Plan and the Retirement Income Plan for Certain RAI Affiliates, and the main funded healthcare
scheme is the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation Welfare & Fringe Benefit Plan, all of which are established with corporate trustees that are
required to run the schemes in accordance with the Plan’s rules and to comply with all relevant legislation, including the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act 1974. Similarly, in the UK, the main pension scheme is the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund (“UK Fund”), which is
established under trust law and has a corporate trustee that is required to run the scheme in accordance with the Fund’s Trust Deed and Rules
and to comply with the Pension Scheme Act 1993, Pensions Act 1995, Pensions Act 2004 and all other relevant legislation.
Responsibility for the governance of the schemes across the Group, including investment decisions and contribution schedules, generally lies
with the trustees. The trustees for each arrangement will usually consist of representatives appointed by both the sponsoring company and the
beneficiaries. In the US, the corporate trustees act as custodians with a committee of local management acting in a fiduciary capacity with regard
to investment decisions, risk mitigation and administration of the arrangements.
The majority of schemes are subject to local regulations regarding funding requirements. Contributions to defined benefit schemes are
determined after consultation with the respective trustees and actuaries of the individual externally funded schemes, and after taking into account
regulatory requirements in each territory. The Group’s contributions to funded retirement benefit schemes in 2020 in total are expected to be
£80 million compared to £82 million in 2019.
Contributions to the various funded schemes in the US are agreed with the relevant corporate Trustee, the named fiduciary, scheme actuaries and
the committee of local management after taking account of statutory requirements including the Pensions Protection Act of 2006, as amended.
Through its US subsidiaries, the Group intends to make significant regular contributions, when required, with the aim of maintaining a funding
status of at least 90% and becoming fully funded long-term. During 2019, the Group did not contribute to its funded pension and post-
retirement plans in the US and does not expect to do so in 2020. 

158 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

11 Retirement benefit schemes continued


With effect from July 2018, contributions to the UK Fund, as agreed with the Trustee to meet the cost of future benefit accrual, were £18 million
per annum. Additional annual contributions to cover funding shortfalls are payable as required until the Fund is valued to 110% on a Technical
Provisions basis. These were £12 million in 2019 and 2018 and are expected to be the same in 2020, subject to review as part of the next formal
triennial valuation effective March 2020. Total contributions payable to the UK Fund are secured by a charge over the Group’s Head Office
(Globe House) up to a maximum of £150 million. The charge would be triggered in the event that the Group defaults on agreed contributions
due to the Fund or if an insolvency event occurs with respect to the UK entity responsible for making the payments. The charge is due to be
released in 2039 but may be released earlier by negotiation or if the Fund is valued to 115% on a Technical Provisions basis. Under the rules of
the scheme, any future surplus would be returnable to the Group by refund at the end of the life of the scheme. The funding commitment is
therefore not considered onerous, and in accordance with IFRIC 14 no additional liabilities or surplus restriction have been recognised in respect
of these commitments.
Payments made to pensioners by the operating companies in Germany, net of income on scheme assets, are deemed to be company
contributions to the Contractual Trust Arrangements and are anticipated to be around £17 million in 2020 and around £30 million per annum
for the four years after that. Contributions to pension schemes in Canada, Netherlands and Switzerland in total are anticipated to be around
£24 million in 2020 and then around £10 million per annum for the four years after that.
The majority of benefit payments are from trustee administered funds, however, there are also a number of unfunded schemes where the
sponsoring company meets the benefit payment obligation as it falls due, including Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Unapproved
Unfunded Retirement Benefit Schemes (DB UURBS and DC UURBS respectively). The DC UURBS credits accrued in the year are increased in line
with the Company’s Weighted Average Cost of Debt and the scheme is therefore treated as a defined benefit scheme under IAS 19. For unfunded
schemes in the US, UK and Canada, 40% of the liabilities reported at year-end are expected to be settled by the Group within 10 years, 28%
between 10 and 20 years, 18% between 20 and 30 years, and 14% thereafter.
The funded arrangements in the Group have policies on investment management, including strategies over a preferred long-term investment
profile, and schemes in certain territories including Canada and Netherlands manage their bond portfolios to match the weighted average
duration of scheme liabilities.
For funded schemes in the US, the Group employs a risk mitigation strategy which seeks to balance pension plan returns with a reasonable
level of funded status volatility. Based on this framework, the asset allocation has two primary components. The first component is the hedging
portfolio, which uses extended duration fixed income holdings (typically US Government and investment grade corporate bonds) and, to a lesser
extent, derivatives to match a portion of the interest rate risk associated with the benefit obligations, thereby reducing expected funded status
volatility. The second component is the return-seeking portfolio, which is designed to enhance portfolio returns. The return-seeking portfolio is
broadly diversified across asset classes.
On 31 May 2019, the Trustee of the UK Fund entered into an agreement with Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”) to acquire an insurance
policy that operates as a UK Fund investment asset, with the intent of matching a specific part of the UK Fund’s future cash flow arising from the
accrued pension liabilities of retired and deferred members. Such an arrangement is commonly termed as a “buy-in”. The buy-in reduces the
UK Fund’s value at risk in relation to key risks associated with improved longevity, inflation and interest rate movements whilst improving the
security to the UK Fund and its members. The Group consequently benefits from the buy-in as it reduces the UK Fund’s reliance on the Group for
future cash funding requirements. The buy-in transaction involved the transfer of £3.4 billion of assets held by the UK Fund to PIC and, as such,
had no cash effect to the Group. On an IAS 19 basis, the fair value of the insurance policy will match the present value of the liabilities being
insured. On completion of the transaction, a loss of £691 million was recognised through the statement of other comprehensive income on the
revaluation of the insurance asset with no impact to the income statement. For the residual assets in the UK Fund, the strategy is broadly split
70% risk reducing assets and 30% return seeking assets. The return seeking portfolio is invested in illiquid assets and the corresponding strategy
is to allow these assets to naturally wind down over time, with their value being realised as the investments mature. This is consistent with the
Trustee’s ultimate target which is to be 100% invested in risk reducing assets.
Through its defined benefit pension schemes and healthcare schemes, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, including:
Asset volatility:
The plan liabilities are calculated using discount rates set by reference to bond yields. If plan assets underperform this yield, e.g. due to stock
market volatility, this will create a deficit. However, most schemes hold a proportion of assets which are expected to outperform bonds in the long
term, and the majority of schemes by value are subject to local regulation regarding funding deficits.
Changes in bond yields:
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase scheme liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the schemes’
bond holdings or other hedging instruments.
Inflation risk:
Some of the Group’s pension obligations are linked to inflation and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities, although in most cases, caps on
the level of inflationary increases are in place in the scheme rules, while some assets and derivatives provide specific inflation protection.
Life expectancy:
The majority of the schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase
in the plans’ liabilities. Assumptions regarding mortality and mortality improvements are regularly reviewed in line with actuarial tables and
scheme specific experience.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 159


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

11 Retirement benefit schemes continued


The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are determined as follows:

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Present value of funded scheme liabilities (11,454) (11,031) (272) (286) (11,726) (11,317)
Fair value of funded scheme assets 11,682 11,747 178 178 11,860 11,925
228 716 (94) (108) 134 608
Unrecognised funded scheme surpluses (28) (20) – – (28) (20)
200 696 (94) (108) 106 588
Present value of unfunded scheme liabilities (578) (531) (557) (575) (1,135) (1,106)
(378) 165 (651) (683) (1,029) (518)

The above net (liability)/asset is recognised in the balance sheet as follows:

– retirement benefit scheme liabilities (807) (982) (652) (683) (1,459) (1,665)
– retirement benefit scheme assets 429 1,147 1 – 430 1,147
(378) 165 (651) (683) (1,029) (518)

The net liabilities of funded pension schemes by territory are as follows:

Liabilities Assets Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
– US (4,945) (4,835) 4,818 4,464 (127) (371)
– UK (3,214) (2,962) 3,533 4,016 319 1,054
– Germany (958) (949) 928 948 (30) (1)
– Canada (738) (694) 747 708 9 14
– Netherlands (778) (782) 814 793 36 11
– Switzerland (333) (326) 294 283 (39) (43)
– Rest of Group (488) (483) 548 535 60 52
Funded schemes (11,454) (11,031) 11,682 11,747 228 716

Of the Group’s unfunded pension schemes 50% (2018: 48%) relate to arrangements in the UK and 32% (2018: 32%) relate to arrangements in
the US, while 86% (2018: 87%) of the Group’s unfunded healthcare arrangements relate to arrangements in the US.
The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Defined benefit schemes
Service cost
– current service cost 92 95 2 2 94 97
– past service cost/(credit), curtailments and settlements 7 – (1) 7 (1)

Net interest on the net defined benefit liability


– interest on scheme liabilities 391 364 34 33 425 397
– interest on scheme assets (388) (362) (8) (8) (396) (370)
– interest on unrecognised funded scheme surpluses – 2 – – 2
102 99 28 26 130 125
Defined contribution schemes 97 87 – – 97 87
Total amount recognised in the income statement (note 3(a)) 199 186 28 26 227 212

The above charges are recognised within employee benefit costs in note 3(a) and include a charge of £16 million in 2019 (2018: £3 million) in
respect of settlements, past service costs and defined contribution costs reported as part of the restructuring costs charged in arriving at profit
from operations (note 3(e)). Included in current service cost in 2019 is £21 million (2018: £16 million) of administration costs. Current service
cost is stated after netting employee contributions, where applicable.

160 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

11 Retirement benefit schemes continued


The movements in scheme liabilities are as follows:

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Present value at 1 January 11,562 12,077 861 948 12,423 13,025
Differences on exchange (343) 295 (30) 43 (373) 338
Current service cost 94 95 2 2 96 97
Past service cost/(credit) & settlements 7 (10) – (1) 7 (11)
Interest on scheme liabilities 391 364 34 33 425 397
Contributions by scheme members – 2 – – – 2
Benefits paid (743) (694) (63) (62) (806) (756)
Actuarial (gains)/losses
– arising from changes in demographic assumptions (84) (12) (10) (4) (94) (16)
– arising from changes in financial assumptions 1,105 (547) 70 (49) 1,175 (596)
Experience gains 43 (8) (35) (49) 8 (57)
Present value at 31 December 12,032 11,562 829 861 12,861 12,423

Changes in financial assumptions principally relate to discount rate movements in both years.
Scheme liabilities by scheme membership:

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Active members 1,895 1,785 59 55 1,954 1,840
Deferred members 1,308 1,259 2 2 1,310 1,261
Retired members 8,829 8,518 768 804 9,597 9,322
Present value at 31 December 12,032 11,562 829 861 12,861 12,423

Approximately 95% of scheme liabilities in both years relate to guaranteed benefits.


The movements in funded scheme assets are as follows:

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Fair value of scheme assets at 1 January 11,747 12,157 178 193 11,925 12,350
Differences on exchange (326) 262 (6) 8 (332) 270
Settlements – (10) – – – (10)
Interest on scheme assets 388 362 8 8 396 370
Company contributions 82 176 – 45 82 221
Contributions by scheme members 3 – – – 3 –
Benefits paid (704) (684) (17) (61) (721) (745)
Actuarial gains/(losses) 492 (516) 15 (15) 507 (531)
Fair value of scheme assets at 31 December 11,682 11,747 178 178 11,860 11,925

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Equities – listed 1,221 1,133 7 5 1,228 1,138
Equities – unlisted 1,025 930 68 59 1,093 989
Bonds – listed 2,739 5,925 7 11 2,746 5,936
Bonds – unlisted 2,417 1,672 74 84 2,491 1,756
Other assets – listed 549 618 13 10 562 628
Other assets – unlisted 3,731 1,469 9 9 3,740 1,478
Fair value of scheme assets at 31 December 11,682 11,747 178 178 11,860 11,925

Scheme assets have been diversified into equities, bonds and other assets and are typically invested via fund investment managers into both
pooled and segregated mandates of listed and unlisted equities and bonds.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 161


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

11 Retirement benefit schemes continued


In the above analysis investments via equity-based investment funds are shown under listed equities, and investments via bond-based investment
funds are shown under listed bonds. Other assets include insurance contracts, cash and other deposits, derivatives and other hedges, recoverable
taxes, infrastructure investments and investment property.
In the US, pension plan assets are invested using active investment strategies and multiple investment management firms. Managers within each
asset class cover a range of investment styles and approaches. Allowable investment types include global equity, fixed income, real assets, private
equity and absolute return. The range of allowable investment types utilised for pension assets provides enhanced returns and more widely
diversifies the plan.
The UK Fund historically has diversified a portion of the assets held by investing in equities listed on non-UK stock exchanges via investment
funds, and by making use of liability driven investment funds and inflation opportunity funds as part of its investment portfolio. As noted above,
during 2019 the Trustee acquired an insurance policy that operates as a UK Fund investment asset in a “buy-in” transaction. The residual assets
now predominantly consist of liability driven investments and absolute return funds as well as a proportion of illiquid investments, such as private
equity and infrastructure investments.
The actuarial gains and losses in both years principally relate to movements in the fair values of scheme assets and actual returns are stated net of
applicable taxes and fund management fees. The fair values of listed scheme assets were derived from observable data including quoted market
prices and other market data, including market values of individual segregated investments and of pooled investment funds where quoted.
The fair values of unlisted assets were derived from cash flow projections of estimated future income after taking into account the estimated
recoverable value of these assets.
The movements in the unrecognised scheme surpluses, recognised in other comprehensive income, are as follows:

Pension schemes Healthcare schemes Total


2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Unrecognised funded scheme
surpluses at 1 January (20) (23) (18) – – – (20) (23) (18)
Differences on exchange (1) 1 3 – – – (1) 1 3
Interest on unrecognised funded
scheme surpluses – (2) (2) – – – – (2) (2)
Movement in year (note 18) (7) 4 (6) – – – (7) 4 (6)
Unrecognised funded scheme
surpluses at 31 December (28) (20) (23) – – – (28) (20) (23)

The principal actuarial assumptions (weighted to reflect individual scheme differences) used in the following territories are shown below. In both
years, discount rates are determined by reference to normal yields on high quality corporate bonds at the balance sheet date.

2019 2018
US UK Germany Canada Netherlands Switzerland US UK Germany Canada Netherlands Switzerland
Rate of increase in salaries (%) 3.4 3.0 0.6 3.0 2.1 1.3 3.9 3.2 1.7 3.0 2.1 1.3
Rate of increase in pensions
in payment (%) 2.5 3.0 0.4 Nil 0.9 Nil 2.5 3.2 1.1 Nil 1.1 Nil
Rate of increase in deferred
pensions (%) – 2.2 0.4 Nil 0.9 – – 2.2 1.1 Nil 1.1 –
Discount rate (%) 3.3 2.0 0.3 3.0 1.1 0.1 4.3 2.9 1.3 3.8 1.8 0.9
General inflation (%) 2.5 3.0 0.4 2.0 2.0 1.1 2.5 3.2 1.1 2.0 2.0 1.1

2019 2018
US UK Germany Canada Netherlands Switzerland US UK Germany Canada Netherlands Switzerland
Weighted average duration
of liabilities (years) 11.4 16.1 14.0 11.0 17.8 13.9 10.8 16.0 8.2 10.5 17.5 12.8

For healthcare inflation in the US, the assumption is 6.5% for both years and in Canada, the assumption is 5.0% for both years.

162 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

11 Retirement benefit schemes continued


Mortality assumptions are subject to regular review. The principal schemes used the following tables:

US PRI-2012 mortality tables without collar or amount, projected with MP-2019 generational projection
(2018: RP-2018 and MP-2018)
UK S2PA (YOB) with the CMI (2018) improvement model with a 1.25% long term improvement rate (2018: CMI (2017))
Germany RT Heubeck 2018 G (both years)
Canada CPM-2014 Private Table (both years)
Netherlands AG Prognosetafel 2018 (both years)
Switzerland LPP/BVG 2015 base table with CMI projection factors for mortality improvements with a 1.5% long-term improvement
rate (both years)

Based on the above, the weighted average life expectancy, in years, for mortality tables used to determine benefit obligations is as follows:

US UK Germany Canada Netherlands Switzerland


Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female
31 December 2019
Member age 65
(current life expectancy) 20.6 22.6 22.4 23.9 20.2 23.7 21.6 23.9 21.0 24.3 21.8 23.8
Member age 45
(life expectancy at age 65) 22.2 24.1 24.0 25.2 23.0 25.9 22.6 24.9 23.4 26.3 23.7 25.7
31 December 2018
Member age 65
(current life expectancy) 20.7 22.7 22.6 24.1 17.0 20.6 21.5 23.9 20.8 24.5 21.8 23.8
Member age 45
(life expectancy at age 65) 22.3 24.2 24.2 25.4 19.8 22.8 22.5 24.8 23.1 26.5 23.6 25.6

For the remaining territories, typical assumptions are that real salary increases will be from 0% to 5.0% (2018: 0.5% to 6.3%) per annum and
discount rates will be from 0% to 11.7% (2018: 0.6% to 7.6%) above inflation. Pension increases, where allowed for, are generally assumed to be
in line with inflation. Assumptions of life expectancy are in line with best practice in each territory. For countries where there is not a deep market
in such corporate bonds, the yield on government bonds is used.
The valuation of retirement benefit schemes involves judgements about uncertain future events. Sensitivities in respect of the key assumptions
used to measure the principal pension schemes as at 31 December 2019 are set out below. These sensitivities show the hypothetical impact
of a change in each of the listed assumptions in isolation, with the exception of the sensitivity to inflation which incorporates the impact of
certain correlating assumptions such as salary increases. While each of these sensitivities holds all other assumptions constant, in practice such
assumptions rarely change in isolation, while asset values also change, and the impacts may offset to some extent.

0.25 0.25
percentage percentage
1 year 1 year point point
increase decrease increase decrease
£m £m £m £m
Average life expectancy – increase/(decrease) of scheme liabilities 387 (385)
Rate of inflation – increase/(decrease) of scheme liabilities 173 (163)
Discount rate – (decrease)/increase of scheme liabilities (350) 367

A one percentage point increase in healthcare inflation would increase healthcare scheme liabilities by £42 million, and a one percentage point
decrease would decrease liabilities by £36 million. The income statement effect of this change in assumption is not material.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 163


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

12 Deferred tax
Net deferred tax (liabilities)/assets comprise:

Excess of Undistributed
capital earnings of
allowances associates Other
Stock over Tax and Retirement temporary
relief depreciation losses subsidiaries benefits Trademarks differences Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
1 January 2019 (70) (210) 105 (281) 222 (18,246) 1,048 (17,432)
Differences on exchange 4 11 (2) 15 (9) 701 (40) 680
Subsidiaries acquired (note 23) – – – – – (4) – (4)
Credited/(charged) to the income
statement 21 (9) (24) (52) (15) 92 (68) (55)
(Charged)/credited relating to changes
in tax rates – – – – (1) 49 (1) 47
Credited to other comprehensive income – – – – 82 – 56 138
31 December 2019 (45) (208) 79 (318) 279 (17,408) 995 (16,626)
31 December 2017 (91) (174) 113 (241) 264 (17,323) 656 (16,796)
Accounting policy change
(IFRS 9) (note 30) – – – – – – 7 7
Revised 1 January 2018 (91) (174) 113 (241) 264 (17,323) 663 (16,789)
Differences on exchange (7) (10) 4 6 15 (1,066) 47 (1,011)
Subsidiaries acquired (note 23) – – – – – (3) 4 1
Credited/(charged) to the
income statement 27 (16) (11) (46) (36) 67 319 304
Credited/(charged) relating to changes
in tax rates 1 (10) (1) – 4 79 (3) 70
(Charged)/credited to other
comprehensive income – – – – (25) – 18 (7)
31 December 2018 (70) (210) 105 (281) 222 (18,246) 1,048 (17,432)

The net deferred tax liabilities are reflected in the Group balance sheet as follows: deferred tax asset of £424 million and deferred tax liability of
£17,050 million (2018: deferred tax asset of £344 million and deferred tax liability of £17,776 million), after offsetting assets and liabilities where
there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and where the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority.
At the balance sheet date, the Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of unused tax losses of £342 million (2018: £308 million)
which have no expiry date and unused tax losses of £208 million (2018: £502 million) which will expire within the next 10 years.
In 2019 and 2018 the Group has not recognised any deferred tax asset in respect of deductible temporary differences which have no expiry
date and has not recognised £92 million (2018: £184 million) in respect of deductible temporary differences which will expire within the next
10 years.
At the balance sheet date, the Group has unused tax credits of £80 million (2018: £80 million) which have no expiry date. No amount of
deferred tax has been recognised in respect of these unused tax credits.
At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of undistributed earnings of subsidiaries which would be subject to dividend withholding tax
and for which no withholding tax liability has been recognised was £0.6 billion (2018: £0.7 billion).

13 Trade and other receivables


2019 2018
£m £m
Trade receivables 3,369 2,868
Loans and other receivables 629 1,082
Prepayments and accrued income 343 323
4,341 4,273
Current 4,093 3,588
Non-current 248 685
4,341 4,273

The majority of receivables are held in order to collect contractual cash flows, in accordance with the Group’s business model for managing
financial assets, and hence are measured at amortised cost. In certain countries, however, the Group has entered into factoring arrangements
and periodically sells certain trade receivables to banks and other financial institutions, without recourse, for cash. These trade receivables have
been derecognised from the statement of financial position to reflect the transfer by the Group of substantially all of the risks and rewards
of the receivables, including credit risk. Consequently, the cash inflows have been recognised within operating cash flows. Typically in these

164 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

13 Trade and other receivables continued


arrangements, the Group also acts as a collection agent for the bank. At 31 December, the value of trade receivables derecognised through the
factoring arrangements where the Group acts as a collection agent was £572 million (2018: £428 million) and where the Group does not act as
a collection agent was £26 million (2018: £40 million). Included in trade receivables above is £295 million (2018: £270 million) of trade debtor
balances which were available for factoring under these arrangements.
Included in loans and other receivables are £110 million of litigation related deposits (2018: £553 million). Management has determined that
these payments represent a resource controlled by the entity as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are expected
to flow to the entity either by being recoverable on conclusion of ongoing appeal processes or by reducing amounts payable on recognition of
liabilities which have yet to be determined should the appeal process fail. These deposits are held at the fair value of consideration transferred less
impairment, if applicable, and have not been discounted.
Prepayments and accrued income include £5 million (2018: £6 million) of accrued income in relation to rebates.
On 1 March 2019, the Quebec Court of Appeal in Montreal upheld the Superior Court’s decision of May 2015 (reducing ITCAN’s share of the
judgment due to a change in interest computation to a maximum of CAD$9.2 billion). The Court of Appeal also upheld the previously stated
requirements for the defendants to deposit CAD$1.1 billion into an escrow account. The Board of Directors of ITCAN reassessed the recoverability
of the litigation related deposit and, accordingly, the Group recognised a charge against the income statement of £436 million in the period,
reflecting the amount of the judgment that is considered to be probable and estimable in line with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
Contingent Assets. Consequently, the deposit which was shown as receivable at 31 December 2018 has been utilised against management’s best
estimate of the liability. Further details are provided in note 27.
Amounts receivable from related parties including associated undertakings are shown in note 26.
Trade and other receivables have been reported in the balance sheet net of allowances as follows:

2019 2018
£m £m
Trade receivables – gross 3,396 2,898
Trade receivables – allowance (27) (30)
Loans and other receivables – gross 639 1,092
Loans and other receivables – allowance (10) (10)
Prepayments and accrued income 343 323
Net trade and other receivables per balance sheet 4,341 4,273

The movements in the allowance account are as follows:

2019 2018
Loans and Loans and
Trade other Trade other
receivables receivables Total receivables receivables Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
1 January 30 10 40 39 46 85
Accounting policy change (IFRS 9) (notes 1 and 30) – – – 37 8 45
Revised 1 January 30 10 40 76 54 130
Differences on exchange (2) (2) 2 – 2
Provided in the year 24 24 16 10 26
Released (25) (25) (64) (54) (118)
31 December 27 10 37 30 10 40

As permitted by IFRS 9, the loss allowance on trade receivables arising from the recognition of revenue under IFRS 15 is initially measured at an
amount equal to lifetime expected losses. Allowances in respect of loans and other receivables are initially recognised at an amount equal to
12-month expected credit losses. Allowances are measured at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses where the credit risk on the
receivables increases significantly after initial recognition.
Prior to the adoption of IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018, loans and receivables were stated net of allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts due to
the identification of a loss event (the incurred loss method).
The Group holds bank guarantees, other guarantees and credit insurance in respect of some of the past due debtor balances.
Trade and other receivables are predominantly denominated in the functional currencies of subsidiary undertakings apart from the following: US
dollar: 4.2% (2018: 3.5%), UK sterling: 0.2% (2018: 4.2%), Euro: 1.1% (2018: 1.6%) and other currencies: 11.2% (2018: 6.6%).
There is no material difference between the above amounts for trade and other receivables and their fair value due to the short-term duration of
the majority of trade and other receivables as determined using discounted cash flow analysis. There is no concentration of credit risk with respect
to trade receivables as the Group has a large number of internationally dispersed customers.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 165


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

14 Investments held at fair value


2019 2018
£m £m
Investments
Fair value through P&L 127 213

Fair value through OCI 8 4


135 217
Current 123 178
Non-current 12 39
135 217

Investments held at fair value through OCI relate to the Group’s strategic investments in China Materialia Fund II.

2019 2018
£m £m
Functional currency 131 212
US dollar 4 –
Euro – –
Other currency – 5
135 217

The classification of these investments under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy is given in note 22.
There is no material difference between the investments held at fair value and their gross contractual values.

15 Derivative financial instruments


The fair values of derivatives are determined based on market data (primarily yield curves, implied volatilities and exchange rates) to calculate the
present value of all estimated flows associated with each derivative at the balance sheet date. In the absence of sufficient market data, fair values
would be based on the quoted market price of similar derivatives. The classification of these derivative assets and liabilities under the IFRS 13 fair
value hierarchy is given in note 22.

2019 2018
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
£m £m £m £m
Fair value hedges
– interest rate swaps 177 62 181 83
– cross-currency swaps 191 – 282 –
Cash flow hedges
– interest rate swaps – 187 – 98
– cross-currency swaps 114 84 149 56
– forward foreign currency contracts 57 50 61 42
Net investment hedges
– forward foreign currency contracts 178 19 10 174
Held-for-trading*
– interest rate swaps 3 6 6 –
– forward foreign currency contracts 45 60 46 63
Total 765 468 735 516

Current 313 181 179 302


Non-current 452 287 556 214
765 468 735 516

Derivatives
– in respect of net debt 527 384 647 269
– other 238 84 88 247
765 468 735 516

* Derivatives which do not meet the tests for hedge accounting under IFRS 9 or which are not designated as hedging instruments are referred to as “held-for-trading”. These derivatives principally consist
of forward foreign currency contracts which have not been designated as hedges due to their value changes offsetting with other components of net finance costs relating to financial assets and financial
liabilities. The Group does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. All derivatives are undertaken for risk management purposes.

166 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

15 Derivative financial instruments continued


For cash flow hedges, the timing of expected cash flows is as follows: assets of £171 million (2018: £210 million) of which £51 million
(2018: £59 million) is expected within one year and £114 million (2018: £149 million) beyond five years and liabilities of £321 million
(2018: £196 million) of which £75 million (2018: £39 million) is expected within one year and £163 million (2018: £113 million) beyond five years.
The Group’s cash flow hedges are principally in respect of sales or purchases of inventory and certain debt instruments. A certain number of forward
foreign currency contracts were used to manage the currency profile of external borrowings and are reflected in the currency table in note 19.
Interest rate swaps have been used to manage the interest rate profile of external borrowings and are reflected in the re-pricing table in note 19.
The tables below set out the maturities of the Group’s derivative financial instruments on an undiscounted contractual basis, based on spot rates.
The maturity dates of all gross-settled derivative financial instruments are as follows:

2019 2018
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Inflow Outflow Inflow Outflow Inflow Outflow Inflow Outflow
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Within one year
– forward foreign currency contracts 10,168 (9,367) 8,534 (8,069) 7,081 (6,526) 9,876 (9,749)
– cross-currency swaps 35 (38) 18 (62) 55 (54) 33 (92)
Between one and two years
– forward foreign currency contracts 548 (524) 278 (263) 332 (330) 449 (441)
– cross-currency swaps 811 (765) 969 (1,012) 36 (43) 20 (73)
Between two and three years
– cross-currency swaps 15 (23) 17 (36) 830 (771) 1,008 (1,075)
Between three and four years
– cross-currency swaps 725 (590) 683 (679) 15 (26) 17 (38)
Between four and five years
– cross-currency swaps 9 (15) 10 (15) 733 (592) 690 (730)
Beyond five years
– cross-currency swaps 762 (609) 460 (435) 754 (625) 469 (490)
13,073 (11,931) 10,969 (10,571) 9,836 (8,967) 12,562 (12,688)

The maturity dates of net-settled derivative financial instruments, which primarily relate to interest rate swaps, are as follows:

2019 2018
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Inflow Outflow Inflow Outflow
£m £m £m £m
Within one year 44 44 53 40
Between one and two years 25 39 48 19
Between two and three years 25 39 45 15
Between three and four years 10 21 26 13
Between four and five years 43 63 23 15
Beyond five years 182 263 15 23
329 469 210 125

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 167


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

15 Derivative financial instruments continued


The items designated as hedging instruments are as follows:

2019 2018
Changes in Changes in
fair value fair value
Nominal used for Nominal used for
amount of calculating amount of calculating
hedging hedge hedging hedge
instrument ineffectiveness instrument ineffectiveness
£m £m £m £m
Interest rate risk exposure:
Fair value hedges
– interest rate swaps 3,065 73 4,470 11
– cross-currency swaps 1,436 (72) 1,561 19
Cash flow hedges
– interest rate swaps 4,068 (103) 2,715 (98)
– cross-currency swaps 2,695 (61) 2,856 (91)
Foreign currency risk exposure:
Cash flow hedges
– forward foreign currency contracts 3,827 (3) 3,574 (4)
Net investment hedges (derivative related)
– forward foreign currency contracts 5,274 161 5,291 (166)
Net investment hedges (non-derivative related)
– debt (carrying value) in borrowings designated as net investment hedges of net assets 372 22 4,647 (226)

16 Inventories
2019 2018
£m £m
Raw materials and consumables 2,750 3,049
Finished goods and work in progress 3,258 2,877
Goods purchased for resale 86 103
6,094 6,029

Inventories pledged as security for liabilities amount to £7 million (2018: £7 million). Write-offs taken to other operating expenses in the
Group income statement were £255 million (2018: £148 million; 2017: £114 million), including amounts relating to restructuring costs.
Goods purchased for resale include Group brands produced under third party contract manufacturing arrangements.

168 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

17 Cash and cash equivalents


2019 2018
£m £m
Cash and bank balances 2,256 2,069
Cash equivalents 270 533
2,526 2,602

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.
Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking or other currencies as shown below:

2019 2018
£m £m
Functional currency 2,199 2,144
US dollar 127 158
Euro 64 174
Other currencies 136 126
2,526 2,602

In the Group cash flow statement, net cash and cash equivalents are shown after deducting bank overdrafts and accrued interest where
applicable, as follows:
2019 2018
£m £m
Cash and cash equivalents as above 2,526 2,602
Less overdrafts and accrued interest (491) (274)
Net cash and cash equivalents 2,035 2,328

Cash and cash equivalents include restricted amounts of £627 million (2018: £170 million), principally due to exchange control regulations in
certain countries and subsidiaries in CCAA protection (note 28).
Cash and cash equivalents also include £14 million (2018: £125 million) of cash that is held as a hedging instrument.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 169


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

18 Capital and reserves


(a) Share capital
Ordinary
shares of 25p each
Number of shares £m
Allotted and fully paid
1 January 2019 2,456,415,884 614.09
Changes during the year
– share option schemes 104,854 0.03

31 December 2019 2,456,520,738 614.12

Allotted and fully paid


1 January 2018 2,456,278,414 614.06
Changes during the year
– share option schemes 137,470 0.03

31 December 2018 2,456,415,884 614.09

Allotted and fully paid


1 January 2017 2,027,019,508 506.75
Changes during the year
– share option schemes 213,144 0.05
– Issue of shares RAI acquisition 429,045,762 107.26

31 December 2017 2,456,278,414 614.06

(b) Share premium account, capital redemption reserves and merger reserves comprise:
Share Capital
premium redemption Merger
account reserves reserves Total
£m £m £m £m
31 December 2019 94 101 26,414 26,609
31 December 2018 91 101 26,414 26,606
31 December 2017 87 101 26,414 26,602

Share premium account


The share premium account includes the difference between the value of shares issued and their nominal value. The increase of £3 million
(2018: £4 million; 2017: £5 million) relates solely to ordinary shares issued under the Company’s share option schemes.
Capital redemption account
On the purchase of own shares as part of the share buy-back programme for shares which are cancelled, a transfer is made from retained
earnings to the capital redemption reserve equivalent to the nominal value of shares purchased. Purchased shares which are not cancelled are
classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.
Merger reserve account
The merger reserve comprises:
a. In 1999, shares were issued for the acquisition of the Rothmans International B.V. Group and the difference between the fair value of shares
issued and their nominal value of £3,748 million was credited to merger reserves; and
b. On 25 July 2017, the Group announced the completion of the acquisition of the remaining 57.8% of RAI not already owned by the Group.
Shares were issued for the acquisition and the difference between the fair value of shares issued and their nominal value of £22,666 million
was credited to merger reserves.

170 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

18 Capital and reserves continued


(c) Equity attributed to owners of the parent – movements in other reserves and retained earnings (which are after
deducting treasury shares) shown above comprise:
Retained earnings
Translation Hedging Fair value Revaluation Treasury
reserve reserve reserve reserve Other Total other shares
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) reserves (vi) Other
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
1 January 2019 (914) (177) 6 179 573 (333) (5,242) 43,799
Comprehensive income and expense
Profit for the year – – – – – – – 5,704
Differences on exchange (2,948) – – – – (2,948) – –
Cash flow hedges
– net fair value losses – (246) – – – (246) – –
– reclassified and reported in profit
for the year – 53 – – – 53 – –
Net investment hedges
– net fair value gains 21 – – – – 21 – –
– differences on exchange on borrowings (18) – – – – (18) – –
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax (note 5) (115) – – – – (115) – –
Tax on items recognised directly in other
comprehensive income that may be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
(note 6(f)) – 56 – – – 56 – –
Retirement benefit schemes
– net actuarial losses (note 11) – – – – – – – (582)
– surplus recognition (note 11) – – – – – – – (7)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax (note 5) – – 7 – – 7 – –
Tax on items recognised directly in other
comprehensive income that will not be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
(note 6(f)) – – – – – – – 75
Other changes in equity
Cash flow hedges reclassified and
reported in total assets – (32) – – – (32) – –
Employee share options
– value of employee services – – – – – – – 115
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares – – – – – – – (3,476)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership trusts – – – – – – (117) –
Other movements – – – – – – 98 (133)
31 December 2019 (3,974) (346) 13 179 573 (3,555) (5,261) 45,495

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 171


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

18 Capital and reserves continued


Retained earnings
Translation Hedging Fair value Revaluation Treasury
reserve reserve reserve reserve Other Total other shares
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) reserves (vi) Other
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
31 December 2017 (4,029) (132) 17 179 573 (3,392) (5,195) 42,130
Accounting policy change (IFRS 9) (note 30) – – (9) – – (9) – (29)
1 January 2018 (4,029) (132) 8 179 573 (3,401) (5,195) 42,101
Comprehensive income and expense
Profit for the year – – – – – – – 6,032
Differences on exchange 3,861 – – – – 3,861 – –
Cash flow hedges
– net fair value losses – (58) – – – (58) – –
– reclassified and reported in profit
for the year – 17 – – – 17 – –
Investments held at fair value
– reclassified and reported in retained
earnings – – (8) – – (8) – 8
Net investment hedges
– net fair value losses (472) – – – – (472) – –
– differences on exchange on borrowings (236) – – – – (236) – –
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax (note 5) (38) – – – – (38) – –
Tax on items recognised directly in other
comprehensive income that may be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
(note 6(f)) – 18 – – – 18 – –
Retirement benefit schemes
– net actuarial gains (note 11) – – – – – – – 138
– surplus recognition (note 11) – – – – – – – 4
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax (note 5) – – 6 – – 6 – –
Tax on items recognised directly in other
comprehensive income that will not be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
(note 6(f)) – – – – – – – (33)
Other changes in equity
Cash flow hedges reclassified and reported
in total assets – (22) – – – (22) – –
Employee share options
– value of employee services – – – – – – – 121
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares – – – – – – – (4,463)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership trusts – – – – – – (139) –
Non-controlling interests – acquisitions
(note 23(c)) – – – – – – – (11)
Other movements – – – – – – 92 (98)
31 December 2018 (914) (177) 6 179 573 (333) (5,242) 43,799

172 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

18 Capital and reserves continued


Retained earnings
Available-
Translation Hedging for-sale Revaluation Treasury
reserve reserve reserve reserve Other Total other shares
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) reserves (vi) Other
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
1 January 2017 (382) 4 39 179 573 413 (5,053) 8,384
Comprehensive income and expense
Profit for the year – – – – – – – 37,485
Differences on exchange (3,082) – – – – (3,082) – –
Cash flow hedges
– net fair value losses – (263) – – – (263) – –
– reclassified and reported in profit
for the year – 109 – – – 109 – –
– reclassified and reported in total assets – (16) – – – (16) – –
Investments held at fair value
– net fair value losses – – (27) – – (27) – –
Net investment hedges
– net fair value gains 425 – – – – 425 – –
– differences on exchange on borrowings (67) – – – – (67) – –
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax (note 5) (923) – 5 – – (918) – –
Tax on items recognised directly in other
comprehensive income that may be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
(note 6(f)) – 34 – – – 34 – –
Retirement benefit schemes
– net actuarial gains (note 11) – – – – – – – 832
– surplus recognition (note 11) – – – – – – – (5)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax (note 5) – – – – – – – 25
Tax on items recognised directly in other
comprehensive income that will not be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
(note 6(f)) – – – – – – – (171)
Other changes in equity
Employee share options
– value of employee services – – – – – – – 105
Dividends and other appropriations
– ordinary shares – – – – – – – (4,465)
Purchase of own shares
– held in employee share ownership trusts – – – – – – (205) –
Other movements – – – – – – 63 (60)
31 December 2017 (4,029) (132) 17 179 573 (3,392) (5,195) 42,130

i. Translation reserve:
The translation reserve is explained in the accounting policy on foreign currencies in note 1.
In 2018, within the translation reserve differences on exchange, a gain of £107 million has been recognised in relation to the application of
hyperinflationary accounting in Venezuela as explained in note 3(h).
In 2017, included within the £923 million of differences on exchange in respect of associates is a debit of £545 million in respect of foreign
exchange recycled from reserves as a result of the divestment of the RAI associate. This has been reported in the Group’s share of post-tax results
of associates and joint ventures.
ii. Hedging reserve:
The hedging reserve is explained in the accounting policy on financial instruments in note 1.
Of the amounts reclassified from the hedging reserve and reported in profit for the year, a gain of £12 million (2018: £15 million gain;
2017: £52 million gain) and a gain of £3 million (2018: £23 million gain; 2017: £27 million loss) were reported within revenue and raw materials
and consumables, respectively, together with a gain of £11 million (2018: £7 million loss; 2017: £4 million gain) reported in other operating
expenses and a gain of £27 million (2018: £14 million loss; 2017: £80 million gain) reported within net finance costs.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 173


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

18 Capital and reserves continued


The Group hedges certain foreign currency denominated borrowings with cross-currency interest rate swaps. As permitted by IFRS 9 Financial
Instruments, the foreign currency basis spreads have been separated from the hedging instrument and are recognised in reserves as a “cost
of hedging” and are reclassified to the income statement in the same period in which profit and loss is affected by the hedged expected
cashflows as a component of the associated interest expense. The basis spreads are disclosed within hedging reserves as they are not material.
Included within the balance of hedging reserves at 31 December 2019 is an accumulated gain of £14 million (2018: £20 million gain) in respect
of the cost of hedging.
iii. Fair value reserve (available-for-sale reserve, prior to 1 January 2018):
The fair value reserve (available-for-sale reserve, prior to 1 January 2018) is explained in the accounting policy on financial instruments in note 1.
Fair value gains and losses arising from investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognised in this reserve.
iv. Revaluation reserve:
The revaluation reserve relates to the acquisition of the cigarette and snus business of ST in 2008.
v. Other reserves:
Other reserves comprise:
(a) £483 million which arose in 1998 from merger accounting in a Scheme of Arrangement and Reconstruction whereby British American
Tobacco p.l.c. acquired the entire share capital of B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and the share capital of that company’s principal financial services
subsidiaries was distributed, so effectively demerging them; and
(b) In the 1999 Rothmans transaction, convertible redeemable preference shares were issued as part of the consideration. The discount on
these shares was amortised by crediting other reserves and charging retained earnings. The £90 million balance in other reserves comprises the
accumulated balance in respect of the preference shares converted during 2004.
vi. Treasury shares:
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent is stated after deducting the cost of treasury shares which include £4,845 million
(2018: £4,845 million; 2017: £4,845 million) for shares repurchased and not cancelled and £416 million (2018: £397 million; 2017: £350 million)
in respect of the cost of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts.
The share buy-back programme was suspended from 30 July 2014. As at 31 December 2019, treasury shares include 8,275,677
(2018: 7,536,408; 2017: 6,750,597) of shares held in trust and 162,645,590 (2018: 162,645,590; 2017: 162,645,590) of shares repurchased
and not cancelled as part of the Company’s share buy-back programme.
Taxation in equity
The tax attributable to components of other comprehensive income is as follows:

2019 2018 2017


£m £m £m
Hedging reserve
Cash flow hedges – net fair value losses 56 18 34
56 18 34
Retained earnings
– actuarial losses/(gains) in respect of subsidiaries 75 (33) (171)
75 (33) (171)
Owners of the parent 131 (15) (137)
Non-controlling interests – – –
Total tax recognised in other comprehensive income for the year (note 6(f)) 131 (15) (137)

(d) Non-controlling interests


Movements in non-controlling interests primarily relate to profit for the year and dividends (reported as a movement in retained earnings) and
differences on exchange arising from the translation into sterling (reported as a movement in other reserves). Information on subsidiaries with
material non-controlling interests is provided in note 28.
(e) Dividends and other appropriations
With effect from 1 January 2018, the Company pays dividends on a quarterly basis. The interim quarterly dividend payment for the year ended
31 December 2018 of 203.0p per ordinary share (prior year: 195.2p per ordinary share) was payable in four equal instalments: amounts payable
in May 2019 of £1,157 million (May 2018: £1,117 million), August 2019 of £1,159 million (August 2018: £1,112 million), November 2019 of
£1,160 million (November 2018: £1,115 million) and £1,161 million in February 2020 (February 2019: £1,119 million) respectively. The total
dividends recognised as an appropriation from reserves in 2019 was £3,476 million (2018: £4,463 million).
Prior to 2018, the Group paid a final dividend of 118.1p per share in May 2017 amounting to £2,181 million and an interim dividend of 56.5p
per share in September 2017 amounting to £1,284 million. As part of the transition to interim dividends, and to ensure shareholders received
the equivalent amount of total cash payments in 2018 as they would have under the previous payment policy, an additional interim dividend of
43.6p per share amounting to £1,000 million was paid in February 2018. The total dividends appropriated from reserves in respect of 2017 were
£4,465 million.

174 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

18 Capital and reserves continued


During the year, as an outcome of the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC’S) review of the Group’s 2018 Report and Accounts, the Group received
correspondence related to a number of areas, including the accounting treatment for interim dividends. It was agreed that the recognition of
an accrual at 31 December 2017 (in respect of the dividend paid in February 2018) and 31 December 2018 (in respect of the dividend paid in
February 2019) was incorrect. The error was identified by reference to the ICAEW Technical Release 02/17BL regarding ‘Guidance on Realised
and Distributable Profits under the Companies Act 2006’. This translated into an overstatement of liabilities and understatement of equity by
£1,000 million in 2017 and £1,116 million in 2018. Accordingly, the Group has revised the treatment with respect to dividends, to recognise
interim dividends in the period in which they are paid. The review conducted by the FRC was based solely on the Group’s published report and
accounts and does not provide any assurance that the report and accounts are correct in all material respects.
After considering the requirements of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and
Errors, the Directors determined that the impact of the error, whilst over the Group’s materiality (£330 million in 2017 and £420 million in 2018),
would not influence the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements with the share price trading “ex-dividend” at the balance
sheet date. The Directors also determined that there was no impact to the amount or timing of the cash received by shareholders, no impact
to the Group’s Income Statement in those periods and had no impact to the Group’s performance metrics on an actual or forecast basis.
Accordingly, the Directors concluded that the error was not material and that prior years would not be restated.
From 2019, the Group will recognise interim dividends in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which they are paid. This does not
constitute any change in the Group’s approach to dividend distribution to shareholders which remains being the declaration of the dividend by
the Directors in February following the balance sheet date, payable over 4 equal quarterly instalments.
In addition, on 27 February 2020, the Board declared an interim dividend of 210.4p per ordinary share of 25p, for the year ended 31 December
2019, payable in four equal quarterly instalments of 52.6p per ordinary share in May 2020, August 2020, November 2020 and February 2021.
These payments will be recognised as appropriations from reserves in 2020 and 2021. The total amount payable is estimated to be £4,826 million
based on the number of shares outstanding at the date of these accounts.

19 Borrowings
2019 2018
Currency Maturity dates Interest rates £m £m
Eurobonds Euro 2020 to 2045 0.9% to 4.9% 7,591 8,717
Euro 2021 3m EURIBOR +50bps 931 986
UK sterling 2021 to 2055 1.8% to 7.3% 4,161 4,671
US dollar 2019 1.6% – 512
Swiss franc 2021 to 2026 0.6% to 1.4% 510 523
Bonds issued pursuant to Rules under
the U.S. Securities Act (as amended) US dollar 2020 to 2049 2.8% to 8.1% 23,805 25,428
USD 3m LIBOR +
US dollar 2020 to 2022 59bps to 88bps 1,325 1,381
Bonds and notes 38,323 42,218
Commercial paper 1,056 536
Other loans 4,624 3,859
Bank loans 293 608
Bank overdrafts 491 274
Lease liabilities 579 14
45,366 47,509

The interest on the commercial paper referred to in the table above is based on USD LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 22 and 63 basis
points and EURIBOR plus a margin ranging between 10 and 24 basis points (2018: USD LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 22 and 65 basis
points and EURIBOR plus a margin ranging between 8 and 15 basis points).
Other loans primarily comprise of £745 million (2018: £nil) relating to bilateral facilities maturing in 2020 and £3,859 million
(2018: £3,859 million) relating to two £1,929 million term loans maturing in 2020 and 2022.
Current borrowings per the balance sheet include interest payable of £474 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £470 million). Included within
borrowings are £5,136 million (2018: £6,245 million) of borrowings subject to fair value hedges where their amortised cost has been increased
by £210 million (2018: £179 million) in the table above.
The fair value of borrowings is estimated to be £45,674 million (2018: £44,457 million) of which £38,631 million (2018: £39,169 million) has
been calculated using quoted market prices and is within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and £7,043 million (2018: £5,288 million) has been
calculated based on discounted cash flow analysis and is within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Amounts secured on Group assets including property, plant and equipment, inventory and receivables as at 31 December 2019 are £88 million
(2018: £75 million). The majority of lease liabilities are also secured against the associated assets.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 175


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

19 Borrowings continued
Borrowings are repayable as follows:

Per balance sheet Contractual gross maturities


2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m
Within one year 7,562 4,225 8,926 5,636
Between one and two years 2,947 7,261 4,181 8,471
Between two and three years 6,992 2,958 8,215 4,086
Between three and four years 2,505 7,095 3,529 8,131
Between four and five years 3,173 2,580 3,871 3,462
Beyond five years 22,187 23,390 32,176 32,712
45,366 47,509 60,898 62,498

The contractual gross maturities in each year include the borrowings maturing in that year together with forecast interest payments on all
borrowings which are outstanding for all or part of that year.
Borrowings are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking or other currencies as shown below:

Functional US UK Canadian Other


currency dollar sterling Euro dollar currencies Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
31 December 2019
Total borrowings 32,536 2,772 451 8,919 10 678 45,366
Effect of derivative financial instruments
– cross-currency swaps 3,946 – (450) (3,432) – (249) (185)
– forward foreign currency contracts (610) (213) – 440 – 372 (11)
35,872 2,559 1 5,927 10 801 45,170
31 December 2018
Total borrowings 32,612 3,803 450 10,089 – 555 47,509
Effect of derivative financial instruments
– cross-currency swaps 4,029 17 (450) (3,653) – (256) (313)
– forward foreign currency contracts (1,905) 1,961 – (389) – 321 (12)
34,736 5,781 – 6,047 – 620 47,184

The exposure to interest rate changes when borrowings are re-priced is as follows:

Within Between Between Between Between Beyond


1 year 1-2 years 2-3 years 3-4 years 4-5 years 5 years Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
31 December 2019
Total borrowings 11,145 1,888 4,432 2,451 3,161 22,289 45,366
Effect of derivative financial instruments
– interest rate swaps 1,794 (508) (226) – – (1,060) –
– cross-currency swaps 1,335 (758) – (649) – (115) (187)
14,274 622 4,206 1,802 3,161 21,114 45,179
31 December 2018
Total borrowings 10,384 4,540 1,967 4,577 2,585 23,456 47,509
Effect of derivative financial instruments
– interest rate swaps 3,069 (589) (539) (236) – (1,705) –
– cross-currency swaps 1,318 – (793) – (700) (138) (313)
14,771 3,951 635 4,341 1,885 21,613 47,196

176 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

19 Borrowings continued
Lease liabilities are repayable as follows:

Per balance sheet Contractual gross maturities


2019 2018 2019 2018
£m £m £m £m
Within one year 154 7 178 7
Between one and two years 120 5 138 5
Between two and three years 92 2 100 2
Between three and four years 64 – 72 –
Between four and five years 43 – 51 –
Beyond five years 106 – 135 –
579 14 674 14

The Group’s undrawn committed borrowing facilities (note 22) total £6,000 million (2018: £6,000 million) with £3,000 million maturing within
one year (2018: £3,000 million maturing within one year) and with £3,000 million maturing between one and two years (2018: £3,000 million
maturing between two and three years).
The Group defines net debt as follows:

2019 2018
£m £m
Borrowings* 44,787 47,495
Lease liabilities 579 14
Derivatives in respect of net debt:
– assets (note 15) (527) (647)
– liabilities (note 15) 384 269
Cash and cash equivalents (note 17) (2,526) (2,602)
Current investments held at fair value (note 14) (123) (178)
42,574 44,351

* Borrowings as at 31 December 2019 include £848 million (2018: £944 million) in respect of the purchase price adjustments relating to the acquisition of Reynolds.

The movements in net debt are presented below along with a reconciliation to the financing activities in the Group Cash Flow Statement:

2019
£m
Accounting Fair value,
policy change accrued
Opening (IFRS 16) Subsidiaries Foreign interest and Closing
balance (note 30) acquired Cash flow exchange other balance
Borrowings 47,495 – – (1,176) (1,536) 4 44,787
Lease liabilities 14 607 3 (154) (30) 139 579
Derivatives in respect of net debt:
– assets (note 15) (647) – – (2) 107 15 (527)
– liabilities (note 15) 269 – – (389) 491 13 384
Cash and cash equivalents (note 17) (2,602) – – 17 57 2 (2,526)
Current investments held at fair value (note 14) (178) – – 95 38 (78) (123)
44,351 607 3 (1,609) (873) 95 42,574

Other movements in lease liabilities in 2019 mainly comprise additions of £135 million (net of reassessments, modifications and terminations), see
note 9. The £78 million increase in current investments held at fair value represents the fair value gains for these investments.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 177


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

19 Borrowings continued
2018
£m
Accounting Fair value,
policy change Revised accrued
Opening (IFRS 9) (note opening Subsidiaries Foreign interest and Closing
balance 30) balance acquired Cash flow exchange other balance
Borrowings 49,450 – 49,450 – (3,671) 1,826 (96) 47,509
Derivatives in respect of net debt:
– assets (note 15) (640) – (640) – 109 (55) (61) (647)
– liabilities (note 15) 117 – 117 – (6) 132 26 269
Cash and cash equivalents (note 17) (3,291) – (3,291) (1) 563 100 27 (2,602)
Current investments held at fair value
(note 14) (65) (144) (209) – 9 53 (31) (178)
45,571 (144) 45,427 (1) (2,996) 2,056 (135) 44,351

2019 2018
£m £m
Cash flows per net debt statement (1,609) (2,996)
Non-financing cash flows included in net debt (329) (386)
Interest paid (1,601) (1,557)
Interest element of lease liabilities (32) (2)
Remaining cash flows relating to derivative financial instruments (173) (54)
Purchases of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts (117) (139)
Dividends paid to owners of the parent (4,598) (4,347)
Capital injection from/(purchases) of non-controlling interests 20 (11)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (157) (142)
Other 3 4
Net cash used in financing activities per cash flow statement (8,593) (9,630)

178 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

20 Provisions for liabilities


Restructuring Employee-
of existing related Other
businesses benefits Fox River provisions Total
£m £m £m £m £m
1 January 2019 127 33 108 381 649
Differences on exchange (11) (1) – (17) (29)
Provided in respect of the year 235 9 – 793 1,037
– in respect of Quebec Class Action – – – 436 436
– in respect of excise dispute in Russia – – – 252 252
– in respect of other 235 9 – 105 349
Utilised during the year (53) (13) (35) (498) (599)
– in respect of Quebec Class Action – – – (436) (436)
– in respect of other (53) (13) (35) (62) (163)
31 December 2019 298 28 73 659 1,058

Analysed on the balance sheet as


– current 203 14 6 447 670
– non-current 95 14 67 212 388
298 28 73 659 1,058

Restructuring Employee-
of existing related Other
businesses benefits Fox River provisions Total
£m £m £m £m £m
1 January 2018 158 40 138 417 753
Differences on exchange – (3) – (15) (18)
Provided in respect of the year 41 10 – 50 101
Utilised during the year (72) (14) (30) (71) (187)
31 December 2018 127 33 108 381 649

Analysed on the balance sheet as


– current 74 17 19 208 318
– non-current 53 16 89 173 331
127 33 108 381 649

The restructuring provisions relate to the restructuring and integration costs incurred and are reported as adjusting items. The principal restructuring
activities in 2019 and 2018 are as described in note 3(e). While some elements of the non-current provisions of £95 million will unwind over several years,
as termination payments are made over extended periods in some countries, it is estimated that approximately 29% will unwind within five years.
Employee-related benefits mainly relate to employee benefits other than post-employment benefits. The principal components of these provisions are
gratuity and termination awards, and ‘jubilee’ payments due after a certain service period. It is estimated that approximately 28% of the non-current
provisions of £14 million will unwind within five years.
A provision of £274 million was made in 2011 for a potential claim under a 1998 settlement agreement entered into by a Group subsidiary in respect of
the clean-up of sediment in the Fox River. On 30 September 2014, the Group, NCR, Appvion and Windward Prospects entered into a funding agreement;
the details of this agreement are explained in note 27. This agreement led to payments of £32 million in 2019 (2018: £25 million). In addition, the Group
incurred legal costs of £3 million (2018: £5 million), which were also charged against the provision. It is expected that the non-current provision will
unwind within five years.
On 10 February 2017, a decision was delivered on the further hearing related to a payment of dividends by Windward to Sequana in May 2009.
Further details are provided in note 27.
Other provisions comprise balances set up in the ordinary course of general business that cannot be classified within the other categories, such as sales
returns and onerous contracts, together with amounts in respect of supplier, excise and other disputes. The nature of the amounts provided in respect of
disputes is such that the extent and timing of cash flows are difficult to estimate and the ultimate liability may vary from the amounts provided.
In 2019, following the Quebec Class Action judgment on 1 March 2019, the Group recognised a provision of CAD$758 million (£436 million) representing
the expected liability associated with the claim. As explained in note 13, the Group has utilised the litigation related deposit against the current estimate of the
liability and consequently both the provision and litigation related deposit (note 13) have reduced. Further details are provided in note 27.
As explained in note 3(h), in 2019, the Group recognised a provision of £252 million in relation to the Russia excise dispute.
Amounts provided above are shown net of reversals of unused provisions which include reversals of £18 million (2018: £12 million) for
restructuring of existing businesses, £3 million (2018: £4 million) for employee benefits and £97 million (2018: £111 million) for other provisions,
of which £10 million (2018: £56 million) was reclassified to trade and other payables.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 179


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

21 Trade and other payables


2019 2018
£m £m
Trade payables 3,453 3,557
Duty, excise and other taxes 3,852 3,519
Accrued charges and deferred income 2,037 2,038
FII GLO deferred income (note 6(b)) 963 963
Social security and other taxation 51 55
Sundry payables 405 1,554
10,761 11,686

Current 9,727 10,631


Non-current 1,034 1,055
10,761 11,686

The movement in sundry payables relates to the correction for the accounting for dividends, as explained in note 18(e).
As explained in note 13, the Group acts as a collection agent for banks and other financial institutions in certain debt factoring arrangements.
The cash collected in respect of these arrangements that has not yet been remitted amounts to £115 million (2018: £118 million) and is included
in sundry payables.
In addition, the Group has certain Supply Chain Financing (SCF) or ‘reverse factoring’ arrangements in place. The principal purpose of these
arrangements is to provide the supplier with the option to access liquidity earlier through the sale of its receivables due from the Group to a
bank or other financial institution prior to their due date. Management has determined that the Group’s payables to these suppliers have neither
been extinguished nor have the liabilities been significantly modified by these arrangements. The value of amounts payable, invoice due dates
and other terms and conditions applicable, from the Group’s perspective, remain unaltered, with only the ultimate payee being changed.
At 31 December 2019, the value of amounts payable under the SCF programmes was £71 million (2018: £45 million). The cash outflows in
respect of these arrangements have been recognised within operating cash flows.
Accrued charges and deferred income include £4 million of deferred income (2018: £5 million) and £61 million (2018: £51 million) in respect of
interest payable mainly related to tax matters. FII GLO deferred income of £963 million relates to receipts in 2015, in respect of the Franked Investment
Income Government Litigation Order (note 6(b)). Amounts payable to related parties including associated undertakings are shown in note 26.
There is no material difference between the above amounts for trade and other payables and their fair value due to the short-term duration of the
majority of trade and other payables, as determined using discounted cash flow analysis.
Trade and other payables are predominantly denominated in the functional currencies of subsidiary undertakings with less than 6% in other
currencies (2018: less than 5% in other currencies).

22 Financial instruments and risk management


Management of financial risks
One of the principal responsibilities of Treasury is to manage the financial risks arising from the Group’s underlying operations. Specifically,
Treasury manages, within an overall policy framework set by the Group’s Main Board and Corporate Finance Committee (CFC), the Group’s
exposure to funding and liquidity, interest rate, foreign exchange and counterparty risks. The Group’s treasury position is monitored by the CFC
which meets regularly throughout the year and is chaired by the Group Finance Director. The approach is one of risk reduction within an overall
framework of delivering total shareholder return.
The Group defines capital as net debt (note 19) and equity (note 18). The only externally imposed capital requirement for the Group is interest
cover as described under interest rate risk below. The Group assesses its financial capacity by reference to cash flow, net debt and interest cover.
Group policies include a set of financing principles and key performance indicators including the monitoring of credit ratings, interest cover
and liquidity. These provide a framework within which the Group’s capital base is managed and, in particular, the policies on dividends (as a
percentage of long-term sustainable earnings) and share buy-back are decided. The key objective of the financing principles is to appropriately
balance the interests of equity and debt holders in driving an efficient financing mix for the Group. The Group’s average cost of debt in 2019 is
3.3 % (2018: 3.0%).
The Group manages its financial risks in line with the classification of its financial assets and liabilities in the Group’s balance sheet and related
notes. The Group’s management of specific risks is dealt with as follows:
Liquidity risk
It is the policy of the Group to maximise financial flexibility and minimise refinancing risk by issuing debt with a range of maturities, generally
matching the projected cash flows of the Group and obtaining this financing from a wide range of sources. The Group has a target 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.
As at 31 December 2019, the average centrally managed debt maturity was 9.1 years (2018: 8.8 years) and the highest proportion of centrally
managed debt maturing in a single rolling year was 18.6% (2018: 18.4%).
It is Group policy that short-term sources of funds (including drawings under both the Group US$4 billion US commercial paper (US CP)
programme and the Group £3 billion euro commercial paper (ECP) programme are backed by undrawn committed lines of credit and cash.
Commercial paper is issued by B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation and guaranteed by British American Tobacco
p.l.c.. At 31 December 2019, commercial paper of £1,056 million was outstanding (2018: £536 million).

180 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

22 Financial instruments and risk management continued


The Group utilises cash pooling and zero balancing bank account In January 2018, the Group repaid the £600 million that was drawn
structures in addition to intercompany loans and borrowings to under the 364-day £3 billion Group revolving credit facility. The facility
mobilise cash efficiently within the Group. The key objectives of had a one-year extension option which was utilised in July 2018.
Treasury in respect of cash and cash equivalents are to protect their
In March and June 2018, the Group repaid €400 million and
principal value, to concentrate cash at the centre, to minimise the
US$2,500 million bonds at maturity, respectively.
required debt issuance and to optimise the yield earned. The amount
of debt issued by the Group is determined by forecasting the net debt Currency risk
requirement after the mobilisation of cash. The Group is subject to exposure on the translation of the net assets
The Group continues to target a solid investment-grade credit rating. of foreign currency subsidiaries and associates into its reporting
Following the announcement of the agreement to acquire the currency, sterling. The Group’s primary balance sheet translation
remaining 57.8% of Reynolds American Inc. not already owned by exposures are to the US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, Danish krone,
the Group, in January 2017, Moody’s and S&P revised the Group’s Swiss franc, South African rand, Russian rouble, Brazilian real, Australian
rating to Baa2 and BBB+ with stable outlook, respectively. The Group’s dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Singaporean dollar and Indian rupee.
strategy is to continue deleveraging and is seeking to recover to Baa1/ These exposures are kept under continuous review. The Group’s
BBB+ in the medium term. The Group is confident of its continued policy on borrowings is to broadly match the currency of these
ability to successfully access the debt capital markets. borrowings with the currency of cash flows arising from the Group’s
underlying operations. Within this overall policy, the Group aims to
As part of its short-term cash management, the Group invests in a minimise all balance sheet translation exposure where it is practicable
range of cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds, and cost-effective to do so through matching currency assets with
which are regarded as highly liquid and are not exposed to significant currency borrowings. The main objective of these policies is to protect
changes in fair value. These are kept under continuous review as shareholder value by increasing certainty and minimising volatility in
described in the credit risk section below. At 31 December 2019, cash earnings per share. At 31 December 2019, the currency profile of the
and cash equivalents include £nil invested in money market funds Group’s gross debt, after taking into account derivative contracts, was
(2018: £25 million). 59% US dollar (2018: 65%), 13% euro (2018: 13%), 21% sterling
As part of its working capital management, in certain countries, the (2018: 16%) and 7% other currencies (2018: 6% other currencies).
Group has entered into factoring arrangements and supply chain The Group faces currency exposures arising from the translation
financing arrangements. These are explained in further detail in note of profits earned in foreign currency subsidiaries and associates
13 and note 21. and joint arrangements; these exposures are not normally hedged.
Subsidiary companies are funded by share capital and retained Exposures also arise from:
earnings, loans from the central finance companies on commercial (i) foreign currency denominated trading transactions undertaken by
terms, or through local borrowings by the subsidiaries in appropriate subsidiaries. These exposures comprise committed and highly probable
currencies to predominantly fund short-to-medium term working forecast sales and purchases, which are offset wherever possible.
capital requirements. All contractual borrowing covenants have been The remaining exposures are hedged within the Treasury policies and
met and none of them is expected to inhibit the Group’s operations or procedures with forward foreign exchange contracts and options,
funding plans. which are designated as hedges of the foreign exchange risk of the
In March and June 2019, the Group repaid €820 million and identified future transactions; and
US$750 million bonds at maturity, respectively. (ii) forecast dividend flows from subsidiaries to the centre. To ensure
In July 2019, the Group extended the £3 billion tranche of its £6 billion cash flow certainty, the Group enters into forward foreign exchange
revolving credit facility for a further 364 days with a one-year term-out contracts which are designated as net investment hedges of the
option. At 31 December 2019, the facility was undrawn (2018: the foreign exchange risk arising from the investments in these subsidiaries.
facility was undrawn). On 12 March 2020, the Group refinanced the IFRS 7 requires a sensitivity analysis that shows the impact on
existing two-tranche £6 billion revolving credit facility with a new two- the income statement and on items recognised directly in other
tranche £6 billion revolving credit facility. This consists of a £3 billion comprehensive income of hypothetical changes of exchange rates in
364-day tranche (with two one-year extension options and a one-year respect of non-functional currency financial assets and liabilities held
term-out option), and a £3 billion five-year tranche (with two one-year across the Group. All other variables are held constant although, in
extension options). practice, market rates rarely change in isolation. Financial assets and
In July 2019, the Group also arranged short term bilateral facilities with liabilities held in the functional currency of the Group’s subsidiaries, as
some of its core banks for a total amount of £745 million. well as non-financial assets and liabilities and translation risk, are not
included in the analysis. The Group considers a 10% strengthening
Additionally, the Group filed its inaugural SEC shelf programme in July or weakening of the functional currency against the non-functional
2019. The SEC shelf programme together with the EMTN programme, currency of its subsidiaries as a reasonably possible change. The impact
will be the basis for future normal issuances in the capital markets. is calculated with reference to the financial asset or liability held as
The Group accessed the US dollar bond market through the SEC shelf at the year-end, unless this is unrepresentative of the position during
programme in September 2019, successfully raising US$3.5 billion the year.
across 4 tranches. A 10% strengthening of functional currencies against non-functional
In September 2019, the Group repaid a US$650 million bond currencies would result in pre-tax profit being £16 million lower
at maturity. (2018: £33 million higher; 2017: £14 million lower) and items
recognised directly in other comprehensive income being £22 million
As part of the liquidity management strategy, the Group has redeemed lower (2018: £384 million higher; 2017: £148 million higher).
prior to their maturity a US$2.25 billion bond in September 2019 and A 10% weakening of functional currencies against non-functional
a US$1.25 billion bond in November 2019, that would have otherwise currencies would result in pre-tax profit being £20 million higher
matured in 2020. (2018: £41 million lower; 2017: £4 million higher) and items
In December 2019, the Group repaid a £500 million bond at maturity. recognised directly in other comprehensive income being £27 million
higher (2018: £469 million lower; 2017: £148 million lower).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 181


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

22 Financial instruments and risk management continued


The exchange sensitivities on items recognised directly in other In relation to the Group’s floating rate borrowings and hedge
comprehensive income relate to hedging of certain net asset currency instruments, there is exposure to uncertainty arising from changes in
positions in the Group, as well as on cash flow hedges in respect the USD LIBOR, EURIBOR and GBP LIBOR benchmarks. The Group
of future transactions, but do not include sensitivities in respect of believes that its contracts with interest rates based on these
exchange on non-financial assets or liabilities. benchmarks adequately provide for alternate calculations of interest
in the event that they are unavailable. The Group believes that any
Interest rate risk
resulting ineffectiveness consequent to the Interest Rate Benchmark
The objectives of the Group’s interest rate risk management policy Reform is likely to be immaterial. Although these calculations may
are to lessen the impact of adverse interest rate movements on cause an administrative burden, the Group does not believe that these
the earnings, cash flow and economic value of the Group and to would materially adversely affect the Group or its ability to manage its
safeguard against any possible breach of its financial covenants. interest rate risk.
Additional objectives are to minimise the cost of hedging and the
associated counterparty risk. Credit risk
The Group has no significant concentrations of customer credit
The Group targets an interest cover ratio, as calculated under its key
risk. Subsidiaries have policies in place requiring appropriate
central banking facilities, of greater than 5 and for 2019 it is 7.1 times
credit checks on potential customers before sales commence.
(2018: 7.2 times; 2017: 7.8 times). The only externally imposed capital
The process for monitoring and managing credit risk once sales to
requirement the Group has is in respect of its centrally managed
customers have been made varies depending on local practice in the
banking facilities, which require a gross interest cover of at least
countries concerned.
4.5 times.
Certain territories have bank guarantees, other guarantees or credit
In order to manage its interest rate risk, the Group maintains both
insurance provided in the Group’s favour in respect of Group trade
floating rate and fixed rate debt. The Group sets targets (within overall
receivables, the issuance and terms of which are dependent on local
guidelines) for the desired ratio of floating to fixed rate debt on a
practices in the countries concerned. All derivatives are subject to ISDA
net basis (at least 50% fixed on a net basis in the short to medium
agreements or equivalent documentation.
term) as a result of regular reviews of market conditions and strategy
by the Corporate Finance Committee and the board of the main Cash deposits and other financial instruments give rise to credit risk
central finance company. At 31 December 2019, the relevant ratios of on the amounts due from the related counterparties. Generally, the
floating to fixed rate borrowings were 18:82 (2018: 21:79) on a net Group aims to transact with counterparties with strong investment
basis. Underlying borrowings are arranged on both a fixed rate and a grade credit ratings. However, the Group recognises that due to the
floating rate basis and, where appropriate, the Group uses derivatives, need to operate over a large geographic footprint, this will not always
primarily interest rate swaps to vary the fixed and floating mix, or be possible. Counterparty credit risk is managed on a global basis by
forward starting swaps to manage the refinancing risk. The interest limiting the aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one
rate profile of liquid assets is taken into account in determining the net counterparty, taking into account its credit rating. The credit ratings of
interest rate exposure. all counterparties are reviewed regularly.
IFRS 7 requires a sensitivity analysis that shows the impact on The Group ensures that it has sufficient counterparty credit capacity of
the income statement and on items recognised directly in other requisite quality to undertake all anticipated transactions throughout its
comprehensive income of hypothetical changes of interest rates in geographic footprint, while at the same time ensuring that there is no
respect of financial assets and liabilities of the Group. All other variables geographic concentration in the location of counterparties.
are held constant although, in practice, market rates rarely change in
With the following exceptions, the maximum exposure to the credit
isolation. For the purposes of this sensitivity analysis, financial assets
risk of financial assets at the balance sheet date is reflected by the
and liabilities with fixed interest rates are not included. The Group
carrying values included in the Group’s balance sheet. In 2014,
considers a 100 basis point change in interest rates a reasonably
the Group entered into a guarantee arrangement in respect of the
possible change except where rates are less than 100 basis points.
borrowings of the non-controlling interest in relation to the capital
In these instances it is assumed that the interest rates increase by
injection made to the Group’s Algerian business. The Group no
100 basis points and decrease to zero for the purpose of performing
longer has this credit exposure as it was repaid in 2018. In addition,
the sensitivity analysis. The impact is calculated with reference to
the Group has entered into short-term risk participation agreements
the financial asset or liability held as at the year-end, unless this is
in relation to certain leaf supply arrangements and the maximum
unrepresentative of the position during the year.
exposure under these would be £54 million (2018: £102 million).
A 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in pre-tax profit In 2017, the Group entered into a guarantee arrangement to support
being £143 million lower (2018: £90 million lower; 2017: £108 million a short-term credit facility with a distributor. The maximum exposure
lower). A 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, or less where under the arrangement would be £54 million (2018: £102 million).
applicable, would result in pre-tax profit being £108 million higher
Price risk
(2018: £74 million higher; 2017: £77 million higher). The effect of
these interest rate changes on items recognised directly in other The Group is exposed to price risk on investments held by the
comprehensive income is not material in either year. Group, which are included in investments held at fair value on the
consolidated balance sheet, but the quantum of such is not material.
The Group has early adopted the Amendments to IFRS9 Financial
Instruments in respect of the Interest Rate Benchmark Reform as a result
of the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s announcement on 27 July
2017. Considering the relevant hedge relationships impacted by these
amendments, as at 31 December 2019, the Group has floating rate
borrowings with nominal value of £1,929 million and US$750 million
(£566 million) that are due to mature in January 2022 and August
2022 respectively.

182 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

22 Financial instruments and risk management continued


Hedge accounting
In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to document prospectively the economic relationship between the item being
hedged and the hedging instrument. The Group is also required to demonstrate an assessment of the economic relationship between the hedged
item and the hedging instrument, which shows that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is repeated
periodically to ensure that the hedge has remained, and is expected to remain, highly effective. The prospective effectiveness testing determines
that an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument exists.
In accordance with the Group Treasury Manual, the exact hedge ratios and profile of a hedge relationship will depend on several factors,
including the desired degree of certainty and reduced volatility of net interest costs and market conditions, trends and expectations in the
relevant markets. The sources of ineffectiveness include spot and forward differences, impact of time value and timing differences between
periods in the hedged item and hedging instrument.
The Group’s risk management strategy has been explained in further detail under the interest rate risk and currency risk sections of this note.
Fair value estimation
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities with maturities of less than one year, other than derivatives, are assumed to approximate their book
values. For other financial instruments which are measured at fair value in the balance sheet, the basis for fair values is described below.
Fair value hierarchy
The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 13
classification hierarchy:

2019 2018
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets at fair value
Investment held at fair value (note 14) 78 – 57 135 141 – 76 217
Derivatives relating to
– interest rate swaps (note 15) – 180 – 180 – 187 – 187
– cross-currency swaps (note 15) – 305 – 305 – 431 – 431
– forward foreign currency contracts (note 15) – 280 – 280 – 117 – 117
Assets at fair value 78 765 57 900 141 735 76 952
Liabilities at fair value
Derivatives relating to
– interest rate swaps (note 15) – 255 – 255 – 181 – 181
– cross-currency swaps (note 15) – 84 – 84 – 56 – 56
– forward foreign currency contracts (note 15) – 129 – 129 – 279 – 279
Liabilities at fair value – 468 – 468 – 516 – 516

Level 2 financial instruments are not traded in an active market, but the fair values are based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations,
or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The Group’s level 2 financial instruments include OTC derivatives.
Netting arrangements of derivative financial instruments
The gross fair value of derivative financial instruments as presented in the Group balance sheet, together with the Group’s rights of offset
associated with recognised financial assets and recognised financial liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and similar
agreements, is summarised as follows:

2019 2018
Amount Related Amount Related
presented amounts not presented amounts not
in the offset in the in the offset in the
Group Group Group Group
balance balance Net balance balance Net
sheet* sheet amount sheet* sheet amount
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Financial assets
– Derivative financial instruments (note 15) 765 (291) 474 735 (295) 440
Financial liabilities
– Derivative financial instruments (note 15) (468) 291 (177) (516) 295 (221)
297 – 297 219 – 219

* No financial instruments have been offset in the Group balance sheet.

The Group is subject to master netting arrangements in force with financial counterparties with whom the Group trades derivatives.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 183


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

22 Financial instruments and risk management continued


The master netting arrangements determine the proceedings should either party default on their obligations. In case of any event of default: the
non-defaulting party will calculate the sum of the replacement cost of outstanding transactions and amounts owed to it by the defaulting party.
If that sum exceeds the amounts owed to the defaulting party, the defaulting party will pay the balance to the non-defaulting party. If the sum is
less than the amounts owed to the defaulting party, the non-defaulting party will pay the balance to the defaulting party.
The hedged items by risk category are presented below:

2019
Accumulated
amount of fair Line item
value hedge in the
adjustments on statement of
the hedged item financial Changes in fair
included in the position where value used for
Carrying amount carrying amount the hedged calculating Cash flow
of the hedged of the hedged item is hedge hedge
item item included ineffectiveness reserve
£m £m £m £m £m
Fair value hedges
Interest rate risk
– borrowings (liabilities) 5,136 210 Borrowings (9)
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate risk
– borrowings (liabilities) 4,013 Borrowings 163 (308)
Derivative
financial
– derivative financial instruments (assets)* 2 instruments – –
Derivative
financial
– derivative financial instruments (liabilities)* (49) instruments 1 (1)

* The carrying value reported for derivative financial instruments represents the aggregated exposure as at the balance sheet date. For assets, the gross nominal value amounts to £226 million (2018: £nil)
and for liabilities, the gross nominal value amounts to £932 million (2018: £nil).

2018
Accumulated
amount of fair
value hedge Line item
adjustments on in the statement
the hedged item of financial Changes in fair
included in the position where value used for
Carrying amount carrying amount the hedged calculating Cash flow
of the hedged of the hedged item is hedge hedge
item item included ineffectiveness reserve
£m £m £m £m £m
Fair value hedges
Interest rate risk
– borrowings (liabilities) 6,424 179 Borrowings (32)
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate risk
– borrowings (liabilities) 2,819 Borrowings 189 (146)

£372 million (2018: £4,647 million) of the Group’s borrowings are designated as net investment hedge instruments of the Group’s net
investments in foreign operations. In line with the Group’s risk management policies, the net investment hedge relationships are reviewed
periodically. Consequently, a number of these relationships have matured in 2019. The change in the value used for calculating hedge
ineffectiveness for hedged items designated under net investment hedge relationships is £22 million (2018: £226 million).
As at 31 December 2019, the total balance of the cash flow hedge reserve was a loss of £346 million (2018: loss of £177 million) including a
loss of £309 million (2018: loss of £146 million) in relation to interest rate exposure and foreign currency exposure arising from borrowings
held by the Group, a loss of £160 million (2018: loss of £98 million) in relation to interest rate exposure on forecasted borrowings, and a gain of
£105 million (2018: gain of £48 million) in relation to deferred tax arising from cash flow hedges. The remainder related to the Group’s foreign
currency exposure on forecasted transactions, and cost of hedging (note 18(c)(ii)).

184 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

23 Business combinations, disposals and other changes in the Group


(a) Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”) On 22 November 2018, the Group completed the acquisition of
On 25 July 2017, the Group announced the completion of the Quantus Beteiligungs-und Beratungsgesellschaft mbH, Germany’s
acquisition of the remaining 57.8% of RAI not already owned by the leading vapour retail chain trading as ‘Highendsmoke’, from a private
Group for a consideration of £41.8 billion. RAI ceased to be reported as shareholder. The fair value of consideration payable was £21 million.
an associate and has been consolidated as a wholly owned subsidiary Goodwill of £11 million, representing a strategic premium to enter the
from the acquisition date. RAI shareholders received, for each share of German vapour retail market, and trademarks and similar intangibles of
RAI common stock, US$29.44 in cash, without interest, and 0.5260 £13 million were recognised on acquisition.
BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT American Depositary Shares On 26 September 2018, as part of an agreement to acquire an
listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The fair value of consideration additional 44% stake in the Myanmar business, the Group acquired the
paid to RAI shareholders was £41,770 million. Included in the fair value business and individual assets of a local distributor, Star Way Limited,
of consideration paid to RAI shareholders is £22,828 million of non- from IMU Enterprises Limited for £6 million. Goodwill of £3 million,
cash consideration of which £22,773 million arises from the issue of representing anticipated synergies, was recognised on acquisition.
BAT ordinary shares (note 18).
On 1 August 2017, the Group acquired certain tobacco assets,
In accordance with IFRS 3, the step-acquisition of RAI has been including a distribution company, Tobacco Press d.o.o. Mostar,
accounted for as if the Group has contributed its previously held from Fabrika Duhana Sarajevo d.d in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The assets
equity interest in RAI at fair value as part of the consideration for acquired, including goodwill of £2 million, brands and other
acquiring 100% of the net assets of RAI. The value attributable to intangibles of £39 million, and other assets, were purchased for a total
BAT’s shareholding was £30,145 million, making the total acquisition consideration of £39 million.
price £71,915 million. In 2017, the difference between the fair value
and the carrying value of the previously held equity interest has been On 5 May 2017, the Group acquired certain tobacco assets, including
recognised as a gain in the income statement. a distribution company, Express Logistic and Distribution EOOD
(“ELD”), from Bulgartabac Holding AD in Bulgaria. The assets
The goodwill of £34,280 million and brands and similar intangibles acquired, including brands and other intangibles of £117 million,
of £75,482 million were recognised in the transaction. Goodwill on were purchased for a total consideration of £110 million, of which
the acquisition of the business represents a strategic premium to enter £28 million was contingent upon future performance in the market.
the United States market as well as synergies and cost savings that are £14 million of this was paid during 2018 and £13 million of this was
anticipated to be realised post-acquisition. paid during 2019. Subsequently, ELD was disposed of in 2019 at
(b) Other acquisitions carrying value.
The Group acquired certain businesses and other tobacco assets as On 5 April 2017, the Group acquired the business and certain assets
noted below. The financial impact of these transactions to the Group of Must Have Limited (trading as ViP Electronic Cigarette (“ViP”)), a
were immaterial individually and in aggregate. Except as noted, there company in administration. ViP is one the largest e-cigarette retailers
were no material differences between the fair value and book values of in the UK with a large point of sale network. The assets acquired,
net assets acquired in business combinations. including goodwill of £1 million, intellectual property and other
intangibles of £9 million, and other assets, were purchased for a total
On 21 December 2017, the Group signed an agreement to acquire
consideration of £12 million.
100% of the share capital of Twisp Proprietary Limited, a South
African e-cigarette/nicotine vapour company with a market share of On 4 January 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of
circa 70% within South Africa and a leading presence in shopping Winnington Holding AB, a Swedish manufacturer of ‘white’ snus, for
malls via its branded kiosks outlets. a purchase price of £31 million. Goodwill of £8 million and brands and
similar intangibles of £28 million were recognised. £8 million of the
Completion of the proposed acquisition was conditional upon South
consideration was contingent on post-acquisition targets being met
African anti-trust clearance, which was given in the second half of
and was substantially settled in January 2019.
2019 and BAT acquired control on 30 September 2019 for a purchase
price of £25 million of which £6 million is deferred and contingent On 30 December 2015, the Group acquired 100% of the CHIC Group
upon future performance in the market. Goodwill of £12 million, from private shareholders. The fair value of the consideration payable
representing a strategic premium to enter this segment of the South was £82 million, of which £30 million was contingent on achievement
African vapour market, and trademarks and similar intangibles of of certain post-acquisition targets. £6 million of this was paid during
£15 million were recognised on acquisition. 2016, £13 million during 2017 and a £1 million in final settlement
in 2018.
On 8 April 2019, the Group via its US subsidiary R.J. Reynolds Vapor
Company (“RJR Vapor”), acquired a 45% stake in VapeWild Holdings
LLC, a vertically integrated vapour manufacturer and retailer with 13
branded vape shops and an e-commerce platform focused on its own
branded liquids, for US$40 million. This was followed by a further
acquisition of 15% on 24 June 2019 for US$8 million, giving the
Group a 60% interest in the target for US$48 million (£36 million).
The Group has accounted for these investments as a single transaction
and has consolidated VapeWild as a subsidiary from the date of the first
investment. Goodwill of £11 million, representing a strategic premium
to enter this segment of the US vapour market, and trademarks and
similar intangibles of £39 million were recognised on acquisition.
Following the announcements with regards to flavours in vapour
in the US, goodwill was impaired in full in 2019.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 185


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

23 Business combinations, disposals and 24 Share-based payments


other changes in the Group continued The Group operates a number of share-based payment arrangements
On 17 November 2015, the Group acquired 100% of Blue Nile of which the two principal ones are:
Cigarette Company Limited from a private shareholder. The fair Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
value of the consideration payable was £45 million of which £8 million
Nil-cost options exercisable after three years from date of grant
was contingent on achievement of certain post-acquisition targets.
with a contractual life of 10 years. Payout is subject to performance
Subsequent payments in respect of this were £1 million in 2016,
conditions based on earnings per share (40% of grant), operating cash
£5 million in 2017, £1 million in 2018 and £1 million in 2019.
flow (20% of grant), total shareholder return (20% of grant) and net
On 30 September 2015, the Group acquired TDR and other tobacco turnover (20% of grant) in 2019, 2018 and 2017. Total shareholder
and retail assets from Adris Grupa d.d. (“Adris”) for a total enterprise return combines the share price and dividend performance of the
value of €550 million. Part of the consideration was contingent upon Company by reference to one comparator group. Participants are
certain targets being met post-acquisition, and £5 million of this was not entitled to dividends prior to the exercise of the options. A cash
paid in January 2017. In 2019, the Group reached an agreement with equivalent dividend accrues through the vesting period and is paid on
Adris regarding the level of contingent consideration such that any vesting. Both equity and cash-settled LTIP awards are granted in March
remaining amounts would not be paid by the Group and the Group each year.
received €3 million in full and final settlement of all claims between
Following the acquisition of RAI on 25 July 2017, underlying RAI shares
Adris and the Group. Consequently, €9 million of cash and deferred
for LTIPs were replaced with BAT American Depositary Shares (ADS).
consideration has been recognised as other income (note 3(e)).
LTIP awards for ADSs are measured against the performance conditions
(c) Non-controlling interests of RAI at the maximum of 150% at the vesting date. Equity-settled
In 2019, the Group made a capital contribution to Brascuba LTIPs were granted by RAI in March each year with options exercisable
Cigarrillos S.A. at a cost of £20 million. This contribution was in after three years from the date of grant with the payment made no
proportion to a capital contribution made by the non-controlling later than 90 days from date of vesting. Participants are not entitled to
interest to the Group company and as such, the Group’s shareholding dividends prior to exercise of the options.
remains unchanged. Deferred Share Bonus Scheme (DSBS)
In 2018, included in the acquisition of non-controlling interests are Free ordinary shares released three years from date of grant and may
the purchases of the remaining shares in British American Tobacco be subject to forfeit if a participant leaves employment before the
Vranje a.d. in Serbia and an additional 44% stake in British American end of the three-year holding period. Participants receive a separate
Tobacco Myanmar Limited. The financial impact of these transactions payment equivalent to a proportion of the dividend payment during
to the Group is immaterial individually and in aggregate. the holding period. Both equity and cash-settled deferred shares are
granted in March each year.
During 2017, the Group acquired the remaining 49% interest in
IPRESS d.o.o. The Group also has a number of other arrangements which are not
material for the Group and these are as follows:
During 2015, the Group acquired a further 0.2% interest in BAT
Chile Operaciones S.A. at a cost of £1 million. This increased the Sharesave Scheme (SAYE)
Group’s shareholding to 99%. A further 0.01% interest was acquired Options granted in March each year from 2011 onwards (previously
during 2017. November until 2009 and no options were granted during 2010)
(d) Other transactions by invitation at a 20% discount to the market price. Options to this
equity-settled scheme are exercisable at the end of a three-year or five-
On 10 January 2019, the Group acquired a minority stake in
year savings contract. Participants are not entitled to dividends prior to
AYR Limited, a vapour technology company based in the UK,
the exercise of the options. The maximum amount that can be saved
for £8 million, with the potential to increase this in the future.
by a participant in this way is £6,000 in any tax year.
The investment terms also provide for the Group and AYR to agree a
commercial collaboration agreement under which the Group and AYR Share Reward Scheme (SRS) and International Share
will jointly develop future vaping products. Reward Scheme (ISRS)
Free shares granted in April each year (maximum £3,600 in any year)
under the equity-settled schemes are subject to a three-year holding
period. Participants receive dividends during the holding period which
are reinvested to buy further shares.
Partnership Share Scheme
Open to all eligible employees, where employees can allocate part
of their pre-tax salary to purchase shares in British American Tobacco
p.l.c.. The maximum amount that can be allocated in this way to any
individual is £1,800 in any tax year. The shares purchased are held in
a UK-based trust and are normally capable of transfer to participants
tax-free after a five-year holding period.

186 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

24 Share-based payments continued


Share-based payment expense
The amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of share-based payments were as follows:

2019 2018 2017


Equity- Cash- Equity- Cash- Equity- Cash-
settled settled settled settled settled settled
£m £m £m £m £m £m
LTIP (note (a)) 58 1 70 – 56 3
DSBS (note (b)) 50 4 44 2 42 9
Other schemes 7 – 7 – 7 –
Total recognised in the income statement (note 3(a)) 115 5 121 2 105 12

Share-based payment liability


The Group issues to certain employees cash-settled share-based payments that require the Group to pay the intrinsic value of these share-based
payments to the employee at the date of exercise. The Group has recorded liabilities in respect of vested and unvested grants at the end of 2019
and 2018:

2019 2018
Vested Unvested Vested Unvested
£m £m £m £m
LTIP 0.5 2.8 0.5 2.6
DSBS 0.3 6.2 0.2 6.1
Total liability 0.8 9.0 0.7 8.7

(a) Long-Term incentive Plan


Details of the movements for the equity- and cash-settled LTIP scheme during the years ended 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018, were
as follows:

2019 2018
Equity-
settled Cash-settled Equity-settled Cash-settled
Number Number Number Number
of options of options of options of options
in thousands in thousands in thousands in thousands
Outstanding at start of year 6,908 306 6,030 378
Granted during the period 4,552 202 3,067 66
Exercised during the period (1,045) (129) (1,739) (102)
Forfeited during the period (1,222) (61) (450) (36)
Outstanding at end of year 9,193 318 6,908 306
Exercisable at end of year 739 25 676 22

As at 31 December 2019, the Group has 9,193,000 shares (2018: 6,908,000 shares) outstanding which includes 2,479,057 shares
(2018: 1,208,129 shares) which are related to RAI LTIP awards from which 43,924 shares (2018: 72,033 shares) are exercisable at the end of
the year.
The weighted average British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the period was £28.31
(2018: £38.90; 2017: £51.95) for equity-settled and £30.87 (2018: £40.62; 2017: £52.08) for cash-settled options.
The weighted average British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price for ADS on the New York Stock Exchange at the date of exercise for share
options exercised during the period relating to equity-settled RAI LTIP awards was US$36.35 (2018: US$51.43).
The outstanding shares for the year ended 31 December 2019 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.2 years (2018: 8.1 years;
2017: 8.1 years) for the equity-settled scheme, 1.93 years for RAI equity-settled (2018: 1.91 years scheme; 2017: 2.17 years) and 8.3 years
(2018: 8.1 years; 2017: 8.3 years) for the cash-settled share-based payment arrangements.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 187


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

24 Share-based payments continued


(b) Deferred Share Bonus Scheme
Details of the movements for the equity- and cash-settled DSBS scheme during the years ended 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018,
were as follows:

2019 2018
Equity-
settled Cash-settled Equity-settled Cash-settled
Number Number Number Number
of options of options of options of options
in thousands in thousands in thousands in thousands
Outstanding at start of year 3,248 281 2,962 382
Granted during the period 2,097 202 1,262 66
Exercised during the period (1,500) (184) (940) (145)
Forfeited during the period (97) (17) (36) (22)
Outstanding at end of year 3,748 282 3,248 281
Exercisable at end of year 90 6 79 5

The weighted average British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the financial year was
£28.40 (2018: £40.00; 2017: £52.52) for equity-settled and £30.06 (2018: £40.51; 2017: £52.50) for cash-settled options.
The outstanding shares for the year ended 31 December 2019 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.5 years (2018: 1.3 years;
2017: 1.3 years) for the equity-settled scheme and 1.5 years (2018: 1.1 years; 2017: 1.2 years) for the cash-settled scheme.
Valuation assumptions
Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes models to determine the fair value of share options at grant date were as follows:

2019 2018
LTIP DSBS LTIP DSBS
Expected volatility (%) 22.0 22.0 18.0 18.0
Average expected term to exercise (years) 3.5 3.0 3.5 3.0
Risk-free rate (%) 0.7 0.7 1.0 1.0
Expected dividend yield (%) 6.5 6.5 5.0 5.0
Expected dividend yield (%) – Management Board 6.0 6.0 5.0 5.0
Share price at date of grant (£) 30.83 30.83 38.94 38.94
Share price at date of grant (£) – Management Board 33.28 33.28 38.94 38.94
Fair value at grant date (£) 21.93 25.35 29.39 33.50
Fair value at grant date (£) – Management Board 24.03 25.35 29.39 33.50

Market condition features were incorporated into the Monte-Carlo models for the total shareholder return elements of the LTIP, in determining
fair value at grant date. Assumptions used in these models were as follows:

2019 2018
LTIP LTIP
Average share price volatility FMCG comparator group (%) 18 18
Average correlation FMCG comparator group (%) 28 31

Fair values determined from the Black-Scholes and Monte-Carlo models use assumptions revised at the end of each reporting period for cash-
settled share-based payment arrangements.
The expected British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price volatility was determined taking account of the return index (the share price index plus
the dividend reinvested) over a five-year period. The FMCG share price volatility and correlation was also determined over the same periods.
The average expected term to exercise used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-
transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural conditions, forfeiture and historical experience.
The risk-free rate has been determined from market yield curves for government gilts with outstanding terms equal to the average expected term
to exercise for each relevant grant. The expected dividend yield was determined by calculating the yield from the last two declared dividends
divided by the grant share price.
In addition to these valuation assumptions, LTIP awards contain earnings per share performance conditions. As these are non-market performance
conditions they are not included in the determination of fair value of share options at the grant date, however they are used to estimate the
number of awards expected to vest. This pay-out calculation is based on expectations published in analysts’ forecasts.

188 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

25 Group employees
The average number of persons employed by the Group and its associates during the year, including Directors, was 94,846 (2018: 95,239).

2019 2018
Number Number
United States 5,046 5,066
APME 14,910 15,074
AMSSA 18,638 19,351
ENA 25,505 26,102
Subsidiary undertakings 64,099 65,593
Associates 30,747 29,646
94,846 95,239

Included within the employee numbers for ENA are certain employees in the UK in respect of central functions. Some of the costs of these
employees are allocated or charged to the various regions and markets in the Group.

26 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. The Group’s share of dividends
from associates, included in other net income in the table below, was £239 million (2018: £211 million; 2017: £688 million).

2019 2018 2017


£m £m £m
Transactions
– revenue 511 473 366
– purchases (79) (101) (218)
– other net income 248 216 699
Amounts receivable at 31 December 42 26 40
Amounts payable at 31 December (2) (1) (1)

As explained in note 23, 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 was 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 2019, the Group acquired 60% of VapeWild Holdings LLC and a minority stake in AYR Limited. The Group also made a capital injection in
Brascuba Cigarillos S.A..
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 £1 million.
As explained in note 11, 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 £150 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.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 189


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

26 Related party disclosures continued


2019 2018 2017
£m £m £m
The total compensation for key management personnel, including Directors, was:
– salaries and other short-term employee benefits 26 21 24
– post-employment benefits 4 4 5
– share-based payments 23 18 16
53 43 45

The following table, which is not part of IAS 24 disclosures, shows the aggregate emoluments of the Directors of the Company.

Executive Directors Chairman Non-Executive Directors Total


2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Salary; fees; benefits; incentives
– salary 2,356 2,211 2,122 2,356 2,211 2,122
– fees 695 680 660 969 1,092 1,042 1,664 1,772 1,702
– taxable benefits 608 427 385 137 116 129 310 303 195 1,055 846 709
– short-term incentives 4,791 5,031 4,689 4,791 5,031 4,689
– long-term incentives 4,420 5,300 10,192 4,420 5,300 10,192
Sub-total 12,175 12,969 17,388 832 796 789 1,279 1,395 1,237 14,286 15,160 19,414
Pension; other emoluments
– pension 686 921 612 686 921 612
– other emoluments 47 50 50 47 50 50
Sub-total 733 971 662 733 971 662
Total emoluments 12,908 13,940 18,050 832 796 789 1,279 1,395 1,237 15,019 16,131 20,076

Aggregate gains on LTIP shares exercised in the year


Exercised Price per share Aggregate gain
Award LTIP shares Exercise date (£) (£)
Jack Bowles 12 May 2016 22,711 20 May 2019 29.72 674,971
Tadeu Marroco 12 May 2016 15,154 21 June 2019 27.97 423,857

LTIP – Value of awards 2016


Price per share Face value
Shares (£)1 (£)
Jack Bowles 31,943 42.34 1,352,467
Tadeu Marroco 21,315 42.34 902,477

1 For information only as awards are made as nil-cost options.

Sharesave – Aggregate Gains 2019


Price per share Aggregate gain
Award date Shares Exercise date (£) (£)
Nicandro Durante 26 August 2014 493 02 April 2019 31.79 1,930
Ben Stevens 26 August 2014 543 01 October 2019 29.87 1,083

Sharesave – Value of award 2014


Price per share Face value
Shares (£) (£)
Nicandro Durante 493 27.87 13,740
Ben Stevens 543 27.87 15,133

In 2019, no Sharesave options were exercised by current Executive Directors.

190 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments


1. The Group is subject to contingencies pursuant to requirements 8. Group companies generally do not settle claims. However, Group
that it complies with relevant laws, regulations and standards. companies may enter into settlement discussions in some cases,
if they believe it is in their best interests to do so. Exceptions to
2. Failure to comply could result in restrictions in operations,
this general approach include, but are not limited to, actions
damages, fines, increased tax, increased cost of compliance,
taken pursuant to ‘offer of judgment’ statutes and Filter Cases,
interest charges, reputational damage or other sanctions.
as defined below. An ‘offer of judgment,’ if rejected by the
These matters are inherently difficult to quantify. In cases where
plaintiff, preserves the Group’s right to recover attorneys’ fees
the Group has an obligation as a result of a past event existing
under certain statutes in the event of a verdict favourable to the
at the balance sheet date, if it is probable that an outflow of
Group. Such offers are sometimes made through court-ordered
economic resources will be required to settle the obligation
mediations. Other settlements by Group companies include the
and if the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated,
State Settlement Agreements (described below), the funding by
a provision will be recognised based on best estimates and
various tobacco companies of a US$5.2 billion (approximately
management’s judgement.
£3.9 billion) trust fund contemplated by the Master Settlement
3. There are, however, contingent liabilities in respect of litigation, Agreement to benefit tobacco growers, the original Broin flight
taxes in some countries and guarantees for which no provisions attendant case, and most of the Engle progeny cases pending in US
have been made. federal court, after the initial docket of over 4,000 such cases was
reduced to approximately 400 cases. The Group believes that the
General Litigation Overview
circumstances surrounding these claims are readily distinguishable
4. There are a number of legal and regulatory actions, proceedings from the current categories of tobacco-related litigation claims
and claims against Group companies related to tobacco and new involving Group companies.
category products that are pending in a number of jurisdictions.
These proceedings include, among other things, claims for 9. Although the Group intends to defend all pending cases vigorously,
personal injury (both individual claims and class actions) and and believes that the Group’s companies have valid bases for
claims for economic loss arising from the treatment of smoking appeals of adverse verdicts and valid defences to all actions, and
and health-related diseases (such as medical recoupment claims that an outflow of resources related to any individual case is not
brought by local governments). considered probable, litigation is subject to many uncertainties,
and, generally, it is not possible to predict the outcome of any
5. The plaintiffs in these cases seek recovery on a variety of legal particular litigation pending against Group companies, or to
theories, including negligence, strict liability in tort, design defect, reasonably estimate the amount or range of any possible loss.
failure to warn, fraud, misrepresentation, violations of unfair and Furthermore, a number of political, legislative, regulatory and
deceptive trade practices statutes, conspiracy, medical monitoring other developments relating to the tobacco industry and cigarette
and violations of competition and antitrust laws. The plaintiffs smoking have received wide media attention. These developments
seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and, where may negatively affect the outcomes of tobacco-related legal actions
available, punitive damages, treble or multiple damages and and encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation.
statutory damages and penalties, creation of medical monitoring Therefore, the Group does not provide estimates of the financial
and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, attorneys’ effect of the contingent liabilities represented by such litigation, as
fees, and injunctive and other equitable relief. such estimates are not practicable.
6. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a 10. The following table lists the categories of the tobacco-related
complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of actions pending against Group companies as of 31 December
damages varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and 2019 and the increase or decrease from the number of cases
punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of pending against Group companies as of 31 December 2018.
cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions Details of the quantum of past judgments awarded against Group
and even hundreds of billions of sterling. companies, the majority of which are under appeal, are also
7. With the exception of the Engle progeny cases described below, the identified along with any settlements reached during the relevant
Group continues to win the majority of tobacco-related litigation period. Given the volume and more active nature of the Engle
claims that reach trial, and a very high percentage of the tobacco- progeny cases and the Filter Cases in the US described below, and
related litigation claims brought against them, including Engle the fluctuation in the number of such cases and amounts awarded
progeny cases, continue to be dismissed at or before trial. Based on from year to year, the Group presents judgment or settlement
their experience in tobacco-related litigation and the strength figures for these cases on a three-year basis. Where no quantum is
of the defences available to them in such litigation, the Group’s identified, either no judgment has been awarded against a Group
companies believe that their successful defence of tobacco-related company, or where a verdict has been reached no quantification
litigation in the past will continue in the future. of damages has been given, or no settlement has been entered
into. Further details on the judgments, damages quantification and
settlements are included within the case narratives below. For a
discussion of the non-tobacco related litigation pending against
the Group, see note 27, paragraph 85, et seq.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 191


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Case Numbers as at Case Numbers as at Change in Number
Case Type 31 December 2019 31 December 2018 (note 1) Increase/(Decrease)
US tobacco-related actions
Medical reimbursement cases (note 2) 2 2 No change
Class actions (note 3) 19 20 (1)
Individual smoking and health cases (note 4) 135 111 24
Engle Progeny Cases (note 5) 1,773 2,268 (495)
Broin II Cases (note 6) 1,228 1,406 (178)
Filter Cases (note 7) 51 58 (7)
State Settlement Agreements – Enforcement and Validity (note 8) 4 2 2

Non-US tobacco-related actions


Medical reimbursement cases 18 19 (1)
Class actions (note 9) 13 13 No change
Individual smoking and health cases (note 10) 81 107 (26)

(Note 1) This includes cases to which the Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”) group companies were a party at such date.

(Note 2) This category of cases includes the Department of Justice action. See note 27, paragraphs 20-24 and the list of Closed Litigation Matters.

(Note 3) See note 27, paragraphs 25-38.

(Note 4) This category of cases includes smoking and health cases alleging personal injuries caused by tobacco use or exposure brought by
or on behalf of individual plaintiffs based on theories of negligence, strict liability, breach of express or implied warranty and violations of state
deceptive trade practices or consumer protection statutes. The plaintiffs seek to recover compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and
punitive damages. Out of the 135 active individual smoking and health cases, six judgments have been returned in the plaintiffs’ favour, awarding
damages totalling approximately US$192 million (approximately £145 million), which are pending post-trial in trial courts or on appeal. For a
further description of these cases, see note 27, paragraph 40.
(Note 5) In July 1998, trial began in Engle v R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., a then-certified class action filed in Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County,
Florida, against US cigarette manufacturers, including R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (“RJRT”) (individually, and as successor by merger to Lorillard
Tobacco Company (“Lorillard Tobacco”)) and Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (formerly Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation) (“B&W”).
In July 2000, the jury in Phase II awarded the class a total of approximately US$145 billion (approximately £109.5 billion) in punitive damages,
apportioned US$36.3 billion (approximately £27.4 billion) to RJRT, US$17.6 billion (approximately £13.3 billion) to B&W, and US$16.3 billion
(approximately £12.3 billion) to Lorillard Tobacco. This decision was appealed and ultimately resulted in the Florida Supreme Court in December
2006 decertifying the class and allowing judgments entered for only two of the three Engle class representatives to stand and setting aside the
punitive damages award. Putative Engle class members were permitted to file individual lawsuits, deemed ‘Engle progeny cases’, against the Engle
defendants, within one year of the Supreme Court’s decision (subsequently extended to 11 January 2008). Between the period 1 January 2017
and 31 December 2019, 40 judgments have been returned in the plaintiffs’ favour, awarding damages totalling approximately US$354 million
(approximately £267 million). Certain of these judgments have been appealed by RJRT and in certain other cases, RJRT still had time to appeal, as
of 31 December 2019. For a further description of the Engle progeny cases, see note 27, paragraphs 29-38.
(Note 6) Broin v Philip Morris, Inc. was a class action filed in Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County, Florida in 1991 and brought on behalf of
flight attendants alleged to have suffered from diseases or ailments caused by exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (“ETS”) in airplane
cabins. Group companies and other cigarette manufacturer defendants settled Broin, agreeing to pay a total of US$300 million (approximately
£226 million) to fund research on the detection and cure of tobacco-related diseases and US$49 million (approximately £37 million) in plaintiffs’
counsel’s fees and expenses. Group companies’ share of these payments totalled US$174 million (approximately £131 million). Broin II cases refer
to individual cases by class members. There have been no Broin II trials since 2007. For a further description of the Broin II cases, see note 16 to
paragraph 40.
(Note 7) Includes claims brought against Lorillard Tobacco and Lorillard Inc. by individuals who seek damages resulting from their alleged
exposure to asbestos fibres that were incorporated into filter material used in one brand of cigarettes manufactured by a predecessor to Lorillard
Tobacco for a limited period of time ending more than 50 years ago. Since 1 January 2017, Lorillard Tobacco and RJRT have paid, or have
reached agreement to pay, a total of approximately US$31 million (approximately £23 million) in settlements to resolve 138 Filter Cases. See note
17 to paragraph 40.
(Note 8) Group companies’ expenses and payments under the State Settlement Agreements for 2019 amounted to approximately US$2.8 billion
(approximately £2.1 billion) in respect of settlement expenses and US$2.9 billion (approximately £2.2 billion) in respect of settlement cash
payments. See note 27, paragraph 43. The pending cases referred to above relate to the enforcement, validity or interpretation of the State
Settlement Agreements in which RJRT, B&W or Lorillard Tobacco is a party. See note 27, paragraphs 41-53.

192 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


(Note 9) Outside the United States, there are 13 class actions d. All sums set out in note 27 have been converted to GBP and
being brought against Group companies as of 31 December US$ using the following end closing rates as at 31 December
2019. These include class actions in the following jurisdictions: 2019: GBP 1 to US$ 1.32475, GBP 1 to CAD$ 1.71787, GBP
Brazil (1), Canada (11) and Venezuela (1). For a description of the 1 to EURO 1.1801777, GBP 1 to BRL 5.32907, GBP 1 to
Group companies’ class actions, see note 27, paragraphs 70-83. AOA 638.83022, GBP 1 to NGN 480.77827, GBP 1 to KRW
Pursuant to the judgment in 2015 in the two Quebec class actions, 1532.01, GBP 1 to HRK 8.78177and GBP 1 to JPY 143.96721.
the plaintiffs were awarded damages and interest in the amount of
US Tobacco Litigation
CAD$15.6 billion, most of which were on a joint and several basis
(approximately £9.1 billion), of which the Group companies’ share 12. Group companies, notably RJRT (individually and as successor
was CAD$10.4 billion (approximately £6 billion). On 1 March 2019, by merger to Lorillard Tobacco) and B&W as well as other
the Quebec Court of Appeal handed down a judgment which leading cigarette manufacturers, are defendants in a number of
largely upheld and endorsed the lower court’s previous decision in product liability cases. In a number of these cases, the amounts of
the Quebec Class Actions, as further described below. The share of compensatory and punitive damages sought are significant.
the judgment for Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (“Imperial”), the 13. The total number of US tobacco product liability cases pending
Group’s operating company in Canada, was reduced to approximately at 31 December 2019 involving RJRT, B&W and/or Lorillard
CAD$9.2 billion (approximately £5.4 billion). For a further description Tobacco was approximately 3,241. As at 31 December 2019,
of the Quebec Class Actions, see paragraph 78. All of the class British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited (“Investments”)
actions in Canada are currently stayed pursuant to a court order. has been served as a co-defendant in one of those cases (2018:1).
See paragraph 58. No other UK-based Group company has been served as a co-
(Note 10) As at 31 December 2019, the jurisdictions with the most defendant in any US tobacco product liability case pending as at
active individual cases against Group companies were, in descending 31 December 2019.
order: Brazil (37), Italy (18), Chile (9), Canada (6), Argentina (5) and 14. Since many of these pending cases seek unspecified damages, it
Ireland (2). There were a further four jurisdictions with one active is not possible to quantify the total amounts being claimed, but
case only. Out of these 81 cases, in 2019, two judgments have been the aggregate amounts involved in such litigation are significant,
returned in the plaintiffs’ favour as of 31 December 2019, one case in possibly totalling billions of US dollars. The cases fall into four
Argentina awarding damages totalling ARS$2,850,000 (approximately broad categories: medical reimbursement cases; class actions;
£36,000) with post-judgment interest totalling approximately individual cases and other claims.
£380,000, and one case in Turkey which gave no finding on
liability and remitted the case back to the court of first instance for 15. RJRT (individually and as successor by merger to Lorillard Tobacco),
reconsideration, both of which are currently on appeal. American Snuff Co., Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc.
(“SFNTC”), R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (“RJR Vapor”), RAI,
11. Certain terms and phrases used in this note 27 may require Lorillard Inc., other RAI affiliates and indemnitees, including but not
some explanation. limited to B&W (collectively, the “Reynolds Defendants”), believe
a. “Judgment” or “final judgment” refers to the final decision of that they have valid defences to the tobacco-related litigation
the court resolving the dispute and determining the rights and claims against them, as well as valid bases for appeal of adverse
obligations of the parties. At the trial court level, for example, verdicts against them. The Reynolds Defendants have, through
a final judgment generally is entered by the court after a jury their counsel, filed pleadings and memoranda in pending tobacco-
verdict and after post-verdict motions have been decided. related litigation that set forth and discuss a number of grounds
In most cases, the losing party can appeal a verdict only after and defences that they and their counsel believe have a valid basis
a final judgment has been entered by the trial court. in law and fact.

b. “Damages” refers to the amount of money sought by a 16. Scheduled trials. Trial schedules are subject to change, and
plaintiff in a complaint, or awarded to a party by a jury or, many cases are dismissed before trial. In the US, there are 28
in some cases, by a judge. “Compensatory damages” are cases, exclusive of Engle progeny cases, scheduled for trial as of
awarded to compensate the prevailing party for actual losses 31 December 2019 through 31 December 2020, for the Reynolds
suffered, if liability is proved. In cases in which there is a finding Defendants: 14 individual smoking and health cases, 13 Filter
that a defendant has acted wilfully, maliciously or fraudulently, Cases and one non-smoking and health case. There are also
generally based on a higher burden of proof than is required approximately 146 Engle progeny cases against RJRT (individually
for a finding of liability for compensatory damages, a plaintiff and as successor to Lorillard Tobacco) and B&W scheduled for trial
also may be awarded “punitive damages”. Although damages through 31 December 2020. It is not known how many of these
may be awarded at the trial court stage, a losing party may cases will actually be tried.
be protected from paying any damages until all appellate 17. Trial results. From 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2019,
avenues have been exhausted by posting a supersedeas 108 trials occurred in individual smoking and health, Engle
bond. The amount of such a bond is governed by the law of progeny, and Filter Cases in which the Reynolds Defendants were
the relevant jurisdiction and generally is set at the amount of defendants, including 20 where mistrials were declared. Verdicts in
damages plus some measure of statutory interest, modified at favour of the Reynolds Defendants and, in some cases, other
the discretion of the appropriate court or subject to limits set defendants, were returned in 28 cases (including one directed
by a court or statute. verdict after the jury reached an impasse in a punitive damages
c. “Settlement” refers to certain types of cases in which cigarette trial), tried in Florida (26) and Massachusetts (2). Verdicts in favour
manufacturers, including RJRT, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, of the plaintiffs were returned in 46 cases (including one in which
have agreed to resolve disputes with certain plaintiffs without the jury found for the plaintiff in Phase I and the parties reached a
resolving the cases through trial. resolution agreement prior to completion of Phase II), which were
tried in Florida (41), the US Virgin Islands (2), and Massachusetts
(3). Nine of the cases in Florida were dismissed during trial.
Two cases were continued during trial. Three cases were punitive
damages retrials.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 193


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


(a) Medical Reimbursement Cases 22. The non-jury trial of the RICO portion of the claim began on
18. These civil actions seek to recover amounts spent by government 21 September 2004 and ended on 9 June 2005. On 17 August
entities and other third-party providers on healthcare and welfare 2006, the federal district court issued its Final Judgment and
costs claimed to result from illnesses associated with smoking. Remedial Order, which found certain defendants, including RJRT,
B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and Investments, had violated RICO,
19. At 31 December 2019, one US medical reimbursement suit but did not impose any direct financial penalties. The district
(Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v American Tobacco Co.) was pending court instead enjoined the defendants from committing future
against RJRT, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco in a Native American racketeering acts, participating in certain trade organisations,
tribal court in South Dakota. The plaintiffs seek to recover actual making misrepresentations concerning smoking and health and
and punitive damages, restitution, funding of a clinical cessation youth marketing, and using certain brand descriptors such as ‘low
programme, funding of a corrective public education programme, tar’, ‘light’, ‘ultra-light’, ‘mild’ and ‘natural’. The district court also
and disgorgement of unjust profits from sales to minors. No other ordered the defendants to issue ‘corrective communications’ on
medical reimbursement suits are pending against these companies five subjects, including smoking and health and addiction, and to
by county or other political subdivisions of the states. comply with further undertakings, including maintaining websites
US Department of Justice Action of historical corporate documents and disseminating certain
20. On 22 September 1999, the US Department of Justice brought marketing information on a confidential basis to the government.
an action in the US District Court for the District of Columbia In addition, the district court placed restrictions on the defendants’
against various industry members, including RJRT, B&W, Lorillard ability to dispose of certain assets for use in the United States,
Tobacco, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. (“Industries”) and Investments unless the transferee agrees to abide by the terms of the district
(United States v Philip Morris USA Inc.). The US Department of court’s order, and ordered certain defendants to reimburse the US
Justice initially sought (1) recovery of federal funds expended Department of Justice its taxable costs incurred in connection with
in providing health care to smokers who developed alleged the case.
smoking-related diseases pursuant to the Medical Care Recovery 23. Defendants, including RJRT, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and
Act and Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Investments, appealed, and the US government cross-appealed
Security Act and (2) equitable relief under the civil provisions of to the DC Circuit. On 22 May 2009, the DC Circuit affirmed the
the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), federal district court’s RICO liability judgment, but vacated the
including disgorgement of roughly US$280 billion (approximately order and remanded for further factual findings and clarification
£211 billion) in profits the government contended were earned as to whether liability should be imposed against B&W, based on
as a consequence of a purported racketeering ‘enterprise’ along changes in the nature of B&W’s business operations (including the
with certain “corrective communications”. In September 2000, the extent of B&W’s control over tobacco operations). The court also
district court dismissed the government’s Medical Care Recovery remanded on three other discrete issues relating to the injunctive
Act and Medicare Secondary Payer claims. In February 2005, the remedies, including for the district court ‘to reformulate’ the
US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit (the “DC Circuit”) ruled injunction on the use of low-tar descriptors ‘to exempt foreign
that disgorgement was not an available remedy. activities that have no substantial, direct, and foreseeable domestic
21. Industries was dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction on effects,’ and for the district court to evaluate whether corrective
28 September 2000. In addition, Investments was a defendant at communications could be required at point-of-sale displays (which
the trial, but intervening changes in controlling law post-trial led to requirement the DC Circuit vacated). On 28 June 2010, the US
a 28 March 2011 court ruling that the court’s Final Judgment and Supreme Court denied the parties’ petitions for further review.
Remedial Order no longer applied to Investments prospectively, 24. On 22 December 2010, the district court dismissed B&W from
and for this reason, Investments would not have to comply with the litigation. In November 2012, the trial court entered an order
any of the remaining injunctive remedies being sought by the setting forth the text of the corrective statements and directed
government. As the government did not appeal the 28 March the parties to engage in discussions with the Special Master to
2011 ruling, this means that Investments is no longer in the case implement them. After various proceedings and appeals, the
and is not subject to any injunctive relief that the court is expected federal district court in October 2017 ordered RJRT and the
to order against the remaining defendants. As the case continued other US tobacco company defendants to fund the publishing of
as against RJRT and Lorillard Tobacco with respect to injunctive compelled public statements in various US media outlets, including
relief and related matters, the following is noted. in newspapers, and on television, the companies’ websites and
cigarette packaging. The compelled public statements began
appearing in US newspapers on 24 November 2017 and ran
serially over four months; they began appearing on national US
broadcast television networks on 27 November 2017 and ran
several times per week for one year. The statements also began
appearing on RJRT websites on 18 June 2018 and first appeared
on package onserts beginning in November 2018 (the onserts
will be distributed periodically through mid-2020). The district
court is considering mandating the display of the compelled
public statements at retail point of sale; an evidentiary hearing is
scheduled to begin on 14 September 2020.

194 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


(b) Class Actions 28. Young v. American Tobacco Co. is a case filed in November 1997
25. At 31 December 2019, RJRT, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco were in the Circuit Court, Orleans Parish, Louisiana against various US
named as defendants in two separate actions attempting to cigarette manufacturers, including RJRT and B&W, and parent
assert claims on behalf of classes of persons allegedly injured or companies of such manufacturers. This putative ETS class action
financially impacted by their smoking, and SFNTC was named was brought on behalf of a putative class of Louisiana residents
in 17 separate cases relating to the use of the words ‘natural,’ who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, have been
‘100% additive-free,’ or ‘organic’ in Natural American Spirit exposed to second-hand smoke from cigarettes manufactured by
advertising and promotional materials. If the classes are or remain the defendants, and who allegedly suffered injury as a result of
certified, separate trials may be needed to assess individual that exposure, and seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory
plaintiffs’ damages. Among the pending class actions, 18 specified and punitive damages. In March 2016, the court entered an order
the amount of the claim in the complaint, including 17 that staying the case, including all discovery, pending the completion of
alleged that the plaintiffs were seeking in excess of US$5 million an ongoing smoking cessation programme ordered by the court in
(approximately £4 million) and one that alleged that the plaintiffs a now-concluded Louisiana state court certified class action, Scott v.
were seeking less than US$75,000 (approximately £57,000) per American Tobacco Co..
class member plus unspecified punitive damages. Engle Class Action and Engle Progeny Cases (Florida)
No Additive/Natural/Organic Claim Cases 29. In July 1998, trial began in Engle v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.,
26. A total of 17 putative class actions have been filed in nine US a then-certified class action filed in Circuit Court, Miami-Dade
federal district courts against SFNTC, a subsidiary of RAI, which County, Florida, against US cigarette manufacturers, including
cases generally allege, in various combinations, violations of RJRT, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco. The then-certified class consisted
state deceptive and unfair trade practice statutes, and claim state of Florida citizens and residents, and their survivors, who suffered
common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust from smoking-related diseases that first manifested between
enrichment based on the use of descriptors such as ‘natural’, 5 May 1990, and 21 November 1996, and were caused by an
‘organic’ and ‘100% additive-free’ in the marketing, labelling, addiction to cigarettes. In July 1999, the jury in this Phase I found
advertising, and promotion of SFNTC’s Natural American Spirit against RJRT, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants
brand cigarettes. In these actions, the plaintiffs allege that the on common issues relating to the defendants’ conduct, general
use of these terms suggests that Natural American Spirit brand causation, the addictiveness of cigarettes, and entitlement to
cigarettes are less harmful than other cigarettes and, for that punitive damages.
reason, violated state consumer protection statutes or amounted to 30. In July 2000, the jury in Phase II awarded the class a total of
fraud or a negligent or intentional misrepresentation. The actions approximately US$145 billion (approximately £109.5 billion) in
seek various categories of recovery, including economic damages, punitive damages, apportioned US$36.3 billion (approximately
injunctive relief (including medical monitoring and cessation £27.4 billion) to RJRT, US$17.6 billion (approximately £13.3 billion)
programmes), interest, restitution, disgorgement, treble and to B&W, and US$16.3 billion (approximately £12.3 billion) to
punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. In April 2016, in Lorillard Tobacco. The three class representatives in the Engle class
response to a motion by the various plaintiffs, the US Judicial Panel action were awarded US$13 million (approximately £10 million) in
on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) consolidated these cases for compensatory damages.
pre-trial purposes before a federal court in New Mexico. That court
heard argument on defendants’ motion to dismiss the current 31. This decision was appealed and ultimately resulted in the Florida
consolidated complaint on 9 June 2017. On 21 December 2017, Supreme Court in December 2006 decertifying the class and
the district court granted the motion in part, dismissing a number allowing judgments entered for only two of the three Engle
of claims with prejudice, and denied it in part. The district court’s class representatives to stand and setting aside the punitive
scheduling order provides that hearings on motions for class damages award. The court preserved certain of the jury’s
certification and on motions challenging the admissibility expert Phase I findings, including that cigarettes can cause certain
opinion testimony will begin on or after 24 August 2020. diseases, nicotine is addictive, and defendants placed defective
cigarettes on the market, breached duties of care, concealed
Other Putative Class Actions health-related information and conspired. Putative Engle class
27. Jones v. American Tobacco Co. is a putative class action filed in members were permitted to file individual lawsuits, deemed
December 1998 in the Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri. “Engle progeny cases”, against the Engle defendants, within one
The action was brought by a plaintiff on behalf of a putative class year of the Supreme Court’s decision (subsequently extended to
of Missouri tobacco product users and purchasers against various 11 January 2008).
defendants, including RJRT, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco alleging
that the plaintiffs’ use of the defendants’ tobacco products has 32. During 2015, RJRT and Lorillard Tobacco, together with
caused them to become addicted to nicotine, and seeking an Philip Morris USA Inc. (“PM USA”), settled virtually all of the
unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. Engle progeny cases then pending against them in federal
There is currently no activity in this case. district court. The total amount of the settlement was
US$100 million (approximately £75 million) divided as follows:
RJRT US$42.5 million (approximately £32 million); PM USA
US$42.5 million (approximately £32 million); and Lorillard Tobacco
US$15 million (approximately £11 million). The settlement
covered more than 400 federal Engle progeny cases but did not
cover 12 federal progeny cases previously tried to verdict and then
pending on post-trial motions or appeal, and two federal progeny
cases filed by different lawyers from the ones who negotiated the
settlement for the plaintiffs.

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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


33. As at 31 December 2019, there were approximately 1,773 Engle progeny cases pending in which RJRT, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco have
been named as defendants and served. These cases include claims by or on behalf of 2,228 plaintiffs. In addition, as of 31 December 2019,
RJRT was aware of nine additional Engle progeny cases that have been filed but not served. The number of pending cases fluctuates for a
variety of reasons, including voluntary and involuntary dismissals. Voluntary dismissals include cases in which a plaintiff accepts an ‘offer of
judgment’ from RJRT, Lorillard Tobacco and/or RJRT’s affiliates and indemnitees. An offer of judgment, if rejected by the plaintiff, preserves
RJRT’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s right to recover attorneys’ fees under Florida law in the event of a verdict favourable to RJRT or Lorillard
Tobacco, or affiliates of such entities. Such offers are sometimes made through court-ordered mediations.
34. 95 trials occurred in Engle progeny cases in Florida state and federal courts against RJRT, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco from 1 January 2017
through 31 December 2019, and additional state court trials are scheduled for 2020.
35. The following chart identifies the number of trials in Engle progeny cases as at 31 December 2019 and additional information about the
adverse judgments entered:
Trials/verdicts/judgments of individual Engle progeny cases from 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2019:

Total number of trials 95


Number of trials resulting in plaintiffs’ verdicts 40**
Total damages awarded in final judgments against RJRT US$354,430,892 (approximately £267.5 million)
Amount of overall damages comprising ‘compensatory damages’ US$116,552,173 (of overall US$354,430,892)
(approximately) (approximately £87.9 million of £267.5 million)
Amount of overall damages comprising ‘punitive damages’ US$237,878,719 (of overall US$354,430,892)
(approximately) (approximately £179.6 million of £267.5 million)

** Of the 40 trials resulting in plaintiffs’ verdicts 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 (note 11):

Number of adverse judgments appealed by RJRT 27 (note 12)


Number of adverse judgments, in which RJRT still has time to file an appeal 3
Number of adverse judgments in which an appeal was not, and can no longer be, sought 8

Appeals of individual Engle progeny cases 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019:

Number of adverse judgments appealed by RJRT 40 (note 13)

Note 11: The 40 trials include one case that was tried twice (Gloger v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.) and one case (Robert Miller v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.) where plaintiff moved for a mistrial following
a plaintiff’s verdict where the jury awarded no compensatory or punitive damages, and an adverse judgment has not yet been entered.
Note 12: Of the 27 adverse judgments appealed by RJRT as a result of judgments arising in the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019:
a. 15 appeals remain undecided in the District Courts of Appeal; and
b. 12 were decided and/or closed. Of these 12 appeals, 6 were affirmed in favour of plaintiff, 1 was reversed to the trial court for possible retrial on punitive damages and review of the Florida Supreme
Court has been requested, 1 reversed for new trial on all issues, 1 reversed to reduce amount of compensatory damages by comparative fault, 1 reversed for reinstatement of full amount of
compensatory verdict, 1 was appealed but appeal was voluntarily dismissed, and 1 was involuntarily dismissed by the appellate court.

Note 13: Of the 40 adverse judgments appealed by RJRT:


a. 16 appeals remain undecided in the District Courts of Appeal;
b. 24 were decided and/or closed in the District Courts of Appeal. Of these 24 appeals, 13 were affirmed in favour of plaintiff (review of the Florida Supreme Court sought in 1 case), 1 was reversed
on punitive damages, including a possible retrial (review is pending of the Florida Supreme Court), 1 was reversed for a retrial on punitive damages (review is pending of the Florida Supreme Court),
1 was reversed for new trial (review of the Florida Supreme Court sought), 1 was reversed for the trial court to vacate the punitive damages award and judgment paid, 1 was reversed to reduce
compensatory damages by comparative fault and judgment paid, 2 were reversed to reinstate the full compensatory amount and judgment paid, 3 were voluntarily dismissed and judgments paid,
and 1 was involuntarily dismissed. RJRT has paid damages to plaintiffs in 8 cases that were not appealed that are now closed. The total damages award may vary depending on the outcome of the
pending appeals; and
c. Includes appeals of 2 adverse judgments rendered prior to 1 January 2017 that were appealed by RJRT in the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019.

36. By statute, Florida applies a US$200 million (approximately £151 million) bond cap to all Engle progeny cases in the aggregate.
Individual bond caps for any given Engle progeny case vary depending on the number of judgments in effect at a given time.
Judicial attempts by several plaintiffs in the Engle progeny cases to challenge the bond cap as violating the Florida Constitution have
failed. In addition, bills have been introduced in sessions of the Florida legislature that would eliminate the Engle progeny bond cap, but those
bills have not been enacted as of 31 December 2019.

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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


37. In 2019, RJRT or Lorillard Tobacco paid judgments in 22 Engle progeny cases. Those payments totalled US$142 million (approximately
£107 million) in compensatory or punitive damages. Additional costs were paid in respect of attorneys’ fees and statutory interest.
38. In addition, accruals for damages and attorneys’ fees and statutory interest for 3 cases (Starr-Blundell v R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Margaret
Brown v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., and Graffeo v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.) were recorded in RAI’s consolidated balance sheet as of
31 December 2019 to the value of US$38 million (approximately £29 million).
(c) Individual Cases
39. As of 31 December 2019, 135 individual cases were pending in the United States against RJRT, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco. This category
of cases includes smoking and health cases alleging personal injuries caused by tobacco use or exposure brought by or on behalf of individual
plaintiffs based on theories of negligence, strict liability, breach of express or implied warranty, and violations of state deceptive trade practices
or consumer protection statutes. The plaintiffs seek to recover compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and punitive damages.
The category does not include the Engle progeny cases, Broin II cases, and Filter Cases discussed above and below. One of the individual cases
is brought by or on behalf of an individual or his/her survivors alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to ETS.
40. The following chart identifies the number of individual cases pending as of 31 December 2019 as against the number pending as of
31 December 2018, along with the number of Engle progeny cases, Broin II cases, and Filter Cases, which are discussed further below.

US Case Numbers US Case Numbers Change in Number


Case Type 31 December 2019 31 December 2018 Increase/(Decrease)
Individual Smoking and Health Cases (note 14) 135 111 24
Engle Progeny Cases (Number of Plaintiffs) (note 15) 1,773 (2,228) 2,268 (2,841) (495) (613)
Broin II Cases (note 16) 1,228 1,406 (178)
Filter Cases (note 17) 51 58 (7)

(Note 14) Out of the 135 pending individual smoking and health cases, six have received adverse verdicts in the court of first instance or on
appeal, and the total amount of those verdicts is approximately US$192 million (approximately £145 million).
(Note 15) The number of Engle progeny cases will fluctuate as cases are dismissed or if any of the dismissed cases are appealed. Please see earlier
table in paragraph 35.
(Note 16) Broin v Philip Morris, Inc. was a class action filed in Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County, Florida in 1991 and brought on behalf of flight
attendants alleged to have suffered from diseases or ailments caused by exposure to ETS in airplane cabins. In October 1997, RJRT, B&W, Lorillard
Tobacco and other cigarette manufacturer defendants settled Broin, agreeing to pay a total of US$300 million (approximately £226 million)
in three annual US$100 million (approximately £75 million) instalments, allocated among the companies by market share, to fund research
on the early detection and cure of diseases associated with tobacco smoke. It also required those companies to pay a total of US$49 million
(approximately £37 million) for the plaintiffs’ counsel’s fees and expenses. RJRT’s portion of these payments was approximately US$86 million
(approximately £65 million); B&W’s was approximately US$57 million (approximately £43 million); and Lorillard Tobacco’s was approximately
US$31 million (approximately £23 million). The settlement agreement, among other things, limits the types of claims class members may bring
and eliminates claims for punitive damages. The settlement agreement also provides that, in individual cases by class members that are referred
to as Broin II lawsuits, the defendants will bear the burden of proof with respect to whether ETS can cause certain specifically enumerated diseases,
referred to as “general causation.” With respect to all other liability issues, including whether an individual plaintiff’s disease was caused by his
or her exposure to ETS in airplane cabins, referred to as “specific causation”, individual plaintiffs will bear the burden of proof. On 7 September
1999, the Florida Supreme Court approved the settlement. There have been no Broin II trials since 2007. There have been periodic efforts to
activate cases and the Group expects this to continue over time.
(Note 17) Includes claims brought against Lorillard Tobacco and Lorillard Inc. by individuals who seek damages resulting from their alleged
exposure to asbestos fibres that were incorporated into filter material used in one brand of cigarettes manufactured by a predecessor to Lorillard
Tobacco for a limited period of time ending more than 50 years ago. Pursuant to the terms of a 1952 agreement between P. Lorillard Company
and H&V Specialties Co., Inc. (the manufacturer of the filter material), Lorillard Tobacco is required to indemnify Hollingsworth & Vose for legal
fees, expenses, judgments and resolutions in cases and claims alleging injury from finished products sold by P. Lorillard Company that contained
the filter material. As of 31 December 2019, Lorillard Tobacco and/or Lorillard Inc. was a defendant in 51 Filter Cases. Since 1 January 2017,
Lorillard Tobacco and RJRT have paid, or have reached agreement to pay, a total of approximately US$31 million (approximately £23 million) in
settlements to resolve 138 Filter Cases.
(d) State Settlement Agreements
41. In November 1998, the major US cigarette manufacturers, including RJRT, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, entered into the Master Settlement
Agreement (“MSA”) with attorneys general representing 46 US states, the District of Columbia and certain US territories and possessions.
These cigarette manufacturers previously settled four other cases, brought on behalf of Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota, by separate
agreements with each state (collectively and with the MSA, the “State Settlement Agreements”).
42. These State Settlement Agreements settled all health care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions; released
the defending major US cigarette manufacturers from various additional present and potential future claims; imposed future payment
obligations in perpetuity on RJRT, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other major US cigarette manufacturers; and placed significant restrictions on
their ability to market and sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. In accordance with the MSA, various tobacco companies agreed
to fund a US$5.2 billion (approximately £3.9 billion) trust fund to be used to address the possible adverse economic impact of the MSA on
tobacco growers.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 197


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CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


43. RJRT and SFNTC are subject to the substantial payment obligations under the State Settlement Agreements. Payments under the State
Settlement Agreements are subject to various adjustments for, among other things, the volume of cigarettes sold, relative market share,
operating profit and inflation. RAI’s operating subsidiaries’ expenses and payments under the State Settlement Agreements for 2017, 2018
and 2019 and the projected expenses and payments for 2020 onwards are set forth below (in millions of US dollars)*:

2017 2018 2019 2020 and thereafter


Settlement expenses $2,856 $2,741 $2,762
Settlement cash payments $4,612 $917 $2,918
Projected settlement expenses $>2,900
Projected settlement cash payments $>2,600

* Subject to adjustments for changes in sales volume, inflation, operating profit and other factors. Payments are allocated among the companies on the basis of relative market share or other methods.

44. The State Settlement Agreements have materially adversely affected RJRT’s shipment volumes. RAI believes that these settlement obligations
may materially adversely affect the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of RAI and RJRT in future periods. The degree of the
adverse impact will depend, among other things, on the rate of decline in US cigarette sales in the premium and value categories, RJRT’s
share of the domestic premium and value cigarette categories, and the effect of any resulting cost advantage of manufacturers not subject to
the State Settlement Agreements.
45. In addition, the MSA includes an adjustment that potentially reduces the annual payment obligations of RJRT, Lorillard Tobacco and
the other signatories to the MSA, known as “Participating Manufacturers” (“PMs”). Certain requirements, collectively referred to as the
“Adjustment Requirements”, must be satisfied before the Non-Participating Manufacturers (“NPM”) Adjustment for a given year is available:
(i) an Independent Auditor must determine that the PMs have experienced a market share loss, beyond a triggering threshold, to those
manufacturers that do not participate in the MSA (such non-participating manufacturers being referred to as “NPMs”); and (ii) in a binding
arbitration proceeding, a firm of independent economic consultants must find that the disadvantages of the MSA were a significant factor
contributing to the loss of market share. This finding is known as a significant factor determination.
46. When the Adjustment Requirements are satisfied, the MSA provides that the NPM Adjustment applies to reduce the annual payment
obligation of the PMs. However, an individual settling state may avoid its share of the NPM Adjustment if it had in place and diligently
enforced during the entirety of the relevant year a ‘Qualifying Statute’ that imposes escrow obligations on NPMs that are comparable to
what the NPMs would have owed if they had joined the MSA. In such event, the state’s share of the NPM Adjustment is reallocated to other
settling states, if any, that did not have in place and diligently enforce a Qualifying Statute.
47. RJRT and Lorillard Tobacco are or were involved in NPM Adjustment proceedings concerning the years 2003 to 2017. In 2012, RJRT,
Lorillard Tobacco, and SFNTC entered into an agreement (the “Term Sheet”) with certain settling states that resolved accrued and potential
NPM adjustments for the years 2003 through 2012 and, as a result, RJRT and SFNTC collectively received, or are to receive, more than
US$1.1 billion (approximately £830 million) in credits that, in substantial part, were applied to MSA payments in 2014 through 2017. After an
arbitration panel ruled in September 2013 that six states had not diligently enforced their qualifying statutes in the year 2003, additional
states joined the Term Sheet. RJRT executed the NPM Adjustment Settlement Agreement on 25 September 2017 (which incorporated the
Term Sheet). Since the NPM Adjustment Settlement Agreement was executed, an additional 10 states have joined. NPM proceedings are
ongoing and could result in further reductions of the companies’ MSA-related payments.
48. On 18 January 2017, the State of Florida filed a motion to join Imperial Tobacco Group, PLC (“ITG”) as a defendant and to enforce the Florida
State Settlement Agreement, which motion seeks payment under the Florida State Settlement Agreement of approximately US$45 million
(approximately £34 million) with respect to the four brands (Winston, Salem, Kool and Maverick) that were sold to ITG in the divestiture of
certain assets, on 12 June 2015, by subsidiaries or affiliates of RAI and Lorillard, together with the transfer of certain employees and certain
liabilities, to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Imperial Brands plc (the “Divestiture”), referred to as the “Acquired Brands”. The motion also claims
future annual losses of approximately US$30 million per year (approximately £23 million) absent the court’s enforcement of the Florida State
Settlement Agreement. The State’s motion sought, among other things, an order declaring that RJRT and ITG are in breach of the Florida
Settlement Agreement and are required, jointly and severally, to make annual payments to the State under the Florida State Settlement
Agreement with respect to the Acquired Brands. In addition, on 18 January 2017, PM USA filed a motion to enforce the Florida State
Settlement Agreement, asserting among other things that RJRT and ITG breached that agreement by failing to make settlement payments
as to the Acquired Brands, which PM USA asserts has improperly shifted settlement payment obligations to PM USA. On 27 January 2017,
RJRT sought leave to file a supplemental pleading for breach by ITG of its obligations regarding joinder into the Florida State Settlement
Agreement. The Florida court, on 30 March 2017, ruled that ITG should be joined into the enforcement action.

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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


49. After a bench trial, on 27 December 2017 the court entered an 50. On 17 February 2017, ITG filed an action in the Court of Chancery
order holding that RJRT (not ITG) is liable for annual settlement of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory relief and a motion
payments for the Acquired Brands, finding that ITG did not for a temporary restraining order against RAI and RJRT. In its
assume liability for annual settlement payments under the terms complaint, ITG asked the court to declare various matters related
of the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture to its rights and obligations under the asset purchase agreement
and RJRT remained liable for payments under the Florida State (and related documents) relating to the Divestiture. ITG sought
Settlement Agreement as to the Acquired Brands. On 23 January an injunction barring RAI and/or RJRT from alleging in the Florida
2018, RJRT filed a notice of appeal, and on 25 January 2018, RJRT enforcement litigation that ITG had breached the asset purchase
filed an amended notice of appeal, and PM USA filed a notice agreement and requiring these companies to litigate issues under
of appeal as to the court’s ruling as to ITG. On 26 January 2018, the asset purchase agreement in Delaware. Following a hearing on
the State moved for recovery of its attorneys’ fees and costs from ITG’s complaint and motion on 1 March 2017, the Delaware Court
RJRT. The State and PM USA filed a joint motion for the entry of entered a temporary restraining order that enjoined RAI and RJRT
final judgment on 1 February 2018. The court declined to enter from ‘taking offensive action to assert claims against ITG Brands’
a final judgment until after resolution of the dispute between in the Florida enforcement action, but the order does not prevent
RJRT and PM USA regarding PM USA’s assertion that settlement RJRT from making arguments in response to claims asserted by
payment obligations have been improperly shifted to PM USA. the State of Florida, PM USA or ITG in the Florida enforcement
On 15 August 2018, the court entered a final judgement in the litigation. On 24 March 2017, RAI and RJRT answered the ITG
action (the “Final Judgment”). As a result of the Final Judgment, complaint and filed a motion to stay proceedings in Delaware
PM USA’s challenge to RJRT’s accounting assumptions related to pending the outcome of the Florida enforcement litigation,
the Acquired Brands was rendered moot, subject to reinstatement which motion was denied 18 May 2017. Cross motions for partial
if ITG joins the Florida State Settlement Agreement or if judgment judgment on the pleadings were filed focusing on whether ITG’s
is reversed. On 29 August 2018, RJRT filed a notice of appeal obligation to use ‘reasonable best efforts’ to join the Florida State
on the Final Judgment. On 7 September 2018, PM USA filed Settlement Agreement continued after the 12 June 2015 closing.
a notice of appeal with respect to the court’s ruling as to ITG. On 30 November 2017, following argument, the Delaware Court
On 12 September 2018, RJRT filed a motion to consolidate RJRT’s ruled in favour of RJRT, holding that ITG’s obligation to use its
appeal with the appeal filed by PM USA, which was granted on reasonable best efforts to join the Florida Settlement Agreement
1 October 2018, RJRT’s initial brief was due on 11 February 2019. did not terminate due to the closing of the asset purchase
Following agreed extensions, RJRT filed its initial appellate brief on agreement relating to the Divestiture. On 4 January 2019, RJRT
12 April 2019; the State’s, ITG’s and PM USA’s opposition briefs filed another motion for partial judgment on the pleadings seeking
were filed on 23 August 2019. On 23 December 2019, RJRT filed to resolve two contract-interpretation questions under the asset
its reply brief and request for oral argument. On 23 December purchase agreement: first, to the extent RJRT is held liable for any
2019, ITG filed its answer brief to PM USA’s appeal with respect settlement payments based on post-closing sales of the Acquired
to the court’s ruling as to ITG; PM USA filed its reply brief on Brands, ITG assumed this liability, and second, that the asset
6 February 2020. Oral argument is scheduled for 7 April 2020. purchase agreement does not entitle ITG to a unique protection
RJRT will seek indemnification from ITG, if necessary. In January from an equity-fee law that does not yet exist in a Previously
2018, the auditor of the Florida State Settlement Agreement Settled State Argument on RJRT’s motion for partial judgment
adjusted the final 2017 invoice for the annual payment and was heard on 4 June 2019. On 23 September 2019, the Delaware
amended the 2015 and 2016 invoices for the respective annual Chancery Court declined to resolve, at this time, the first issue,
payment and the net operating profit penalty for each of whether ITG had assumed any liability imposed on RJR Tobacco for
those years under the Florida Settlement Agreement, based on making settlement payments on ITG’s brands. The court concluded
the auditor’s interpretation of the court’s order. The adjusted that both sides had presented reasonable interpretations of the
invoices reflected amounts due to both the State of Florida and asset purchase agreement, which was therefore ambiguous, so
PM USA. In total, the estimated additional amounts due were the court would require an evidentiary hearing to interpret the
US$99 million (approximately £75 million) with US$84 million intent of the asset purchase agreement on assumed liabilities.
(approximately £63 million) to the State of Florida and The court also granted RJRT’s motion on the second issue and
US$16 million (approximately £12 million) to PM USA. RJRT has ruled that ITG could not refuse to join the Florida State Settlement
advised the auditor that it disputes these amounts, and therefore Agreement unless a joinder exempted it from a future equity-fee
no further amounts were due or would be paid for those years statute. On 1 October 2019, the Chancery Court entered an order
pending the final resolution of RJRT’s appeal of the court’s order. on these latest motions for partial judgment on the pleadings.
Those amounts were not paid. It granted RJRT’s motion on the second issue. It denied both
parties’ motions on the first issue, deferring resolution until after
the court receives evidence related to the parties’ intent in their
contract. On 11 October 2019, ITG filed in the Chancery Court a
motion to seek interlocutory appeal in the Supreme Court, which
was denied on 31 October 2019. On 31 October 2019, ITG filed
a notice of interlocutory appeal directly to the Delaware Supreme
Court, which was denied on 7 November 2019.

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CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


51. On 26 March 2018, the State of Minnesota filed a motion against 52. On 28 January 2019, the State of Texas filed motions in the
RJRT to enforce the Minnesota State Settlement Agreement, which original Texas health care reimbursement case, brought against
motion seeks payments under the Minnesota State Settlement the tobacco industry that led to the Texas State Settlement
Agreement of approximately US$40 million (approximately Agreement to join ITG as a defendant and to enforce the Texas
£30 million) with respect to the Acquired Brands. The motion State Settlement Agreement against RJRT and ITG, seeking
also claims future annual losses of approximately US$15 million payment under the Texas State Settlement Agreement of
(approximately £11 million) absent the court’s enforcement of the approximately US$125 million (approximately £94 million)
Minnesota State Settlement Agreement. The State of Minnesota with respect to the Acquired Brands that were sold to ITG in
also filed a separate complaint against ITG, which complaint the Divestiture. The motion also claims future annual losses of
seeks the same payments. The State’s motion against RJRT an unspecified amount absent the court’s enforcement of the
and complaint against ITG seek, among other things, an order Texas State Settlement Agreement. The State’s motion seeks,
declaring that RJRT and ITG are in breach of the Minnesota State among other things, an order declaring that RJRT, or in the
Settlement Agreement and are jointly and severally liable to make alternative, ITG, is in breach of the Texas Settlement Agreement
annual payments to the State of Minnesota under the Minnesota and is required to make annual payments to the State under the
State Settlement Agreement with respect to the Acquired Brands. Texas State Settlement Agreement with respect to the Acquired
In addition, on 28 March 2018, PM USA filed a motion to enforce Brands. In addition, on 29 January 2019, PM USA filed a motion to
the Minnesota State Settlement Agreement, asserting, among enforce the Texas State Settlement Agreement, asserting among
other things, that RJRT and ITG breached the Minnesota State other things that RJRT and ITG breached that agreement by
Settlement Agreement by failing to make settlement payments failing to make settlement payments as to the Acquired Brands,
as to the Acquired Brands, which PM USA asserts has improperly which PM USA asserts has improperly shifted settlement payment
shifted settlement payment obligations to PM USA. On 27 March obligations to PM USA. On 3 March 2019, RJRT filed a motion for
2018, the Minnesota court consolidated the motions to enforce leave to conduct discovery and for entry of a proposed discovery
and separate complaint against ITG into one proceeding captioned and briefing schedule, to which ITG joined on 14 March 2019.
In re Petition of the State of Minnesota for an Order Compelling On 28 June 2019, the United States District Court issued an
Payments of Settlement Proceeds Related to ITG Brands LLC, Court opinion and order in which the Court scheduled discovery to be
File No. 62-CV-18-1912. On 11 June 2018, the court held a completed by 15 August 2019 and scheduled a hearing on the
scheduling conference in the case and by order dated 21 June motions to enforce for 19 September 2019. On 26 July 2019, the
2018, set a discovery schedule for the case, under which discovery Court entered an order rescheduling certain deadlines; discovery
is complete. A hearing on the motions to enforce to determine is to be completed by 15 September 2019. A hearing on the
if RJRT and/or ITG are liable to make payments on the Acquired motions to enforce was held on 30 October 2019; the Court
Brands was held on 26 June 2019. On 24 September 2019, the reserved ruling.
Minnesota District Court issued an Order and Memorandum,
53. In June 2015, ITG joined the Mississippi Settlement Agreement.
holding RJRT liable for settlement payments on the Acquired
On 26 December 2018, PM USA filed a Motion to Enforce
Brands, and determining the issue of whether ITG is a ‘successor or
Settlement Agreement against RJRT and ITG alleging RJRT and
assign’ of RJRT under the Minnesota State Settlement Agreement is
ITG failed to act in good faith in calculating the base-year net
unresolved, reasoning ITG’s status depends on whether it satisfied
operating profits for the Acquired Brands, claiming damages of
its post-closing obligation to expend its reasonable best efforts
approximately US$6 million (approximately £5 million) through
to join the Minnesota State Settlement Agreement. A hearing
2017. On 21 February 2019, the Chancery Court of Jackson
to determine whether ITG is liable for settlement payments and
County, Mississippi held a scheduling conference and issued
other damages issues is scheduled for 28 April 2020; related
a discovery schedule order. Discovery is currently underway.
discovery is underway. On 23 December 2019, ITG filed a motion
A hearing on PM USA’s Motion to Enforce Settlement Agreement
in the Minnesota District Court seeking certification of an appeal
has not yet been scheduled. On 3 December 2019, the State
of certain questions arising from the 24 September 2019 order.
of Mississippi filed a Notice of Violation and Motion to Enforce
On 21 January 2020, a hearing was held on ITG’s motion seeking
the Settlement Agreement in the Chancery Court of Jackson
certification of an appeal. On 19 February 2020, the Minnesota
County, Mississippi against RJRT, PM USA and ITG, seeking a
District Court entered an Order and Memorandum denying ITG’s
declaration that the base year 1997 net operating profit to be
motion for certification.
used in calculating the Net Operating Profit Adjustment was
not affected by the change in the federal corporate tax rate in
2018 from 35% to 21%, and an order requiring RJRT to pay the
approximately US$5 million (approximately £4 million) difference
in its 2018 payment because of this issue. Determination of this
issue may affect RJRT’s annual payment thereafter. Discovery is
currently underway.

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(e) UK — Based Group Companies Canada
54. As at 31 December 2019, Investments has been served in one 58. On 1 March 2019, the Quebec Court of Appeal handed down a
dormant individual action in the US (Perry) in which there has judgment which largely upheld and endorsed the lower court’s
been no activity since 1998 following the plaintiff’s death in 1997. previous decision in the Quebec Class Actions, as further described
below. The share of the judgment for Imperial, the Group’s
Tobacco-Related Litigation Outside the United States
operating company in Canada, is approximately CAD $9.2 billion
55. As at 31 December 2019: (approximately £5.4 billion). As a result of this judgment, the then
a. medical reimbursement actions are being brought in Angola, immediate attempts by the Quebec plaintiffs to obtain payment
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria and South Korea; out of the CAD $758 million (approximately £436 million) on
deposit with the court, the fact that JTI-MacDonald Corp (a
b. class actions are being brought in Brazil, Canada and co-defendant in the cases) filed for creditor protection under the
Venezuela; and Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) on 8 March
c. active tobacco product liability claims against the Group’s 2019 and obtained a court ordered stay of all tobacco litigation
companies existed in 14 markets outside the US. The only in Canada as against all defendants (including RJRT and its affiliate
markets with five or more claims were Argentina, Brazil, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco International Inc. (collectively, the “RJR
Canada, Chile, Nigeria and Italy. Companies”)) until 4 April 2019, and the need for a process to
resolve all of the outstanding litigation across the country, on
(a) Medical reimbursement cases 12 March 2019 Imperial filed for creditor protection under the
Angola CCAA. In its application Imperial asked the Ontario Superior Court
56. In or about November 2016, BAT Angola affiliate Sociedade to stay all pending or contemplated litigation against Imperial,
Unificada de Tabacos de Angola (“SUT”) was served with a certain of its subsidiaries and all other Group companies that were
collective action filed in the Provincial Court of Luanda, 2nd Civil defendants in the Canadian tobacco litigation, including British
Section, by the consumer association Associação Angolana dos American Tobacco p.l.c. (the “Company”), Investments, Industries
Direitos do Consumidor (“AADIC”). The lawsuit seeks damages of and Carreras Rothmans Limited (collectively, the “UK Companies”).
AOA 800,000,000 (approximately £1 million) allegedly incurred On 22 March 2019, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. also filed
by the Angolan Instituto Nacional do Controlo do Cancro for CCAA protection and obtained a stay of proceedings (together
(“INCC”) for the cost of treating tobacco-related disease, non- with the other two stays, the “Stays”). The Stays are currently in
material damages allegedly suffered by certain individual smokers place until 30 September 2020. While the Stays are in place, no
on the rolls of INCC, and the mandating of certain cigarette steps are to be taken in connection with the Canadian tobacco
package warnings. SUT filed its answer to the claim on or about litigation with respect to any of the defendants.
5 December 2016. The case remains pending. 59. The below represents the state of the referenced litigation as at the
Argentina advent of the Stays.
57. In 2007, the non-governmental organisation the Argentina Tort 60. Following the implementation of legislation enabling provincial
Law Association (“ATLA”) and Emma Mendoza Voguet brought governments to recover health-care costs directly from tobacco
a reimbursement action against Nobleza Piccardo S.A.I.C.y.F. manufacturers, 10 actions for recovery of health-care costs arising
(“Nobleza”) and Massalín Particulares. The case is being heard in from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases have
the Contentious Administrative Court. The parties filed conclusive been brought. These proceedings name various Group companies
briefs on 20 May 2019 and await the Court’s decision. as defendants, including the UK Companies and Imperial as well as
the RJR Companies. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 sale of RJRT’s
international tobacco business to Japan Tobacco Incorporated
(“JTI”), JTI has agreed to indemnify RJRT for all liabilities and
obligations (including litigation costs) arising in respect of the
Canadian recoupment actions. Subject to a reservation of rights, JTI
has assumed the defence of the RJR Companies in these actions.
61. The 10 cases were proceeding in British Columbia, New Brunswick,
Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The enabling
legislation is in force in all 10 provinces. In addition, legislation has
received Royal Assent in two of the three territories in Canada, but
has yet to be proclaimed into force.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 201


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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Act pursuant to which
Canadian province Claim was brought Companies named as Defendants Current stage
British Columbia Tobacco Damages Imperial The defences of Imperial, Investments, Industries, Carreras
and Health Care Investments Rothmans Limited and the RJR Companies have been filed, and
Costs Recovery Act document production and discoveries were ongoing. On 13
Industries
2000 February 2017 the province delivered an expert report dated
Carreras Rothmans Limited October 2016, quantifying its damages in the amount of CAD$118
RJR Companies billion (approximately £68.7 billion). No trial date has been set. The
Other former Rothmans Group federal government is seeking CAD$5 million (approximately £3
companies million) jointly from all the defendants in respect of costs pertaining
to the third-party claim, now dismissed.
All have been served.
New Brunswick Tobacco Damages Imperial, the UK Companies and RJR The defences of Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR
and Health Care Companies have all been named as Companies have been filed and document production and
Costs Recovery Act defendants and served. discoveries are substantially complete. The most recent expert
2006 report filed by the Province estimated a range of damages between
CAD $11.1 billion (approximately £6.5 billion) and CAD$23.2
billion (approximately £13.5 billion), including expected future
costs. Following a motion to set a trial date, the New Brunswick
Court of Queen’s Bench ordered that the trial commence on 4
November 2019. On 7 March 2019, the New Brunswick Court of
Queen’s Bench released a decision which requires the Province to
produce a substantial amount of additional documentation and
data to the defendants. As a result, the original trial date of 4
November 2019 would have been delayed. No new trial date has
been set.
Ontario Tobacco Damages Imperial, the UK Companies and the The defences of Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR
and Health Care RJR Companies have all been named Companies have been filed. The parties completed significant
Costs Recovery Act as defendants and served. document production in the summer of 2017 and discoveries
2009 commenced in the autumn of 2018. On 15 June 2018, the
province delivered an expert report quantifying its damages in the
range of CAD$280 billion (approximately £163 billion) – CAD$630
billion (approximately £366.7 billion) in 2016/2017 dollars for the
period 1954 – 2060, and the Province amended the damages
sought in its Statement of Claim to CAD$330 billion
(approximately £192 billion). On 31 January 2019, the Province
delivered a further expert report claiming an additional CAD $9.4
billion (approximately £5.5 billion) and CAD$10.9 billion in
damages (approximately £6.3 billion) in respect of ETS. No trial
date has been set.
Newfoundland Tobacco Health Care Imperial, the UK Companies and the The case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
and Labrador Costs Recovery Act RJR Companies have all been named Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR Companies have been
2001 as defendants and served. filed and the province began its document production in March
2018. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial
date has been set.
Saskatchewan Tobacco Damages Imperial, the UK Companies and the This case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
and Health Care RJR Companies have all been named Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR Companies have been
Costs Recovery Act as defendants and served. filed and the province has delivered a test shipment of documents.
2007 Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date
has been set.
Manitoba Tobacco Damages Imperial, the UK Companies and RJR This case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
Health Care Costs Companies have all been named as Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR Companies have been
Recovery Act 2006 defendants and served. filed and document production commenced. Damages have not
been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.
Alberta Crown’s Right of Imperial, the UK Companies and RJR This case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
Recovery Act 2009 Companies have all been named as Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR Companies have been
defendants and served. filed and the province commenced its document production. The
province has stated its claim to be worth CAD$10 billion
(approximately £5.8 billion). No trial date has been set.

202 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Act pursuant to which
Canadian province Claim was brought Companies named as Defendants Current stage
Quebec Tobacco Related The case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
Imperial, Investments, Industries, the
Damages and Health RJR Companies and Carreras Imperial, Investments, Industries, Carreras Rothmans Limited and
Care Costs Recovery the RJR Companies have been filed. Motions over admissibility of
Rothmans Limited have been named
Act 2009 as defendants and served. documents and damages discovery have been filed but not heard.
The province is seeking CAD$60 billion (approximately £34.9
billion). No trial date has been set.
Prince Edward Tobacco Damages Imperial, the UK Companies and RJR This case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
Island and Health Care Companies have all been named as Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR Companies have been
Costs Recovery Act defendants and served. filed and the next step was expected to be document production,
2009 which the parties deferred for the time being. Damages have not
been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.
Nova Scotia Tobacco Health Care Imperial, the UK Companies and RJR This case is at an early case management stage. The defences of
Costs Recovery Act Companies have all been named as Imperial, the UK Companies and the RJR Companies have been
2005 defendants and served. filed. The province provided a test document production in March
2018. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial
date has been set.

Nigeria
62. British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited (“BAT Nigeria“), the Company and Investments have been named as defendants in a medical
reimbursement action by the federal government of Nigeria, filed on 6 November 2007 in the Federal High Court, and in similar actions
filed by the Nigerian states of Kano (9 May 2007), Oyo (30 May 2007), Lagos (13 March 2008), Ogun (26 February 2008), and Gombe
(17 October 2008) commenced in their respective High Courts. In the five cases that remain active, the plaintiffs seek a total of approximately
10.6 trillion Nigerian naira (approximately £22 billion) in damages, including special, anticipatory and punitive damages, restitution and
disgorgement of profits, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief.
63. The suits claim that the state and federal government plaintiffs incurred costs related to the treatment of smoking-related illnesses resulting
from allegedly tortious conduct by the defendants in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of tobacco products in Nigeria, and assert that the
plaintiffs are entitled to reimbursement for such costs. The plaintiffs assert causes of action for negligence, negligent design, fraud and deceit,
fraudulent concealment, breach of express and implied warranty, public nuisance, conspiracy, strict liability, indemnity, restitution, unjust
enrichment, voluntary assumption of a special undertaking, and performance of another’s duty to the public.
64. The Company and Investments have made a number of challenges to the jurisdiction of the Nigerian courts. Such challenges are still pending
(on appeal) against the federal government and the states of Lagos, Kano, Gombe and Ogun. The underlying cases are stayed or adjourned
pending the final outcome of these jurisdictional challenges. In the state of Oyo, on 13 November 2015, and 24 February 2017, respectively,
the Company’s and Investments’ jurisdictional challenges were successful in the Court of Appeal and the issuance of the writ of summons was
set aside.
South Korea
65. In April 2014, Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (“NHIS”) filed a healthcare recoupment action against KT&G (a Korean tobacco
company), PM Korea and BAT Korea (including BAT Korea Manufacturing). The NHIS is seeking damages of roughly 54 billion Korean
Won (approximately £35 million) in respect of health care costs allegedly incurred by the NHIS treating patients with lung (small cell and
squamous cell) and laryngeal (squamous cell) cancer between 2003 and 2012. Court hearings in the case, which constitute the trial,
commenced in September 2014 and remain ongoing.
Brazil
66. On 21 May 2019, the Federal Attorney’s Office (“AGU”) in Brazil filed an action in the Federal Court of Rio Grande do Sul against the
Company, the BAT Group’s Brazilian subsidiary Souza Cruz LTDA (“Souza Cruz”), Philip Morris International, Philip Morris Brazil Indústria
e Comércio LTDA and Philip Morris Brasil S/A, asserting claims for medical reimbursement for funds allegedly expended by the federal
government as public health care expenses to treat 26 tobacco-related diseases over the last five years and that will be expended in
perpetuity during future years, including diseases allegedly caused both by cigarette smoking and exposure to ETS. The action includes a
claim for moral damages allegedly suffered by Brazilian society to be paid into a public welfare fund. The action is for an unspecified amount
of monetary compensation, as the AGU seeks a bifurcated action in which liability would be determined in the first phase followed by an
evidentiary phase to ascertain damages.
67. On 19 July 2019, the trial court ordered that service of the action on the Company be effected via service on Souza Cruz. On 6 August 2019,
Souza Cruz refused to receive service on behalf of the Company due to Souza Cruz’s lack of power to receive the summons on behalf of the
Company and such refusal was attached to the case files on 9 August 2019. On 7 August 2019, Souza Cruz was served with the complaint by
the AGU and Souza Cruz’s acknowledgement of service was attached to the case files on 12 August 2019.
68. On 19 August 2019, Souza Cruz filed an interlocutory appeal challenging the 19 July 2019 trial court order permitting the AGU to effect
service on the Company by serving Souza Cruz and requesting a stay of the proceedings until the appeal is decided. Souza Cruz also
appealed the fact that several documents attached to the AGU’s complaint are in English, without proper translation, and it also appealed the
very short term of 30 days for the defendants to prepare their defences.

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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


69. On 20 August 2019, Souza Cruz informed the trial court about Canada
the appeal and the trial court entered an order, which ordered 72. As noted above, on 1 March 2019 the Quebec Court of Appeal
the closure of the online system preventing the parties from handed down a judgment which largely upheld and endorsed
submitting any petition so that no prejudice would be caused the lower court’s previous decision in the Quebec Class Actions,
to the defendants and permitted the AGU, within 15 days of its as further described below. Imperial’s share of the judgment is
notification, to respond to the argument that the service of a approximately CAD $9.2 billion (approximately £5.4 billion).
foreign defendant via its Brazilian subsidiary constituted improper As a result of this judgment, the then immediate attempts by the
service. On 21 August 2019, the substitute reporting judge of the Quebec plaintiffs to obtain payment out of the CAD $758 million
appellate court, having been notified that the trial court judge (approximately £436 million) on deposit with the court, the
had in the meantime issued a new decision (thereby revoking the fact that JTI-MacDonald Corp (a co-defendant in the cases) filed
previous decision), ruled that the appeal filed had therefore been for creditor protection under the CCAA on 8 March 2019 and
rendered moot. The AGU filed its submission in the trial court on obtained a court ordered stay of all tobacco litigation in Canada as
19 September 2019, and Souza Cruz filed a reply submission on against all defendants (including the RJR Companies) until 4 April
25 September 2019. Souza Cruz reported on 4 February 2020 that 2019, and the need for a process to resolve all of the outstanding
the trial court ruled that service of the Company via its Brazilian litigation across the country, on 12 March 2019 Imperial filed
subsidiary constituted proper service, denied the request for for protection under the CCAA. In its application Imperial asked
additional time to file defences, denied the request to have the the Ontario Superior Court to stay all pending or contemplated
foreign language documents attached to the initial complaint fully litigation against Imperial, certain of its subsidiaries and all other
translated into Portuguese, and ordered that defences be filed Group companies that were defendants in the Canadian tobacco
within 30 business days. On 18 February 2020, Souza Cruz filed an litigation, including the UK companies. On 22 March 2019,
interlocutory appeal (including a request to stay the deadline to file Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. also filed for CCAA protection
defences), which appeal remains pending. and obtained a stay of proceedings (together with the other
(b) Class Actions two stays, the “Stays”). The Stays are currently in place until
30 September 2020. While the Stays are in place, no steps are to
Brazil
be taken in connection with the Canadian tobacco litigation with
70. In 1995, the Associação de Defesa da Saúde do Fumante respect to any of the defendants.
(“ADESF”) class action was filed against Souza Cruz and Philip
Morris in the São Paulo Lower Civil Court alleging that the 73. The below represents the state of the referenced litigation as at the
defendants are liable to a class of smokers and former smokers for advent of the Stays.
failing to warn of cigarette addiction. The case was stayed in 2004 74. There are 11 class actions being brought in Canada against
pending the defendants’ appeal from a decision issued by the Group companies.
Lower Civil Court that held that the defendants had not met their
burden of proving that cigarette smoking was not addictive or 75. Knight Class Action: The Supreme Court of British Columbia
harmful to health. certified a class of all consumers who purchased Imperial cigarettes
in British Columbia bearing ‘light’ or ‘mild’ descriptors since 1974.
71. On 12 November 2008, the São Paulo Court of Appeals The plaintiff is seeking compensation for amounts spent on ‘light
overturned the lower court’s unfavourable decision of 2004, and mild’ products and a disgorgement of profits from Imperial
returning the case to the lower court for production of evidence on the basis that the marketing of light and mild cigarettes was
and a new judgment. Following production of evidence, on deceptive because it conveyed a false and misleading message that
16 May 2011, the lower court granted Souza Cruz’s motion to those cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes.
dismiss the action in its entirety on the merits. The plaintiffs’ appeal
to the Sao Paolo Court of Appeals was unsuccessful. The plaintiffs 76. On appeal, the appellate court confirmed the certification
then filed a Special Appeal to the Superior Court of Justice, which of the class, but limited any financial liability, if proven, to
was rejected under procedural grounds on 20 February 2017. 1997 onward. Imperial’s third-party claim against the federal
The plaintiffs filed an appeal of the rejection in the Superior Court government was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada.
of Justice on 15 March 2017. The federal government is seeking a cost order of CAD$5 million
(approximately £3 million) from Imperial relating to its now
dismissed third-party claim. After being dormant for several
years, the plaintiff delivered a Notice of Intention to Proceed, and
Imperial delivered an application to dismiss the action for delay.
The application was heard on 23 June 2017 and was dismissed
on 23 August 2017. Notice to class members of certification was
provided on 14 February 2018. As at the date of the Stays, the
next steps were expected to include discovery-related ones.

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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


77. Growers’ Class Action: In December 2009, Imperial was served the five-member panel of the Court of Appeal, with one exception
with a proposed class action filed by Ontario tobacco farmers being an amendment to the original interest calculation applied
and the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board. to certain portions of the judgment. The interest adjustment has
The plaintiffs allege that Imperial and the Canadian subsidiaries of resulted in the reduction of the total maximum award in the two
Philip Morris International and JTI failed to pay the agreed domestic cases to CAD $13.7 billion (approximately £8 billion) as of 1 March
contract price to the growers used in products manufactured 2019, with Imperial’s share being reduced to approximately CAD
for the export market and which were ultimately smuggled $9.2 billion (approximately £5.4 billion). The Court of Appeal also
back into Canada. JTI has sought indemnification pursuant to upheld the payment of the initial deposits into the defendants’
the JTI Indemnities (discussed below at paragraphs 128-129). solicitors’ trusts account within 60 days, totalling approximately
The plaintiffs seek damages in the amount of CAD$50 million CAD $1.13 billion (approximately £658 million). Imperial’s
(approximately £29 million). Various preliminary challenges have initial deposit is CAD $759 million (approximately £442 million).
been heard, the last being a motion for summary judgment on Imperial has already paid CAD $758 million (approximately
a limitation period. The motion was dismissed and ultimately, £436 million) into court as security for the judgment.
leave to appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal was dismissed in
79. Other Canadian Smoking and Health Class Actions: Seven putative
November 2016. In December 2017, the plaintiffs proposed that
class actions, described below, have been filed against various
the action proceed by way of individual actions as opposed to a
Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including
class action. The defendants did not consent. As at the date of
the UK Companies, Imperial and the RJR Companies, in various
the Stays, the claim was in abeyance pending further action from
Canadian Provinces. In these cases, none of which have quantified
the plaintiffs.
their asserted damages, the plaintiffs allege claims based on fraud,
78. Quebec Class Actions: There are currently two class actions in fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty of merchantability,
Quebec. On 21 February 2005, the Quebec Superior Court and of fitness for a particular purpose, failure to warn, design
granted certification in two class actions against Imperial and defects, negligence, breach of a ‘special duty’ to children and
two other domestic manufacturers. The court certified two adolescents, conspiracy, concert of action, unjust enrichment,
classes, with the class definitions being revised in the judgment market share liability and violations of various trade practices and
rendered 27 May 2015. One class consists of residents of competition statutes. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 sale of
Quebec who (a) smoked before 20 November 1998 at least RJRT’s international tobacco business, and subject to a reservation
12 pack years of cigarettes manufactured by the Defendants; of rights, JTI has assumed the defence of the RJR Companies in
and (b) were diagnosed before 12 March 2012 with: lung these seven actions (Semple, Kunka, Adams, Dorion, Bourassa,
cancer, or cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) of the throat, McDermid and Jacklin, discussed below).
or emphysema. The group also includes the heirs of persons
80. In June 2009, four smoking and health class actions were filed in
deceased after 20 November 1998 who meet the criteria described
Nova Scotia (Semple), Manitoba (Kunka), Saskatchewan (Adams)
above. The second consists of residents of Quebec who, as of
and Alberta (Dorion) against various Canadian and non-Canadian
30 September 1998, were addicted to nicotine contained in
tobacco-related entities, including the UK Companies, Imperial
cigarettes and who in addition meet the following three criteria:
and the RJR Companies. In Saskatchewan, BAT plc and Carreras
(a) they started smoking before 30 September 1994 by smoking
Rothmans Limited have been released from Adams, and the RJR
cigarettes manufactured by the Defendants; (b) between
Companies have brought a motion challenging the jurisdiction of
1 September and 30 September 1998 they smoked on average
the court. No date has been set in these cases with respect to the
at least 15 cigarettes manufactured by the Defendants on a daily
certification motion hearing. There are service issues in relation to
basis; and (c) they still smoked an average of at least 15 cigarettes
Imperial and the UK Companies in Alberta and in relation to the
manufactured by the Defendants as of 21 February 2005, or
UK Companies in Manitoba.
until their death if it occurred before that date. The group also
includes the heirs of members who meet the criteria described 81. In June 2010, two further smoking and health class actions were
above. Pursuant to the judgment, the plaintiffs were awarded filed in British Columbia against various Canadian and non-
damages and interest against Imperial and the Canadian Canadian tobacco-related entities, including Imperial, the UK
subsidiaries of Philip Morris International and JTI in the amount Companies and the RJR Companies. The Bourassa claim is allegedly
of CAD$15.6 billion (approximately £9.1 billion), most of which on behalf of all individuals who have suffered chronic respiratory
was on a joint and several basis of which Imperial’s share was disease and the McDermid claim proposes a class based on heart
CAD$10.4 billion (approximately £6.1 billion). An appeal of the disease. Both claims state that they have been brought on behalf
judgment was filed on 26 June 2015. The court also awarded of those who have ‘smoked a minimum of 25,000 cigarettes.’ The
provisional execution pending appeal of CAD$1,131 million UK Companies, Imperial, the RJR Companies and other defendants
(approximately £658 million), of which Imperial’s share was objected to jurisdiction. Subsequently, the Company and Carreras
approximately CAD$742 million (approximately £431 million). Rothmans Limited were released from Bourassa and McDermid.
This order was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. Imperial, Industries, Investments and the RJR Companies remain
Following the cancellation of the order for provisional execution, as defendants in both actions. The plaintiffs did not serve their
the plaintiffs filed a motion against Imperial and one other certification motion materials and no date for a certification motion
manufacturer seeking security in the amount of CAD $5 billion was set.
(approximately £2.9 billion) to guarantee, in whole or in part, the
82. In June 2012, a new smoking and health class action was filed
payment of costs of the appeal and the judgment. On 27 October
in Ontario (Jacklin) against various Canadian and non-Canadian
2015, the Court of Appeal ordered the parties to post security in
tobacco-related entities, including the UK Companies, Imperial and
the amount of CAD$984 million (approximately £573 million),
the RJR Companies. The claim has been in abeyance.
of which Imperial’s share was CAD$758 million (approximately
£436 million). The security was paid in seven equal quarterly
instalments of just over CAD$108 million (approximately
£63 million) between 31 December 2015 and 30 June 2017 – see
note 13. The appeal was heard in November 2016. On 1 March
2019, the trial judgment was upheld by a unanimous decision of

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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Venezuela Croatian Distributor Dispute
83. In April 2008, the Venezuelan Federation of Associations of Users 86. BAT Hrvatska d.o.o u likvidaciji and British American Tobacco
and Consumers (FEVACU) and Wolfang Cardozo Espinel and Investments (Central and Eastern Europe) Limited are named as
Giorgio Di Muro Di Nunno, acting as individuals, filed a class defendants in a claim by Mr Perica received on 22 August 2017
action against the Venezuelan government. The class action and brought before the commercial court of Zagreb, Croatia.
seeks regulatory controls on tobacco and recovery of medical Mr Perica seeks damages of HRK 408,000,000 (approximately
expenses for future expenses of treating smoking-related illnesses £46 million) relating to a BAT Standard Distribution Agreement
in Venezuela. Both C.A Cigarrera Bigott Sucs. (“Cigarrera dating from 2005. BAT Hrvatska d.o.o and British American
Bigott”), a Group subsidiary, and ASUELECTRIC, represented by Tobacco Investments (Central and Eastern Europe) Ltd filed a reply
its president Giorgio Di Muro Di Nunno (who had previously to the statement of claim on 6 October 2017. A hearing had been
filed as an individual), have been admitted as third parties by the scheduled to take place on 10 May 2018, but it was postponed
Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice. A hearing due to a change of the judge hearing the case. The Commercial
date for the action is yet to be scheduled. On 25 April 2017 and on Court in Zagreb declared they do not have jurisdiction and that the
23 January 2018, Cigarrera Bigott requested the court to declare competent court to hear this case is the Municipal Court in Zagreb.
the lapsing of the class action due to no proceedings taking place TDR d.o.o. is also named as the defendant in a claim by Mr Perica
in the case in over a year. A ruling on the matter is yet to be issued. received on 30 April 2018 and brought before the commercial
court of Zagreb, Croatia. Mr. Perica seeks payment in the amount
(c) Individual Tobacco Related Personal Injury Claims of HRK 408,000,000 (approximately £46 million) claiming that
84. As at 31 December 2019, the jurisdictions with the most active BAT Hrvatska d.o.o. transferred a business unit to TDR d.o.o, thus
individual cases against Group companies were, in descending giving rise to a liability of TDR d.o.o. for the debts incurred by
order: Brazil (37), Italy (18), Chile (9), Canada (6), Argentina (5) BAT Hrvatska d.o.o, on the basis of the provisions of Croatian civil
and Ireland (2). There were a further four jurisdictions with one obligations law. A response to the statement of claim was filed on
active case only. Out of the 81 active individual tobacco related 30 May 2018. The Commercial Court in Zagreb declared they
personal injury claims, two have received unfavourable verdicts do not have jurisdiction and that the competent court to hear
in either the court of first instance or on appeal, only one of this case is the Municipal Court in Pula. Mr Perica filed an appeal
which resulted in any finding on liability. The total value of those against this decision which was rejected by the High Commercial
unfavourable verdicts is ARS$2,850,000 (approximately £36,000 Court of The Republic of Croatia confirming therewith that the
with post-judgment interest totalling approximately £380,000). competent court to hear this case is the Municipal Court in Pula.
The Municipal Court in Zagreb shall decide whether the claims by
Non-Tobacco Related Litigation
Mr Perica initiated on 22 August 2017 and 30 April 2018 shall be
Vuse Litigation heard as one case in front of the Municipal Court of Zagreb.
85. On 17 December 2019, plaintiff Whatcom County, a municipal
entity in the State of Washington, filed a complaint in California BAT/Reynolds American Inc. Shareholder Litigation
federal court against RAI, RJR Vapor, the Company, Lorillard 87. Following the Company’s acquisition of the remaining 57.8% of
LLC and LOEC, Inc., as well as against JUUL Labs Inc., PAX Labs RAI in July 2017, pursuant to North Carolina law, under which RAI
Inc., Imperial Brands plc, Fontem Ventures BV, Fontem US Inc., was incorporated, a number of RAI shareholders dissented and
Eonsmoke LLC, Altria Group Inc., Altria Client Services Inc., asserted their rights to a judicial appraisal of the value of their RAI
Altria Group Distribution Company, Nu Mark LLC and Nu Mark stock. On 29 November 2017, RAI filed a Complaint for Judicial
Innovations Ltd. The plaintiff has asserted, against RAI, RJR Vapor, Appraisal in state court in North Carolina against 20 dissenting
the Company, LOEC Inc. and Lorillard LLC, a claim of public shareholders, comprised of three groups of affiliated entities.
nuisance alleging that these defendants endangered the health of The complaint asks the court to determine the fair value of the
Whatcom County residents by allegedly designing, manufacturing dissenting shareholders’ shares in RAI and any accrued interest.
and marketing certain vapour products to minors. The case has A trial was held in June 2019, at which the dissenters sought
been assigned to a multi-district litigation proceeding that was US$92.17 per share plus interest. Post-trial briefing and argument
consolidated for pre-trial purposes in October 2019 by the US JPML was completed on 2 October 2019.
at the request of JUUL Labs Inc. RAI and RJR Vapor received service glo Litigation
of the complaint on 30 December 2019, and on 21 January 2020 88. On 22 June 2018, an affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI)
filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On 3 February 2020, the commenced proceedings against British American Tobacco Japan,
plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal of the action, which Ltd. in the Japanese courts challenging the import, export, sale and
dismissed the case, without prejudice, as against all defendants. offer of sale of the glo device and of the NeoStik consumable in
Japan at the time the claim was brought (and earlier models of the
glo device), alleging that the glo devices directly infringe certain
claims of two Japanese patents that have been issued to the PMI
affiliate and that the NeoStiks indirectly infringe certain claims of
those patents. On 17 January 2019, the PMI affiliate introduced
new grounds of infringement, alleging that the glo device also
infringes some other claims in the two PMI Japanese patents.
Damages for the glo device and NeoStik are claimed in the court
filing, to the amount of 100 million Yen (approximately £694,000).
The PMI affiliate has also filed a request for injunction with respect
to the glo device. BAT denies infringement and is challenging the
validity of the two PMI Japanese patents.

206 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Mozambican IP Litigation 93. There has been a substantial amount of litigation in the United
89. On 19 April 2017, Sociedade Agrícola de Tabacos, Limitada States involving NCR and Appvion regarding the responsibility
(“SAT”) (a BAT Group company in Mozambique) filed a complaint for the costs of the clean-up operations. The US Government also
to the National Inspectorate for Economic Activities (“INAE”), brought enforcement proceedings against NCR and Appvion to
the government body under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, ensure compliance with regulatory orders made in relation to
regarding alleged infringements of its registered trademark (“GT”) the Fox River clean-up. This litigation has been settled through
by GS Tobacco SA (“GST”). INAE subsequently seized the allegedly agreements with other PRPs and a form of settlement known as a
infringing products (“GS cigarettes”) and fined and ordered Consent Decree with the US Government.
GST to discontinue manufacturing products that could infringe
94. The principal terms of the Consent Decree, in summary, are
SAT’s intellectual property rights. Following INAE’s decision, in
as follows:
July 2017 and March 2018, SAT sought damages via the Judicial
Court of Nampula, from GST in the amount of and equivalent to a. NCR will perform and fund all of the remaining Fox River
£573,000 as well as a permanent restraint order in connection remediation work by itself.
with the manufacturing and selling of the allegedly infringing
b. The US Government enforcement proceedings will be settled,
products. The Judicial court of Nampula (Tribunal Judicial de
with NCR having no liability to meet the US Government’s
Nampula) granted the order on an interim basis on 7 August
claim for costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up to
2017. After hearing the parties, on 5 September 2017, the court
date and only a secondary responsibility to meet certain
found that no alleged infringement by GST had occurred and
future costs. NCR will have no liability to the US Government
removed the interim restraint order, this decision was appealed by
for NRDs.
SAT and is currently pending a decision. GST filed an application
for review against INAE’s initial decision directly to the Minister c. NCR will cease to pursue its contribution claims against the
of Trade and Industry, which reversed the decision of INAE. other PRPs and in return will receive contribution protection
On 31 December 2018, SAT was notified of GST’s counterclaim which means that the other PRPs will not be able to pursue
against SAT at the Judicial Court of Nampula for damages allegedly their contribution claims against NCR. NCR will, however,
sustained as a result of SAT’s complaint to INAE (and INAE’s have the right to reinstate its contribution claims if the other
decision). GST is seeking damages in the amount equivalent to PRPs decide to continue to pursue certain contractual claims
£190 million. On 31 January 2019 SAT filed a formal response against NCR.
to the counterclaim. GST was notified on 28 February 2019 to
d. Appvion will also cease to pursue its claims against the other
file a response to our formal response to the counterclaim and
PRPs to recover monies that it has spent on the clean-up and
the judge scheduled the preliminary hearing for 14 March 2019.
in return will receive contribution protection. Appvion will,
This hearing was adjourned and was held on 2 April 2019, when
however, have the right to reinstate its claims if the other PRPs
the court heard arguments on the validity of SAT’s counterclaim.
decide to continue to pursue certain claims against Appvion.
On 2 September 2019, SAT received notification of an order which
provided that (i) SAT’s claim had been dismissed by the court; and 95. The Consent Decree was approved by the District Court in
(ii) the GST counterclaim would proceed to trial. On 9 September Wisconsin on 23 August 2017. The US Government enforcement
2019 SAT responded to the order by appealing the dismissal of action against NCR was terminated as a result of that order.
the SAT claim. Additionally, SAT made an interlocutory application The PRPs’ claims for contribution against NCR were dismissed by
in the counterclaim proceedings to challenge certain questions order of the District Court in Wisconsin given on 11 October 2017.
posed by the judge, on the basis that the responses may be used
96. A Consent Decree between the US Government, P.H. Glatfelter and
as evidence at trial.
Georgia Pacific settling the allocation of costs on the Fox River was
Fox River approved by the District Court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin
Background to environmental liabilities arising out of contamination on 14 March 2019. This Consent Decree concludes all existing
of the Fox River: litigation on the Fox River, following P.H. Glatfelter’s withdrawal of
90. In Wisconsin, the authorities have identified potentially responsible its appeal against the issuance of the Consent Decree as a term of
parties (“PRPs”) to fund the clean-up of river sediments in the the settlement.
lower Fox River. The pollution was caused by discharges of 97. In its 10K annual report for the year ended 2018, NCR disclosed
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (“PCBs”) from paper mills and other that in the third quarter of 2017, a contractual dispute arose
facilities operating close to the river. Among the PRPs is NCR between the LLC formed by NCR and API to conduct the clean-up
Corporation (“NCR”). operation of the Fox River and the remediation general contractor
91. In NCR’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended engaged to perform the necessary work. The amounts claimed
31 December 2014, which is the most recent public source by the contractor were stated in NCR’s disclosure to range from
available, the total clean-up costs for the Fox River are estimated approximately US$35 million to approximately US$45 million
at US$825 million (approximately £623 million). This estimate (approximately £26 million to £34 million). NCR further indicated
is subject to uncertainties and does not include natural resource that it was disputing the claims being made by the contractor, but
damages (“NRDs”). Total NRDs may range from US$0 to that to the extent that the claims succeeded, NCR would look to its
US$246 million (approximately £0 to £186 million). indemnitors and co-obligors to bear responsibility for the majority
of any award, estimating its own share as approximately one-
92. Industries’ involvement with the environmental liabilities arises fourth of any such award. In its 10Q quarterly report for the period
out of indemnity arrangements which it became party to due to a ended 30 September 2019, NCR disclosed that in November
series of transactions that took place from the late-1970s onwards 2019, the arbitration tribunal hearing the dispute had awarded the
and subsequent litigation brought by NCR against Industries and contractor US$10 million.
Appvion Inc. (“Appvion”) (a former Group subsidiary) in relation
to those arrangements which was ultimately settled. US authorities
have never identified Industries as a PRP.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 207


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Industries’ involvement with environmental liabilities arising out of 103. A trial of the Windward Dividend Claim and the BAT section 423
the contamination of the Fox River: Claim took place before the English High Court between February
98. NCR has taken the position that, under the terms of a 1998 and April 2016. Judgment was handed down by the High Court
Settlement Agreement between it, Appvion and Industries and on 11 July 2016. The court held that the 2009 Dividend Payment
a 2005 arbitration award, Industries and Appvion generally of €135 million (approximately £114 million) was a transaction at
had a joint and several obligation to bear 60% of the Fox River an undervalue made with the intention of putting assets beyond
environmental remediation costs imposed on NCR and of any the reach of Industries or of otherwise prejudicing Industries’
amounts NCR has to pay in respect of other PRPs’ contribution interests. It therefore contravened Section 423 of the Insolvency
claims. BAT has not acknowledged any such liability to NCR and Act. The court dismissed the Windward Dividend Claim.
has defences to such claims. Further, under the terms of the BTI sought permission to appeal in respect of the Judge’s findings
Funding Agreement (described above and below) any dispute in relation to the Windward Dividend Claim. Sequana sought
between Industries and NCR as to the final amount of any NCR permission to appeal the Judge’s findings in relation to the BAT
claim against Industries in respect of the Fox River (if any) can section 423 Claim.
only be determined at the later of (i) the completion of Fox River
104. On 13 and 16 January 2017 and 3 February 2017 further hearings
remediation works or (ii) the final resolution and exhaustion
took place to determine the precise form of relief to be awarded
of all possible appeals in the proceedings against Sequana,
to Industries and to hear the parties’ applications for permission
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) and other former advisers.
to appeal. Judgment was handed down on 10 February 2017.
99. Until May 2012, Appvion and Windward (another former Group In respect of relief, the court ordered that Sequana must pay
subsidiary) paid 60% share of the clean-up costs and Industries BTI an amount up to the full value of the 2009 Dividend plus
was never required to contribute. Around that time Appvion interest which equates to around US$185 million (approximately
refused to continue to pay clean-up costs, leading to NCR £140 million). This figure is subject to increase as interest is
demanding that Industries pay a 60% share. continuing to accrue. Sequana must make an initial payment of
around US$138 million (approximately £104 million) and further
100. Industries commenced proceedings against Windward and
payments going forward as and when Industries makes payments
Appvion in December 2011 seeking indemnification in respect
in respect of clean-up costs. In respect of appeals, the court
of any liability it might have to NCR (the “English Indemnity
granted BTI and Sequana permission to appeal (the “Sequana
Proceedings”) pursuant to a 1990 de-merger agreement between
Claims Appeal”). The court also granted Sequana a stay in respect
those parties.
of the above payments. The stay was lifted in May 2017.
Funding Agreement of 30 September 2014
105. In February 2017 Sequana entered into a process in France
101. On 30 September 2014, Industries entered into the Funding
seeking court protection (the “Sauvegarde”). This process was
Agreement with Windward, Appvion, NCR and BTI 2014 LLC
the subject of a challenge before the French courts. On 7 March
(“BTI”) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Industries). Pursuant to
2019, Sequana announced that it was incapable of paying
the Funding Agreement, the English Indemnity Proceedings
its debts and that it had applied to the Nanterre Commercial
and a counterclaim Appvion had brought in those proceedings,
Court to convert the Sauvegarde into a redressement judiciaire,
as well as an NCR-Appvion arbitration concerning Appvion’s
a form of insolvent receivership. On 15 May 2019, the Nanterre
indemnity to NCR, were discontinued as part of an overall
Commercial Court made an order placing Sequana into formal
agreement between the parties providing a framework through
liquidation proceedings (liquidation judiciaire). To date, Industries
which they would together fund the ongoing costs of the
has not received any payments from Sequana.
Fox River clean-up. Under the agreement, NCR has agreed to
accept funding by Industries at the lower level of 50% of the 106. In June 2018, the Court of Appeal heard arguments in the
ongoing clean-up related costs of the Fox River (rather than Sequana Claims Appeal. On 6 February 2019 the Court of Appeal
the 60% referenced above; this remains subject to an ability gave judgment upholding the High Court’s findings, with one
to litigate at a later stage the extent of Industries’ liability immaterial change to the method of calculating the damages
in relation to Fox River clean-up related costs (including in awarded. Sequana therefore remains liable to pay approximately
respect of the 50% of costs that Industries has paid under US$185 million (approximately £140 million). However, following
the Funding Agreement to date). In addition, Windward has the Court of Appeal judgment, and as referenced above, on
contributed US$10 million (approximately £8 million) of funding 7 March 2019 Sequana entered into receivership in France, thus
and Appvion has contributed US$25 million (approximately staying execution of the US$185 million judgment in favour of
£19 million) for Fox River and agreed to contribute US$25 million BTI. The Court of Appeal dismissed BTI’s appeal in relation to the
(approximately £19 million) for the Kalamazoo River (see further Windward Dividend Claim. The Court of Appeal also dismissed
below). Appvion entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sequana’s application for permission to appeal the High Court’s
1 October 2017. costs order in favour of Industries. Sequana therefore remains
liable to pay around £10 million in costs to Industries. The Court
102. The parties also agreed to cooperate in order to maximise
of Appeal made no order as to the costs of the appeal. All parties
recoveries from certain claims made against third parties,
to the appeal sought permission from the Court of Appeal for a
including (i) a claim commenced by Windward in the High Court
further appeal to the U.K. Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal
of England & Wales (the High Court) against Sequana and the
refused the applications. On 5 March 2019, BTI applied directly
former Windward directors (the “Windward Dividend Claim”).
to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal in relation to the
That claim was assigned to BTI under the Funding Agreement,
Windward Dividend Claim. On 6 March 2019, Sequana applied
and relates to dividend payments made by Windward to Sequana
directly to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal in relation
of around €443 million (approximately £375 million) in 2008 and
to its liability in the BAT section 423 Claim. On 31 July 2019, BTI
€135 million (approximately £114 million) in 2009 (the “Dividend
was granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. On the
Payments”) and (ii) a claim commenced by Industries directly
same day, the Supreme Court refused Sequana permission to
against Sequana to recover the value of the Dividend Payments
appeal. A hearing of BTI’s appeal has been listed to take place on
alleging that the dividends were paid for the purpose of putting
25 and 26 March 2020.
assets beyond the reach of Windward’s creditors (including
Industries) (the “BAT section 423 Claim”).

208 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


107. BTI has brought claims against certain of Windward’s former 115. It is anticipated that NCR will look to Industries to pay 60%
advisers, including Windward’s auditors at the time of the of any sums it becomes liable to pay to Georgia-Pacific on the
dividend payments, PwC (which claims were also assigned to BTI basis, it would be asserted, that the river constitutes a ‘Future
under the Funding Agreement). The claim was stayed while the Site’ for the purposes of the Settlement Agreement. The Funding
Windward Dividends claim and the BAT section 423 Claim were Agreement described above does not resolve any such claims,
heard. Following the Court of Appeal judgment in the Sequana but does provide an agreed mechanism pursuant to which any
Claims Appeal, BTI is now pursuing its assigned claim against surplus from the valuable recoveries of any third-party claims
PwC. PwC applied to court to strike-out BTI’s claim. A hearing of that remains after all Fox River related clean-up costs have been
this application took place in October 2019. On 15 November paid and Industries and NCR have been made whole may be
2019, the court dismissed PwC’s application. The court has applied towards Kalamazoo clean-up costs, in the event that
granted PwC permission to appeal in respect of part of its NCR were to be successful in any claim for a portion of them
dismissal of the application. A hearing of that appeal has yet to be from Industries or Appvion (subject to Appvion’s cap, described
scheduled, but is not expected to take place before Q4 2020 at below). Industries has defences to any claims made by NCR in
the earliest. relation to the Kalamazoo River. No such claims have been made
against Industries.
108. An agreed stay is also in place in respect of BTI’s separate assigned
claim against Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. 116. Industries also anticipates that NCR may seek to recover from
Appvion (subject to a cap of US$25 million (approximately
109. The sums Industries has agreed to pay under the Funding
£19 million)) for ‘Future Sites’ under the Funding Agreement).
Agreement are subject to ongoing adjustment, as clean-up costs
The basis of the recovery would be the same as any demand NCR
can only be estimated in advance of the work being carried
may make on Industries. Appvion entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy
out and as certain sums payable are the subject of ongoing US
protection on 1 October 2017. The effect of the Chapter 11
litigation. In 2018, Industries paid £25 million in respect of clean-
proceedings on Appvion’s liability for Future Sites payments under
up costs and is potentially liable for further costs associated with
the Funding Agreement is currently uncertain.
the clean-up. From January through December 2019, Industries
paid £32 million. Industries has a provision of £73 million which 117. Further hearings were held before Judge Jonker to determine
represents the current best estimate of its exposure – see note 20. the final form of the order reflecting this judgment. The parties
commenced appeal proceedings against this judgment in July
Kalamazoo
2018. NCR also agreed an appeal bond with Georgia-Pacific to
110. NCR is also being pursued by Georgia-Pacific, as the owner of a prevent enforcement of the judgment while it remained subject
facility on the Kalamazoo River in Michigan which released PCBs to appeal.
into that river. Georgia-Pacific has been designated as a PRP in
respect of the river. 118. On 11 December 2019, NCR announced that it had entered
into a Consent Decree with the US Government and the
111. Georgia-Pacific contends that NCR is responsible for, or should State of Michigan, pursuant to which it assumed liability for
contribute to, the clean-up costs, because: certain remediation work at the Kalamazoo River. This Consent
a. a predecessor to NCR’s Appleton Papers Division sold ‘broke’ Decree remains subject to approval by the District Court for
containing PCBs to Georgia-Pacific or others for recycling; the Western District of Michigan. The payments to be made
on the face of the Consent Decree in respect of such work total
b. NCR itself sold paper containing PCBs to Georgia-Pacific or approximately US$245 million (approximately £185 million).
others for recycling; and/or The Consent Decree also provides for the withdrawal of NCR’s
c. NCR is liable for sales to Georgia-Pacific or others of PCB- appeal against Georgia-Pacific, and payment by NCR of the
containing broke by Mead Corporation, which, like the outstanding judgment against it of approximately US$20 million
predecessor to NCR’s Appleton Papers Division, coated paper (approximately £15 million) to Georgia-Pacific.
with the PCB containing emulsion manufactured by NCR. 119. Pending final court approval of the Consent Decree, the quantum
112. A full trial on liability took place in February 2013. of the clean-up costs for the Kalamazoo River is presently unclear.
On 26 September 2013, the Michigan Court held that NCR It may well exceed the amounts which are payable on the face of
was liable as a PRP on the basis that broke sales constituted the Consent Decree (even if approved).
an arrangement for the disposal of hazardous material for the 120. As detailed above, Industries is taking active steps to protect its
purposes of CERCLA. The decision was based on NCR’s knowledge interests, including seeking to procure the repayment of the
of the hazards of PCBs from at least 1969. The decision is Windward dividends, pursuing the other valuable claims that are
under appeal. now within its control, and working with the other parties to the
113. The second phase of the Kalamazoo trial to determine the Funding Agreement to maximise recoveries from third parties with
apportionment of liability amongst NCR, Georgia-Pacific and a view to ensuring that amounts funded towards clean-up related
the other PRPs (International Paper Company and Weyerhaeuser costs are later recouped under the agreed repayment mechanisms
Company) took place between September and December 2015. under the Funding Agreement.

114. On 29 March 2018, Judge Jonker handed down judgment in


respect of around US$55 million (approximately £42 million) of
Georgia-Pacific’s past remediation costs. Judge Jonker did not
determine the question of future remediation costs. Judge Jonker
ordered that NCR pay 40% of Georgia-Pacific past costs (around
US$22 million (approximately £17 million)).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 209


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Other environmental matters
121. RAI and its subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge, storage, handling
and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances. Such laws and regulations provide for significant fines, penalties and liabilities, sometimes
without regard to whether the owner or operator of the property or facility knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of
hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, third parties may make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries and
property damage associated with releases of hazardous or toxic substances. In the past, RJRT has been named a PRP with third parties under
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) with respect to several superfund sites. RAI and its
subsidiaries are not aware of any current environmental matters that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of
operations or financial position of RAI or its subsidiaries.
Criminal investigations
122. The Group has been investigating, and is aware of governmental authorities’ investigations into, allegations of misconduct. It has been
liaising with relevant authorities, including the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, which is conducting an investigation into suspicions of corruption in
the conduct of business by Group companies and associated persons, and the DOJ and OFAC in the United States, which are conducting an
investigation into suspicions of breach of sanctions. The Group is cooperating with the authorities’ investigations.
123. The potential for fines, penalties or other consequences cannot currently be assessed. As the investigations are ongoing, it is not yet possible
to identify the timescale in which these matters might be resolved.
Closed litigation matters
124. The following matters on which the Company reported in the contingent liabilities and financial commitments note 28 to the Group’s 2018
financial statements have been dismissed, concluded or resolved as noted below:
Matter Jurisdiction Companies named as Defendants Description Disposition
West Virginia IPIC USA RJRT, Lorillard Tobacco and/or B&W Personal injury case Dismissed by court
Breathe DC USA RJRT, RAI, SFNTC Class action Settlement reached
Corwin USA RJRT, BAT Class action shareholder case Supreme Court decision
Sao Paulo Recoupment Claim Brazil Souza Cruz S.A. Class action Plaintiff appeal denied by
Superior Court of Justice

General Litigation Conclusion


125. While it is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case or of the amount of any possible adverse verdict, the Group believes
that the defences of the Group’s companies to all these various claims are meritorious on both the law and the facts, and a vigorous defence
is being made everywhere.
126. As indicated above, on 1 March 2019 the Quebec Court of Appeal released its appeal judgment. The trial judgment was largely upheld by
a unanimous decision of the five-member panel including the requirement that the defendants deposit the initial deposits in their solicitors’
trust accounts within 60 days. This is the only executory aspect of the judgment. In these circumstances we are of the view that it is more
likely than not that there will be an outlay and it is reasonably estimable at CAD$758 million (approximately £436 million), the amount
of the initial deposit. If further adverse judgments are entered against any of the Group’s companies in any case, avenues of appeal will be
pursued. Such appeals could require the appellants to post appeal bonds or substitute security (as has been necessary in Quebec) in amounts
which could in some cases equal or exceed the amount of the judgment. At least in the aggregate, and despite the quality of defences
available to the Group, it is not impossible that the Group’s results of operations or cash flows in any particular period could be materially
adversely affected by the impact of a significant increase in litigation, difficulties in obtaining the bonding required to stay execution of
judgments on appeal, or any final outcome of any particular litigation.
127. Having regard to all these matters, with the exception of the Quebec Class Actions, Fox River and certain Engle progeny cases identified
above, the Group does not consider it appropriate to make any provision in respect of any pending litigation because the likelihood of any
resulting material loss, on an individual case basis, is not considered probable and/or the amount of any such loss cannot be reasonably
estimated. Notwithstanding the negative decision in the Quebec Class Actions, the Group does not believe that the ultimate outcome of
this litigation will significantly impair the Group’s financial condition. If the facts and circumstances change and result in further unfavourable
outcomes in the pending litigation, then there could be a material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

210 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Other contingencies Loews is a defendant in three pending product liability actions,
128. JTI Indemnities. By a purchase agreement dated 9 March 1999, each of which is a putative class action. Pursuant to the Separation
amended and restated as of 11 May 1999, referred to as the Agreement, Lorillard is required to indemnify Loews for the
1999 Purchase Agreement, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. amount of any losses and any legal or other fees with respect to
(“RJR”) and RJRT sold their international tobacco business to JTI. such cases. Following the closing of the Lorillard merger, RJRT
Under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJRT retained assumed Lorillard’s obligations under the Separation Agreement as
certain liabilities relating to the international tobacco business was required under the Separation Agreement.
sold to JTI, and agreed to indemnify JTI against: (i) any liabilities, 132. SFRTI Indemnity. In connection with the 13 January 2016 sale
costs and expenses arising out of the imposition or assessment of by RAI of the international rights to the Natural American
any tax with respect to the international tobacco business arising Spirit brand name and associated trademarks, along with SFR
prior to the sale, other than as reflected on the closing balance Tobacco International GmbH (“SFRTI”) and other international
sheet; (ii) any liabilities, costs and expenses that JTI or any of companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the
its affiliates, including the acquired entities, may incur after the United States, to JT International Holding BV (“JTI Holding”),
sale with respect to any of RJR’s or RJRT’s employee benefit and each of SFNTC, R. J. Reynolds Global Products, Inc., and R. J.
welfare plans; and (iii) any liabilities, costs and expenses incurred Reynolds Tobacco B.V. agreed to indemnify JTI Holding against,
by JTI or any of its affiliates arising out of certain activities of among other things, any liabilities, costs, and expenses relating
Northern Brands. to actions (i) commenced on or before (a) 13 January 2019,
129. RJRT has received claims for indemnification from JTI, and several to the extent relating to alleged personal injuries, and (b) in all
of these have been resolved. Although RJR and RJRT recognise other cases, 13 January 2021; (ii) brought by (a) a governmental
that, under certain circumstances, they may have other unresolved authority to enforce legislation implementing European Union
indemnification obligations to JTI under the 1999 Purchase Directive 2001/37/EC or European Directive 2014/40/EU or (b)
Agreement, RJR and RJRT disagree what circumstances described consumers or a consumer association; and (iii) arising out of
in such claims give rise to any indemnification obligations by any statement or claim (a) made on or before 13 January 2016,
RJR and RJRT and the nature and extent of any such obligation. (b) by any company sold to JTI Holding in the transaction, (c)
RJR and RJRT have conveyed their position to JTI, and the parties concerning Natural American Spirit brand products consumed
have agreed to resolve their differences at a later date. or intended to be consumed outside of the United States and
(d) that the Natural American Spirit brand product is natural,
130. ITG Indemnity. In the Divestiture, RAI agreed to defend and organic, or additive free. Under the terms of this indemnity, JTI
indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, ITG in has requested indemnification from Santa Fe Natural Tobacco
connection with claims relating to the purchase or use of one or Company Germany GmbH (“SFNTCG”) in connection with an
more of the Winston, Kool, Salem or Maverick cigarette brands audit of SFNTCG relating to transfer pricing for the tax years 2007
on or before 12 June 2015, as well as in actions filed before to 2010 and 2012 to 2015. SFNTCG contests the audit results.
13 June 2023, relating to the purchase or use of one or more of The amount in dispute is approximately €21 million plus interest
the Winston, Kool, Salem or Maverick cigarette brands. In the (approximately £18 million).
purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, ITG agreed
to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and 133. Indemnification of Distributors and Retailers. RJRT, Lorillard
limitations, RAI and its affiliates in connection with claims relating Tobacco, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and RJR Vapor have entered
to the purchase or use of ‘blu’ brand e-cigarettes. ITG also agreed into agreements to indemnify certain distributors and retailers
to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and from liability and related defence costs arising out of the sale or
limitations, RAI and its affiliates in actions filed after 12 June 2023, distribution of their products. Additionally, SFNTC has entered
relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the Winston, into an agreement to indemnify a supplier from liability and
Kool, Salem or Maverick cigarette brands after 12 June 2015. related defence costs arising out of the sale or use of SFNTC’s
ITG has tendered a number of actions to RAI under the terms products. The cost has been, and is expected to be, insignificant.
of this indemnity, and RAI has, subject to a reservation of rights, RJRT, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and RJR Vapor believe that the
agreed to defend and indemnify ITG pursuant to the terms of indemnified claims are substantially similar in nature and extent
the indemnity. These claims are substantially similar in nature and to the claims that they are already exposed to by virtue of their
extent to claims asserted directly against RJRT in similar actions. having manufactured those products.

131. Loews Indemnity. In 2008, Loews Corporation (“Loews”), entered 134. Except as otherwise noted above, RAI is not able to estimate the
into an agreement with Lorillard Inc., Lorillard Tobacco, and maximum potential of future payments, if any, related to these
certain of their affiliates, which agreement is referred to as the indemnification obligations.
“Separation Agreement”. In the Separation Agreement, Lorillard 135. Competition Investigations. There are instances where Group
agreed to indemnify Loews and its officers, directors, employees companies are cooperating with relevant national competition
and agents against all costs and expenses arising out of third- authorities in relation to ongoing competition law investigations
party claims (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, and/or engaged in legal proceedings at the appellate level,
interest, penalties and costs of investigation or preparation of including (amongst others) in Ukraine, Cyprus and Netherlands.
defence), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities,
taxes, demands, assessments, and amounts paid in settlement
based on, arising out of or resulting from, among other things,
Loews’ ownership of or the operation of Lorillard and its assets
and properties, and its operation or conduct of its businesses
at any time prior to or following the separation of Lorillard and
Loews (including with respect to any product liability claims).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 211


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Tax disputes Indirect and other taxes
The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a Bangladesh
number of taxes. The Group is and has been subject to a number of On 25 July 2018, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of
tax audits covering, amongst others, excise tax, value added taxes, Bangladesh has reversed the decision of the High Court Division
sales taxes, corporate taxes, withholding taxes and payroll taxes. against BAT Bangladesh in respect of the retrospective demands
for VAT and Supplementary Duty amounting to approximately
The estimated costs of known tax obligations have been provided in
£170 million. On 3 February 2020, the certified Court Order was
these accounts in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.
received. The Attorney General has 30 days to file a review petition
In some countries, tax law requires that full or part payment of
with the Court. The Group is not, at the date of this announcement,
disputed tax assessments be made pending resolution of the dispute.
aware of any filing.
To the extent that such payments exceed the estimated obligation,
they would not be recognised as an expense. While the amounts Egypt
that may be payable or receivable in relation to tax disputes could be British American Tobacco Egypt LLC is subject to two ongoing civil
material to the results or cash flows of the Group in the period in which cases concerning the imposition of sales tax on low-price category
they are recognised, the Board does not expect these amounts to have brands brought by the Egyptian tax authority for £113 million.
a material effect on the Group’s financial condition. Management believes that the tax claims are unfounded and has
appealed the tax claims. These cases are scheduled for hearings on
The challenge from the South African Revenue Service regarding the
8 April 2020 and 24 June 2020.
debt financing of British American Tobacco South Africa was resolved
in 2019. South Korea
In 2016, the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea (“BAI”) concluded
The following matters may proceed to litigation:
its tax assessment in relation to the 2014 year-end tobacco inventory,
Corporate taxes and imposed additional national excise, local excise, VAT taxes and
Brazil penalties. This resulted in the recognition of a KRW 80.7 billion
The Brazilian Federal Tax Authority has filed claims against Souza Cruz (approximately £53 million) charge by Group subsidiaries, BAT
seeking to reassess the profits of overseas subsidiaries to corporate Korea Ltd., Rothmans Far East B.V. Korea Branch Office and BAT
income tax and social contribution tax. The reassessments are Korea Manufacturing Ltd. Management deems the tax and penalties
for the years 2004 until and including 2012 for a total amount of to be unfounded and has appealed to the tax tribunal against the
BRL1,683 million (£316 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. assessment. On grounds of materiality and the high likelihood of the
tax and penalties being reversed in future, the Group classified the tax
Souza Cruz appealed all reassessments. Regarding the first assessments and penalties charge as an adjusting item in 2016.
(2004-2006) Souza Cruz’s appeal was rejected in 2013 although the
written judgment of that tribunal was received in 2016. Souza Cruz On 23 August 2019, the trial court ruled in favour of Rothmans Far East
has appealed the decision. The appeal against the second assessments B.V. Korea Branch Office on KRW 6.7 billion (approximately £4 million),
(2007 and 2008) was upheld at the second tier tribunal and was the VAT portion of the assessment; appeals on the other elements of
closed. In 2015, a further reassessment for the same period (2007 and the assessment are still pending at trial court. The Korean government
2008) was raised after the five-year statute of limitation which has been appealed the ruling on 16 September 2019. Management expects
appealed against. the final ruling by the Supreme Court by 2021. Due to the uncertain
outcome of the case no asset has been recognised in relation to
Souza Cruz received further reassessments in 2014 for the 2009 this ruling.
calendar year and in 2015 an assessment for the 2010 calendar year.
Souza Cruz appealed both the reassessments in full. In December Brazil
2016, assessments were received for the calendar years 2011 and 2012 On 15 March 2017, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that for all
which have also been appealed. taxpayers VAT (ICMS) should not be included in the calculation
of social contribution taxes (PIS/Cofins) which are levied based
Netherlands on revenue. However, the retrospective application of the basis of
The Dutch tax authority has issued a number of assessments on calculation is subject to an extraordinary appeal and the final decision
various issues across the years 2003-2016 in relation to various intra- is expected in early 2020.
group transactions. The assessments amount to an aggregate net
liability across these periods of £921 million covering tax, interest and The Group’s Brazilian subsidiary, Souza Cruz, had filed an individual
penalties. The Group has appealed against the assessments in full. lawsuit to establish that it had overpaid taxes to the government.
In 2019, Souza Cruz received a favourable decision in the lower court
The Group believes that its companies have meritorious defences in and has therefore recognised £86 million in other income representing
law and fact in each of the above matters and intends to pursue each management’s best estimate of the amounts likely to be recovered at
dispute through the judicial system as necessary. The Group does not this time with the potential for further amounts in future periods.
consider it appropriate to make provision for these amounts nor for
any potential further amounts which may be assessed in relation to If the ruling were to be enacted retrospectively for a period of five
these matters in subsequent years. years, the potential asset is estimated to be around £723 million.

212 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

27 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments continued


Commitments in relation to service contracts, non-capitalised leases
The total future minimum payments under non-cancellable service contracts based on when payments fall due:

2019 2018
£m £m
Service contracts
Within one year 15 20
Between one and five years 20 17
Beyond five years – –
35 37

Financial commitments arising from short-term leases and leases of low-value assets that are not capitalised under IFRS 16 Leases are £10 million
for property and £11 million for plant, equipment and other assets. Refer to note 30 for more information on the adoption of IFRS 16.
Performance guarantees
As part of the acquisition of TDR in 2015, the Group has committed to keeping the manufacturing facility in Kanfanar, Croatia operational for at
least five years following completion of the acquisition. The maximum exposure under this guarantee is £42 million (2018: £45 million).

28 Interests in subsidiaries
Subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests principally arise from the Group’s listed investment in Malaysia (British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad), where
the Group held 50% of the listed holding company in 2019, 2018 and 2017. The Group has assessed that it exercises de facto control over
Malaysia as it has the practical ability to direct the business through effective control of the Company’s Board as a result of the Group controlling
the largest shareholding block in comparison to other shareholdings which are widely dispersed. Summarised financial information for Malaysia
is shown below as required by IFRS 12. As part of the Group’s reporting processes, Malaysia report consolidated financial information for the
Malaysia group which has been adjusted to comply with Group accounting policies which may differ to local accounting practice. Goodwill in
respect of Malaysia, which arose as a result of the acquisition of the Rothmans group referred to in note 8, has not been included as part of the
net assets below. In addition, no adjustments have been made to the information below for the elimination of intercompany transactions and
balances with the rest of the Group.

2019 2018 2017


Summarised financial information £m £m £m
Revenue 191 231 237
Profit for the year 65 87 89
– Attributable to non-controlling interests 33 43 44
Total comprehensive income 65 87 87
– Attributable to non-controlling interests 33 43 43
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (36) (40) (64)

Summary net assets:


Non-current assets 20 16 18
Current assets 97 116 101
Non-current liabilities (4) – (5)
Current liabilities (117) (129) (120)
Total equity at the end of the year (4) 3 (6)
– Attributable to non-controlling interests (2) 1 (3)
Net cash generated from operating activities 61 86 67
Net cash generated in investing activities – (2) 14
Net cash used in financing activities (73) (77) (86)
Differences on exchange – 1 (1)
Increase/(decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents (12) 8 (6)
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 10 2 8
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December (2) 10 2

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 213


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

28 Interests in subsidiaries continued


Subsidiaries subject to restrictions
As a result of the Group’s Canadian subsidiary, Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN), entering CCAA protection, the assets of ITCAN are subject to
restrictions. The table below summarises the assets and liabilities of ITCAN:

2019 2018
Summarised financial information £m £m
Non-current assets 2,403 2,781
Current assets 768 394
Non-current liabilities (131) (129)
Current liabilities (447) (498)
2,593 2,548

Under the terms of CCAA, the court has appointed FTI Consulting Canada Inc. to act as a monitor. This monitor has no operational input and is
not involved in the management of the business. The Group considers that ITCAN continues to meet the requirements of IFRS 10 Consolidated
Financial Statements, and, until such requirements are not met, the Group will continue to consolidate the results of ITCAN.
Whilst the Group continues to control the operations of its Canadian subsidiary, there are restrictions over the ability to access or use certain
assets including the ability to remit dividends. Included in current assets are cash and cash equivalents of £595 million, of which £445 million is
restricted (2018: £248 million, none of which was restricted) (note 17) and inventories of £117 million (2018: £105 million). Included in non-
current assets for 2019 and 2018 is goodwill of £2.3 billion subject to impairment reviews (note 8). Included in current liabilities are trade and
other payables of £310 million (2018: £362 million), the majority of which are amounts payable in respect of duties and excise. Refer to note 27
for information on the Quebec Class Actions.
Other shareholdings
The Group holds 92% of the equity shares of PT Bentoel Internasional Investama Tbk (“Bentoel”). In 2011, the Group sold 984 million shares,
representing approximately 14% of Bentoel’s share capital, for the purposes of fulfilling certain obligations pursuant to Bapepam LK (Indonesia)
takeover regulations. The Group simultaneously entered into a total return swap on 971 million of the shares. In June 2016, the Group and other
investors participated in a rights issue by Bentoel, increasing its stake in Bentoel to 92%. Simultaneously, the Group amended the total return
swap to take account of an addition 1,684 million shares. The shares subject to the total return swap now represent 7% of Bentoel’s issued
capital. While the Group does not have legal ownership of these shares, it retains the risks and rewards associated with them which results in the
Group continuing to recognise an effective interest in 99% of Bentoel’s net assets and results.
Refer to note 10 for information on the Group’s 42% investment in Tisak d.d..

214 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

29 Condensed consolidating financial information


The following consolidating financial information is required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and has been prepared as a
requirement of the Regulation S-X 3-10.
The following condensed consolidating financial information relates to the guarantees of:
– US$10.3 billion RAI unsecured notes;
– US$149.5 million of Lorillard unsecured notes;
– US$14.96 billion of bonds representing the portion (99.7%) of a total US$15 billion of bonds issued by B.A.T Capital Corporation (“BATCAP”)
in connection with the acquisition of RAI exchanged for registered bonds in 2018; and
– US$3.5 billion of bonds issued by BATCAP in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed on July 17, 2019, pursuant to
which BATCAP or BATIF may issue an indefinite amount of debt securities.
Note: The following condensed consolidating financial statements report the contribution of each applicable company to the Group’s results and
not the separate financial statements for each applicable company as local financial statements are prepared in accordance with local legislative
requirements and may differ from the financial information provided below. In particular, in respect of the United States region, all financial
statements and financial information provided by or with respect to the US business or RAI (and/or RAI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “RAI
Group”)) are prepared on the basis of US GAAP and constitute the primary financial statements or financial information of the US business or
RAI (and/or the RAI Group). Solely for the purpose of consolidation within the results of BAT p.l.c. and the BAT Group, this financial information
is then converted to IFRS as issued by the IASB and adopted by the EU. To the extent any such financial information provided in these financial
statements relates to the US business or RAI (and/or the RAI Group), it is provided as an explanation of the US business’s or RAI’s (and/or the RAI
Group’s) primary US GAAP based financial statements and information.
(a) RAI and Lorillard unsecured notes
The following condensed consolidating financial information relates to the guarantees of: US$10.3 billion (2018: US$11 billion) RAI unsecured
notes (referred to as “RB” below) and US$149.5 million (2018: US$231 million) of Lorillard unsecured notes (referred to as “LB” below).
The subsidiaries disclosed below are wholly owned and the guarantees provided are full and unconditional, and joint and several.
The following condensed consolidating financial information includes the accounts and activities of:
a. British American Tobacco p.l.c. (parent guarantor of RB and LB), referred to as “BAT p.l.c.” in the financials below;
b. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (issuer of LB), referred to as “RJRT” in the financials below;
c. Reynolds American Inc. (issuer of RB, subsidiary guarantor of LB), referred to as “RAI” in the financials below;
d. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc. (subsidiary guarantor of RB and LB), referred to as “RJRTH” in the financials below;
e. other direct and indirect subsidiaries of the BAT Group that are not guarantors;
f. elimination entries necessary to consolidate the parent with the issuer, the subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries; and
g. the BAT Group on a consolidated basis.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 215


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2019
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue – 8,474 – – 17,746 (343) 25,877
Raw materials and consumables used – (672) – – (4,224) 297 (4,599)
Changes in inventories of finished
goods and work in progress – (7) – – 169 – 162
Employee benefit costs (4) (203) (10) (1) (3,004) 1 (3,221)
Depreciation, amortisation
and impairment costs – (179) – – (1,333) – (1,512)
Other operating income – 2 26 – 3,589 (3,454) 163
Loss on reclassification from
amortised cost to fair value – – – – (3) – (3)
Other operating expenses (122) (6,765) (18) – (4,482) 3,536 (7,851)
(Loss)/profit from operations (126) 650 (2) (1) 8,458 37 9,016
Net finance income/(costs) 121 2 (497) 3 (1,188) (43) (1,602)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures – – – – 498 – 498

Profit before taxation (5) 652 (499) 2 7,768 (6) 7,912


Taxation on ordinary activities – (187) 125 – (2,001) – (2,063)
Equity income from subsidiaries 5,854 2,595 3,697 3,086 – (15,232) –
Profit for the year 5,849 3,060 3,323 3,088 5,767 (15,238) 5,849

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 5,849 3,060 3,323 3,088 5,622 (15,238) 5,704
Non-controlling interests – – – – 145 – 145
5,849 3,060 3,323 3,088 5,767 (15,238) 5,849

216 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2018
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue – 7,752 – – 16,959 (219) 24,492
Raw materials and consumables used – (662) – – (4,161) 159 (4,664)
Changes in inventories of finished
goods and work in progress – (4) – – 118 – 114
Employee benefit costs (5) (169) (13) – (2,822) 4 (3,005)
Depreciation, amortisation
and impairment costs – (91) – – (947) – (1,038)
Other operating income – 3 22 – 3,847 (3,787) 85
Loss on reclassification from
amortised cost to fair value – – – – (3) – (3)
Other operating expenses (124) (6,579) (17) – (3,819) 3,871 (6,668)
(Loss)/profit from operations (129) 250 (8) – 9,172 28 9,313
Net finance income/(costs) 95 9 (421) 3 (947) (120) (1,381)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures – – – – 419 – 419

Profit before taxation (34) 259 (429) 3 8,644 (92) 8,351


Taxation on ordinary activities – (100) 93 1 (2,135) – (2,141)
Equity income from subsidiaries 6,210 2,569 3,436 2,755 – (14,970) –
Profit for the year 6,176 2,728 3,100 2,759 6,509 (15,062) 6,210

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 6,176 2,728 3,100 2,759 6,331 (15,062) 6,032
Non-controlling interests – – – – 178 – 178
6,176 2,728 3,100 2,759 6,509 (15,062) 6,210

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 217


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2017
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue – 3,459 – – 16,243 (138) 19,564
Raw materials and consumables used – (346) – – (4,286) 112 (4,520)
Changes in inventories of finished
goods and work in progress – (7) – – (507) 1 (513)
Employee benefit costs (8) (117) (35) (2) (2,525) 8 (2,679)
Depreciation, amortisation
and impairment costs – (28) – – (874) – (902)
Other operating income – 7 34 – 1,859 (1,756) 144
Other operating expenses (101) (2,889) (6) – (3,499) 1,813 (4,682)
(Loss)/profit from operations (109) 79 (7) (2) 6,411 40 6,412
Net finance income/(costs) 3 11 (190) 9 (908) (19) (1,094)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures – – – – 24,209 – 24,209

Profit before taxation (106) 90 (197) 7 29,712 21 29,527


Taxation on ordinary activities – (240) 61 (3) 8,311 – 8,129
Equity income from subsidiaries 37,656 3,870 4,259 3,893 – (49,678) –
Profit for the year 37,550 3,720 4,123 3,897 38,023 (49,657) 37,656

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 37,550 3,720 4,123 3,897 37,852 (49,657) 37,485
Non-controlling interests – – – – 171 – 171
37,550 3,720 4,123 3,897 38,023 (49,657) 37,656

218 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2019
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit for the year 5,849 3,060 3,323 3,088 5,767 (15,238) 5,849
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – 30 30 30 (3,217) (89) (3,216)
Differences on exchange – 30 30 30 (2,968) (89) (2,967)
Cash flow hedges – – – – (193) – (193)
Net investment hedges – – – – 3 – 3
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – (115) – (115)
Tax on items that may be reclassified – – – – 56 – 56
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – 167 185 167 (669) (357) (507)
Retirement benefit schemes – 226 245 225 (813) (472) (589)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – 7 – 7
Tax on items that will not be reclassified – (59) (60) (58) 137 115 75

Total other comprehensive


income/(expense) for the year, net of tax – 197 215 197 (3,886) (446) (3,723)
Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves) (507) – – – – 507 –
Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings) (3,216) – – – – 3,216 –
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the year, net of tax 2,126 3,257 3,538 3,285 1,881 (11,961) 2,126

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 2,126 3,257 3,538 3,285 1,755 (11,961) 2,000
Non-controlling interests – – – – 126 – 126
2,126 3,257 3,538 3,285 1,881 (11,961) 2,126

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 219


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2018
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit for the year 6,176 2,728 3,100 2,759 6,509 (15,062) 6,210
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – 3,099 – 3,099
Differences on exchange – – – – 3,868 – 3,868
Cash flow hedges – – – – (41) – (41)
Net investment hedges – – – – (708) – (708)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – (38) – (38)
Tax on items that may be reclassified – – – – 18 – 18
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – 115 – 115
Retirement benefit schemes – – – – 142 – 142
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – 6 – 6
Tax on items that will not be reclassified – – – – (33) – (33)

Total other comprehensive


income for the year, net of tax – – – – 3,214 – 3,214
Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves) 115 – – – – (115) –
Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings) 3,099 – – – – (3,099) –
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the year, net of tax 9,390 2,728 3,100 2,759 9,723 (18,276) 9,424

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 9,390 2,728 3,100 2,759 9,538 (18,276) 9,239
Non-controlling interests – – – – 185 – 185
9,390 2,728 3,100 2,759 9,723 (18,276) 9,424

220 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2017
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit for the year 37,550 3,720 4,123 3,897 38,023 (49,657) 37,656
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – (3,809) – (3,809)
Differences on exchange – – – – (3,084) – (3,084)
Cash flow hedges – – – – (171) – (171)
Investments held at fair value – – – – (27) – (27)
Net investment hedges – – – – 357 – 357
Associates–share of OCI, net of tax – – – – (918) – (918)
Tax on items that may be reclassified – – – – 34 – 34
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – 681 – 681
Retirement benefit schemes – – – – 827 – 827
Associates–share of OCI, net of tax – – – – 25 – 25
Tax on items that will not be reclassified – – – – (171) – (171)

Total other comprehensive expense for the year,


net of tax – – – – (3,128) – (3,128)
Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves) 681 – – – – (681) –
Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings) (3,809) – – – – 3,809 –
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the year, net of tax 34,422 3,720 4,123 3,897 34,895 (46,529) 34,528

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 34,422 3,720 4,123 3,897 34,728 (46,529) 34,361
Non-controlling interests – – – – 167 – 167
34,422 3,720 4,123 3,897 34,895 (46,529) 34,528

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 221


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2019
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets
Intangible assets – 2,807 – 7,438 108,542 – 118,787
Property, plant and equipment – 683 1 – 4,834 – 5,518
Investments in subsidiaries 23,510 16,613 29,714 18,812 – (88,649) –
Investments in associates and joint ventures – – – – 1,860 – 1,860
Retirement benefit assets – – – – 430 – 430
Deferred tax assets – 360 22 4 38 – 424
Trade and other receivables – 5 416 17 308 (498) 248
Investments held at fair value – – – 1 11 – 12
Derivative financial instruments – – – – 452 – 452
Total non-current assets 23,510 20,468 30,153 26,272 116,475 (89,147) 127,731
Inventories – 631 – – 5,444 19 6,094
Income tax receivable – – – – 122 – 122
Trade and other receivables 6,719 770 749 69 5,574 (9,788) 4,093
Investments held at fair value – – – – 123 – 123
Derivative financial instruments 8 – – – 313 (8) 313
Cash and cash equivalents 5 – – – 2,526 (5) 2,526
6,732 1,401 749 69 14,102 (9,782) 13,271
Assets classified as held-for-sale – – – – 3 – 3
Total current assets 6,732 1,401 749 69 14,105 (9,782) 13,274
Total assets 30,242 21,869 30,902 26,341 130,580 (98,929) 141,005
Equity–capital and reserves
Share capital 614 14,378 13,794 21,721 – (49,893) 614
Share premium, capital redemption
and merger reserves 22,857 – – – 29,116 (25,364) 26,609
Other reserves (418) 21 – 22 (3,555) 375 (3,555)
Retained earnings 5,470 4,419 6,654 4,561 38,270 (19,140) 40,234
Owners of the parent 28,523 18,818 20,448 26,304 63,831 (94,022) 63,902
Non-controlling interests – – – – 258 – 258
Total equity 28,523 18,818 20,448 26,304 64,089 (94,022) 64,160
Liabilities
Borrowings 1,571 37 6,741 – 31,026 (1,571) 37,804
Retirement benefit liabilities – 604 53 16 786 – 1,459
Deferred tax liabilities – 5 – – 17,045 – 17,050
Other provisions for liabilities 1 1 – – 387 (1) 388
Trade and other payables 8 10 70 – 1,454 (508) 1,034
Derivative financial instruments – – – – 287 – 287
Total non-current liabilities 1,580 657 6,864 16 50,985 (2,080) 58,022
Borrowings 13 171 2,979 – 6,296 (1,897) 7,562
Income tax payable – 22 29 – 628 4 683
Other provisions for liabilities – 29 – – 641 – 670
Trade and other payables 126 2,172 582 21 7,760 (934) 9,727
Derivative financial instruments – – – – 181 – 181
Total current liabilities 139 2,394 3,590 21 15,506 (2,827) 18,823
Total equity and liabilities 30,242 21,869 30,902 26,341 130,580 (98,929) 141,005

222 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2018
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets
Intangible assets – 2,935 – 7,737 113,342 (1) 124,013
Property, plant and equipment – 763 1 – 4,402 – 5,166
Investments in subsidiaries 32,543 21,368 30,625 19,636 – (104,172) –
Investments in associates and joint ventures – – – – 1,737 – 1,737
Retirement benefit assets – – – – 1,147 – 1,147
Deferred tax assets – 521 17 4 (198) – 344
Trade and other receivables – 5 464 32 762 (578) 685
Investments held at fair value – – – – 39 – 39
Derivative financial instruments – – – – 556 – 556
Total non-current assets 32,543 25,592 31,107 27,409 121,787 (104,751) 133,687
Inventories – 711 – – 5,319 (1) 6,029
Income tax receivable – – – – 74 – 74
Trade and other receivables 7,306 1,102 820 59 4,431 (10,130) 3,588
Investments held at fair value – – – – 178 – 178
Derivative financial instruments – – – – 179 – 179
Cash and cash equivalents 6 – – – 2,602 (6) 2,602
7,312 1,813 820 59 12,783 (10,137) 12,650
Assets classified as held-for-sale – – – – 5 – 5
Total current assets 7,312 1,813 820 59 12,788 (10,137) 12,655
Total assets 39,855 27,405 31,927 27,468 134,575 (114,888) 146,342
Equity – capital and reserves
Share capital 614 14,948 14,348 22,586 1,921 (53,803) 614
Share premium, capital redemption
and merger reserves 22,854 – – – 28,755 (25,003) 26,606
Other reserves 204 (46) (44) (46) (335) (66) (333)
Retained earnings 11,291 8,420 6,853 4,888 36,974 (29,869) 38,557
Owners of the parent 34,963 23,322 21,157 27,428 67,315 (108,741) 65,444
Non-controlling interests – – – – 244 – 244
Total equity 34,963 23,322 21,157 27,428 67,559 (108,741) 65,688
Liabilities
Borrowings 1,571 126 8,140 – 35,018 (1,571) 43,284
Retirement benefit liabilities – 853 53 18 741 – 1,665
Deferred tax liabilities – – – – 17,776 – 17,776
Other provisions for liabilities 1 1 – – 330 (1) 331
Trade and other payables 8 15 89 – 1,529 (586) 1,055
Derivative financial instruments – – – – 214 – 214
Total non-current liabilities 1,580 995 8,282 18 55,608 (2,158) 64,325
Borrowings 2,062 98 1,573 – 3,497 (3,005) 4,225
Income tax payable – 8 133 – 712 – 853
Other provisions for liabilities – 20 – – 298 – 318
Trade and other payables 1,248 2,962 782 22 6,599 (982) 10,631
Derivative financial instruments 2 – – – 302 (2) 302
Total current liabilities 3,312 3,088 2,488 22 11,408 (3,989) 16,329
Total equity and liabilities 39,855 27,405 31,927 27,468 134,575 (114,888) 146,342

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 223


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 31 December 2019
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Net cash (used in)/generated from
operating activities (43) 14 50 (3) 8,940 38 8,996
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities 165 2,797 3,770 3,175 (511) (10,035) (639)
Net cash (used in)/generated from
financing activities (123) (2,811) (3,820) (3,172) (11,564) 12,897 (8,593)
Net cash flows (used in)/generated from
operating, investing and financing activities (1) – – – (3,135) 2,900 (236)
Differences on exchange – – – – (57) – (57)
(Decrease)/increase in net cash and
cash equivalents in the year (1) – – – (3,192) 2,900 (293)
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January* 6 – – – 2,322 – 2,328
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 5 – – – (870) 2,900 2,035

Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement


Year ended 31 December 2018
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Net cash (used in)/generated from
operating activities (45) 1,670 349 (7) 8,249 79 10,295
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities 187 3,039 4,280 3,366 (877) (11,016) (1,021)
Net cash (used in)/generated from
financing activities (140) (4,711) (4,631) (3,359) (11,391) 14,602 (9,630)
Net cash flows generated from/(used in)
operating, investing and financing activities 2 (2) (2) – (4,019) 3,665 (356)
Differences on exchange (1) – – – (138) 1 (138)
Increase/(decrease) in net cash and
cash equivalents in the year 1 (2) (2) – (4,157) 3,666 (494)
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January* 5 2 2 – 2,813 – 2,822
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 6 – – – (1,344) 3,666 2,328

224 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 31 December 2017
All other
BAT p.l.c. RJRT RAI RJRTH companies BAT Group
Issuer (RB) Subsidiary
Parent Subsidiary guarantor Non-guarantor
guarantor Issuer (LB) guarantor (LB) (LB & RB) subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Net cash (used in)/generated from
operating activities (12) (1,860) (270) (11) 7,488 12 5,347
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities 2 (88) 1,116 1 (19,512) (63) (18,544)
Net cash generated from/(used in)
financing activities 10 1,950 (844) 10 21,030 (7,397) 14,759
Net cash flows generated from/(used in)
operating, investing and financing activities – 2 2 – 9,006 (7,448) 1,562
Differences on exchange – – – – (391) – (391)
Increase/(decrease) in net cash and
cash equivalents in the year – 2 2 – 8,615 (7,448) 1,171
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January* 5 – – – 1,646 – 1,651
Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 5 2 2 – 10,261 (7,448) 2,822

* The opening balance of net cash and cash equivalents represents external cash held by the parent guarantor, issuers, subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

(b) BATCAP bonds


The following condensed consolidating financial information relates to the guarantees of:
– US$14.96 billion of bonds representing the portion (99.7%) of a total US$15 billion principal amount of bonds issued by BATCAP exchanged
for registered bonds in 2018 in the exchange offer required by the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the bond
offering related to the acquisition of RAI; and
– Shelf Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed on 17 July 2019, pursuant to which B.A.T Capital Corporation (‘BATCAP’) or B.A.T.
International Finance p.l.c. (‘BATIF’) may issue an indefinite amount of debt securities. Under this programme US$3.5 billion of bonds have
been issued by BATCAP.
The subsidiaries disclosed below are wholly-owned and the guarantees provided are full and unconditional, and joint and several.
The following condensed consolidating financial information includes the accounts and activities of:
a. British American Tobacco p.l.c. (as the parent guarantor), referred to as ‘BAT p.l.c.’ in the financials below;
b. B.A.T Capital Corporation (as an issuer or a subsidiary guarantor, as the case may be), referred to as “BATCAP” in financials below;
c. B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. (as an issuer or a subsidiary guarantor, as the case may be), referred to as ‘BATIF’ in the financials below;
d. British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. (as a subsidiary guarantor of the US$17.2 billion bonds only), referred to as
‘BATHTN’ in the financials below*;
e. B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. and Reynolds American Inc. (as subsidiary guarantors), referred to as ‘BATNF’ and ‘RAI’ respectively in the
financials below;
f. other direct and indirect subsidiaries of the BAT Group that are not guarantors;
g. elimination entries necessary to consolidate the parent with the issuer, the subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries; and
h. the BAT Group on a consolidated basis.
The information presented is based on the results for the 12-month period ended 31 December 2019, 2018 and 2017.
* British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. (“BATHTN”) should be added to the column labelled ‘All other companies, Non-guarantor subsidiaries’ for the purposes of the condensed
consolidating financial information relating to the guarantee of the US$3.5 billion issued by BATCAP under the shelf programme, as BATHTN has not provided, and will not provide a guarantee in respect
of these debt securities.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 225


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2019
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue – – – – – 25,877 – 25,877
Raw materials and consumables used – – – – – (4,599) – (4,599)
Changes in inventories of finished goods
and work in progress – – – – – 162 – 162
Employee benefit costs (4) – – (2) (10) (3,209) 4 (3,221)
Depreciation, amortisation and
impairment costs – – – – – (1,512) – (1,512)
Other operating income – – – – 26 137 – 163
Loss on reclassification from
amortised cost to fair value – – – – – (3) – (3)
Other operating expenses (122) (2) (5) (3) (18) (7,823) 122 (7,851)
(Loss)/Profit from operations (126) (2) (5) (5) (2) 9,030 126 9,016
Net finance income/(costs) 121 154 195 196 (497) (1,760) (11) (1,602)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures – – – – – 498 – 498
Profit before taxation (5) 152 190 191 (499) 7,768 115 7,912
Taxation on ordinary activities – (35) 8 1 125 (2,162) – (2,063)
Equity income from subsidiaries 5,854 – – – 3,697 – (9,551) –
Profit for the year 5,849 117 198 192 3,323 5,606 (9,436) 5,849

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 5,849 117 198 192 3,323 5,461 (9,436) 5,704
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 145 – 145
5,849 117 198 192 3,323 5,606 (9,436) 5,849

226 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2018
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue – – – – – 24,492 – 24,492
Raw materials and consumables used – – – – – (4,664) – (4,664)
Changes in inventories of finished goods
and work in progress – – – – – 114 – 114
Employee benefit costs (5) – – (2) (13) (2,990) 5 (3,005)
Depreciation, amortisation and
impairment costs – – – – – (1,038) – (1,038)
Other operating income – – – – 22 63 – 85
Loss on reclassification from
amortised cost to fair value – – – – – (3) – (3)
Other operating expenses (124) (3) (1) (4) (17) (6,643) 124 (6,668)
(Loss)/Profit from operations (129) (3) (1) (6) (8) 9,331 129 9,313
Net finance income/(costs) 95 239 96 248 (421) (599) (1,039) (1,381)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures – – – – – 419 – 419
Profit before taxation (34) 236 95 242 (429) 9,151 (910) 8,351
Taxation on ordinary activities – (79) 7 1 93 (2,163) – (2,141)
Equity income from subsidiaries 6,210 – – – 3,436 – (9,646) –
Profit for the year 6,176 157 102 243 3,100 6,988 (10,556) 6,210

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 6,176 157 102 243 3,100 6,810 (10,556) 6,032
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 178 – 178
6,176 157 102 243 3,100 6,988 (10,556) 6,210

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 227


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2017
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Revenue – – – – – 19,564 – 19,564
Raw materials and consumables used – – – – – (4,520) – (4,520)
Changes in inventories of finished goods
and work in progress – – – – – (513) – (513)
Employee benefit costs (8) – – (3) (35) (2,641) 8 (2,679)
Depreciation, amortisation and
impairment costs – – – – – (902) – (902)
Other operating income – 1 – 1 33 109 – 144
Other operating expenses (101) (1) (1) (2) (7) (4,671) 101 (4,682)
(Loss)/Profit from operations (109) – (1) (4) (9) 6,426 109 6,412
Net finance income/(costs) 3 (62) (22) 636 (191) (1,403) (55) (1,094)
Share of post-tax results of associates
and joint ventures – – – – – 24,209 – 24,209
Profit before taxation (106) (62) (23) 632 (200) 29,232 54 29,527
Taxation on ordinary activities – 10 (40) 4 61 8,094 – 8,129
Equity income from subsidiaries 37,656 – – – 4,259 – (41,915) –
Profit for the year 37,550 (52) (63) 636 4,120 37,326 (41,861) 37,656

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 37,550 (52) (63) 636 4,120 37,155 (41,861) 37,485
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 171 – 171
37,550 (52) (63) 636 4,120 37,326 (41,861) 37,656

228 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2019
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit for the year 5,849 117 198 192 3,323 5,606 (9,436) 5,849
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – (214) (21) – 30 (3,011) – (3,216)
Differences on exchange – – – – 30 (2,997) – (2,967)
Cash flow hedges – (214) 9 – – 12 – (193)
Net investment hedges – – (30) – – 33 – 3
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – – (115) – (115)
Tax on items that may be reclassified – – – – – 56 – 56
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – 185 (692) – (507)
Retirement benefit schemes – – – – 245 (834) – (589)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – – 7 – 7
Tax on items that will not be reclassified – – – – (60) 135 – 75
Total other comprehensive (expense)/
income for the year, net of tax – (214) (21) – 215 (3,703) – (3,723)
Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves) (507) – – – – – 507 –
Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings) (3,216) – – – – – 3,216 –
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the year, net of tax 2,126 (97) 177 192 3,538 1,903 (5,713) 2,126

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 2,126 (97) 177 192 3,538 1,777 (5,713) 2,000
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 126 – 126
2,126 (97) 177 192 3,538 1,903 (5,713) 2,126

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 229


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2018
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit for the year 6,176 157 102 243 3,100 6,988 (10,556) 6,210
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – (101) 15 – – 3,185 – 3,099
Differences on exchange – – – – – 3,868 – 3,868
Cash flow hedges – (101) 15 – – 45 – (41)
Net investment hedges – – – – – (708) – (708)
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – – (38) – (38)
Tax on items that may be reclassified – – – – – 18 – 18
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – – 115 – 115
Retirement benefit schemes – – – – – 142 – 142
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – – 6 – 6
Tax on items that will not be reclassified – – – – – (33) – (33)
Total other comprehensive (expense)/
income for the year, net of tax – (101) 15 – – 3,300 – 3,214
Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves) 115 – – – – – (115) –
Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings) 3,099 – – – – – (3,099) –
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the year, net of tax 9,390 56 117 243 3,100 10,288 (13,770) 9,424

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 9,390 56 117 243 3,100 10,103 (13,770) 9,239
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 185 – 185
9,390 56 117 243 3,100 10,288 (13,770) 9,424

230 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


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29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2017
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Profit for the year 37,550 (52) (63) 636 4,120 37,326 (41,861) 37,656
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – (242) (21) – – (3,546) – (3,809)
Differences on exchange – – – – – (3,084) – (3,084)
Cash flow hedges – (242) (10) – – 81 – (171)
Investments held at fair value – – – – – (27) – (27)
Net investment hedges – – (11) – – 368 – 357
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – – (918) – (918)
Tax on items that may be reclassified – – – – – 34 – 34
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss: – – – – – 681 – 681
Retirement benefit schemes – – – – – 827 – 827
Associates – share of OCI, net of tax – – – – – 25 – 25
Tax on items that will not be reclassified – – – – – (171) – (171)
Total other comprehensive expense
for the year, net of tax – (242) (21) – – (2,865) – (3,128)
Share of subsidiaries OCI (other reserves) 681 – – – – – (681) –
Share of subsidiaries OCI (retained earnings) (3,809) – – – – – 3,809 –
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the year, net of tax 34,422 (294) (84) 636 4,120 34,461 (38,733) 34,528

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 34,422 (294) (84) 636 4,120 34,294 (38,733) 34,361
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 167 – 167
34,422 (294) (84) 636 4,120 34,461 (38,733) 34,528

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 231


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2019
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets
Intangible assets – – – – – 118,787 – 118,787
Property, plant and equipment – – – – 1 5,517 – 5,518
Investments in subsidiaries 23,510 – 718 1,419 29,714 – (55,361) –
Investments in associates and joint ventures – – – – – 1,860 – 1,860
Retirement benefit assets – – – 39 – 391 – 430
Deferred tax assets – 118 – – 22 284 – 424
Trade and other receivables – 12,604 15,496 – 416 (30,446) 2,178 248
Investments held at fair value – – – – – 12 – 12
Derivative financial instruments – – 692 – – (3) (237) 452
Total non-current assets 23,510 12,722 16,906 1,458 30,153 96,402 (53,420) 127,731
Inventories – – – – – 6,094 – 6,094
Income tax receivable – – – – – 122 – 122
Trade and other receivables 6,719 6,366 23,659 16 749 (26,144) (7,272) 4,093
Investments held at fair value – – – – – 123 – 123
Derivative financial instruments 8 – 419 – – (74) (40) 313
Cash and cash equivalents 5 13 138 – – 2,375 (5) 2,526
6,732 6,379 24,216 16 749 (17,504) (7,317) 13,271
Assets classified as held-for-sale – – – – – 3 – 3
Total current assets 6,732 6,379 24,216 16 749 (17,501) (7,317) 13,274
Total assets 30,242 19,101 41,122 1,474 30,902 78,901 (60,737) 141,005
Equity – capital and reserves
Share capital 614 – 231 91 13,794 – (14,116) 614
Share premium, capital redemption
and merger reserves 22,857 30 – 1,223 – 30,002 (27,503) 26,609
Other reserves (418) (357) (1,114) 226 – (3,555) 1,663 (3,555)
Retained earnings 5,470 223 3,039 (79) 6,654 40,232 (15,305) 40,234
Owners of the parent 28,523 (104) 2,156 1,461 20,448 66,679 (55,261) 63,902
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 258 – 258
Total equity 28,523 (104) 2,156 1,461 20,448 66,937 (55,261) 64,160
Liabilities
Borrowings 1,571 15,168 14,590 – 6,741 (2,443) 2,177 37,804
Retirement benefit liabilities – – – – 53 1,406 – 1,459
Deferred tax liabilities – – 22 10 – 17,018 – 17,050
Other provisions for liabilities 1 – – – – 388 (1) 388
Trade and other payables 8 – 4 – 70 960 (8) 1,034
Derivative financial instruments – 237 302 – – (15) (237) 287
Total non-current liabilities 1,580 15,405 14,918 10 6,864 17,314 1,931 58,022
Borrowings 13 3,706 23,591 1 2,979 (15,543) (7,185) 7,562
Income tax payable – 33 – – 29 621 – 683
Other provisions for liabilities – – – – – 670 – 670
Trade and other payables 126 29 3 2 582 9,168 (183) 9,727
Derivative financial instruments – 32 454 – – (266) (39) 181
Total current liabilities 139 3,800 24,048 3 3,590 (5,350) (7,407) 18,823
Total equity and liabilities 30,242 19,101 41,122 1,474 30,902 78,901 (60,737) 141,005

232 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2018
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets
Intangible assets – – – – – 124,013 – 124,013
Property, plant and equipment – – – – 1 5,165 – 5,166
Investments in subsidiaries 32,543 – 718 3,732 30,625 – (67,618) –
Investments in associates and joint ventures – – – – – 1,737 – 1,737
Retirement benefit assets – – – 15 – 1,132 – 1,147
Deferred tax assets – 74 – – 17 253 – 344
Trade and other receivables – 15,707 21,911 – 464 (38,343) 946 685
Investments held at fair value – – – – – 39 – 39
Derivative financial instruments – – 708 – – (7) (145) 556
Total non-current assets 32,543 15,781 23,337 3,747 31,107 93,989 (66,817) 133,687
Inventories – – – – – 6,029 – 6,029
Income tax receivable – – – – – 74 – 74
Trade and other receivables 7,306 2,567 19,576 15 820 (13,626) (13,070) 3,588
Investments held at fair value – – – – – 178 – 178
Derivative financial instruments – – 405 – – (215) (11) 179
Cash and cash equivalents 6 9 56 – – 2,537 (6) 2,602
7,312 2,576 20,037 15 820 (5,023) (13,087) 12,650
Assets classified as held-for-sale – – – – – 5 – 5
Total current assets 7,312 2,576 20,037 15 820 (5,018) (13,087) 12,655
Total assets 39,855 18,357 43,374 3,762 31,927 88,971 (79,904) 146,342
Equity – capital and reserves
Share capital 614 – 231 91 14,348 614 (15,284) 614
Share premium, capital redemption and
merger reserves 22,854 30 – 3,401 – 33,562 (33,241) 26,606
Other reserves 204 (195) (1,091) 363 (44) (333) 763 (333)
Retained earnings 11,291 105 2,841 (100) 6,853 38,557 (20,990) 38,557
Owners of the parent 34,963 (60) 1,981 3,755 21,157 72,400 (68,752) 65,444
Non-controlling interests – – – – – 244 – 244
Total equity 34,963 (60) 1,981 3,755 21,157 72,644 (68,752) 65,688
Liabilities
Borrowings 1,571 15,599 18,450 – 8,140 (1,422) 946 43,284
Retirement benefit liabilities – – – – 53 1,612 – 1,665
Deferred tax liabilities – – 30 4 – 17,742 – 17,776
Other provisions for liabilities 1 – – – – 331 (1) 331
Trade and other payables 8 – 4 – 89 962 (8) 1,055
Derivative financial instruments – 145 217 – – (3) (145) 214
Total non-current liabilities 1,580 15,744 18,701 4 8,282 19,222 792 64,325
Borrowings 2,062 2,637 22,293 1 1,573 (12,519) (11,822) 4,225
Income tax payable – 2 – – 133 718 – 853
Other provisions for liabilities – – – – – 318 – 318
Trade and other payables 1,248 25 30 2 782 8,677 (133) 10,631
Derivative financial instruments 2 9 369 – – (89) 11 302
Total current liabilities 3,312 2,673 22,692 3 2,488 (2,895) (11,944) 16,329
Total equity and liabilities 39,855 18,357 43,374 3,762 31,927 88,971 (79,904) 146,342

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 233


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 31 December 2019
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Net cash (used in)/generated
from operating activities (43) (148) (59) (4) 50 9,156 44 8,996
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities 165 870 848 – 3,770 (5,763) (529) (639)
Net cash (used in)/generated
from financing activities (123) (719) (882) 4 (3,820) (3,645) 592 (8,593)
Net cash flows (used in)/generated
from operating, investing and
financing activities (1) 3 (93) – – (252) 107 (236)
Differences on exchange – (1) (7) – – (47) (2) (57)
(Decrease)/increase in net cash and
cash equivalents in the year (1) 2 (100) – – (299) 105 (293)
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January* 6 9 (35) – – 2,348 – 2,328
Net cash and cash equivalents
at 31 December 5 11 (135) – – 2,049 105 2,035

Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement


Year ended 31 December 2018
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Net cash (used in)/generated
from operating activities (45) (81) 19 (13) 349 10,025 41 10,295
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities 187 946 709 2 4,280 (6,853) (292) (1,021)
Net cash (used in)/generated
from financing activities (140) (980) (1,355) 11 (4,631) (3,663) 1,128 (9,630)
Net cash flows generated from/(used in)
operating, investing and financing
activities 2 (115) (627) – (2) (491) 877 (356)
Differences on exchange (1) 2 34 – – (173) – (138)
Increase/(decrease) in net cash and
cash equivalents in the year 1 (113) (593) – (2) (664) 877 (494)
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January* 5 122 558 – 2 2,135 – 2,822
Net cash and cash equivalents
at 31 December 6 9 (35) – – 1,471 877 2,328

234 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

29 Condensed consolidating financial information continued


Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 31 December 2017
BATNF All other
BAT p.l.c. BATCAP BATIF BATHTN and RAI companies BAT Group
Issuer / Issuer /
Parent Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Subsidiary Non-guarantor
guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantor guarantors subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Net cash (used in)/generated
from operating activities (12) 67 10 69 (270) 5,470 13 5,347
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities 2 113 350 – 1,116 (20,020) (105) (18,544)
Net cash generated from/(used in)
financing activities 10 (52) 237 (69) (844) 22,772 (7,295) 14,759
Net cash flows generated from/(used in)
operating, investing and financing
activities – 128 597 – 2 8,222 (7,387) 1,562
Differences on exchange – (6) 15 – – (400) – (391)
Increase/(decrease) in net cash and
cash equivalents in the year – 122 612 – 2 7,822 (7,387) 1,171
Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January* 5 – (56) – – 1,702 – 1,651
Net cash and cash equivalents
at 31 December 5 122 556 – 2 9,524 (7,387) 2,822

* The opening balance of net cash and cash equivalents represents external cash held by the parent guarantor, issuers, subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

30 Accounting policy changes


Adoption of new accounting standards effective 1 January 2019
Adoption of IFRS 16
With effect from 1 January 2019, the Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases with no revision of prior periods, as permitted by the Standard. In accordance
with IFRS 16, the distinction between operating leases and finance leases has been removed. As a result, substantially all leasing arrangements
were added to the balance sheet as lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.
On the initial implementation of the Standard, previously recognised operating leases were capitalised as right-of-use assets and financial liabilities
were recognised at the same initial value. The Group has taken advantage of certain practical expedients available under the Standard including:
– ‘grandfathering’ previously recognised lease arrangements;
– applying a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
– assessing whether a lease is onerous prior to applying the Standard;
– applying hindsight in determining the lease term if the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and
– not applying the capitalisation requirements of the Standard to leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of
initial application.
After implementation, the Group has adopted several practical expedients under the Standard including:
– not applying the requirements of IFRS 16 to leases of intangible assets;
– applying the portfolio approach where appropriate to do so;
– not applying the recognition and measurement requirements of IFRS 16 to short-term leases and to leases of low-value assets; and
– not separating non-lease components from lease components (except in the case of property-related leases).
As disclosed in the Notes on the Accounts in the 2018 Annual Report on Form 20-F, the anticipated impact of IFRS 16 to the Group’s balance
sheet at 1 January 2019 was the capitalisation of £565 million right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of £562 million.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 235


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS


CONTINUED

30 Accounting policy changes continued


In 2019, as part of the implementation of IFRS 16, further lease commitments were identified resulting in an increase to right-of-use assets and
lease liabilities. The impact of the new Standard to the Group’s balance sheet at 1 January 2019 is shown below:

Minimum lease commitments £m


Property
Within one year 126
Between one and five years 290
Beyond five years 149
565
Plant, equipment and other
Within one year 63
Between one and five years 106
169
Total minimum lease commitments 734
Additional commitments on the exercise of options 30
Low-value leases and short-term leases excluded (24)
Discounted to present value (133)
To be capitalised as lease liabilities at 1 January 2019 607
Prepaid leases reclassified from receivables 3
To be capitalised as right-of-use assets at 1 January 2019 610

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied in discounting lease commitments was 5.60%.
Adoption of new accounting standards effective 1 January 2018
Adoption of IFRS 9
With effect from 1 January 2018, the Group has adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with no restatement of prior periods, as permitted by
the Standard.
The cumulative impact of adopting the Standard, including the effect of tax entries, has been recognised as a restatement of opening reserves
in 2018, and is £38 million, arising from the impairment of financial assets under the expected loss model. A simplified ‘lifetime expected loss
model’ is available for balances arising as a result of revenue recognition, by applying a standard rate of provision on initial recognition of trade
debtors based upon the Group’s historical experience of credit loss modified by expectations of the future, and increasing this provision to take
account of overdue receivables. Applying the requirements of IFRS 9 has resulted in a decrease of trade and other debtors of £45 million as at
1 January 2018.
IFRS 9 also changes the classification and measurement of financial assets. The category of available-for-sale investments (where fair value changes
were deferred in reserves until disposal of the investment) has been replaced with the category of financial assets at Fair Value through Profit
and Loss (for most investments) and the category of financial assets at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (for qualifying equity
investments), and the available-for-sale reserve at 1 January 2018 has been reclassified into retained earnings. In addition, certain loans and
receivables which do not meet the measurement tests for amortised cost classification under IFRS 9 have been reclassified as financial assets at Fair
Value through Profit and Loss at the same date. The Group has used the term ‘investments held at fair value’ to refer to all of these financial assets
both pre- and post- the adoption of IFRS 9.

236 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

GROUP COMPANIES
AND UNDERTAKINGS
This disclosure is made in accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 and The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, as amended by The Companies, Partnerships and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2015.
A full list of subsidiary undertakings, associates and joint ventures and joint operations as defined by IFRS (showing the country of incorporation,
effective percentage of equity shares held and full registered office addresses) as at 31 December 2019 is disclosed below.
The subsidiary undertakings that are held directly by British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the ultimate Parent Company) are indicated thus*; all others
are held by sub-holding companies.
Unless otherwise stated, the equity shares held are in the form of ordinary shares or common stock, except for those indicated thus#, which
include preference shares. The effective percentage of equity shares held in subsidiary undertakings is 100% unless otherwise stated. Further,
where the effective percentage of equity shares held by the sub-holding company is different from that held by British American Tobacco p.l.c.,
the percentage of equity shares held by British American Tobacco p.l.c. is indicated thus^ and is shown after the percentage interest held by the
sub-holding company.
The results of a number of these subsidiary undertakings principally affect the financial statements of the Group. These principal subsidiary
undertakings are highlighted in grey and are considered to be the main corporate entities in those countries which, in aggregate, contributed
76% of the Group revenue and 78% of profit from operations.

Subsidiary Undertakings
Albania Austria
Rruga e Kavajes, Ish Kombinati Ushqimor, Tirana, Albania Dr. Karl Lueger Platz 5, 1010, Wien, Austria
British American Tobacco – Albania SH.P.K. British American Tobacco (Austria) GmbH
Algeria Bahrain
Industrial Zone, Cheraga, El Omrane, Ouled Fayet Road, Lot 04 Ilot Flat 2115, Building 2504, Road 2832, Block 428, Al Seef Area,
789, Algiers, Algeria Kingdom of Bahrain
British American Tobacco (Algérie) S.P.A. (51%) British American Tobacco Middle East S.P.C.
Angola Bangladesh
Viana Park, Polo Industrial, Viana, Luanda, Angola New DOHS Road, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1206, Bangladesh
Agrangol Limitada (77%) British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited (72.91%)
British American Tobacco – B.A.T. Angola, Limitada1 Barbados
Fabrica de Tabacos de Cacuso (51%) Braemar Court, Deighton Road, St. Michael, Barbados
SETA, Sarl (98%) B.C.O., Inc
Sociedade Geral de Distribuição e Comércio, Limitada Chancery Chambers, Chancery House, High Street, Bridgetown,
Sociedade Industrial Tabacos Angola LDA (76.60%) Barbados
Sociedade Unificada Tabacos Angola LDA (76.39%) Southward Insurance Ltd.
Argentina Belarus
San Martín 140, Floor 14, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina 7th Floor, 3 Kuprevicha Str., Minsk, 220141, Belarus
British American Tobacco Argentina S.A.I.C.y F. (99.98%) British-American Tobacco Trading Company Foreign Private Trading
Australia Unitary Enterprise
166 William Street, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011, Australia Belgium
British American Tobacco (Australasia Holdings) Pty Limited10 Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, United
Kingdom
British American Tobacco Australasia Limited10
British American Tobacco Holdings Belgium N.V.
British American Tobacco Australia Limited10
Nieuwe Gentsesteenweg 21, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium
British American Tobacco Australia Overseas Pty Limited10
British American Tobacco Belgium N.V.
British American Tobacco Australia Services Limited10
Tabacofina-Vander Elst N.V.
British American Tobacco Manufacturing Australia Pty Ltd.10
Rue de Koninck 38, 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
Rothmans Asia Pacific Limited# 10
British American Tobacco Co-ordination Centre/L.P. Co-ordination
The Benson & Hedges Company Pty. Limited10
Centre VOF
W.D. & H.O. Wills Holdings Limited10
Benin
Cotonou, Lot Numbero H19, Quartiers Les Cocotiers, 01 BP 2520, Benin
British American Tobacco Benin SA
Bolivia
Av. Costanerita No. 71, esq Calle 6, floor 5, Zona de Obrajes, La
Paz, Bolivia
BAT Bolivia S.R.L.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 237


Financial Statements

GROUP COMPANIES AND UNDERTAKINGS


CONTINUED

Bosnia and Herzegovina Canada


Blajburških žrtava br. 62, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina 30 Pedigree Court, Brampton, Ontario, L6T 5T8, Canada
TOBACCO PRESS d.o.o. Mostar Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited
Fra Dominka Mandica 24 A, 88220 Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Imperial Tobacco Company Limited
Herzegovina 3711 St-Antoine West, Montreal, Quebec, H4C 3P6, Canada
IPRESS d.o.o. Allan Ramsay and Company Limited
Ulica Carice Milice br. 11, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Cameo Inc.
Herzegovina Genstar Corporation2
British American Tobacco – BAT – BL d.o.o. Imperial Brands Limited
ul. Azize Šaćirbegović 1, 71000 Sarajevo-Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia Imperial Tobacco Products Limited
and Herzegovina
Imperial Tobacco Services Inc.
TDR d.o.o. Sarajevo
John Player & Sons Limited
ul. Kolodvorska 12, 71000 Sarajevo-Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia and
Herzegovina Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company of Canada Limited3
iNovine BH d.o.o. Marlboro Canada Limited
Opresa d.o.o. Medaillon Inc.
ul. Kralja Petra I Karadordevica br. 82, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia 45 O’Connor Street, Suite 1500, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4, Canada
and Herzegovina 2004969 Ontario Inc.
FDBL-B d.o.o. Banja Luka Cayman Islands
Botswana Trident Trust Company (Cayman) Ltd., One Capital Place, PO Box
Plot 20774 Broadhurst Industrial Estate, Gaborone, Botswana 847, Grand Cayman KY1-1103, Cayman Islands
British American Tobacco Botswana (Pty) Limited R.J. Reynolds Tobacco (CI) Co.
Business Venture Investments Botswana 6773 (Pty) Ltd. Chile
Brazil Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Piso 15, Las Condes, Chile
Rua Candelaria 66, Salas 101 a 1201, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil BAT Chile S.A. (100%) (99.51%)^
Yolanda Participacoes S.A. British American Tobacco Chile Operaciones S.A. (99.51%)
Souza Cruz LTDA Inversiones Casablanca S.A.
Brunei Darussalam China (People’s Republic of)
6th Floor, Bang Hj Ahmad Laksamana Othman, 38-39, Jalan Sultan, Floor 6, China Resources Tower, No. 2666 South Keyuan Road,
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8811, Brunei Darussalam Nanshan District, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
Commercial Marketers and Distributors Sdn. Bhd. (100%) (50%)^ Nicoventures Business Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd
Room 436, No. 1000, Zenchen Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai,
Bulgaria
People’s Republic of China
115 M, Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., Building D, Floor 5, Sofia,
British American (Shanghai) Enterprise Development Co. Ltd
Mladost Municipality, 1784, Bulgaria
British American Nico Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd
British American Tobacco Trading EOOD
Unit 1001 in 901, 9/F, Building 3, No.8 Guanghuadongli, Chaoyang
Burkina Faso
District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
Ouagadougou, Avenue Yennega, BP: 882, Ouagadougou, Burkina
British American Consulting (Beijing) Ltd
Faso
Colombia
Tobacco Marketing Consultant Burkina Faso SARL
Av. Cra. 72 # 80-94 Piso 10. Bogotá, Colombia
Burundi
British American Tobacco Colombia S.A.S.
Avenue de L’Uprina a Bujumbura, BP 345, Burundi
Vype Colombia S.A.S.
Tabarundi SARL
Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Cambodia
149, A&B Boulevard du 30 Juin, Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic
1121 National Road 2, Prek Tanou Village, Sangkat Chak Ang Re
Republic of Congo
Leu, Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
BAT Services Congo SARL
British American Tobacco (Cambodia) Limited (71%)
British American Tobacco Import SARL
British American Tobacco (Cambodge) International Limited
1er étage, Immeuble du Centenaire, Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic
Cameroon
Republic of Congo
Rue Njo Njo, Bonapriso – B.P. 259, Douala, Cameroon
BAT Distribution SARL
British American Tobacco Cameroun S.A. (99.76%)
British American Tobacco Congo SARL
Costa Rica
325 Metros este del Puente de la Firestone, Llorente, Flores,
Heredia, Costa Rica
BASS Americas S.A.
BATCCA Park Inversiones Immobiliarias, S.A.
BATCCA Servicios S.A.

238 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Croatia Finland
Draškovićeva 27, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Itamerentori 2, 00180, Helsinki, Finland
Inovine d.d. (93.42%) British American Tobacco Finland Oy
Ivana Luc̆ića 2/a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia France
BAT HRVATSKA d.o.o. u likvidaciji 8 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France
Obala V. Nazora 1, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia Carreras France SAS
Adista d.o.o. Cœur Défense Tour A 100-110 Esplanade de Gaulle 92932 Paris
TDR d.o.o. La Défense Cedex, France
Osjec̆ka 2, 33000 Virovitica, Croatia British American Tobacco France SAS
Hrvatski Duhani d.d. Tobacco Leaf Processing (89.55%) France 23, Rue du Roule, 75001 Paris, France
Cuba Nicoventures France S.A.S.
Calle Reyes, No. 6, entre Calzada de Luyanó y Calle Princesa, Germany
Municipio 10 de Octubre, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba Alsterufer 4, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
Brascuba Cigarrillos S.A. (50%) BATIG Gesellschaft fur Beteiligungen m.b.H.
Cyprus British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH
Photiades Business Centre, 5th Floor, 8 Stasinou Avenue, Nicosia, British American Tobacco (Hamburg International) GmbH
CY-1060, Cyprus British American Tobacco (Industrie) GmbH
B.A.T (Cyprus) Limited Schillerstr. 10, 28195 Bremen, Germany
Rothmans (Middle East) Limited Chic Deutschland GmbH
Czech Republic Schutterwalder Straße 23, 01458 Ottendorf-Okrilla, Germany
Karolinská 654/2, Prague 8 – Karlín, 186 00, Czech Republic Quantus Beteiligungs – und Beratungsgesellschaft mbH
British American Tobacco (Czech Republic), s.r.o. Ghana
Denmark F190/5 Josiah Tongogari Street, Opposite Tante Marie Restaurant,
Vester Farimagsgade 19, 1606 Copenhagen, Denmark Labone-Accra, Ghana
British American Tobacco Denmark A/S (House of Prince A/S) British American Tobacco Ghana Limited (97.09%)
Precis (1789) Denmark A/S Greece
X-International ApS 27, Ag. Thoma Street, Maroussi, 151 24, Greece
Egypt British American Tobacco Hellas S.A.
Administrative unit no.1, 5th Floor, Building S2B, Sector A, Guernsey
Downtown Mall Katameya, 5th settlement, New Cairo, Egypt St. Martin’s House, Le Bordage, St. Peter’s Port, GY1 4AU,
BETCO for General Services and Marketing LLC Guernsey
BETCO for Trade and Distribution LLC Belaire Insurance Company Limited
British American Tobacco Egypt LLC Guyana
British American Tobacco North Africa LLC 90 Carmichael Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana
Eritrea Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (70.25%)
P.O. Box 749, 62 Fel Ket Street, Asmara, Eritrea Honduras
British American Tobacco (Eritrea) Share Company# Boulevard del Sur, Zona El Cacao, San Pedro Sula, Depart. de
Estonia Cortés, Honduras
Tornimäe 7, 10145 Tallinn, Estonia Tabacalera Hondureña S.A. (83.64%)
British American Tobacco Estonia AS Hong Kong
Ethiopia 11/F, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Bole Road, TK Building 3rd Floor, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia British American Tobacco China Investments Limited
Tobacco Marketing Consultants Level 30, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong
Kong
Fiji
British American Tobacco Asia-Pacific Region Limited
Lady Maria Road, Nabua, Suva, Fiji
British-American Tobacco Company (Hong Kong) Limited
British American Tobacco (Fiji) Marketing Pte Limited
LEHMAN, LEE & XU CORPORATE SERVICES, Suite 3313, Tower
Central Manufacturing Company Pte Limited One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Fiji) Pte Limited Reynolds Asia-Pacific Limited
Units 2501 and 2506 to 2510, 25/F Island Place Tower, Island Place
510, King’s Road, Hong Kong
American Cigarette Company Limited
Hungary
H-1124, Budapest, Csörsz utca 49-51. 3. em., Hungary
BAT Pécsi Dohánygyár Korlátolt Felelosségu Társaság

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 239


Financial Statements

GROUP COMPANIES AND UNDERTAKINGS


CONTINUED

Indonesia Jordan
Capital Place Office Tower 6th Floor, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 18, Salman Quadah Street, Behind Abdoun Mall Opp. Khaled Khreisat
Jakarta 12710 Indonesia Complex, Villa No. (1), Abdoun, Amman, Jordan
PT Bentoel Internasional Investama, Tbk (92.48%) British American Tobacco – Jordan Private Shareholding Company
Jl. Raya Karanglo, Desa Banjararum, Kecamatan Singosari, Jawa Limited11
Timur 65153 Indonesia Kazakhstan
PT Bentoel Prima4 (100%) (92.48%)^ 240G, Nursultan Nazarbayev avenue, A26F8D4 Almaty, Republic of
Jl. Susanto No. 2B, Ciptomulyo, Sukun, Malang, Jawa Timur 65148 Kazakhstan
Indonesia British American Tobacco Kazakhstan Trading LLP
PT Bentoel Distribusi Utama (100%) (92.48%)^ Kenya
Iran, Islamic Republic of 8 Likoni Road, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi,
No.3, Aftab St., Khodami St., Vanak Sq., Post Code: 1994834589, Kenya
Islamic Republic of Iran African Cigarette Company (Overseas) Limited (100%) (60%)^
B.A.T. Pars Company (Private Joint Stock) (99%) BAT Kenya Tobacco Company Limited (100%) (60%)^
No. 88, Baran Bld., Kuyeh Sayeh, Across Mellat Park, Vali’asr Ave., 9 Likoni Road, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi,
Tehean, Islamic Republic of Iran Kenya
TDR Parisian Co British American Tobacco Area Limited
Iraq 10 Likoni Road, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi,
Enkawa, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Kenya
B.A.T. Iraqia Company for Tobacco Trading Limited British American Tobacco Kenya plc (60%)
Ireland 11 Likoni Road, Industrial Area P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Suite D, 2nd Floor, The Apex Building, Blackthorn Road, Sandyford East African Tobacco Company (Kenya) Limited (100%) (60%)^
Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, Republic of Ireland Korea, Republic of
Carroll Group Distributors Limited Gangnam Finance Center, 152 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul,
P.J. Carroll & Company Limited4 Republic of Korea
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Ireland) Limited5 British American Tobacco Korea Limited
Isle of Man 141, Gongdan1-ro, Sanam-Myun, Sacheon City, Kyungsangnamdo,
Republic of Korea
c/o Boston MFO, 2nd Floor, St Mary’s Court, 20 Hill Street,
Douglas, IM1 1EU, Isle of Man British American Tobacco Korea Manufacturing Limited
Abbey Investment Company Limited Kosovo, Republic of
The Raleigh Investment Company Limited Llapllaselle p.n., 10500 Gracanicë, Republic of Kosovo
Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Limited British American Tobacco Kosovo SH.P.K.
Italy Latvia
Via Amsterdam 147, 00144 Rome, Italy Mukusalas iela 101, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A. British American Tobacco Latvia SIA
Ivory Coast Lithuania
Rue des Jardins-Immeuble Woodin- 2eme étage, Abidjan, Cocody 2 J. Galvydžio g. 11-7, LT-08236 Vilnius Lithuania
plateaux, Ivory Coast UAB British American Tobacco Lietuva
British American Tobacco RCI SARL Luxembourg
Marcory, Immeuble Plein Ciel Boulevard VGE – 6 BP 1377, Ivory 1, Rue Jean Piret, 2350 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Coast British American Tobacco Brands (Switzerland) Limited
Tobacco Marketing Consultant CDI SARL Malawi
Jamaica Northgate Arcade, Highway Chipembere, Blantyre, Malawi
13A Ripon Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica British American Tobacco (Malawi) Limited
Carreras Limited (50.40%) 8 Malaysia
Sans Souci Development Limited (100%) (50.40%) ^ 8 12th Floor, Menara Symphony, No. 5, Jalan Semangat, Seksyen 13,
Sans Souci Limited (100%) (50.40%) ^ 8 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Japan British American Tobacco GSD (Kuala Lumpur) Sdn Bhd
Midtown Tower 20F, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Level 11, Sunway Geo Tower, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Sunway South Quay,
British American Tobacco Japan, Ltd. Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Jersey BAT Aspac Service Centre Sdn Bhd
22 Grenville Street, St Helier, JE4 8PX, Jersey Level 19, Guoco Tower, Damansara City, No. 6 Jalan Damanlela,
Pathway 5 (Jersey) Limited Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
British American Tobacco Malaysia Foundation7
British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad (50%)
Commercial Marketers and Distributors Sdn. Bhd. (100%) (50%)^
Rothmans Brands Sdn. Bhd. (100%) (50%)^
Tobacco Importers and Manufacturers Sdn. Bhd. (100%) (50%)^

240 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Mali Netherlands
Djelibougou, Immeuble BASSARO, BP 2065, Bamako – Mali Handelsweg 53 A, 1181 ZA, Amstelveen, Netherlands
British American Tobacco (Mali) Sarl Aruba Properties B.V.
Malta B.A.T Finance B.V.
PM Building, Level 2, Mriehel Industrial Zone, Bone Street, B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V.
Mriehel, BKR3000, Malta British American Tobacco European Operations Centre B.V.
British American Tobacco (Malta) Limited British American Tobacco Exports B.V.
Central Cigarette Company Limited British American Tobacco Holdings (Australia) B.V.
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Malta) Limited British American Tobacco Holdings (Malaysia) B.V.
Mexico British American Tobacco Holdings (South Africa) B.V.
Francisco I Madero 2750 Poniente, Colonia Centro, Monterrey, British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V.
Nuevo León, C.P. 64000, Mexico British American Tobacco Holdings (Venezuela) B.V.
British American Tobacco Mexico Comercial, S.A. de C.V. British American Tobacco Holdings (Vietnam) B.V.
British American Tobacco Mexico, S.A. de C.V.4 British American Tobacco International (Holdings) B.V.
British American Tobacco Servicios S.A. de C.V. British American Tobacco International Investments B.V.
Cigarrera La Moderna, S.A. de C.V. British American Tobacco Manufacturing B.V.
Predio Los Sauces Sin número, Colonia Los Sauces, C.P. 63195, British American Tobacco Nederland B.V.
Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
British American Tobacco Western Europe Region B.V.
Procesadora de Tabacos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (93%)
Molensteegh Invest B.V.
Moldova, Republic of Precis (1789) B.V.
65, Stephan cel Mare Str., off. 414-417, Chisinau, MD2001, Precis (1790) B.V.
Republic of Moldova
Rothmans Far East B.V.
British American Tobacco – Moldova S.R.L.
Rothmans International Holdings B.V.
Mozambique
Rothmans International Holdings II B.V.
2289 Avenida de Angola, Maputo, Mozambique
Rothmans Tobacco Investments B.V.
British American Tobacco Mozambique Limitada (95%)
Rothmans UK Holdings B.V.
Sociedade Agricola de Tabacos Limitada (95%)
Turmac Tobacco Company B.V.
Myanmar Paterswoldseweg 43, 9726 BB Groninge, Netherlands
Min Aye Yar Street, Plot No. 55/56, Survey Ward No.14, Schwe Koninklijke Theodorus Niemeyer B.V.
Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon,
Myanmar New Zealand
British American Tobacco Myanmar Limited (95%)8 2 Watt Street, Parnell, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand
British American Tobacco Myanmar Services Limited8 British American Tobacco (New Zealand) Limited
Namibia British American Tobacco Holdings (New Zealand) Limited
Shop 48, Second Floor Old Power Station Complex, Armstrong c/o Mint Advisory Limited, Suite 6, 8 Turua Street, St Heliers,
Street, Windhoek, Namibia Auckland, 1071, New Zealand
British American Tobacco Namibia (Pty) Limited New Zealand (UK Finance) Limited#
Niger
Rue du Parc, Quartier Terminus, Niamey, Niger
British American Tobacco Niger

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 241


Financial Statements

GROUP COMPANIES AND UNDERTAKINGS


CONTINUED

Nigeria Krakowiakow 48, 02-255, Warszawa, Poland


1, Tobacco Road, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo British American Tobacco Polska Trading sp. zo.o.
State, Nigeria Rubiez 46, 61-612, Poznan, Poland
British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited eSMOKING INSITUTE sp.zoo
2 Olumegbon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Ul. Ilzecka 26E, 02-135, Warsaw, Poland
British American Tobacco Marketing Nigeria Limited Nicoventures Poland sp.z.o.o.
North Macedonia, Republic of Ul. Tytoniowa 16, 16-300, Augustow, Poland
Bul. 8-mi Septemvri No. 18, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North British-American Tobacco Polska S.A.
Macedonia Portugal
TDR Skopje d.o.o.e.l. Skopje Edificio Amoreiras Square, Rua Carlos Alberto da Mota Pinto 17, 3e
Norway A, 1070-313, Amoreiras, Lisboa, Portugal
Dronning Eufemias Gate 42, 0191 Oslo, Norway COTAPO Empreendimentos Commerciais e Industriais S.A.
British American Tobacco Norway AS Sociedade Unificada de Tabacos Limitada (76%)
Pakistan Qatar
Serena Business Complex. Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy, Islamabad, P O Box 6689, 41 Floor, Tornado Tower, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Pakistan
British American Tobacco Q LLC
British American Tobacco SAA Services (Private) Ltd
Réunion
Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (94.65%)
5 Immeuble Cap 2000, Avenue Théodore Drouhet, ZAC Horizon
Bun Khurma Chichian Road, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
2000 – 97420 Le Port, La Réunion
Phoenix (Private) Limited (100%) (94.65%)^ B.A.T. La Reunion SAS
Panama Romania
Torre Banco Panama, Boulevard Costa Del Este y Aveida La 319 Splaiul Independentei, Sema Parc ‘City Building’, 1st Floor,
Rotonda, Piso 14, Oficina 1400, Costa del Este Ciudad de Panama, 6th Sector, Bucharest, Romania
Panama
British American Shared Services (Europe) S.R.L.
BAT Caribbean, S.A.
Ploiesti, 17-19 Laboratorului Street, Prahova County, Romania
British American Tobacco Central America S.A. (87.76%)
British-American Tobacco (Romania) Investment S.R.L.
British American Tobacco Panama S.A.
Bucharest Business Park, Building A (3rd floor) and Building B2
Tabacalera Istmeña S.A. (floors 2-4), 1A Bucuresti – Ploiesti (DN1) Road, Sector 1,
Papau New Guinea Bucharest 013681, Romania
Ashurst PNG, Level 11, MRDC Haus, Port Moresby, National British American Tobacco (Romania) Trading SRL
Capital District, Papua New Guinea Russia
Rothmans of Pall Mall (P.N.G.) Limited 38, 3rd Konnaya Lakhta, Saint Petersburg, 197229 Russia
British American Tobacco (PNG) Limited JSC ‘British American Tobacco-SPb’#
Papua New Guinea Tobacco Co. Ltd Building 2, 17 Krylatskaya Street, Moscow, 121614 Russia
Paradise Tobacco Co. Limited JSC ‘International Tobacco Marketing Services’
Paraguay Rwanda
Avenida Aviadores del Chaco N° 2050 (World Trade Center, Torre Societe Rwandaise Dássurances, Boulevard de la Revolution P.O
2, Piso 17), Asunción, Paraguay Box 650 Kigali, Rwanda
British American Tobacco Productora de Cigarrillos S.A. British American Tobacco Rwanda Limited
Peru Saint Lucia
Pasaje Santa Rosa 256, Ate, Lima, Perú c/o ADCO Incorporated, 10 Manoel Street, Castries, Saint Lucia
British American Tobacco del Peru Holdings S.A. (98.55%)6 Carisma Marketing Services Ltd
British American Tobacco del Peru, S.A.C. Pointe Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia
Philippines Rothmans Holdings (Caricom) Limited
31 Tayuman Street, Tondo, Manila, Philippines Samoa
Alhambra Industries Inc.# Vaitele, Apia, Samoa. P.O.Box 1304.
Poland British American Tobacco Company (Samoa) Limited
Aleja Wojska Polskiego 23c, 63-500, Ostrzeszow, Poland Senegal
CHIC sp.zo.o. Almadies, Route Hotel Meridien en Face Club Med, Dakar, Senegal
CHIC sp.zo.osp.k. BP 3174
Chic Holding sp.zo.o Tobacco Marketing Consultant TMC S.A.R.L.
Chic Investments sp.zo.o. Serbia
eSMOKING Liquids sp.zoo Bulevar Milutina Milankovica 1ž, Belgrade, 11070, Serbia
eSMOKING Liquids sp.zo.o.sp.k. British American Tobacco South – East Europe d.o.o.
Nicoventures Polska sp. z.o.o. Kralja Stefana Provencanog 209, Vranje, 17500, Serbia
British American Tobacco Vranje a.d.

242 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Singapore Spain
15 Senoko Loop, Singapore 758168 Torreo Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, 28046 Madrid, Spain
British American Tobacco International Services Pte Ltd British American Tobacco España, S.A.
British-American Tobacco (Singapore) Private Limited Sri Lanka
British-American Tobacco Marketing (Singapore) Private Limited 178 Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo, 15, Sri Lanka
18 Ah Hood Road #12-51, Hiap Hoe Bldg at Zhongshan Park, Ceylon Tobacco Company Plc (84.13%)
Singapore 329983 Sudan
British American Tobacco Sales & Marketing Singapore Pte. Ltd. Byblos Tower, Al-Muk Nemer Street, Postal Code 11111, P.O Box
Shenton Way, #33-00 OUE Downtown, Singapore 068809 1381, Khartoum, Sudan
RHL Investments Pte Limited# Blue Nile Cigarette Company Limited
Slovenia Swaziland
Bravnic̆arjeva ulica 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Rhus Office Park, Kal Grant Street, P.O. Box 569, Mbabane,
British American Tobacco d.o.o. Swaziland
Solomon Islands British American Tobacco Swaziland (Pty) Limited
Kukum Highway, Ranadi, Honiara, Honiara, Solomon Islands Sweden
Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited Stre Järnvägsgatan 13, 4 fl. SE-252 24 Helsingborg, Sweden
South Africa Niconovum AB
Unit 19, Frazzitta Business Park, Freedom Way, Marconi Beam, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 15, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden
Cape Town 8000, South Africa British American Tobacco Sweden AB
Twisp (Pty) Limited Sweden Stationsvägen 11, 523 74 Hökerum, Sweden
Waterway House South, 3 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Winnington AB
8000, South Africa Stenåldersgatan 23, 213 76 Malmö, Sweden
Agrega EEMEA (Pty) Limited Fiedler & Lundgren AB
Amalgamated Tobacco Corporation (South Africa) (Pty) Limited Switzerland
American Cigarette Company (Overseas) Ltd. Route de France 17, 2926 Boncourt, Geneva, Switzerland
Benson & Hedges (Pty) Limited AD Tabacs International S.A.
British American Shared Services Africa Middle East (Pty) Limited American-Cigarette Company (Overseas) Limited
British American Tobacco GSD (South Africa) (Pty) Limited British American Tobacco Switzerland S.A.
British American Tobacco Holdings South Africa (Pty) Limited# British American Tobacco Switzerland Vending SA
British American Tobacco Properties South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Nicoventures Communications (Switzerland) AG
British American Tobacco Services South Africa (Pty) Limited Rothmans of Pall Mall Limited
British American Tobacco South Africa (Pty) Limited Route de la Glâne 107, c/o NBA Fiduciaire S.A. 1752 Villars-sur-
British American Tobacco Southern Africa Markets (Pty) Limited Glâne, Switzerland
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (Pty) Limited Intertab S.A. (50%)
Business Venture Investments No 216 (Pty) Limited c/o Seepark AG, Gartenstrasse 4, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
Carlton Cigarette Company (Pty) Limited British American Tobacco International Limited in Liquidation
Intercontinental Tobacco Company (Pty) Ltd. Tanzania
John Chapman (Pty) Limited Acacia Estate Building, Kinondoni Rd, P.O. Box 72484, Dar es
John Player & Sons (Pty) Limited Salaam, Tanzania
Kentucky Tobacco Corporation (Pty) Limited British American Tobacco (Tanzania) Limited
Martins of London (Pty) Limited International Cigarette Distributors Limited (99%)
Rembrandt Tobacco Corporation (Overseas) Ltd Zanzibar Distribution Company Limited (99%)
Riggio Tobacco Corporation of New York Ltd c/o IMMMA Advocates, Plot No.357, UN Road, Upanga, P.O Box
Rothmans of Pall Mall London Limited 72484, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
St. Regis Tobacco Corporation Ltd BAT Distribution Tanzania Limited
Thomas Bear’s Son & Co (Pty) Limited Trinidad and Tobago
Tobacco Research and Development Institute (Pty) Limited Corner Eastern Main Road and Mt. D’or Road, Champs Fleurs,
W.D. & H.O. Wills (Pty) Limited Trinidad and Tobago
Westminster Tobacco Company (Cape Town & London) (Pty) Limited The West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (50.13%)
Winfield Tobacco Corporation (Pty) Limited Turkey
Winston Tobacco Company Limited Orjin Maslak is Merkezi, Eski Büyükdere Caddesi, Kat: 9-10, Maslak,
Sanyer, istanbul, Türkiye – PK: 34485
British American Tobacco Tütün Mamulleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 243


Financial Statements

GROUP COMPANIES AND UNDERTAKINGS


CONTINUED

Uganda British American Tobacco (GLP) Limited


10th Floor, Lotis Towers, Plot 16 Mackinnon Road, Nakasero, British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Kampala, Uganda British American Tobacco (Philippines) Limited
British American Tobacco Uganda Limited (90%) British American Tobacco (Serbia) Limited
Ukraine British American Tobacco (South America) Limited
13-15 Bolsunovska Str, Kyiv, 01014 Ukraine British American Tobacco China Holdings Limited
LLC ‘British American Tobacco Sales and Marketing Ukraine’ British American Tobacco Georgia Limited
21 Nezalezhnosti Str, Pryluky, Chernihiv Region, 17502 Ukriane British American Tobacco Global Travel Retail Limited
PJSC ‘A/T B.A.T. – Prilucky Tobacco Company’ British American Tobacco International Holdings (UK) Limited
United Arab Emirates British American Tobacco Investments (Central & Eastern Europe)
Jumeriah Business Centre 3, 37th Floor, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Limited
Dubai, P.O. Box 337222, United Arab Emirates British American Tobacco Italy Investments Limited
British American Tobacco GCC DMCC British American Tobacco Italy Limited
British American Tobacco ME DMCC British American Tobacco Korea (Investments) Limited
United Kingdom British American Tobacco Malaysia (Investments) Limited
212-218 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3ET, Northern British American Tobacco Peru Holdings Limited
Ireland British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited8
Murray, Sons & Company, Limited British American Tobacco Western Europe Commercial Trading Limited
7 More London, Riverside, London, SE1 2RT, United Kingdom British-American Tobacco (Mauritius) p.l.c.
Ryesekks P.L.C. (50%) Carreras Rothmans Limited#
Globe House, 1 Water Street, London, WC2R 3LA, United Kingdom Chelwood Trading & Investment Company Limited
Advanced Technologies (Cambridge) Limited East African Tobacco Company (U.K.) Limited
Allen & Ginter (UK) Limited Lord Extra Limited
B.A.T (U.K. and Export) Limited Myddleton Investment Company Limited
B.A.T Cambodia (Investments) Limited Nicovations Limited
B.A.T Far East Holding Limited Nicoventures Holdings Limited
B.A.T Far East Leaf Limited Nicoventures Retail (UK) Limited
B.A.T Services Limited Nicoventures Trading Limited
B.A.T Uzbekistan (Investments) Limited Powhattan Limited
B.A.T Vietnam Limited Precis (2396) Limited
B.A.T. (Westminster House) Limited Ridirectors Limited
B.A.T. China Limited Rothmans Exports Limited
BAT Finance COP Limited Rothmans International Limited
BATIF Dollar Limited Rothmans International Tobacco (UK) Limited
BATUS Limited Rothmans International Services Limited
Big Ben Tobacco Company Limited Rothmans of Pall Mall (Overseas) Limited
British American Shared Services (GSD) Limited Rothmans Trading Limited
British American Shared Services Limited Ryservs (1995) Limited
British American Tobacco (AIT) Limited Ryservs (No.3) Limited
Tobacco Exporters International Limited
Tobacco Marketing Consultants Limited
Venezuela Property Company Limited
Westanley Trading & Investment Company Limited
Westminster Tobacco Company Limited
Globe House, 2 Milford Lane, London, WC2R 3LN, United
Kingdom
World Investment Company Limited

244 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, United United States
Kingdom 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, Sacramento CA 95833,
Amalgamated Tobacco Company Limited United States
American Cigarette Company (Overseas) Limited Genstar Pacific Corporation
Ardath Tobacco Company Limited 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, United States
B.A.T Additional Retirement Benefit Scheme Trustee Limited B.A.T Capital Corporation
B.A.T Industries p.l.c. BATUS Holdings Inc.
B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c.* BATUS Japan, INC.
B.A.T. Operating Finance Limited BATUS Retail Services, Inc.
BATLaw Limited British American Tobacco (Brands) Inc.
BATMark Limited* Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.
Benson & Hedges (Overseas) Limited BTI 2014 LLC
Better Tomorrow Ventures Limited Imasco Holdings Group, Inc.
British American Global Shared Services Limited Imasco Holdings, Inc.
British American Tobacco (1998) Limited* ITL (USA) Limited
British American Tobacco (2009) Limited Louisville Corporate Services, Inc.
British American Tobacco (2009 PCA) Limited Nicoventures U.S. Limited
British American Tobacco (2012) Limited Farmers Bank Building, Suite 1402, 301 N. Market Street,
British American Tobacco (Brands) Limited Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
British American Tobacco (Corby) Limited Reynolds Finance Company
British American Tobacco (NGP) Limited 3700 Airpark Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301, United States
British American Tobacco Healthcare Trustee Limited Kentucky BioProcessing, Inc.
British American Tobacco Taiwan Logistics Limited 401 N. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
British-American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited CF Vapor Company, LLC
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (Export) Limited Conwood Holdings, Inc.
Carreras Limited EXP Homes, LLC
Courtleigh of London Limited Lorillard Licensing Company LLC
Dunhill Tobacco of London Limited Lorillard, LLC
John Sinclair Limited Niconovum USA, Inc
Louisville Securities Limited Northern Brands International, Inc.
Moorgate Tobacco Co. Limited R.J. Reynolds Global Products, Inc.
Peter Jackson (Overseas) Limited R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Precis (1789) Limited R.J. Reynolds Tobacco International, Inc
Precis (1814) Limited R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company
Rothmans International Enterprises Limited R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Rothmans of Pall Mall Limited R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.
Senior Service (Overseas) Limited RAI Innovations Company
South Western Nominees Limited RAI International, Inc.
The London Tobacco Company Limited RAI Services Company
Tobacco Insurance Company Limited RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
Weston (2009) Limited RAI Trade Marketing Services Company
Weston Investment Company Limited Reynolds American Inc.
One, Eton Street, Richmond Upon Thames, London, TW9 1EF, Reynolds Brands Inc.
United Kingdom Reynolds Technologies, Inc.
British American Tobacco UK Limited RJR Realty Relocation Services, Inc.
Ten Motives Limited RJR Vapor Co., LLC
10 Motives Limited Rosswil LLC
S.F. Imports, Inc.
Spot You More, Inc.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 245


Financial Statements

GROUP COMPANIES AND UNDERTAKINGS


CONTINUED

3220 Knotts Grove Road, Oxford, NC 27565, United States Associated undertakings and joint ventures
Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc Croatia
4550 Excel Parkway, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001, United States Slavonska avenija 11a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Hanu Life LLC (100%) (60%)^ Tisak d.d. (41.86%)
VapeWild LLC (100%) (60%)^ Hungary
VapeWild Franchising LLC (100%) (60%)^ H-6800 Hódmezóvásárhely, Erzsébeti út 5/b, Hungary
VapeWild Holdings, LLC (60%) Országos Dohányboltellátó Korlátolt Felelosségu Társaság (49%)
VapeWild Retail Operations, LLC (100%) (60%)^ India
VapeWild Wholesale, LLC (100%) (60%)^ Virginia House, 37, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata, 700 071, India
Wolfpack Wholesale Global, Ltd. (100%) (60%)^ ITC Limited (29.49%)
5106, Tradeport Dr., Memphis, TN 38141, United States Azamabad, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, 500 020, India
American Snuff Company, LLC VST Industries Limited (32.16%)8
Uruguay Nepal
Juncal 1392, Montevideo, Uruguay Shree Bal Sadan, Gha 2-513, Kantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal
Kellian S.A. Surya Nepal Pvt. Limited (61%) (19.44%)^
Uzbekistan Uganda
77 Minor Passage, Tashkent, 100084, Uzbekistan 69/71 Jinja Road, P.O Box 7100, Kampala, Uganda
JSC JV UZBAT A.O. (97.38%) Uganda Tobacco Processors Limited (50%)
Venezuela United Kingdom
Registro Mecantil Primero de la Circunscripción, Judical des 65a Hopton Street, London,SE1 9LR, United Kingdom
Distrito, Capital y Estado, Miranda, Venezuela
AYR Limited (13.14%)9
Agrega de Venezuela, Agreven, C.A. (50%)
Uzbekistan
Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Edificio Bigott, Los Ruices, Caracas
Gulobod Village, Samarkand Region, 140100, Uzbekistan
– Estado Miranda, 1010, Venezuela
FE “Samfruit” JSC (10.2%)
Agrobigott, C.A.
Compania Anonima Cigarrera Bigott Sucesores Yemen
Distribuidora Bigott, C.A. P.O. Box 14, Sanna, Yemen
Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Torre Chacao 19.02, Municipio Kamaran Industry and Investment Company (31%)
Chacao, Estado, Miranda, Caracas, Venezuela P.O. Box 5302, Hoban, Taiz, Yemen
Proyectos de Inversion BAT 1902 C.A. United Industries Company Limited (32%)
Vietnam
19/F Mplaza Saigon, 39 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Joint operations
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hong Kong
East Asia Area Services Company Limited 29/F, Oxford House, 979 King’s Road, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay,
Area 8, Long Binh Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Hong Kong
Vietnam CTBAT International Co. Limited (50%)
British American Tobacco – Vinataba Limited (70%)
Notes
Lot 45C/I, Road #7, Vinh Loc Industrial Park, Binh Chanh District, 1. Ownership held in the class of USD 100 (100%) (76.30%)^ and USD 49,900 (100%).
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 2. Ownership held in the class of Series F and 2nd Preferred shares.
VINA-BAT Joint Venture Company Limited (49%) 3. Ownership held in the class of A shares (50%) and class of B shares (100%).
Zambia 4. Ownership held in class of A shares and B shares.
20992 Kafue Road, P O Box 30622, Lusaka, Zambia 5. Ownership held solely in class of preference shares.
British American Tobacco (Zambia) plc (78%) 6. Ownership held in class of Investment stock (98.98%) and Ordinary shares (98.35%).

Zimbabwe 7. Company limited by guarantee.


8. 31 March year-end.
Manchester Road 1, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe
9. 31 May year-end.
American-Cigarette Company (Overseas) (Private) Ltd
10. 30 June year-end.
British American Tobacco Zimbabwe (Holdings) Limited (43.13%)
11. 30 November year-end.
Rothmans Limited

246 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

BALANCE SHEET@
British American Tobacco p.l.c. – at 31 December

2019 2018
Note £m £m
Assets
Fixed assets
Investments in Group undertakings 2 27,908 27,901

Current assets
Debtors 3 7,644 8,276
Cash at bank and in hand 5 6
Derivative financial instruments 8 –
Total current assets 7,657 8,282
Total assets 35,565 36,183

Equity
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 614 614
Share premium account 95 92
Capital redemption reserve 101 101
Merger reserves 23,116 23,116
Other reserves 90 90
Profit and loss account 8,529 5,919
Total shareholders’ funds 4 32,545 29,932

Liabilities
Creditors 5 3,020 6,249
Derivative financial instruments – 2
Total liabilities 3,020 6,251
Total Equity and liabilities 35,565 36,183

The accompanying Notes on the Accounts are an integral part of the Parent Company financial statements.
On behalf of the Board

Richard Burrows
Chairman
17 March 2020

@ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 247


Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY@


British American Tobacco p.l.c. – for the year ended 31 December

Share Capital
Called up premium Merger redemption Other Profit and Total
share capital account Reserve reserves Reserves loss account Equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m

1 January 2019 614 92 23,116 101 90 5,919 29,932


Increase in share capital – share options – 3 – – – – 3
Profit for the financial year – – – – – 6,106 6,106
Dividends – on equity shares – – – – – (3,476) (3,476)
Consideration paid for purchase of own shares
held in Employee Share Ownership Trusts – – – – – (115) (115)
Other movements* – – – – – 95 95
31 December 2019 614 95 23,116 101 90 8,529 32,545

Share Capital
Called up premium Merger redemption Other Profit and Total
share capital account Reserve reserves Reserves loss account Equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m

1 January 2018 614 88 23,116 101 90 6,163 30,172


Accounting policy change – – – – – (42) (42)
1 January 2018 (revised) 614 88 23,116 101 90 6,121 30,130
Increase in share capital – share options – 4 – – – – 4
Profit for the financial year – – – – – 4,314 4,314
Dividends – declared on equity shares – – – – – (4,463) (4,463)
Consideration paid for purchase of own shares
held in Employee Share Ownership Trusts – – – – – (125) (125)
Other movements* – – – – – 72 72
31 December 2018 614 92 23,116 101 90 5,919 29,932

* Other movements includes share-based payments.

There was no difference between profit and loss for the period and total comprehensive income for the period.
For movements on dividends – on equity shares, refer to note 8 ‘Dividends and other appropriations’.
The profit and loss account is stated after deducting the cost of treasury shares which was £5,247 million at 31 December 2019 (31 December
2018: £5,227 million).

@ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

248 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

NOTES TO
THE ACCOUNTS@

1 Accounting policies Taxation


Basis of accounting Taxation is that chargeable on the profits for the period, together with
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in deferred taxation. Income tax charges, where applicable, are calculated
accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure on the basis of tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance
Framework (’FRS 101’). sheet date. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that
it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which
In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the the asset can be utilised.
recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (’IFRS’), but makes Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates that have been enacted
amendments where necessary in order to comply with Companies Act or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected
2006 and where advantage of certain disclosure exemptions available to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or deferred tax
under FRS 101 have been taken, including those relating to: liability is settled. As required under IAS 12 Income Taxes deferred tax
assets and liabilities are not discounted.
– a cash flow statement and related notes;
Investments in Group companies
– comparative period reconciliations; Investments in Group companies are stated at cost, together with
– disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly-owned subsidiaries; subsequent capital contributions, less provisions for any impairment in
value, where appropriate.
– disclosures in respect of capital management;
Dividends
– the effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs; and
In 2017 and 2018, dividend distributions to the Company’s
– disclosures in respect of the compensation of key shareholders were recognised as a liability in the Company’s financial
management personnel. statements in the period in which they were approved by shareholders
As the consolidated financial statements of the Group include (final dividends) or confirmed by the Directors (interim dividends).
equivalent disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions With effect from 1 January 2018, the Company moved to quarterly
under FRS 101 available in respect of disclosures under IFRS 2 related payments of interim dividends. As referred to in note 8, from 2019
to group settled share-based payments. the Company recognises the interim dividend as an appropriation
of reserves in the period in which it is paid. This change in treatment
The preparation of the financial statements requires the Directors to has no impact to the timing of when shareholders will receive
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts the dividend.
of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of
contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The key Repurchase of share capital
estimates and assumptions are set out in the accounting policies below, When share capital is repurchased, the amount of consideration paid,
together with the related Notes on the Accounts. including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction
from equity. Repurchased shares which are not cancelled, or shares
The critical accounting judgements include the determination as to purchased for the employee share ownership trusts, are classified as
whether to recognise provisions and the exposures to contingent treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.
liabilities (see note 7) and the determination that the dividend
recognition error was not material (see note 8). The critical accounting Related parties
estimates include the review of the carrying values of investments in The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under FRS 101
Group companies (note 2). from disclosing transactions with related parties that are wholly-owned
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the subsidiaries of British American Tobacco p.l.c. Group.
profit and loss of the Company has not been presented in these Financial instruments
financial statements. With effect from 1 January 2018, the Company has adopted IFRS 9 Financial
The Company is a public limited company which is listed on the Instruments. The cumulative impact of adopting IFRS 9, including the effect
London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and of tax entries, has been recognised as restatement of opening reserves in
is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. In addition, the Company’s 2018 and is £42 million arising from the impairment of financial assets under
shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of the expected loss model.
American Depository Shares (ADSs). Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Company
Foreign currencies becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the relevant instrument and
The functional currency of the Company is sterling. Transactions arising derecognised when it ceases to be a party to such provisions. Such assets and
in currencies other than sterling are translated at the rate of exchange liabilities are classified as current if they are expected to be realised or settled
ruling on the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities expressed in within 12 months after the balance sheet date. If not, they are classified as
currencies other than sterling are translated at rates of exchange ruling non-current.
at the end of the financial year. All exchange differences are taken to Financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value.
the profit and loss account in the year.
The Company’s non-derivative financial assets, including debtors, are held
Income in order to collect contractual cash flows and are subsequently carried at
Income consists of dividend income from Group undertakings, fee amortised cost. Non-derivative financial liabilities, including creditors, are
income from financial guarantees and interest income. These are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
included in the profit and loss account when all contractual or other Financial guarantees are initially recorded at fair value, and subsequently
applicable conditions for recognition have been met. Dividend income carried at this fair value less accumulated amortisation within other creditors.
is recognised at the same time as the paying company recognises the Derivative financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised, and
liability to pay a dividend. subsequently measured, at fair value, which includes accrued interest
receivable and payable where relevant. Changes in their fair values are
recognised in profit and loss.
@ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 249


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS@


CONTINUED

1 Accounting policies continued


Impairment of financial assets held at amortised cost Share-based payments
With effect from 1 January 2018, loss allowances for expected The Company has equity-settled share-based compensation plans.
credit losses on financial assets which are held at amortised cost
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of
are recognised on the initial recognition of the underlying asset.
grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-
Allowances in respect of loans and other receivables (debtors) are
based payments is expensed over the vesting period, based on the Group’s
initially recognised at an amount equal to 12 month expected
estimate of awards that will eventually vest. For plans where vesting conditions
credit losses. Where the credit risk on the receivables has increased
are based on total shareholder returns, the fair value at date of grant reflects
significantly since initial recognition, allowances are measured at an
these conditions, whereas earnings per share vesting conditions are reflected
amount equal to the lifetime expected credit loss. Prior to 1 January
in the calculation of awards that will eventually vest over the vesting period.
2018, financial assets were reviewed for impairment at each balance
sheet date, or whenever events indicated that the carrying amount Fair value is measured by the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing
might not be recoverable. model, except where vesting is dependent on market conditions
when the Monte-Carlo option pricing model is used. The expected life
used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best
estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and
behavioural considerations.

2 Investments in Group companies


The Company’s directly-owned subsidiaries are British American Tobacco (1998) Limited, B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and BATMark Limited.
A full list of indirect subsidiaries and other undertakings as required by Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 is shown on pages 237 to 246 of
the Group’s financial statements.
Other movements in investments (additions) are related to parental guarantees issued by the Company.
The Directors are of the opinion that the individual investments in the subsidiary undertakings have a value not less than the amount at which
they are shown in the Balance Sheet.
Shareholdings at cost less provisions and other fixed asset investments
2019 2018
£m £m
1 January 27,901 27,898
Additions 7 3
31 December 27,908 27,901

3 Debtors
2019 2018
£m £m
Amounts due from Group undertakings 7,644 8,276

Current 6,826 7,431


Non-current 853 882
Allowance account (35) (37)
31 December 7,644 8,276

2019 2018
£m £m

Allowance account
1 January 37 42
Released during the year (2) (5)
31 December 35 37

Current 8 7
Non-current 27 30
31 December 35 37

Included within amounts due from Group undertakings is an amount of £6,681 million (2018: £7,278 million) which is unsecured, interest-
bearing and repayable on demand. The interest rate is based on LIBOR.
Amounts due from Group undertakings include £989 million (2018: £1,031 million) representing the value of the fees receivable from
the parental guarantees issued by the Company, of which £136 million (2018: £150 million) is due within one year and £853 million
(2018: £882 million) is due after more than one year. In addition, amounts due from Group undertakings include balances of £9 million
(2018: £4 million) which are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
The adoption of IFRS 9 resulted in the recognition of an expected credit loss @ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
allowance of £42 million as at 1 January 2018. form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

250 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

4 Shareholders’ funds
Profit and loss account
The accounting policy change for the adoption of IFRS 9 as at 1 January 2018 was a charge to the profit and loss reserve of £42 million.
In 2017 and 2018, dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders were recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in
the period in which they were confirmed by the Directors. As referred to in Note 8, Dividends and other appropriations, from 2019, the Group
recognises the interim dividend in the period in which it is paid. This change has no impact to the timing of when shareholders will receive
the dividend.
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss of the Company has not been presented in these Financial
Statements. The profit for the year ended 31 December 2019 was £6,106 million (2018: £4,314 million).
Details of the Director’s remuneration, share options and retirement benefits are given in the Remuneration Report in the Group Annual Report
and Accounts. Details of key management compensation are included in note 26 of the Group financial statements. The Company had two
employees at 31 December 2019 (2018: two). These two employees are Jack Bowles and Tadeu Marroco. The details of their remuneration are
shown on page 98 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019. The costs of these employees are borne
by another Group company.
Shareholders’ funds are stated after deducting the cost of treasury shares which include £4,845 million (2018: £4,845 million) for shares
repurchased and not cancelled and £402 million (2018: £382 million) in respect of the cost of own shares held in Employee Share
Ownership Trusts.
As at 31 December 2019, treasury shares include 8,049,187 (2018: 7,312,975) of shares held in trust and 162,645,590 (2018: 162,645,590)
of shares repurchased and not cancelled as part of the Company’s share buy-back programme.
Other movements in shareholders’ funds principally relate to the release of treasury shares as a result of the exercise of share options.

Called up Share Capital


Ordinary Shares of 25p each
Called up Share Capital Number of shares £m
Allotted and fully paid
1 January 2019 2,456,415,884 614.09
Changes during the year
– share option schemes 104,854 0.03
31 December 2019 2,456,520,738 614.12

Ordinary Shares of 25p each


Called up Share Capital Number of shares £m
Allotted and fully paid
1 January 2018 2,456,278,414 614.06
Changes during the year
– share option schemes 137,470 0.03
31 December 2018 2,456,415,884 614.09

Merger reserve
In 2017, the Company announced the completion of the acquisition of the remaining 57.8% of Reynolds American Inc. (’RAI’) it did not already
own. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company, on behalf of its indirect subsidiary BATUS Holdings Inc (’BATUS’), agreed to issue new
shares, represented by American Depositary Shares, for the benefit of RAI shareholders. In consideration for the Company issuing new shares,
BATUS agreed to issue to the Company an assignable obligation owed by BATUS to issue shares to the holder of that obligation.
As a consequence, the Company issued 429,045,762 new shares with a nominal value of £107,261,441.
In accordance with Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, the excess of the fair value of the shares issued over the nominal value of the shares
has been treated as a merger reserve.
Capital redemption premium
On the purchase of own shares, as part of the share buy-back programme for shares which are cancelled, a transfer is made from retained
earnings to the capital redemption reserve equivalent to the nominal value of the shares purchased. The Company suspended its share buy-back
programme from 30 July 2014.
Other reserves
As part consideration for the acquisition of Rothmans International BV in 1999, convertible redeemable preference shares were issued by the
Company. The discount on these shares was amortised by crediting other reserves and charging retained earnings. The balance of £90 million in
other reserves comprises the accumulated balance in respect of the preference shares converted during 2004.
Share premium
The share premium increase of £3 million (2018: £4 million) relates solely to ordinary shares issued under the Company’s share option schemes.
These schemes are described in the Remuneration Report.
@ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 251


Financial Statements

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS@


CONTINUED

5 Creditors
2019 2018
£m £m
Amounts due to Group undertakings 114 124
Loans due to Group undertakings 1,571 3,617
Ordinary dividends payable – 1,116
Other creditors 1,327 1,384
Deferred income 8 8
3,020 6,249

Current 282 3,453


Non-current 2,738 2,796
3,020 6,249

Amounts due to Group undertaking of £114 million (2018: £124 million) are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
Loans due to Group undertakings of £1,571 million (2018: £3,617 million) are unsecured, bear interest at rates between 1.51% and 2.38%
(2018: 0.9% and 2.28%). An amount of £2,046 million was repaid in 2019, and the remaining amount of £1,571 million is repayable in 2022.
Included in other creditors is a provision of £1,301 million (2018: £1,360 million) in respect of subsidiary undertaking borrowings guaranteed by
the Company. Out of this amount, a total of £144 million (2018: £142 million) represents amounts to be settled within one year.
The movement in ordinary dividends payable relates to the correction for the accounting for dividends as discussed in Note 8.

6 Audit Fees
2019 2018
Fees payable to KPMG
– Audit fees £30,000 £30,000
– Fees paid for other services £nil £nil

The audit fees are borne by another Group Company.

7 Contingent Liabilities
British American Tobacco p.l.c. has guaranteed borrowings by subsidiary undertakings of £43.0 billion (2018: £45.1 billion) and total borrowing
facilities of £48.7 billion (2018: £51.9 billion). The Company has cross-guaranteed the liabilities of the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund
which had a deficit according to the last formal triennial valuation in March 2017 of £23 million and which had a surplus on an IAS 19 basis at
31 December 2019 of £326 million (2018: £1,063 million). In addition, there are contingent liabilities in respect of litigation in various countries
(note 27 to the Group financial statements).

@ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

252 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

8 Dividends and other appropriations


During the year, as an outcome of the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) review of the Company’s 2018 Report and Accounts, it was identified
that the interim dividend paid in February 2018, and in February 2019, should not have been accrued in the balance sheet of the prior period.
The error was identified by reference to the ICAEW Technical Release 02/17BL regarding ‘Guidance on Realised and Distributable Profits under the
Companies Act 2006’. This translated into an overstatement of liabilities and understatement equity by £1,000 million in 2017 and £1,116 million
in 2018.
Accordingly, the Company has revised the treatment with respect to dividends, to recognise interim dividends in the period in which they are
paid. The review conducted by the FRC was based solely on the Company’s published accounts and does not provide any assurance that the
accounts are correct in all material respects.
After considering the requirements of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and
Errors, the Directors determined that the impact of the error would not influence the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements
with the share price trading ‘ex‑dividend’ at the balance sheet date. The Directors also determined that there was no impact on the amount
or timing of the cash received by shareholders, no impact to the Company’s Income Statement in those periods and had no impact on the
Company’s performance metrics on an actual or forecast basis. Accordingly, the Directors concluded that the error was not material and that the
prior years would not be restated.
From 2019, the Company will recognise dividends as a liability in the Company’s financial statements in the period in which they are paid as
all dividends are interim dividends. This does not constitute any change in the Company’s approach to dividend distribution to shareholders
which remains being the declaration of the dividend by the Directors in February following the balance sheet date, payable over four equal
quarterly instalments.

9 Post balance sheet event


On 6 February 2020, the fourth quarterly interim dividend of 50.75p (£1,161 million) declared by the Directors in February 2019, and
reconfirmed to the market prior to 31 December 2019, was paid to shareholders. The impact of this on the Company was to reduce the level of
profit and loss reserve from £8,529 million to £7,368 million.
In addition, on 27 February 2020, the Board declared an interim dividend of 210.4p per ordinary share of 25p for the year ended 31 December
2019, payable in four equal quarterly instalments of 52.6p per ordinary share in May 2020, August 2020, November 2020 and February 2021.
These payments will be recognised as appropriations from reserves in 2020 and 2021. The total amount payable is estimated to be £4,826 million
based on the number of shares outstanding at the date of these accounts

@ denotes section, including accompanying text and tables, that does not
form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 253


Additional Disclosures

OTHER
INFORMATION

CONTENTS
Additional disclosures
Information on the Group 255
Selected financial information 256
Non-financial KPIs 257
Non-GAAP measures 258
Additional disclosures on liquidity and capital resources 269
Employees271
Group risk factors 272
Regulation of the Group’s business 287
Disclosure pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat
Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (ITRA) 291
Material contracts 292
Property, plant and equipment 294
US corporate governance practices 295
Controls and procedures 296
Statements regarding competitive position 296
Directors’ Report information 297
Cautionary statement 298

Shareholder information
Share prices and listings 299
Dividends300
Shareholder taxation information  302
Share capital and security ownership 306
Articles of Association 317
Purchases of shares 320
Group Employee Trust 321
American Depositary Shares 322
Shareholding administration and services 323
Exhibits324

Other information
Glossary326
Cross-reference to Form 20-F 327

254 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

INFORMATION
ON THE GROUP

Overview In 2012, the Group acquired CN Creative Limited, a UK-based


British American Tobacco p.l.c. is the parent holding company of the start-up company specialising in the development of e-cigarette
Group, a leading, multi-category consumer goods company that technologies. During 2013, the Group entered into joint operations
provides tobacco and nicotine products to millions of consumers in China. In 2015, the Group acquired: the shares it did not already
around the world. According to the Group’s internal estimates, the own in Souza Cruz; the CHIC Group, a vapour product business in
BAT Group is a market leader by volume in more than 50 countries, Poland; and TDR d.o.o., a cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe.
producing the cigarette chosen by one in eight of the world’s one Also in 2015, in connection with RAI’s purchase of Lorillard Inc, the
billion smokers. Effective 1 January 2018, the Group, excluding the Group invested US$4.7 billion to maintain its approximate 42% equity
Group’s associated undertakings, was organised into four regions: position in the enlarged RAI.
the United States (US – Reynolds American Inc.), Asia-Pacific and the In 2016, the Group acquired Ten Motives, a UK-based e-cigarette
Middle East (APME), Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa (AmSSA) and business with particular strength in traditional grocery and
Europe and North Africa (ENA). For presentation purposes within this convenience channels.
Annual Report and Form 20-F, all prior periods have been revised to
be consistent with the current reporting structure. The Group has a In 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of the remaining 57.8%
devolved structure, with each local company having responsibility for of RAI the Group did not already own. Following completion of the
its operations. acquisition, RAI became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BAT
and is no longer a publicly-held corporation.
The Group’s range of combustible products covers all segments, from
value-for-money to premium with a portfolio of international, regional During 2017, the Group acquired certain tobacco assets from
and local tobacco brands to meet a broad array of adult tobacco Bulgartabac Holding AD in Bulgaria and Fabrika Duhana Sarajevo
consumer preferences wherever the Group operates. The Group is (FDS) in Bosnia. The Group also acquired Winnington Holdings AB
investing in building a portfolio of potentially less harmful tobacco and in Sweden and certain assets from Must Have Limited in the UK,
nicotine products alongside its traditional tobacco business – including including the electronic cigarette brand ViP. The financial impact of
vapour products, tobacco heating products (THPs) and Modern Oral these transactions to the Group were immaterial individually and
products, which are collectively termed the New Categories, as well as in aggregate.
Traditional Oral products. In 2018, the Group acquired Quantus Beteiligungs-und
The Group manages a globally-integrated supply chain and its Beratungsgesellschaft mbH, which houses the vapour retail business of
products are distributed to retail outlets worldwide. High End Smoke in Germany.

History and development of BAT In 2019, the Group acquired 60% of VapeWild Holdings LLC,
a vertically integrated manufacturer and retailer in the US, and
The Group has had a significant global presence in the tobacco Twisp Propriety Limited, a South African e-cigarette/nicotine
industry for over 100 years. BAT Ltd. was incorporated in 1902, when vapour company.
the Imperial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Company
agreed to form a joint venture company. BAT Ltd. inherited companies British American Tobacco p.l.c. was incorporated in July 1997 under
and quickly expanded into major markets, including India and Ceylon, the laws of England and Wales as a public limited company and is
Egypt, Malaya, Northern Europe and East Africa. In 1927, BAT Ltd. domiciled in the United Kingdom.
expanded into the US market through its acquisition of B&W. Seasonality
During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the Group diversified its business The Group’s business segments are not significantly affected by
under the umbrella of B.A.T Industries p.l.c., with acquisitions in seasonality although in certain markets cigarette consumption trends
the paper, cosmetics, retail and financial services industries, among rise during summer months due to longer daylight time and tourism.
others. Various business reorganisations followed as the business was
eventually refocused on the Group’s core cigarette, cigars and tobacco Patents and trademarks
products businesses with BAT becoming a separately listed entity on Our trademarks, which include the brand names under which our
the LSE in 1998. products are sold, are key assets which we consider, in the aggregate,
to be important to the business as a whole. As well as protecting our
In 1999, the Group announced a global merger with Rothmans brand names by way of trademark registration, we also protect our
International, at that time the fourth largest tobacco company in the innovations by means of patents and designs in key global jurisdictions.
world. The Group acquired Imperial Tobacco Canada in 2000, and in
2003 the Group acquired Ente Tabacchi Italiani S.p.A., Italy’s state-
owned tobacco company. Investments were made in Peru and Serbia
in 2003, through the acquisitions of Tabacalera Nacional and Duvanska
Industrija Vranje. In July 2004, the US assets, liabilities and operations,
other than certain specified assets and liabilities, of BAT’s wholly-owned
subsidiary, B&W, were combined with RJR Tobacco Company. RAI was
formed as a new holding company for these combined businesses.
As a result of the B&W business combination, B&W acquired beneficial
ownership of approximately 42% of the RAI shares. In 2008, the BAT
Group acquired Tekel, the Turkish state-owned tobacco company,
as well as 100% of the cigarette and snus business of Skandinavisk
Tobakskompagni A/S. Following the acquisition of its business during
2009, the Group recognised an effective 99% interest in Bentoel in
Indonesia. In 2011, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of
Protabaco in Colombia.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 255


Additional Disclosures

SELECTED FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
This information set out below has been derived from, in part, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group commencing on
page 124. This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the Strategic Report.

As of and for the Year Ended 31 December1


All items shown in £m except per share information 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Income statement data
Revenue2 25,877 24,492 19,564 14,130 12,536
Raw materials and consumables used (4,599) (4,664) (4,520) (3,777) (3,217)
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress 162 114 (513) 44 184
Employee benefit costs (3,221) (3,005) (2,679) (2,274) (2,039)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs (1,512) (1,038) (902) (607) (428)
Other operating income 163 85 144 176 225
Loss on reclassification from amortised cost to fair value (3) (3) – – –
Other operating expenses (7,851) (6,668) (4,682) (3,037) (2,704)
Profit from operations 9,016 9,313 6,412 4,655 4,557
Net finance (costs)/income (1,602) (1,381) (1,094) (637) 62
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures 498 419 24,209 2,227 1,236
Profit before taxation 7,912 8,351 29,527 6,245 5,855
Taxation on ordinary activities (2,063) (2,141) 8,129 (1,406) (1,333)
Profit for the year 5,849 6,210 37,656 4,839 4,522

Per share data


Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares, in millions 2,284 2,285 2,044 1,858 1,858
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares, in millions 2,291 2,292 2,051 1,865 1,863
Earnings per share-basic (pence) 249.7p 264.0p 1,833.9p 250.2p 230.9p
Earnings per share-diluted (pence) 249.0p 263.2p 1,827.6p 249.2p 230.3p
Dividends per share (pence)3 210.4p 203.0p 195.2p 169.4p 154.0p
Dividends per share (US dollars)3 $2.69 $2.71 $2.54 $2.30 $2.35
Balance sheet data
Assets
Non-current assets 127,731 133,687 127,088 27,414 21,701
Current assets 13,274 12,655 13,966 12,359 9,814
Total assets 141,005 146,342 141,054 39,773 31,515
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities 58,022 64,325 64,468 19,511 17,477
Current liabilities 18,823 16,329 15,605 11,856 9,006
Total borrowings 45,366 47,509 49,450 19,495 17,001
Equity
Share capital 614 614 614 507 507
Total equity 64,160 65,688 60,981 8,406 5,032
Cash flow data
Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347 4,610 4,720
Net cash used in investing activities (639) (1,021) (18,544) (640) (3,991)
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities (8,593) (9,630) 14,759 (4,229) (219)

Notes:
1. All of the information above is in respect of continuing operations, revised for the fully retrospective adoption of IFRS 15.
2. Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes of £39,826 million, £38,553 million, £37,780 million, £32,136 million and £27,896 million for the years ended 31 December 2019, 31 December 2018, 2017,
2016 and 2015, respectively.
3. In February 2020, the BAT directors declared an interim dividend of 210.4 pence per ordinary share of 25p, payable in four equal quarterly instalments of 52.6 pence per ordinary share. This will be paid
in May 2020, August 2020, November 2020 and February 2021. The equivalent quarterly dividends receivable by holders of ADSs in US dollars will be calculated based on the exchange rate on the
applicable payment date. The BAT Directors declared an interim dividend of 203.0 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2018, payable in four equal instalments of 50.75 pence per ordinary
share. The interim dividend was paid to BAT shareholders in May 2019, August 2019, November 2019 and February 2020.

256 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

NON-FINANCIAL
KPIS

Volume
Volume is defined as the number of units sold. Units may vary between categories. This can be summarised for the principal metrics as follows:
– Factory made cigarettes (FMC) – sticks, regardless of weight or dimensions;
– Roll-Your-Own / Make-Your-Own – kilos, converted to a stick equivalent based upon 0.8 grams (per stick equivalent) for Roll-Your-Own and
between 0.5 and 0.7 grams (per stick equivalent) for Make-Your-Own;
– Traditional oral – pouches (being 1:1 conversion to stick equivalent) and kilos, converted to a stick equivalent based upon 2.8 grams (per stick
equivalent) for Moist Snuff, 2.0 grams (per stick equivalent) for Dry Snuff and 7.1 grams (per stick equivalent) for other oral;
– Modern Oral – pouches, being 1:1 conversion to stick equivalent;
– Tobacco Heat sticks - sticks, being 1:1 conversion to stick equivalent; and
– Vapour - pods and 10 millilitre bottles. There is no conversion to a stick equivalent.
Volume is recognised in line with IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, based upon transfer of control. It is assumed that there is no
material difference, in line with the Group’s recognition of revenue, between the transfer of control and shipment date.
Volume is used by management and investors to assess the relative performance of the Group and its brands within categories, given volume is a
principal determinant of revenue.

Volume share
Volume share is the number of units bought by consumers of a specific brand or combination of brands, as a proportion of the total units bought
by consumers in the industry, category or other sub-categorisation. Sub-categories include, but are not limited to, the total nicotine category,
modern oral, vapour, traditional oral or cigarette.
Where possible, the Group utilises data provided by third-party organisations, including AC Nielsen, based upon retail audit of sales to consumers.
In certain markets, where such data is not available, other measures are employed which assess volume share based upon other movements
within the supply chain, such as sales to retailers. This may depend on the provision of data to the industry by the customers including
distributors / wholesalers.
Volume share is used by management to assess the relative performance to the Group and its brands against the performance of its competitors
in the categories and geographies in which the Group operates. The Group’s management believes that this measure is useful to investors to
understand the relative performance of the Group and its brands against the performance of its competitors in the categories and geographies in
which the Group operates.
Volume share in each year compares the average volume share in the year with the average volume share in the prior year. This is a more robust
measure of performance, removing short-term volatility that may arise at a point in time.
However, in certain circumstances, related to periods of introduction to a market, in order to illustrate the latest performance, data may be
provided as at the end of the period rather than the average in that period. In these instances the Group states these are at a specific date (for
instance, December 2019).

Value share
Value share is the retail value of units bought by consumers of a particular brand or combination of brands, as a proportion of the total retail value
of units bought by consumers in the industry, category or other sub-categorisation in discussion.
Where possible, the Group utilises data provided by third party organisations, including AC Nielsen, based upon retail audit of sales to consumers.
In certain markets, where such data is not available, other measures are employed which assess value share based upon other movements within
the supply chain, such as sales to retailers. This may depend on the provision of data to the industry by the customers (including distributors
and wholesalers).
Value share is used by management to assess the relative performance of the Group and its brands against the performance of its competitors
in the categories and geographies in which the Group operates, specifically indicating the Group’s ability to realise value relative to the market.
The Group’s management believes that this measure is useful to investors to apprehend the relative performance of the Group and its brands
against the performance of its competitors in the categories and geographies in which the Group operates, specifically indicating the Group’s
ability to realise value relative to the market.
Value share in each year compares the average value share in the year with the average value share in the prior period. This is a more robust
measure of performance, removing short-term volatility that may arise at a point of time. However, in certain circumstances, related to periods
of introduction to a market, in order to illustrate the latest performance, data may be provided that is as at the end of the period rather than the
average in that period. In these instances the Group states these are at a specific date (for instance, December 2019).

Price mix
Price mix is a term used by management and investors to explain the movement in revenue between periods. Revenue is affected by the volume
(how many units are sold) and the value (how much is each unit sold for). Price mix is used to explain the value component of the sales as the
Group sells each unit for a value (price) but may also achieve a movement in revenue due to the relative proportions of higher value volume sold
compared to lower value volume sold (mix).
This term is used to explain the Group’s relative performance between periods only. It is calculated as the difference between the movement in
revenue (between periods) and volume (between periods). For instance, the growth in combustibles revenue of 4.2% in 2019, with a decline in
cigarette volume of 4.7% in 2019, leads to a price mix of 8.9% in 2019. No assumptions underlie this metric as it utilises the Group’s own data.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 257


Additional Disclosures

NON-GAAP
MEASURES
To supplement the presentation of the Group’s results of operations and financial condition in accordance with IFRS, we also present several
non-GAAP measures used by management to monitor the Group’s performance. The Group’s management regularly reviews the measures
used to assess and present the financial performance of the Group and, as relevant, its geographic segments.

Changes to non-GAAP measures in 2019


@The Group introduced new non-GAAP measures called ‘Free cash flow before dividends’ and ‘Free cash flow after dividends’. These metrics
identify the level of cash earned before the payment of dividends, to identify the free cashflow generated before distributions to shareholders, and
after the payment of dividends to shareholders, as the latter provides the cash flow earned in the year prior to investments and payment of debt.@
The Group also introduced the metric ‘Change in adjusted revenue from New Categories, at constant rates’. This provides users with an
understanding of the revenue earned from the products within Vapour, THP and Modern Oral, collectively termed ‘New Categories’, excluding
the impact of adjusting items and translational foreign exchange. As part of the analysis, the Group has provided additional disclosures regarding
revenue from all the main product categories including Combustibles, Vapour, THP, Modern Oral and Traditional Oral.
@The Group also introduced the metric ‘Adjusted return on capital employed’. This provides users with an annual assessment of the return
generated (by reference to profit from operations excluding adjusting items and including dividends from associates and joint ventures) from the
average capital employed in that period. The metric includes dividends from associates and joint ventures as the Group’s total asset position is
inclusive of the investment in those associates and joint ventures.@

Results on a representative basis


Definition – the performance of the business including the results of acquisitions for the whole of the immediately preceding
comparator period.
The acquisitions undertaken during 2017 impact the understanding of the Group’s results in 2018, as, in the year of acquisition, the results
include less than a full year’s contribution from the acquired entities. To supplement BAT’s results presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s
Management Board, as the chief operating decision-maker, reviews certain of its results, including volume, revenue, profit from operations, and
non-GAAP measures including adjusted revenue, adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio and adjusted profit from operations,
against the prior year as though the Group had owned the acquisitions made in 2017 for the whole of that year, and for profit from operations
including an estimated £250 million of additional adjusting items related to the acquired companies, primarily related to Engle Progeny and
transaction costs. Although the Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe that
such results provide additional useful information to investors regarding the underlying performance of the business on a comparable (or
‘representative’) basis. Accordingly, the financial measures on a representative basis appearing in this document should be read in conjunction
with the Group’s results as reported under IFRS.
The table below reconciles the Group’s revenue in 2017 to adjusted revenue on a representative basis.

Revenue For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2017
Adjusting Include Adjusted
Reported items Adjusted acquisitions repres
£m £m £m £m £m
US 4,160 – 4,160 5,531 9,691
APME 4,973 – 4,973 (4) 4,969
AmSSA 4,323 – 4,323 (3) 4,320
ENA 6,108 (258) 5,850 53 5,903
19,564 (258) 19,306 5,577 24,883

The table below reconciles the Group’s profit from operations in 2017 to adjusted profit from operations on a representative basis.

Profit from operations For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2017
Adjusting Include Adjusted
Reported items* Adjusted acquisitions repres
£m £m £m £m £m
US 1,165 763 1,928 2,502 4,430
APME 1,902 147 2,049 25 2,074
AmSSA 1,648 134 1,782 22 1,804
ENA 1,697 473 2,170 29 2,199
6,412 1,517 7,929 2,578 10,507

* Refer to page 262 for further details on the adjusting items.


@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

258 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Results on an organic basis


Definition – the performance of the business before inclusion of acquired entities
The acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. and Winnington, and the business and certain tobacco assets of Bulgartabac and Fabrika Duhana
Sarajevo impacted the Group’s results in 2017. To supplement BAT’s results presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board,
as the chief operating decision-maker, reviews certain of its results, including volume, revenue, profit from operations and non-GAAP measures
including adjusted revenue and adjusted profit from operations, prior to the impact of acquisitions. Although the Group does not believe that
these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the Group does believe that such results excluding the impact of acquisitions provide additional
useful information to investors regarding the underlying performance of the business on a comparable basis. Accordingly, the organic financial
measures appearing in this document should be read in conjunction with the Group’s results as reported under IFRS.
We also present the growth in organic adjusted operating margin in 2017 compared to adjusted operating margin in 2016; 2017 organic
adjusted operating margin represents the ratio of profit from operations before adjusting items and the impact of 2017 acquisitions to revenue
before adjusting items and the impact of 2017 acquisitions. Please see the following reconciliations of revenue to adjusted revenue and profit
from operations to adjusted profit from operations.

Adjusted revenue
Definition – revenue before the impact of adjusting items.
To supplement BAT’s revenue presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board, as the chief operating decision-maker, reviews
adjusted revenue to evaluate the underlying business performance of the Group and its geographic segments. The Group’s Management Board
defines adjusted revenue as revenue before the impact of adjusting items, specifically the excise on bought-in goods that the Group will acquire
and sell, for a limited period, will be recorded in accordance with IFRS as a cost of sale and within revenue, with a dilutive effect on operating
margin. Once the short-term arrangements cease, the goods will be manufactured by the Group, and the excise, in accordance with Group
policy, will not be included in cost of sales or revenue – leading to a reduction in revenue and improvement in operating margin that does not
represent the underlying performance of the Group. As such, the excise on bought-in goods meets the Group’s definition of an adjusting item,
as defined in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts.
The Group’s Management Board also believes that adjusted revenue provides information that enables investors to better compare the Group’s
business performance across periods. Adjusted revenue has limitations as an analytical tool. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to
adjusted revenue is revenue. Adjusted revenue is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, and is not a measure of financial condition
or liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to revenue as determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted revenue is not necessarily
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this performance measure in isolation from,
or as a substitute analysis for, BAT’s results as determined in accordance with IFRS.
The table below reconciles the Group’s revenue to adjusted revenue for the periods presented and to adjusted revenue at constant rates based on
a re-translation of adjusted revenue for each year at the previous year’s exchange rates. Refer to note 2 in the Notes on the Accounts for further
discussion of the segmental results and for the reconciliation of adjusted revenue at current and constant rates of exchange to segmental revenue
and to Group revenue for the years ended 31 December 2019, 2018 and 2017.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Revenue 25,877 24,492 19,564 14,130 12,536
Less: Excise on goods bought-in on short-term arrangements (50) (180) (258) – –
Adjusted revenue 25,827 24,312 19,306 14,130 12,536
Impact of translational foreign exchange (144) 1,448 (700) (687) 1,545
2019 adjusted revenue re-translated at 2018 exchange rates 25,683
2018 adjusted revenue re-translated at 2017 exchange rates 25,760
2017 adjusted revenue re-translated at 2016 exchange rates 18,606
2016 adjusted revenue re-translated at 2015 exchange rates 13,443
2015 adjusted revenue re-translated at 2014 exchange rates 14,081
Change in adjusted revenue at prior year’s exchange rates (constant rates) +5.6% +33.4% +31.7% +7.2% +5.4%

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 259


Additional Disclosures

NON-GAAP MEASURES
CONTINUED

Adjusted revenue by product category – including revenue from New Categories


Definition – revenue by product category, before the impact of adjusting items and at the prior year’s prevailing exchange rate, derived
from the principal product categories of combustibles, New Categories (being comprised of revenue from Vapour, THP and Modern
oral) and Traditional oral.
To supplement BAT’s revenue presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board, as the chief operating decision-maker, reviews
adjusted revenue growth from the principal product categories of combustibles, New Categories and Traditional oral to evaluate the underlying
business performance of the Group reflecting the focus of the Group’s investment activity. The Group’s Management Board assesses adjusted
revenue by product category, at constant rates of exchange, as revenue before the impact of adjusting items and translated to the Group’s
reporting currency at the prior period’s prevailing exchange rate, derived from the Group’s combustible portfolio (including but not limited to
Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel (US), Newport (US), Natural American Spirit (US)), the Group’s New Category portfolio
(being vapour, THP and Modern oral) and the Group’s Traditional oral portfolio.
The Group’s Management Board also believes that the adjusted revenue performance by product category provides information that
enables investors to better compare the Group’s business performance across periods and by reference to the Group’s investment activity.
Adjusted revenue performance by product category has limitations as an analytical tool. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted
revenue by product category is revenue. Adjusted revenue by product category is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, is not a
measure of financial condition or liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to revenue as determined in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted revenue by product category is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should
not consider this performance measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, BAT’s results as determined in accordance with IFRS.
Reconciliation of revenue by product category to adjusted revenue by product category at constant rates of
exchange – 2019-2018
2019 2018
Adjusted at
Adjusting Impact of Adjusted at constant vs Adjusting Uplift for
Reported vs 2018 items exchange constant 2018 Reported items acquisitions Adjusted
£m % £m £m £m % £m £m £m £m
Combustible 23,001 +4.2% (50) (59) 22,892 +4.6% 22,072 (180) – 21,892
Vapour 401 +26.1% – (9) 392 +23.4% 318 – – 318
THP 728 +28.9% – (35) 693 +22.7% 565 – – 565
Modern oral 126 +267% – 3 129 +273% 34 – – 34
New Categories 1,255 +36.9% – (41) 1,214 +32.4% 917 – – 917
Traditional oral 1,081 +15.0% – (45) 1,036 +10.2% 941 – – 941
Other 540 -4.0% – 1 541 -3.8% 562 – – 562
Revenue 25,877 +5.7% (50) (144) 25,683 +5.6% 24,492 (180) – 24,312

Reconciliation of revenue by product category to adjusted revenue by product category at constant rates of
exchange – 2018-2017
2018 2017
Adjusted at
Adjusting Impact of Adjusted at constant vs Adjusting Uplift for
Reported vs 2017 items exchange constant 2017 repres Reported items acquisitions 2017 repres
£m % £m £m £m % £m £m £m £m
Combustible 22,072 +21.5% (180) 1,359 23,251 +1.8% 18,171 (258) 4,926 22,839
Vapour 318 +89% – 7 325 +26.0% 168 – 90 258
THP 565 +180% – 11 576 +183.7% 202 – 1 203
Modern oral 34 +127% – 2 36 +140.0% 15 – – 15
New Categories 917 +138% – 20 937 +96.8% 385 – 91 476
Traditional oral 941 +127% – 34 975 +7.9% 415 – 488 903
Other 562 -5.3% – 35 597 -10.2% 593 – 72 665
Revenue 24,492 +25.2% (180) 1,448 25,760 +3.5% 19,564 (258) 5,577 24,883

260 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio, at constant rates of exchange
Definition – change in revenue before the impact of adjusting items and at the prior year’s prevailing exchange rate, derived from Kent,
Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel (US), Newport (US), Natural American Spirit (US), the Group’s New Category portfolio
and certain brands within Traditional Oral.
To supplement BAT’s revenue presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board, as the chief operating decision-maker, reviews
adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio to evaluate the underlying business performance of the Group reflecting the focus of the
Group’s investment activity. The Group’s Management Board defines the growth in adjusted revenue from the Strategic Portfolio, at constant
rates of exchange, as revenue before the impact of adjusting items and translated to the Group’s reporting currency at the prior periods prevailing
exchange rate, derived from the Group’s Strategic Combustible portfolio (Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel (US), Newport
(US), Natural American Spirit (US)), the Group’s New Category portfolio (being vapour, THP and modern oral) and certain brands within
Traditional Oral.
The Group’s Management Board also believes that the adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio at constant rates of exchange
provides information that enables investors to better compare the Group’s business performance across periods and by reference to the Group’s
investment activity. Adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio has limitations as an analytical tool. The most directly comparable IFRS
measure to adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio is revenue. Adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio at constant
rates of exchange is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, is not a measure of financial condition or liquidity and should not be
considered as an alternative to revenue as determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted revenue growth from the Strategic Portfolio is not
necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this performance measure in
isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, BAT’s results as determined in accordance with IFRS.
Reconciliation of revenue to adjusted revenue from the Strategic Portfolio at constant rates of exchange – 2019-2018
Adjusted at Adjusted at
Adjusting Impact of constant constant vs Adjusting Adjusted
2019 items exchange 2019 2018 2018 items 2018
£m £m £m £m % £m £m £m
Strategic Portfolio comprises:
Combustible portfolio 16,515 – (200) 16,315 +5.6% 15,457 – 15,457
New Categories products
Vapour 401 – (9) 392 +23.4% 318 – 318
THP 728 – (35) 693 +22.7% 565 – 565
Modern oral 126 – 3 129 +273.1% 34 – 34
New Categories 1,255 – (41) 1,214 +32.4% 917 – 917
Traditional oral 1,023 – (43) 980 +11.0% 883 – 883
Total New Categories and Traditional
Oral 2,278 – (84) 2,194 +21.9% 1,800 – 1,800
Strategic Portfolio 18,793 – (284) 18,509 +7.3% 17,257 – 17,257
Other 7,084 (50) 140 7,174 +1.7% 7,235 (180) 7,055
Revenue 25,877 (50) (144) 25,683 +5.6% 24,492 (180) 24,312

Reconciliation of revenue to adjusted revenue from the Strategic Portfolio at constant rates of exchange – 2018-2017
Adjusted at Adjusted at Adjusted at
Adjusting Impact of constant constant vs constant vs Adjusted Uplift for
2018 items exchange 2018 2017 2017 repres 2017 acquisitions 2017 repres
£m £m £m £m % % £m £m £m
Strategic Portfolio comprises:
Combustible portfolio 15,457 – 816 16,273 +50.1% +5.7% 10,842 4,553 15,395
New Categories products
Vapour 318 – 7 325 +93.5% +26.0% 168 90 258
THP 565 – 11 576 +185.1% +183.7% 202 1 203
Modern oral 34 – 2 36 +140.0% +140.0% 15 – 15
New Categories 917 – 20 937 +143.4% +96.8% 385 91 476
Traditional oral 883 – 33 916 +136.7% +9.0% 387 453 840
Total New Categories and Traditional
Oral 1,800 – 53 1,853 +140.0% +40.8% 772 544 1,316
Strategic Portfolio 17,257 – 869 18,126 +56.1% +8.5% 11,614 5,097 16,711
Other 7,235 (180) 579 7,634 -0.8% -6.6% 7,692 480 8,172
Revenue 24,492 (180) 1,448 25,760 +33.4% +3.5% 19,306 5,577 24,883

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 261


Additional Disclosures

NON-GAAP MEASURES
CONTINUED

Adjusted profit from operations and adjusted operating margin


Definition – profit from operations before the impact of adjusting items and adjusted profit from operations as a percentage
of adjusted revenue.
To supplement BAT’s results from operations presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board, as the chief operating
decision‑maker, reviews adjusted profit from operations to evaluate the underlying business performance of the Group and its geographic
segments, to allocate resources to the overall business and to communicate financial performance to investors. The Group also presents adjusted
operating margin, which is defined as adjusted profit from operations as a percentage of adjusted revenue, as defined previously. Adjusted profit
from operations and adjusted operating margin are not measures defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted profit
from operations is profit from operations.
Adjusting items, as identified in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies, represent certain items of income and expense which the
Group considers distinctive based on their size, nature or incidence. In identifying and quantifying adjusting items, the Group consistently
applies a policy that defines criteria that are required to be met for an item to be classified as adjusting and provides details of items that are
specifically excluded from being classified as adjusting items. Adjusting items in profit from operations include restructuring and integration
costs, amortisation of trademarks and similar intangibles, the fair value movement in stock on acquisition, a gain on deemed partial disposal
of a trademark, and certain litigation. The definition of adjusting items is explained in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts.
The Group’s Management Board believes that these additional measures are useful to investors and are used by the Group’s Management
Board as described above, because they exclude the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations, which have less bearing on the routine
operating activities of the Group, thereby enhancing users’ understanding of underlying business performance. The Group’s Management Board
also believes that adjusted profit from operations provides information that enables investors to better compare the Group’s business performance
across periods. Additionally, the Group’s Management Board believes that similar measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors
and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to the Group, many of which present an adjusted operating profit-
related performance measure when reporting their results. Adjusted profit from operations and adjusted operating margin have limitations as
analytical tools. They are not presentations made in accordance with IFRS, are not measures of financial condition or liquidity and should not be
considered as alternatives to profit for the year, profit from operations or operating margin as determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted profit
from operations and adjusted operating margin are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result,
you should not consider these performance measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, BAT’s results of operations as determined in
accordance with IFRS.
The table below reconciles the Group’s profit from operations to adjusted profit from operations, and to adjusted profit from operations at
constant rates based on a re-translation of adjusted profit from operations for each year, at the previous year’s exchange rates, and presents
adjusted operating margin for the periods presented. Refer to note 2 in the Notes on the Accounts for further discussion of the segmental results
and for the reconciliation of adjusted profit from operations at current and constant rates of exchange to segmental profit from operations and to
Group profit for the years ended 31 December 2019, 2018 and 2017.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Profit from operations 9,016 9,313 6,412 4,655 4,557
Add:
Restructuring and integration costs 565 363 600 603 367
Amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles 481 377 383 149 65
Impairment of goodwill 194 – – – –
Charge in respect of an excise tax dispute in Russia 202 – – – –
Charge in respect of Canada class action 436 – – – –
Fair value movement in stock on acquisition – – 465 – –
Fixed asset impairment (hyperinflation) – 110 – – –
Fox River – – – 20 –
Flintkote – – – – 3
Other 236 184 69 53 –
Adjusted profit from operations 11,130 10,347 7,929 5,480 4,992

Operating margin 34.8% 38.0% 32.8% 32.9% 36.4%


Adjusted operating margin* 43.1% 42.6% 41.1% 38.8% 39.8%
Impact of translational foreign exchange (98) 577 (324) (283) 628
2019 adjusted profit from operations re-translated at 2018 exchange rates 11,032
2018 adjusted profit from operations re-translated at 2017 exchange rates 10,924
2017 adjusted profit from operations re-translated at 2016 exchange rates 7,605
2016 adjusted profit from operations re-translated at 2015 exchange rates 5,197
2015 adjusted profit from operations re-translated at 2014 exchange rates 5,620
Change in adjusted profit from operations at prior year’s exchange rates
(constant rates) +6.6% +37.8% +38.8% +4.1% +4.0%

* Adjusted profit from operations as a percentage of adjusted revenue.

262 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures


Definition – share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures before the impact of adjusting items.
To supplement BAT’s performance presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures is also
presented before adjusting items (as defined in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts). The Group’s Management Board believes that adjusted
share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures provides information that enables investors to better compare the Group’s business
performance across periods. The Group’s Management Board uses adjusted share of post-tax results from associates and joint ventures as part
of the total assessment of the underlying performance of all the Group’s business interests. Adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and
joint ventures has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, is not a measure of financial condition or
liquidity, and should not be considered as an alternative to the Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures as determined in
accordance with IFRS. Adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures
used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this performance measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, BAT’s
results of operations as determined in accordance with IFRS.
The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures is share of post-tax results
of associates and joint ventures.
For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Group’s share of post tax results of associates and joint ventures 498 419 24,209 2,227 1,236
Issue of shares and changes in shareholding (25) (22) (29) (11) (22)
Gain on deemed divestment of RAI – – (23,288) – –
Gain on disposal of assets – – – (941) (371)
Other – (10) 120 52 100
Adjusted Group’s share of post tax results of associates and joint ventures 473 387 1,012 1,327 943

Underlying tax rate


Definition – Tax rate incurred before the impact of adjusting items and to adjust for the inclusion of the Group’s share of post-tax results
of associates and joint ventures within the Group’s pre-tax results.
BAT management monitors the Group’s underlying tax rate to assess the tax rate applicable to the Group’s underlying operations, excluding the
Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures in BAT’s pre-tax results and adjusting items (as defined in note 1 in the Notes on
the Accounts). Underlying tax rate is not a measure defined by IFRS. The table below provides the calculation of the Group’s effective tax rate
as determined in accordance with IFRS with underlying tax rate for the periods presented. The Group’s Management Board believes that this
additional measure is useful to investors, and is used by BAT management as described above, because it excludes the contribution from the
Group’s associates, recognised after tax but within the Group’s pre-tax profits, and adjusting items, thereby enhancing users’ understanding of
underlying business performance.

Underlying tax rate has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as
an alternative to the effective tax rate as determined in accordance with IFRS. Underlying tax rate is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled
measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group’s
effective tax rate as determined in accordance with IFRS. The table below provides the calculation of the Group’s underlying tax rate for the
periods presented.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Profit before taxation 7,912 8,351 29,527 6,245 5,855
Less: Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures (498) (419) (24,209) (2,227) (1,236)
Adjusting items within profit from operations 2,114 1,034 1,517 825 435
Adjusting items within finance costs/(income) 80 (4) 205 108 (489)
Adjusted profit before taxation, excluding associates and joint ventures 9,608 8,962 7,040 4,951 4,565

Taxation on ordinary activities (2,063) (2,141) 8,129 (1,406) (1,333)


Adjusting items in taxation (65) (24) (9,766) 61 22
Taxation on adjusting items (373) (199) (454) (128) (80)
Adjusted taxation (2,501) (2,364) (2,091) (1,473) (1,391)

Effective tax rate 26.1% 25.6% (27.5%) 22.5% 22.8%


Underlying tax rate 26.0% 26.4% 29.7% 29.8% 30.5%

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 263


Additional Disclosures

NON-GAAP MEASURES
CONTINUED

Adjusted diluted earnings per share


Definition – diluted earnings per share before the impact of adjusting items.
BAT management monitors adjusted diluted earnings per share, a measure which removes the impact of adjusting items, (as defined in note 1
in the Notes on the Accounts), from diluted earnings per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is used by management within the Group’s
incentive schemes, as reported within the Remuneration Report beginning on page 90 and reported in note 7 in the Notes on the Accounts.
The Group’s Management Board believes that this additional measure is useful to investors, and is used by BAT management as described above,
as an indicator of diluted earnings per share before adjusting items. Adjusted diluted earnings per share has limitations as an analytical tool and
should not be used in isolation from, or as a substitute for, diluted earnings per share as determined in accordance with IFRS. The most directly
comparable IFRS measure to adjusted diluted earnings per share is diluted earnings per share and a reconciliation is provided in note 7 in the
Notes on the Accounts. The definition of adjusting items is provided in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts.

Operating cash flow conversion ratio


Definition – net cash generated from operating activities before the impact of adjusting items and dividends from associates and
excluding trading loans to third parties, pension short fall funding, taxes paid and net capital expenditure, as a proportion of adjusted
profit from operations.
@ Operating cash flow conversion ratio is a measure of operating cash flow which is used within the Group’s incentive schemes as reported within
the Remuneration Report beginning on page 90. Operating cash flow conversion ratio has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation
made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to measures of liquidity or financial position as determined in
accordance with IFRS. Operating cash flow conversion ratio is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group’s results of operations or cash flows as
determined in accordance with IFRS. The table below shows the computation of operating cash flow conversion ratio for the periods presented.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347 4,610 4,720
Cash related to adjusting items, including FII GLO 564 601 685 711 (483)
Dividends from associates (252) (214) (903) (962) (593)
Tax paid 2,204 1,891 1,675 1,245 1,273
Net capital expenditure (774) (845) (767) (559) (483)
Pension fund shortfall funding – 75 156 78 148
Trading loans to third parties 4 (93) 101 – –
Other – 2 (9) (1) 1
Operating cash flow 10,742 11,712 6,285 5,122 4,583
Exclude operating cash flow from RAI post acquisition (2017 only) – – (628) – –
Operating cash flow ex RAI (for LTIP incentive scheme – 2017 only) 10,742 11,712 5,657 5,122 4,583
Adjusted profit from operations 11,130 10,347 7,929 5,480 4,992
Exclude adjusted profit from operations from RAI post acquisition – – (1,928) – –
Adjusted profit from operations ex RAI (for LTIP incentive scheme – 2017 only) 11,130 10,347 6,001 5,480 4,992
Operating cash flow conversion ratio 97% 113% 79% 93% 92%
Operating cash flow conversion ratio – for LTIP 97% 113% 94% 93% 92%
Cash conversion ratio* 100% 111% 83% 99% 104%
* Net cash generated from operating activities as a percentage of profit from operations.

In 2017, the Group brought forward the MSA payment (£1,397 million) which impacted operating cash conversion in that year.@ To provide a
view of the operating cash conversion, without such a distortion, the Group has provided the below computation for the periods presented.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Operating cash flow 10,742 11,712 6,285 5,122 4,583
Normalisation of MSA payment – (1,397) 1,397 – –
Operating cash flow (normalised for MSA timing) 10,742 10,315 7,682 5,122 4,583
Adjusted profit from operations 11,130 10,347 7,929 5,480 4,992
Operating cash flow conversion (normalised for MSA timing) 97% 100% 97% 93% 92%

@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

264 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Adjusted cash generated from operations (adjusted CGFO)


Definition – net cash generated from operating activities before the impact of adjusting items (including FII GLO) and trading loans
provided to a third party, excluding dividends received from associates, and after dividends paid to non-controlling interests, net interest
paid and net capital expenditure.
@ To supplement the Group’s presentation of net cash generated from operating activities, BAT also presents adjusted cash generated from
operations. Adjusted cash generated from operations is a measure of cash flow which is used by management to monitor the Group’s financial
position and is used within the Group’s incentive schemes as reported within the Remuneration Report beginning on page 90. The most directly
comparable IFRS measure to adjusted cash generated from operations is net cash generated from operating activities.
The Group’s Management Board believes that this additional measure is useful to investors and is used by BAT management as described above,
because it excludes the impact of adjusting items on cash, includes the impact of capital expenditure given this is a core component of the
underlying performance of the Group and excludes the impact of financing or dividends received from associates which do not form part of
the underlying performance of the Group’s day-to-day operations. This measure is presented as it enhances users’ understanding of underlying
business performance. The definition of adjusting items is provided in note 1 in the Notes on the Accounts.
Adjusted cash generated from operations is not a measure defined by IFRS and has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not necessarily
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a
substitute analysis for, the Group’s liquidity or measures of financial position as determined in accordance with IFRS. The table below shows the
reconciliation from net cash generated from operating activities to adjusted cash generated from operations for the periods presented.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015*


Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347 4,610 4,720
Net cash impact from adjusting items 564 601 685 711 480
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (157) (142) (167) (147) (235)
Net interest paid (1,550) (1,533) (1,004) (537) (522)
Net capital expenditure (774) (845) (767) (559) (483)
Dividends from associates (252) (214) (903) (962) (593)
Trading loans to third parties 4 (93) 101 – –
FII GLO – – – – (963)
Other – 2 (10) (1) 1
Adjusted cash generated from operations 6,831 8,071 3,282 3,115 2,405
Impact of translational foreign exchange (78) 405 (157) (197) 288
2019 adjusted CGFO re-translated at 2018 exchange rates 6,753
2018 adjusted CGFO re-translated at 2017 exchange rates 8,476
2017 adjusted CGFO re-translated at 2016 exchange rates 3,125
2016 adjusted CGFO re-translated at 2015 exchange rates 2,918
2015 adjusted CGFO re-translated at 2014 exchange rates 2,693
Change in adjusted CGFO at prior year’s exchange rates (constant rates) -16.3% +158% +0.3% +21.3% +1.2%

* For comparison purposes, the receipt, in 2015, of £963 million in relation to the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO) has been excluded from adjusted cash generated from
operations in that year. This is in line with the treatment in that year, for remuneration purposes as the receipt did not reflect the adjusted cash generated from operations in that year.

@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 265


Additional Disclosures

NON-GAAP MEASURES
CONTINUED

@Free cash flow – before and after dividends paid to shareholders


Definition – net cash generated from operating activities before the impact of trading loans provided to a third party and after dividends
paid to non-controlling interests, net interest paid and net capital expenditure. This measure is presented before and after dividends
paid to shareholders.
To supplement BAT’s net cash generated from operating activities as presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board, as the
chief operating decision-maker, reviews free cash flow (before and after dividends paid to shareholders) generated by the Group to evaluate the
underlying business performance of the Group and its geographic segments. This is deemed by the Group Management Board to reflect the
Group’s ability to pay dividends (free cash flow before dividends paid to shareholders) or invest in other investing activities (free cash flow after
dividends paid to shareholders).
Free cash flow (before dividends paid to shareholders) and free cash flow (after dividends paid to shareholders) are not measures defined by
IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to free cash flow (before and after dividends paid to shareholders) is net cash generated from
operating activities. The Group’s Management Board believes that this additional measure is useful to the users of the financial statements in
helping them to see the level of cash generated by the Group prior to the payment of dividends or debt and prior to other investing activities.
Free cash flow (before and after dividends paid to shareholders) has limitations as an analytical tool. They are not a presentation made in
accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net cash generated from operating activities as determined in accordance
with IFRS. Free cash flow (before and after dividends paid to shareholders) are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by
other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group’s measures of
financial position or liquidity as determined in accordance with IFRS. The table below shows the reconciliation from net cash generated from
operating activities to free cash flow (before and after dividends paid to shareholders) for the periods presented.

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Net cash generated from operating activities 8,996 10,295 5,347 4,610 4,720
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (157) (142) (167) (147) (235)
Net interest paid (1,550) (1,533) (1,004) (537) (522)
Net capital expenditure (774) (845) (767) (559) (483)
Proceeds from associates’ share buy-backs – – – 23 –
Trading loans to third parties 4 (93) 101 – –
Other – 2 (10) (1) 1
Free cash flow (before dividends paid to shareholders) 6,519 7,684 3,500 3,389 3,481
Dividends paid to shareholders (4,598) (4,347) (3,465) (2,910) (2,770)
Free cash flow (after dividends paid to shareholders) 1,921 3,337 35 479 711

Net debt
Definition – total borrowings, including related derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents and current investments held at fair value.
The Group uses net debt to assess its financial capacity. Net debt is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to
net debt is total borrowings. The Group’s Management Board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally to assess the Group’s
financial capacity, is useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them to see how business financing has changed over the year.
Net debt has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative
to total borrowings or total liabilities determined in accordance with IFRS. Net debt is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures
used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group’s measures
of financial position or liquidity as determined in accordance with IFRS. A reconciliation of borrowings to net debt is provided in note 19 in the
Notes on the Accounts.
@The table below reconciles the movement in net debt during each financial year:

For the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Opening net debt (44,351) (45,571) (16,767) (14,794) (10,165)
Free cash flow (before dividends paid to shareholders) 6,519 7,684 3,500 3,389 3,481
Other cash items, including dividends paid to owners of the parent (4,910) (4,688) (23,263) (3,552) (8,014)
Acquired net debt – 1 (9,915) – –
Other non-cash movements (98) 186 (394) (126) 16
Adoption of IFRS 16 (607) – – – –
Impact of foreign exchange 873 (1,963) 1,268 (1,684) (112)
Closing net debt (42,574) (44,351) (45,571) (16,767) (14,794)

@ denotes phrase, paragraph or similar that does not form part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

266 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Adjusted net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(adjusted EBITDA)
Definition – net debt excluding the impact of the revaluation of RAI acquired debt arising as part of the purchase price allocation
process adjusted net debt), as a proportion of profit for the year (earnings) before net finance costs/income, taxation on ordinary
activities, depreciation, amortisation, impairment costs, the Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures,
and other adjusting items.
To supplement BAT’s total borrowings as presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group’s Management Board, as the chief operating decision‑
maker, reviews adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA to assess its level of net debt (excluding the impact of the purchase price allocation
adjustment to RAI acquired debt) in comparison to the underlying earnings generated by the Group to evaluate the underlying business
performance of the Group and its geographic segments. This is deemed by the Group’s Management Board to reflect the Group’s ability to
service and repay borrowings.
For the purposes of this ratio, adjusted net debt is net debt, as discussed and reconciled on page 266, adjusted for the uplift arising on the RAI
debt as part of the purchase price allocation, as such an uplift in value is not reflective of the repayment value of the debt.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted EBITDA is profit for the year.
The Group’s Management Board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally to assess the Group’s financial capacity, is useful
to the users of the financial statements in helping them to see how the Group’s financial capacity has changed over the year. Adjusted EBITDA
has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to profit
from operations as determined in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should
not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group’s measures of financial position or liquidity as determined in
accordance with IFRS. The table below reconciles both total borrowings to adjusted net debt and profit for the year to adjusted EBITDA for the
periods presented.

As of the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Total borrowings 45,366 47,509 49,450 19,495 17,001
Derivatives in respect of net debt:
– Assets (527) (647) (640) (809) (373)
– Liabilities 384 269 117 300 164
Cash and cash equivalents (2,526) (2,602) (3,291) (2,204) (1,963)
Current investments held at fair value (123) (178) (65) (15) (35)
Purchase price allocation adjustment to RAI debt (848) (944) (947) – –
Adjusted net debt 41,726 43,407 44,624 16,767 14,794

Profit for the year 5,849 6,210 37,656 4,839 4,522


Taxation on ordinary activities 2,063 2,141 (8,129) 1,406 1,333
Net finance costs/(income) 1,602 1,381 1,094 637 (62)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs 1,512 1,038 902 607 428
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures (498) (419) (24,209) (2,227) (1,236)
Other adjusting items (not related to depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs) 1,376 499 1,049 612 344
Adjusted EBITDA 11,904 10,850 8,363 5,874 5,329
Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA 3.5x 4.0x 5.3x 2.9x 2.8x

Impact of translational foreign exchange on adjusted net debt 854 (1,694)


Adjusted net debt at constant rates of exchange 42,580 41,713
Impact of translational foreign exchange on adjusted EBITDA (102) 590
Adjusted EBITDA at constant rates of exchange 11,802 11,440
Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA at constant rates of exchange 3.6x 3.6x

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 267


Additional Disclosures

NON-GAAP MEASURES
CONTINUED

@
Adjusted Return on Capital Employed
Definition – Profit from operations, excluding adjusting items and including dividends from associates and joint ventures, as a
proportion of average total assets less current liabilities in the period.
The Group provides adjusted return on capital employed (adjusted ROCE) to provide users of the financial statements with an indication of the
financial return (by reference to the financial performance in a given period), with the assets less current liabilities (defined as Capital Employed)
in the period.
Adjusted ROCE is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted ROCE is profit from operations as a
proportion of total assets less current liabilities. The Group’s Management Board believes that this additional measure is useful to the users of
the financial statements in helping them to see how the Group’s capital employed has generated a return in any given period, by reference to
Group’s performance as reported via the income statement. Adjusted ROCE has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made
in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to other measures that may be derived from the financial statements
prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted ROCE is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this
measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Group’s measures of financial performance or return as determined in accordance
with IFRS. The table below reconciles profit from operations to adjusted profit from operations including dividends from associated and joint
ventures and provides the constituent parts of average capital employed.

As of the year ended 31 December (£m)

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015


Profit from operations 9,016 9,313 6,412 4,655 4,557
Adjusting items 2,114 1,034 1,517 825 435
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures 252 214 903 962 593
Adjusted profit from operations, inclusive of dividends from associates and 
joint ventures 11,382 10,561 8,832 6,442 5,585

Total Assets 141,005 146,342 141,054 39,773 31,515


Current Liabilities 18,823 16,329 15,605 11,856 9,006
Capital employed at balance sheet date 122,182 130,013 125,449 27,917 22,509
Average capital 126,099 127,731 76,683 25,213 19,954
Adjusted ROCE 9.0% 8.3% 11.5% 25.6% 28.0%@

Results on a constant translational currency basis


Movements in foreign exchange rates have impacted the Group’s financial results. The Group’s Management Board reviews certain of its results,
including adjusted revenue, adjusted revenue growth from New Categories, adjusted revenue growth from the strategic portfolio, adjusted profit
from operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share and @adjusted cash generated from operations@, at constant rates of exchange. The Group
calculates these financial measures at constant rates of exchange based on a re-translation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year’s
results of the Group and, where applicable, its geographic segments. The Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains and losses in
profit from operations that are generated by exchange movements. Although the Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for
IFRS measures, the Group’s Management Board does believe that such results excluding the impact of currency fluctuations year-on-year provide
additional useful information to investors regarding the Group’s operating performance on a local currency basis. Accordingly, the constant
rates of exchange financial measures appearing in the discussion of the Group results of operations (beginning on page 43) should be read in
conjunction with the information provided in note 2 in the Notes on the Accounts.
In 2019, 2018 and 2017, results were affected by translational exchange rate movements. In 2019, at the prevailing exchange rates, adjusted
revenue increased by 6.2%, adjusted profit from operations increased by 7.6%@ and adjusted cash generated from operations decreased by
15.4%@ versus 2018. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted revenue would have increased by 5.6%, adjusted profit from operations would have
increased by 6.6%@ and adjusted cash generated from operations would have declined by 16.3%@. These higher rates at prevailing exchange
rates reflects the translational benefit as a result of the relative weakness of the pound sterling. In 2018, at the prevailing exchange rates, adjusted
revenue increased by 25.9%, adjusted revenue growth from the strategic portfolio increased by 48.6%, adjusted profit from operations increased
by 30.5%@ and adjusted cash generated from operations increased by 146%@ versus 2017. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted revenue
would have increased by 33.4%, adjusted revenue growth from the strategic portfolio would have increased by 56.1%, adjusted profit from
operations would have increased by 37.8% and @adjusted cash generated from operations would have increased by 158%@. This lower growth
rate at prevailing exchange rates reflects the negative translational impact as a result on the relative strengthening of the pound sterling.
In 2019, 2018 and 2017, adjusted diluted earnings per share was affected by translational exchange rate movements. In 2019, the adjusted
diluted earnings per share of 323.8p, an increase of 9.1%, would, when translated at 2018 exchange rates, have been 321.6p, an increase of
8.4%. This higher growth rate, in 2019, at prevailing exchange rates, reflects the translational benefit as a result of the relative weakness of the
pound sterling. In 2018, the adjusted diluted earnings per share of 296.7p, an increase of 5.2%, would, when translated at 2017 exchange rates,
have been 315.5p, an increase of 11.8%. This lower growth rate, in 2018, at prevailing exchange rates, reflects the negative translational impact
as a result of the relative strength of the pound sterling.

268 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES ON
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Group’s cash inflows derive principally from its operating activities. They are supplemented when required by cash flows from financing
activities, typically to support acquisitions. The principal sources of liquidity for the Group are cash flows generated from the operating business
and proceeds from issuances of debt securities described below under ‘capital resources’.
The Board reviews and agrees the overall treasury policies and procedures, delegating appropriate oversight to the Finance Director and the
treasury function. The treasury policies include a set of financing principles and key performance indicators. The Group’s treasury position is
monitored by a Corporate Finance Committee chaired by the Finance Director. Treasury operations are subject to periodic independent reviews
and audits, both internal and external.
In 2019, 2018 and 2017, all contractual borrowing covenants were met and none are expected to inhibit the Group’s operations or
funding plans.

Capital expenditure
Gross capital expenditures include purchases of property, plant and equipment and purchases of certain intangibles. The Group’s gross capital
expenditures for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were £807 million, £883 million and £862 million, respectively, representing investment in the Group’s
global operational infrastructure (including, but not limited to, the manufacturing network, trade marketing and IT systems). The Group expects
gross capital expenditures in 2020 of approximately £650 million, representing the ongoing investment in the Group’s operational infrastructure,
including the continued investment into New Categories. This is expected to be funded by the Group’s cash flows and existing facilities.

Hedging instruments
As discussed in note 22 in the Notes on the Accounts, the Group hedges its exposure to interest rate movements and currency movements. BAT’s
cash flow hedges are principally in respect of sales or purchases of inventory and certain debt instruments. A certain number of forward foreign
currency contracts were used to manage the currency profile of external borrowings. Interest rate swaps have been used to manage the interest
rate profile of external borrowings, while cross-currency swaps have been used to manage the currency profile of external borrowings.

Capital resources
Policy
The Group utilises cash pooling and zero balancing bank account structures in addition to intercompany loans and borrowings to ensure that
there is the maximum mobilisation of cash within the Group. The key objectives of treasury in respect of cash and cash equivalents are to
protect the principal value of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, to concentrate cash at the centre to minimise the required long-term debt
issuance and to optimise the yield earned. The amount of debt the Group issues is determined by forecasting the net debt requirement after the
mobilisation of cash.
Subsidiary companies are funded by share capital and retained earnings, loans from the central finance companies on commercial terms
or through local borrowings by the subsidiaries in appropriate currencies. All contractual borrowing covenants have been met and none
are expected to inhibit the Group’s operations or funding plans.
Borrowings
The following table sets out the Group’s long- and short-term borrowings as of the dates indicated:

As of 31 December (£m)1
Currency Maturity dates Interest rates at 31 December 2019 2019 2018 2017
Eurobonds 3
Euro 2020 to 2045 0.9% to 4.9% 7,591 8,717 8,585
Euro 2021 3m EURIBOR +50bps 931 986 1,326
UK pound sterling 2021 to 2055 1.8% to 7.3% 4,161 4,671 4,680
US dollar 2019 1.6% – 512 482
Swiss franc 2021 to 2026 0.6% to 1.4% 510 523 498
Bonds issued pursuant to
Rules under the US
Securities Act (as
amended)3 US dollar 2020 to 2049 2.8% to 8.1% 23,805 25,428 25,545
US dollar 2020 to 2022 USD 3m LIBOR +59bps to 88bps 1,325 1,381 1,665
Commercial Paper2,3 1,056 536 1,200
Other loans 4,624 3,859 4,466
Bank loans 293 608 512
Bank overdrafts 491 274 469
Finance leases 579 14 22
Total 45,366 47,509 49,450

Notes:
1. The financial data above has been extracted from the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
2. The interest on the commercial paper referred to in the table above is based on US$ LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 22 and 63 basis points (2018: between 22 and 65 basis points, 2017: between
19 and 38 basis points) and EURIBOR plus a margin ranging between 10 and 24 basis point (2018: ranging between 8 and 15 basis points, 2017: ranging between 10 and 24 basis points)
3. The issuers of these debt securities are B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., B.A.T Capital Corporation, Reynolds American Inc., or R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, as applicable. British American Tobacco
p.l.c. is the ultimate guarantor in each case.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 269


Additional Disclosures

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES ON LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


CONTINUED

Off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations


Except for operating leases, the Group has no significant off-balance sheet arrangements. The Group has contractual obligations to make future
payments on debt agreements. In the normal course of business, the Group enters into contractual arrangements where the Group commits to
future purchases of services from unaffiliated parties and related parties.
The Group’s undiscounted contractual obligations as of 31 December 2019 were as follows:

Payments due by period (£m)


Less than
Total 1 Year 1–3 Years 3–5 Years Thereafter
Long-term notes and other borrowings, exclusive of interest 1
44,313 6,934 9,727 5,571 22,081
Interest payments related to long-term notes1 474 474 – – –
Lease liabilities 579 154 212 107 106
Purchase obligations2 995 928 49 18 –
Total cash obligations 46,361 8,490 9,988 5,696 22,187

Notes:
1. For more information about the Group’s long-term debt, see note 19 in the Notes on the Accounts.
2. Purchase obligations primarily include commitments to acquire tobacco leaf. Purchase orders for the purchase of other raw materials and other goods and services are not included in the table, as the
Group’s operating subsidiaries are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders typically represent authorisations to
purchase rather than binding agreements.

The table above does not include any amounts that the Group may pay to fund its retirement benefit plans as the timing and amount of any
such future funding are unknown and dependent on, among other things, the future performance of defined benefit pension plan assets, interest
rate assumptions and other factors. The net retirement benefit scheme liabilities totalled £1,029 million as of 31 December 2019, which is net of
pension assets of £11,860 million. The Group expects to be required to contribute £80 million to its defined benefit plans during 2020. See note
11 in the Notes on the Accounts for further information.

US$ exchange rate


The following table sets forth the high and low noon buying rates of each month of the last six months, as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the pound sterling expressed in US dollars per pound sterling.

High Low
September 2019 1.2493 1.2086
October 2019 1.2983 1.2206
November 2019 1.2965 1.2790
December 2019 1.3349 1.2917
January 2020 1.3195 1.2983
February 2020 1.3051 1.2778

The following table sets forth for each year the average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each month of that year, as certified
for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the pound sterling expressed in US dollars per pound sterling for each of the
five most recent fiscal years.

Average
Year ended 31 December 2015 1.5250
Year ended 31 December 2016 1.3444
Year ended 31 December 2017 1.3016
Year ended 31 December 2018 1.3309
Year ended 31 December 2019 1.2803

On 13 March 2020, the latest practicable date prior to this filing, the noon buying rate was £1.00 = US$1.2406.
The rates presented above may differ from the actual rates used in preparation of financial information appearing in this Annual Report and Form
20-F. The presentation of such rates is not meant to suggest that the US dollar amounts actually represent the pound sterling amounts or that
such amounts could have been converted to US dollars at any particular rate.

270 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

EMPLOYEES

As at 31 December 2019, the number of persons permanently employed by the Group was 59,989 worldwide. The Group believes that its labour
relations are good.
Certain temporary employees are included in the below figures. The number of such temporary employees is approximately 3,300 in 2019 and
largely relates to seasonal workers within operations.
The following table sets forth the number of Group employees by region in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

As of 31 December
Region (number of employees worldwide) 2019 2018 2017
US 5,020 5,019 5,201
APME 13,465 15,077 14,730
AmSSA 16,862 17,372 17,962
ENA1 24,642 26,409 24,377
Total employees 59,989 63,877 62,270

Notes:
1. Included within the employee numbers for ENA are certain employees in different locations in respect of central functions. Some of the costs of these employees are allocated or charged to the various
regions and markets in the Group.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 271


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK
FACTORS

Business execution and supply chain risks


Risk: Competition from illicit trade.
Description
Illicit trade and tobacco trafficking in the form of counterfeit products, smuggled genuine products and locally manufactured products on
which applicable taxes are evaded represent a significant and growing threat to the legitimate tobacco industry. Factors such as increasing levels
of taxation, price increases, economic downturn, lack of law enforcement, appropriate penalties and weak border control are encouraging more
adult tobacco consumers to switch to illegal cheaper tobacco products and are providing greater rewards for counterfeiters and smugglers.
Regulatory restrictions such as plain packaging or graphic health warnings, display bans, taste or ingredient restrictions and increased
compliance costs further disadvantage legitimate industry participants by providing competitive advantages to illicit manufacturers and
distributors of illicit tobacco products.
Impact
Illicit trade can have an adverse effect on the Group’s overall sales volume and may restrict the ability to increase selling prices. Illicit trade can
also damage brand equity and reputation, which could undermine the Group’s investment in Trade Marketing and Distribution. These factors in
turn could reduce profits and have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations and financial conditions.

Risk: Geopolitical tensions that have the potential to disrupt the Group’s business in multiple markets.
Description
The Group’s operations and financial condition are influenced by the economic and political situations in the markets and regions in which
it has operations, which are often unpredictable and outside of its control. Some markets in which the Group operates face the threat of civil
unrest and can be subject to frequent changes in regime. In others, there is a risk of terrorism, conflict, global health crisis, war, organised crime
or other criminal activity. The Group is also exposed to economic policy changes in jurisdictions in which it operates. In addition, some markets
maintain trade barriers or adopt policies that favour domestic producers, preventing or restricting the Group’s sales.
Impact
Deterioration of socio-economic or political conditions could potentially lead to loss of life or loss of assets that limit or eliminate the Group’s
access to particular markets or may disrupt the Group’s operations, such as its supply chain, or manufacturing or distribution capabilities.
Such disruption may result in increased costs due to the need for more complex supply chain arrangements, to build new facilities or to
maintain inefficient facilities, or in a reduction of the Group’s sales volume.

Risk: Disruption to the Group’s data and information technology systems, including by cyber attack or the malicious
manipulation or disclosure of confidential or sensitive information.
Description
The Group increasingly relies on data and information technology systems for its daily business operations, internal communications, controls,
reporting and relations with customers and suppliers. Some of these systems are managed by third-party service providers. A significant
disruption of the Group’s systems, including those managed by third-party service providers, due to computer viruses, cyber threats, malicious
intrusions or unintended or malicious behaviour by employees, contractors or services providers could affect the Group’s communications
and operations. Computer viruses and cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and coordinated. In addition, such disruption may
compromise the integrity of information and result in the inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, or may lead to false or misleading
statements being made about the Group.
Impact
Any disruption to technology systems related to the Group’s operations could adversely affect its business and result in financial and reputational
losses. Any delays or failure to rapidly detect or respond to attempts to gain unauthorised access to the Group’s information technology systems
through a cyber attack can lead to a loss of access to systems or information being corrupted or lost, resulting in significantly increased costs for
remediation and reputational consequences. Any delay in response will also impact the outcome.
Security breaches and the loss of data or operational capacity may disrupt relationships throughout the supply chain, expose the Group or our
consumers to a risk of loss or misuse of information, which could further expose the Group to liability, impact the Group’s reputation and lead
to increased costs.
The disclosure of trade secrets or other commercially sensitive information may provide competitors with a competitive advantage resulting
in competitive or operational damage to the Group. The disclosure of confidential and sensitive information about the Group’s employees,
customers, consumers, suppliers or other third parties could compromise data privacy and expose the Group to liability.
Failure to effectively prevent or respond to a major breach or cyber attack may also subject the Group to significant reputational damage.

272 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risk: Failure to meet current or future New Categories demand


Description
The New Categories supply chain is a multi-tiered and complex environment with reliance on multiple factors, such as third-party suppliers’
ability to upscale production in order to meet demand while maintaining product quality, dependency on single suppliers at various points in
the chain and the Group’s ability to build adequate consumables production capacity in line with product demand. The geographical spread of
suppliers and customers exposes the Group to political and economic conflicts such as Brexit and trade wars which may compromise the New
Categories supply chain. Given the developing nature of the New Categories portfolio, there is also an enhanced risk that some products may
not meet product quality and safety standards or may be subject to regulatory changes, leading to product recalls, which we have experienced
in the past, or bans of certain ingredients or products. In addition, the New Categories supply chain may be vulnerable to changes in local
legislation related to liquid nicotine that could increase import duties. Furthermore, the New Categories supply chain includes the development
of sensitive trade secrets jointly with external design partners, which carries the risk of exposure of innovations to competitors.
Impact
Vulnerabilities in the New Categories supply chain may impact the Group’s ability to maintain supply and meet the current and future
demand requirements across the New Categories portfolio, potentially resulting in significant reputational harm and financial impact that may
negatively affect the Group’s results of operations and financial condition. Over-forecasting may also lead to write-off and negatively impact
working capital. The design of New Categories devices may also prevent the scaling of commercial manufacturing, which will either restrict
supply or increase the costs of production.
In addition, changes in local legislation related to liquid nicotine import duties may increase New Categories production costs, which may
increase end market pricing. Furthermore, the exposure of sensitive trade secrets can lead to competitive disadvantages and further negatively
impact the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

Risk: Failure of a financial counterparty


Description
The Group relies on transactions with a variety of financial counterparties to manage the Group’s business and financial risks. In the event that
any of these counterparties fails, payments due from such counterparties, such as under hedging or insurance contracts, may not be recovered.
In addition, failure of a transactional banking party may lead to the loss of cash balances and disruption to payment systems involving
such counterparty.
Impact
The inability to recover payments due from one or more failed financial counterparties or the loss of cash balances may cause significant
financial loss and have an adverse impact on the Group’s results of operations, financial condition and financial risk profile. In addition, the loss
of cash balances or a disruption to payment systems may cause disruption to the Group’s ongoing operations and ability to pay its creditors
and suppliers.

Risk: Exposure to unavailability of, and price volatility, in raw materials and increased costs of employment.
Description
The availability and price of various commodities required in the manufacture of the Group’s products fluctuate. Raw materials and other inputs
used in the Group’s business, such as wood pulp and energy, are commodities that are subject to price volatility caused by numerous factors,
including political influence, market fluctuations and natural disasters.
Similarly, the Group is exposed to the risk of an increase above inflation in employment costs, including due to governmental action to
introduce or increase minimum wages. Employment and health care law changes may also increase the cost of provided health care and other
employment benefits expenses.
Impact
Restricted availability and price volatility of commodities may result in supply shortages and unexpected increases in costs for raw materials and
packaging for the Group’s products, which may affect the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.
Similarly, the Group’s profitability may be affected by increases in overall employment costs.
The Group may not be able to increase prices to offset increased costs without suffering reduced sales volume and revenue. In the absence of
compensating for increased costs through pricing, significant increases in raw material, packaging and employment costs above inflation will
impact product margins, leading to lower profits and negatively affecting the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 273


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Business Execution and Supply Chain Risks continued


Risk: Failure to retain key personnel or to attract and retain skilled talent.
Description
The Group relies on a number of highly experienced employees with detailed knowledge of the tobacco industry and the Group’s business.
Similarly, the Group is dependent on its ability to identify, attract, develop and retain such qualified personnel in the future.
Furthermore, broader economic and ESG trends may impact the Group’s ability to retain key employees and may increase competition for
highly talented employees, potentially resulting in the loss of experienced employees.
Impact
If the Group is unable to retain its existing key employees or to attract and retain skilled talent in the future, critical positions may be left
vacant, which could adversely impact the delivery of strategic objectives, which could ultimately impact the Group’s results of operations
and financial condition.
High voluntary employee turnover may also reduce organisational performance and productivity, which may have a further adverse impact
on the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

Risk: Disruption to the supply chain and distribution channels.


Description
The Group has an increasingly global approach to managing its supply chain and distribution channels and is exposed to the risk of disruption
to any aspect of the Group’s supply chain, to suppliers’ operations or to distribution channels, and the deterioration in the financial condition of
a trading partner.
Such disruption may be caused by a cyber event, global health crisis, major fire, violent weather conditions or other natural disasters that affect
manufacturing or other facilities of the Group’s operating subsidiaries or those of their suppliers and distributors. In certain geographic areas
where the Group operates, insurance coverage may not be obtainable on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Coverage may be subject to
limitations or the Group may be unable to recover damages from its insurers.
Disruption may also be caused by spread of infectious disease (such as Coronavirus) or by a deterioration in labour or union relations,
disputes or work stoppages or other labour-related developments within the Group or its suppliers and distributors.
In addition, the Group’s operating subsidiaries may not be able to establish or maintain relationships on favourable commercial terms with their
suppliers and distributors. In some markets, distribution of the Group’s products is through third-party monopoly channels, often licensed by
governments. The Group may be unable to renew these third-party supplier and distribution agreements on satisfactory terms for numerous
reasons, including government regulations or ESG considerations.
Furthermore, there are some product categories for which the Group does not have spare production capacity or where substitution between
different production plants is very difficult. Consolidation of global suppliers and certain distributors that control large geographies may reduce
the Group’s availability of alternatives and negatively impact the Group’s negotiating power with key suppliers and distributors.
These risks are particularly relevant in jurisdictions where the Group’s manufacturing facilities are more concentrated or for certain product
categories where production is more centralised.
Impact
Any disruption to the Group’s supply chain and distribution channels could have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial
conditions of the Group through failures to meet shipment demand, contract disputes, increased costs and loss of market share.

Risk: Exposure to product contamination.


Description
The Group may experience product contamination, whether by accident or deliberate malicious intent, during supply chain or manufacturing
processes, or may otherwise fail to comply with the Group’s quality standards. The Group may also receive threats of malicious tampering.
Impact
Product contamination or threats of contamination may expose the Group to significant costs associated with recalling products from the
market or temporarily ceasing production. In addition, adult tobacco consumers may lose confidence in the specific brand affected by the
contamination, resulting in reputational damage and a loss of sales volume and market share. The Group could be subject to liability and costs
associated with civil and criminal actions as well as regulatory sanctions brought in connection with a contamination of the Group’s products.
Each of these results may in turn have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

274 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risk: Inability to obtain adequate supplies of tobacco leaf.


Description
The Group purchases significant volumes of packed leaf each year. Tobacco leaf supplies are impacted by a variety of factors, including weather
conditions, drought, flood and other natural disasters, growing conditions, diseases causing crop failure, climate change and local planting
decisions. Tobacco production in certain countries is also subject to a variety of controls, including regulation affecting farming and production
control programmes, and competition for land use from other agriculture products. Such controls and competition can further constrain the
production of tobacco leaf, raising prices and reducing supply.
Human rights issues may arise in connection with our tobacco leaf supply chain. Due to the large number of casual and temporary workers, the
use of family labour in small-scale farming and high levels of rural poverty, the agricultural sector as a whole is vulnerable to human rights issues.
The Group recognises that child labour is a risk to our tobacco leaf supply chain.
Impact
Restricted availability of tobacco leaf may impact the quality of the Group’s products to a level that may be perceptible by consumers and
may impact the Group’s ability to deliver on consumer needs. Accordingly, the reduction of tobacco leaf supply may impact supply and
demand of the Group’s products and have a negative impact on results of operations. The Group’s commitment to ESG may result in higher
tobacco leaf prices. Higher tobacco leaf prices may also increase the Group’s costs for raw materials and have an adverse effect on its results of
operations and financial condition.

Risk: Failure to successfully design, implement and sustain an integrated operating model.
Description
The Group aims to improve profitability and productivity through supply chain improvements and the implementation of an integrated
operating model and organisational structure, including standardisation of processes, centralised back-office services and a common IT
platform. The Group undertakes transformation initiatives periodically which aims to simplify the organisation and facilitate growth.
Impact
Failure by the Group to successfully design, implement and sustain the integrated operating model, organisational structure and transformation
initiatives could lead to the failure to realise anticipated benefits, increased costs, disruption to operations, decreased trading performance,
disgruntled employees, loss of institutional knowledge and reduced market share. These results could in turn reduce profitability and funds
available for investment by the Group in long-term growth opportunities.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 275


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Legal, regulatory and compliance risks


Risk: Exposure to increasingly stringent regulatory measures affecting the manufacture, packaging, sale and
marketing of the Group’s products.
Description
Tobacco control measures are in place in nearly all markets in which we operate. Such restrictions are introduced by regulations and/or
voluntary agreements. Most tobacco control measures can be categorised as follows:
– Place: including regulations restricting smoking in private and public spaces (e.g., public place smoking bans, including restaurants
and bars);
– Product: including regulations on the use of and/or testing for ingredients, product design and attributes (e.g., ceilings regarding tar,
nicotine and carbon monoxide yields, as well as restrictions on flavours, including menthol); product safety regulations (e.g., reduced
cigarette ignition propensity standards); and regulatory product disclosure requirements (e.g., ingredients and emissions reporting);
– Packaging and labelling: including regulations on health warnings and other government-mandated messages (e.g., in respect of content,
positioning, size and rotation); restrictions on the use of certain descriptors and brand names; requirements on pack shape, size, weight and
colour; and mandatory plain packaging;
– Sponsorship, promotion and advertising: including partial or total bans on advertising, marketing, promotions and sponsorship; and
restrictions on brand sharing and brand stretching (i.e., using tobacco branding on non-tobacco products);
– Purchase: including regulations on where the products are sold, such as type of outlet (e.g., supermarkets and vending machines) and how
they are sold (e.g., above the counter or under the counter); and
– Price: including regulations that have implications on the prices that manufacturers can charge for their tobacco products (e.g., excise taxes
and minimum prices).
The Group believes that the introduction of further regulation on tobacco control is inevitable over the medium term in many of the Group’s
markets. The actions of competitors contrary to the regulations applicable to certain markets, may cause reputational harm to the industry as a
whole and may result in additional regulation or bans on certain products.
Many of the measures outlined in the FCTC have been or are in the process of being implemented through national legislation in many markets
in which the Group operates. For example, the EU has adopted the revised Tobacco and Related Products Directive (‘TPD2‘) which, among
other things, bans the use of characterising flavours in combustible tobacco products, such as menthol. This is in line with a number of other
jurisdictions banning or restricting the use of menthol in tobacco products.
In November 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) announced the acceleration of proposed rulemaking to seek a ban on
menthol in combustible tobacco products. Bans or restrictions on the sale of flavoured tobacco products and menthol have been introduced,
and may be introduced in the future, at a municipal, state, national or international level.
Further, various national or international regulatory regimes may seek to require the reduction of nicotine levels in tobacco products.
For example, in March 2018, the FDA published its ANPRM titled “Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Combusted Cigarettes”
and invited interested parties to submit comments on, among other issues, maximum nicotine limits and whether any maximum nicotine level
should apply to combustible tobacco products.
In the US, manufacturers of all tobacco products deemed to be under the authority of the FDA as of 2016 (which includes vapour and Modern
Oral products) must submit information to the FDA seeking formal marketing authorisation of such products.
Several countries, including France, Belgium and Pakistan, have sought or are seeking to prohibit certain brands/brand variants or messaging on
cigarette packaging that promotes a brand or usage.
Please refer to pages 287 to 290 for details of tobacco and nicotine regulatory regimes under which the Group’s businesses operate.
With respect to New Categories, although a common framework for regulation and taxation has yet to emerge, the manufacture, sale,
packaging and advertising of such products are increasingly being regulated. In fact, some regulators have applied or are considering applying
combustible tobacco products’ restrictive regulatory framework to New Categories, such as public place vaping bans or plain packaging.
Some jurisdictions have banned or are considering banning New Categories altogether.
Recents reports in North America of individuals experiencing acute respiratory injury in suspected association with vaping certain e-liquids
(EVALI) and youth usage have led to an increase in scrutiny of vapour products at the local, municipal, state, national and international levels.

276 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Impact
Existing and future regulatory measures could adversely affect volume and profits as a result of restrictions on the Group’s ability to sell its
products or brands, including due to the loss of provisional sales approvals for New Categories. Increased regulatory cost may also make certain
products/brands unprofitable, which may lead to discontinuations (e.g. VapeWild). Impediments to building or maintaining brand equity could
also adversely impact volume and profits.
In addition, new regulation could lead to greater complexity, as well as higher production and compliance costs. For example, it may be
that the recent incidents in the US prompt regulators to impose restrictions on the sale of vaping products and/or flavours. New product
specifications may have a negative impact on sales volumes as consumers seek alternatives in illicit trade. The Group’s share price has also
experienced, and could in the future experience, shocks upon the announcement or enactment of restrictive regulation. All these effects
may have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations and financial conditions.
In particular, through the acquisition of RAI, the Group acquired the Newport brand, the leading menthol cigarette brand in the US, the
Group’s largest single market. The sales of Newport, together with the other menthol brands of the Group’s operating subsidiaries, represent
a significant portion of the Group’s total net sales. Any action by the FDA or any other governmental authority banning or materially restricting
the use of menthol in tobacco products could have a significant negative impact on sales volumes of the Newport brand and the Group’s other
menthol products which would, in turn, have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial position of the Group. Any action by
the FDA or any government authority restricting the use of New Category products could also have an adverse effect on the operation and
financial position of the Group.
Failure to obtain formal marketing authorisation for products deemed to be under the authority of the FDA, such as RAI’s vapour or Modern
Oral products, could have a negative impact on RAI’s financial position and, in turn, the financial position of the Group.
Similarly, regulations on nicotine levels in cigarettes and in other products that are being considered in a number of jurisdictions in which the
Group operates could have a negative impact on sales volumes of the Group’s products in the relevant jurisdictions.
In addition, taking into account the significant number of regulations that may apply to the Group’s businesses across the world, the Group
is and may in the future be subject to claims for breach of such regulations. Even when proven untrue, there are often financial costs and
reputational impacts in defending against such claims.

Risk: Adverse implications of proposed EU legislation on single-use plastics that will result in on-pack
environmental warnings and financial implications relating to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Description
The EU adopted a Directive on single-use plastics in July 2019 which, among other products, targets tobacco products with filters containing
plastic. The Cellulose Acetate in our filters is defined as a single-use plastic under the Directive and, as such, the Directive will have an impact on
the Group’s cigarettes, filters for other tobacco products and consumables for THPs.
Under the Directive, the Group will be subject to EPR schemes, requiring the Group to cover the costs of collecting, transporting, treating and
cleaning-up of filters containing plastic. The Directive also imposes on tobacco manufacturers the obligation to finance consumer awareness
campaigns and to place environmental markings on packs of products with filters containing plastic.
Prior to the anticipated implementation deadline for EPR schemes on 5 January 2023, the European Commission is expected to issue guidelines
on the criteria for the costs of cleaning up litter. In addition, it is expected to adopt an Implementing Act harmonising specifications for required
product markings in the first half of 2020. When transposing the Directive into national law, EU member states could decide to expand its scope
under their respective laws, which may subject the Group to additional regulations and financial obligations.
It is noted that there is a growing level of scrutiny on the use of single-use plastic across the world and a number of markets in which the Group
operates are considering ways to restrict (or ban) the use of filters made of plastic and/or introduce EPR schemes.
Impact
The financial implications of the proposed EPR schemes may have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.
If significant space is appropriated on the packaging of some of the Group’s products, this may also be an impediment to maintaining or
building brand equity of the Group’s products which may, in turn, have a negative impact on the Group’s sales volume.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 277


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Legal, regulatory and compliance risks continued


Risk: Exposure to litigation on tobacco, nicotine, New Categories and other issues.
Description
The Group is involved in litigation related to its tobacco and nicotine products, including legal and regulatory actions, proceedings and claims,
brought against it in a number of jurisdictions. Claims brought against the Group may be based on personal injury (both individual claims and
class actions), economic loss arising from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases (such as medical recoupment claims brought by
local governments), negligence, strict liability in tort, design defect, failure to warn, fraud, misrepresentation, deceptive/unfair trade practices,
conspiracy, medical monitoring and violations of antitrust/racketeering laws. Certain actions, such as those in the US and Canada, involve claims
in the tens or hundreds of billions of pounds sterling. The Group is also involved in proceedings that are not directly related to its tobacco and
nicotine products, including proceedings based on environmental pollution claims.
Additional legal and regulatory actions, proceedings and claims may be brought against the Group in the future.
Impact
The Group’s consolidated results of operations and financial position could be materially affected by any unfavourable outcome of
certain pending or future litigation. The Group could be exposed to substantial liability, which may take the form of ongoing payments.
Whether successful or not, the costs of the Group’s involvement in litigation could materially increase due to costs associated with bringing
proceedings and defending claims, which may also cause operational and strategic disruption by diverting management time away from
business matters. Liabilities and costs in connection with litigation could result in bankruptcy of one or more Group entities which, in turn, could
cause a material reduction in the Group’s sales volume and profits. Any negative publicity resulting from these claims may also adversely affect
the Group’s reputation.
Please refer to note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts for details of contingent liabilities applicable to the Group.

Risk: Significant and/or unexpected increases or structural changes in tobacco and nicotine-related taxes.
Description
Tobacco and nicotine products are subject to high levels of taxation, including excise taxes, sales taxes, import duties and levies in most markets
in which the Group operates. In many of these markets, taxes are generally increasing, but the rate of increase varies between markets and
between different types of tobacco and nicotine products. Increases in, or the introduction of new, tobacco and nicotine-related taxes may be
caused by a number of factors, including fiscal pressures, health policy objectives and increased lobbying pressure from anti-tobacco advocates.
With respect to New Categories, although a common framework for regulation and taxation has yet to emerge, the manufacture, sale,
packaging and advertising of such products are increasingly being regulated.
Impact
Significant or unexpected increases in, or the introduction of new, tobacco-related taxes or minimum retail selling prices, changes in relative tax
rates for different tobacco and nicotine products or adjustments to excise may result in the need for the Group to absorb such tax increases due
to limits in its ability to increase prices, an alteration in the sales mix in favour of value-for-money brands or products, or growth in illicit trade,
each of which could impact pricing, sales volume and profit for the Group’s products.

Risk: Failure to comply with health and safety and environmental laws.
Description
The Group is subject to a variety of laws, regulations and operational standards relating to health and safety and the environment. The Group
may fail to assess certain risks and implement the right level of control measures or to maintain adequate standards of health and safety or
environmental compliance, which could cause injury, ill health, disability or loss of life to employees, contractors or members of the public,
or harm to the natural environment and local communities in which the Group operates. Insufficient information, instruction and training in
the relevant areas and a lack of knowledge of the existence and/or requirements of relevant regulations, or a failure to monitor, assess and
implement the requirements of new or modified legislation, may increase these risks.
Impact
Any failure by the Group to comply with applicable health and safety or environmental laws, or the exposure to the consequences of a
perceived failure, could result in business disruption, reputational damage, difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, increased insurance costs,
consequential losses, the obligation to install or upgrade costly pollution control equipment, loss of value of the Group’s assets, remedial costs
and damages, fines and penalties as well as civil or criminal liability. Each of these results could in turn adversely impact the Group’s results of
operations and financial condition.

278 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risk: Exposure to unfavourable tax rulings.


Description
The Group is subject to tax laws in a variety of jurisdictions. The Group‘s interpretation and application of the tax laws could differ from
those of the relevant tax authority, which may subject the Group to claims for breach of such laws, including for late or incorrect filings or for
misinterpretation of rules. Tax authorities in a variety of jurisdictions, such as the Netherlands and Russia, have assessed, and may in the future
assess, the Group for historical tax claims, including interest and penalties, arising from disputed areas of tax law. The Group is currently party to
tax disputes in a number of jurisdictions, some of which involve claims for amounts in the hundreds of millions of pounds sterling.
Please refer to note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts for details of contingent liabilities applicable to the Group.
Impact
The Group’s failure to comply with the relevant tax authority’s interpretation and application of the tax laws could result in significant financial
and legal penalties, including the payment of additional taxes, fines and interest in the event of an unfavourable ruling by a tax authority in a
disputed area, as well as the payment of dispute costs. Disruption to the business could occur as a result of management’s time being diverted
away from business matters. Each of these results could negatively affect the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

Risk: Unexpected legislative changes to corporate income tax laws.


Description
The Group is subject to corporate income tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These laws frequently change on a prospective or
retroactive basis.
Impact
Legislative changes to corporate income tax laws and regulations may have an adverse impact on the Group’s corporate income tax liabilities
and may lead to a material increase of the Group’s overall tax rate. This could, in turn, negatively affect the Group’s results of operations and
financial condition.

Risk: Exposure to potential liability under competition or antitrust laws.


Description
According to the Group’s internal estimates, the Group is a market leader by volume in a number of countries in which it operates and is one of
a small number of tobacco companies in certain other markets in which it operates. As a result, the Group may fail to comply with competition
or antitrust laws and may be subject to investigation for alleged abuse of its position in markets in which it has significant market share or for
alleged collusion with other market participants.
Impact
Failure by the Group to comply with competition or antitrust laws and investigations for violation of such laws may result in significant legal
liability, fines, penalties and/or damages actions, criminal sanctions against the Group, its officers and employees, increased costs, prohibitions
on conduct of the Group’s business, forced divestment of brands and businesses (or parts of businesses) to competitors, director disqualifications
and commercial agreements being held void. The Group may face increased public scrutiny and the investigation or imposition of sanctions by
antitrust regulation agencies for violations of competition regimes which may subject the Group to reputational damage and loss of goodwill.

Risk: Failure to establish and maintain adequate controls and procedures to comply with applicable securities,
corporate governance and compliance regulations.
Description
The Group’s operations are subject to a range of rules and regulations around the world. These include US securities, corporate governance and
compliance laws and regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, which applies to
the Group’s worldwide activities. While the Group continuously seeks to improve its systems of internal controls and to remedy any weaknesses
identified, there can be no assurance that the policies and procedures will be followed at all times or effectively detect and prevent violations of
applicable laws. In addition, the Group is subject to increasingly stringent reporting obligations under UK corporate reporting regulations.
Impact
The increased scope and complexity of applicable regulations to which the Group is subject may lead to higher costs for compliance. Failure to
comply with laws and regulations may result in significant legal liability, fines, penalties, and/or damages actions, criminal sanctions against the
Group, its officers and employees, and damage to the Group’s reputation. Non-compliance with such regulations could also lead to a loss of the
Group’s listing on one or more stock exchanges or a loss of investor confidence with a subsequent reduction in share price.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 279


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Legal, regulatory and compliance risks continued


Risk: Loss of confidential information, including through manipulation of data by employees, and failure to comply
with the European General Data Protection Regulation, the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and other privacy laws
governing the processing of personal data.
Description
Unintended or malicious behaviour by employees, contractors, service providers and others using or managing the Group’s confidential
information (including sensitive or confidential information of third parties) or personal data (including sensitive consumer personal data) may
affect the Group’s communications and operations which may result in the unauthorised disclosure of such information.
In addition, a lack of infrastructure or application resilience, slow or insufficient disaster recovery service levels or the installation of new systems
may increase the possibility that data, including confidential, personal or other sensitive information, stored or communicated by IT systems
may be corrupted, lost or disclosed.
Various privacy laws, in particular the European General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR‘), and UK Data Protection Act 2018 (“UKDPA”)
mandate that in an unauthorised disclosure of personal data, depending on the risk to the individuals concerned, must be reported to the local
data protection supervisory authority.
In addition, unauthorised disclosures of information (including personal data) through fraudulent abuses of data may cause the Group to fail to
meet statutory or regulatory requirements in particular under the GDPR and/or UKDPA. Following the enforcement of the GDPR in May 2018,
other jurisdictions in which the Group operates have enacted similar local legislation such as the California Consumer Privacy Act US and the
“LGPD” in Brazil which potentially further increases the risks surrounding the processing of personal data.
Impact
The loss of personal data (which may include confidential information) may result in civil or criminal legal liability and prosecution by
enforcement bodies, which may subject the Group to the imposition of material fines and/or penalties and the costs associated with defending
these claims. In addition, the relevant data protection supervisory authority may order certain Group legal entities to cease processing activities,
which would result in a significant operational disruption.
Inappropriate disclosure of confidential information or violation of the GDPR or other privacy laws may also result in significant reputational
harm and public scrutiny, a loss of investor confidence and reduced third-party reliance on the Group’s information technology systems or other
data handling practices. In addition, restoration and remediation of disclosed confidential information or personal data may be costly, difficult or
even impossible. These consequences may adversely impact the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

Risk: Failure to comply with product regulations due to uncertainty surrounding the proper interpretation and
application of those regulations.
Description
The interpretation and application of regulations concerning the Group’s products, such as the Tobacco and Related Products Directive (TPD2),
may be subject to debate and uncertainty. This includes uncertainty over product classifications and restrictions on advertising. In particular with
respect to the developing category of New Categories, which has grown in size and complexity in a relatively short period of time, a consensus
framework for the interpretation and application of existing regulation, such as the rules concerning nicotine-containing liquids used in vapour
products, has yet to emerge.
The continuously changing and evolving landscape of regulation concerning the Group’s products contributes to the uncertainty surrounding
interpretation and application and creates a risk that the Group may misinterpret or fail to comply with developing regulations in the various
jurisdictions in which it operates, or becomes subject to enforcement actions from regulators. With the continuous changing of product cycle
plans and expansion to new markets and innovations, there is a risk that such changes and launches fail to comply with the relevant regulations,
including pre-approval and/or pre-registration requirements. For example, some governments have intentionally banned or are seeking to ban
novel tobacco products and products containing nicotine, while others would need to amend their existing legislation to permit their sale.
Even in countries where the sale of such products is currently permitted, some governments have adopted, or are seeking to adopt, bans on
New Categories or restrictions on certain flavours.
Impact
The significant number of emerging regulations and the uncertainty surrounding their interpretation and application may subject the Group to
claims for breach of such regulations. Financial costs of such enforcement actions include financial penalties, product recalls and litigation costs,
and entail a significant risk of adverse publicity and damage to the Group’s reputation and goodwill.

280 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risk: Failure to uphold high standards of corporate behaviour, including under anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
Description
The Group is subject to various anti-corruption laws and regulations (Anti-Corruption Laws). All employees of BAT, its subsidiaries and joint
ventures which it controls are expected to uphold a high standard of corporate behaviour and comply with the Group Standards of Business
Conduct (SoBC) which includes a requirement to comply with Anti-Corruption Laws. Employees, associates, suppliers, distributors and agents
are prohibited from engaging in improper conduct to obtain or retain business or to improperly influence (directly or indirectly) a person
working in an official capacity to decide in the Group’s favour. The Group’s employees may fail to comply with our SoBC and may violate
applicable Anti-Corruption Laws.
For example, the Group is investigating, through external legal advisers, allegations of misconduct and is liaising with the UK Serious Fraud
Office (SFO) and other relevant authorities. It was announced in August 2017 that the SFO had opened an investigation in relation to the
Company, its subsidiaries and associated persons. The Group continues to cooperate with the SFO’s investigation and a sub-Committee of
the Board has oversight of these matters. The outcomes will be decided by the relevant authorities or, if necessary, the courts. It is too early
to predict the outcomes, but these could include the prosecution of individuals and/or of a Group company or companies. Accordingly, the
potential for fines, penalties or other consequences cannot currently be assessed but may be material. As the investigation is ongoing, it is not
yet possible to identify the timescale in which these matters might be resolved.
Impact
Failure of the Group to comply with Anti-Corruption Laws or to deploy and maintain robust internal policies, procedures and controls could
result in significant fines and penalties, criminal sanctions against the Group and its officers and employees, increased costs, prohibitions
or other limitations on the conduct of the Group’s business and reputational harm and may subject the Group to claims for breach of
such regulations.
Even when proven untrue, there are often financial costs, time demands and reputational impacts associated with investigating and defending
against such claims.

Risk: Imposition of sanctions under sanctions regimes or similar international, regional or national measures.
Description
National and international sanctions regimes or similar international, regional or national measures may affect jurisdictions in which the Group
operates or third parties with which it may have commercial relationships.
In particular, the Group has operations in a number of countries that are subject to various sanctions, including Iran and Cuba. Operations in
these countries expose the Group to the risk of significant financial costs and disruption in operations that may be difficult or impossible to
predict or avoid or the activities could become commercially and/or operationally unviable.
National and international sanctions regimes may also affect third parties with which the Group has commercial relationships and could lead to
supply and payment chain disruptions.
For example, the Group has been investigating, and is aware of governmental authorities’ investigations into, allegations of misconduct.
It has been liaising with the DOJ and OFAC in the United States, which are conducting an investigation into suspicions of breach of sanctions.
The Group is cooperating with the authorities’ investigations. The potential for fines, penalties or other consequences cannot currently be
assessed but may be material. As the investigations are ongoing, it is not yet possible to identify the timescale in which these matters might
be resolved.
Impact
As a result of the limitations imposed by sanctions, it may become commercially and/or operationally unviable for the Group to operate in
certain jurisdictions and the Group may be required to exit existing operations in such jurisdictions. The Group may also experience difficulty in
sourcing materials or importing products and be exposed to increased costs. In addition, the costs of complying with sanctions may increase as
a result of changes to existing sanctions regimes.
Any failure to comply with sanctions regimes or similar international, regional or national measures may result in significant legal liability, fines
and/or penalties, criminal sanctions against the Group, its officers and employees, damage to commercial relationships and reputational harm.
Reputational harm may result regardless of whether the Group complies with imposed sanctions.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 281


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Economic and financial risks


Risk: Foreign exchange rate exposures.
Description
The Group’s reporting currency is the pound sterling. The Group is exposed to the risk of fluctuations in exchange rates affecting the
translation of net assets and earned profits of overseas subsidiaries into the Group’s reporting currency. These translational exposures are not
normally hedged.
Exposures also arise from the foreign currency denominated trading transactions undertaken by subsidiaries and dividend flows. Where not
offset by opposing flows, these exposures are generally hedged according to internal policies, but hedging of exposure to certain currencies
might not be possible due to exchange controls, limited currency availability or prohibitive costs, and errors in hedging may occur. Fiscal policy
divergence in relation to interest rates between key markets may also increase these risks.
Impact
During periods of exchange rate volatility, the impact of exchange rates on the Group’s results of operations and financial condition can be
significant. Fluctuations in exchange rates of key currencies against the pound sterling may result in volatility in the Group’s reported earnings
per share, cash flow and balance sheet. Furthermore, the dividend paid by the Group may be impacted if the payout ratio is not adjusted.
Differences in translation between earnings and net debt may also affect key ratios used by credit rating agencies, which may have an adverse
effect on the Group’s credit ratings.
In addition, volatility and/or increased costs in the Group’s business due to transactional foreign exchange rate exposures may adversely affect
operating margins and profitability and attempts to increase prices to offset such increases could adversely impact sales volumes.

Risk: Inability to obtain price increases and exposure to risks from excessive price increases and value
chain erosion.
Description
Annual manufacturers’ price increases are among the key drivers in increasing market profitability. However, the Group has in the past been,
and may in the future be, unable to obtain such price increases as a result of increased regulation; increased competition from illicit trade;
stretched consumer affordability arising from deteriorating political and economic conditions and rising prices; sharp increases or changes in
excise structures; and competitors’ pricing.
As the New Category market continues to develop, the Group may face erosion in the value chain for New Categories through lower market
prices, excise taxes, high retail trade margins or high production costs that make New Categories less competitive versus combustible
tobacco products.
In addition, the Group faces the risk that price increases it has conducted in the past, and may conduct in the future, may be excessive and not
find adequate adult tobacco consumer acceptance.
Impact
If the Group is unable to obtain price increases or is adversely affected by impacts of excessive price increases, it may be unable to achieve its
strategic growth metrics, have fewer funds to invest in growth opportunities, and, in the case of excessive price increases, be faced with quicker
reductions in sales volumes than anticipated due to accelerated market decline, down-trading (switching to a cheaper brand) and increased
illicit trade. These in turn impact the Group’s market share, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, erosion in the value chain for New Categories could have a negative impact on the Group’s sales volume or pricing for these
products. High excise could dampen demand for New Categories or result in lower profit margins. Lower market prices, high retail trade
margins or increases in production costs could also negatively impact profit margins or lead to uncompetitive pricing.

282 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risk: Effects of declining consumption of legitimate tobacco products and a tough competitive environment.
Description
Evidence of market contraction and the growth of illicit trade of tobacco products is apparent in several key global markets in which the Group
operates. This decline is due to multiple factors, including increases in excise taxes leading to continued above-inflation price rises, changes
in the regulatory environment, the continuing difficult economic environment in many countries impacting consumers’ disposable incomes,
the increase in the trade of illicit tobacco products, health concerns, a decline in the social acceptability of smoking and an increase in New
Category uptake.
The Group competes on the basis of product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, taste, innovation, packaging, service, marketing,
advertising and price. The Group is subject to highly competitive conditions in all aspects of its business. The competitive environment and the
Group’s competitive position can be significantly influenced by the prevailing economic climate, consumers’ disposable income, regulation,
competitors’ introduction of lower-price or innovative products, higher tobacco product taxes, higher absolute prices, governmental action to
increase minimum wages, employment costs, interest rates and increase in raw material costs.
Furthermore, the Group is subject to substantial payment obligations under the State Settlement Agreements, which adversely affect the ability
of the Group to compete in the US with manufacturers of deep-discount cigarettes that are not subject to such substantial obligations.
Impact
Any future decline in the demand for legitimate tobacco products could have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations and
financial conditions.
In a tough competitive environment, factors such as market size reduction, customer down-trading, illicit trade and competitors aggressively
taking market share through price re-positioning or price wars generally reduce the overall profit pool of the market and may impact the
Group’s profits. These risks may also lead to a decline in sales volume of the Group, loss of market share, erosion of its portfolio mix and
reduction of funds available to it for investment in growth opportunities.

Risk: Funding, liquidity and interest rate risks.


Description
The Group cannot be certain that it will have access to bank financing or to the debt and equity capital markets at all times and is therefore
subject to funding and liquidity risks. In addition, the Group’s access to funding may be affected by restrictive covenants to which it is subject
under some of its credit facilities. Furthermore, broader ESG trends may impact the Group’s access to funding.
The Group is also exposed to increases in interest rates in connection with both existing floating rate debt and future debt refinancings.
The current economic environment, with historically low interest rates, increases the likelihood of higher interest rates in the future.
The phaseout of LIBOR and uncertainty regarding the appropriate benchmark replacement similarly increases uncertainty with respect to the
interest rates applicable to the Group’s floating rate debt.
Furthermore, the Group operates in several markets closely regulated by governmental bodies that intervene in foreign exchange markets by
imposing limitations on the ability to transfer local currency into foreign currency and introducing other currency controls that expose cash
balances to devaluation risks or that increase costs to obtain hard currency. As a result, the Group’s operational entities in these markets may be
restricted from using end-market cash resources to pay for imported goods, dividend remittances, interest payments and royalties. The inability
to access end-market cash resources in certain markets contributes to the Group’s funding and liquidity risks.
Impact
Adverse developments in the Group’s funding, liquidity and interest rate environment may lead to shortages of cash and cash equivalents
needed to operate the Group’s business and to refinance its existing debt. Inability to fund the business under the Group’s current capital
structure, failure to access funding and foreign exchange or increases in interest rates may also have an adverse effect on the Group’s credit
rating, which would in turn result in further increased funding costs and may require the Group to issue equity or seek new sources of capital.
Non-compliance with the Group’s covenants under certain credit facilities could lead to an acceleration of its debt. The phaseout of LIBOR may
result in the Group being subject to higher or uncertain interest rates with respect to outstanding future and floating rate debt.
All these factors may have material adverse effects on the Group’s results of operations and financial conditions. These conditions could also lead
to underperforming bond prices and increased yields.
In the case of funding or liquidity constraints, the Group may also suffer reputational damage due to its perceived failure to manage the
financial risk profile of its business, which may result in an erosion of shareholder value reflected in an underperforming share price, and/or
underperforming bond prices and higher yields. In addition, the Group’s ability to finance strategic opportunities or respond to threats may
be impacted by limited access to funds.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 283


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Economic and financial risks continued


Risk: Failure to achieve growth through mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Description
The Group’s growth strategy includes a combination of organic growth as well as mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. The Group may be
unable to acquire attractive businesses on favourable terms and may inappropriately value or otherwise fail to identify or capitalise on growth
opportunities. The Group may not be able to deliver strategic objectives and revenue improvements from business combinations, successfully
integrate businesses it acquires or establishes, or obtain appropriate regulatory approvals for business combinations. Risks from integration of
businesses also include the risk that the integration may divert the Group’s focus and resources from its other strategic goals.
Additionally, the Group could be exposed to financial, legal or reputational risks if it fails to appropriately consider any compliance or antitrust
aspects of a transaction. Further, the Group has certain uncapped indemnification obligations in connection with divestitures and could incur
similar obligations in the future.
Impact
Any of the foregoing risks could result in increased costs, decreased revenues or a loss of opportunities and have an adverse effect on
the Group’s results of operations and financial condition, and in the case of a breach of compliance or antitrust regulation, could lead to
reputational damage, fines and potentially criminal sanctions.
The Group may become liable for claims arising in respect of conduct prior to any merger or acquisition of businesses if deemed to be a
successor to the liabilities of the acquired company or indemnification claims relating to divestitures, and any resulting adverse judgment
against the Group may adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
Please refer to note 27 in the Notes on the Accounts for details of contingent liabilities applicable to the Group.

Risk: Unforeseen underperformance in key global markets.


Description
A substantial majority of the Group’s profit from operations is based on its operations in certain key markets, including the US. A number of
these markets are declining for a variety of factors, including price increases, restrictions on advertising and promotions, smoking prevention
campaigns, increased pressure from anti-tobacco groups, migration to smokeless products and private businesses adopting policies that prohibit
or restrict, or are intended to discourage, smoking and tobacco use.
Economic and political factors affecting the Group’s key markets include the prevailing economic climate, governmental austerity measures,
levels of employment, inflation, governmental action to increase minimum wages, employment costs, interest rates, raw material costs,
consumer confidence and consumer pricing.
Impact
Any change to the economic and political factors in any of the key markets in which the Group operates could affect consumer behaviour and
have an impact on the Group’s results of operations and financial condition.

Risk: Increases in net liabilities under the Group’s retirement benefit schemes.
Description
The Group currently maintains and contributes to defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans that cover various
categories of employees and retirees worldwide. The Group’s obligations to make contributions under these arrangements may increase in the
case of increases in pension liabilities, decreases in asset returns, salary increases, inflation, decreases in long-term interest rates, increases in life
expectancies, changes in population trends and other actuarial assumptions.
Please refer to the information under the caption ‘Retirement benefit schemes’ on page 158 and to note 11 in the Notes on the Accounts for
details of the Group’s retirement benefit schemes.
Impact
Higher contributions to the Group’s retirement benefit schemes could have an adverse impact on the Group’s results of operations, financial
condition and ability to raise funds.

284 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Risk: Adverse consequences of the UK’s exit from the EU.


Description
The consequences of the UK’s exit from the EU are uncertain, but could include reductions in the size of the UK market, down-trading as a
result of affordability pressure/weakening economy in the UK, an increased cost of doing business in the UK, higher cost of capital in the UK and
both transactional and translational foreign exchange impacts, disruption to supply of materials due to changed customs procedures or duties,
increased complexity and scrutiny on tax-related activities, or other changes to UK law. In addition, the UK’s exit from the EU may impose
restrictions on employment and cross-border movements.
Impact
Any of the consequences of the UK’s exit from the EU may have a negative effect on the Group’s results of operations and financial conditions.
In addition, any restrictions on employment and cross-border movements may result in additional employment and hiring costs and reduce the
Group’s ability to attract and retain highly talented individuals from the EU in the UK.

Product pipeline, commercialisation and Intellectual Property risks


Risk: Inability to predict consumers’ changing behaviours and launch innovative products that offer adult tobacco
and nicotine consumers meaningful value-added differentiation.
Description
The Group focuses its research and development activities on both creating new products, including New Category product, and maintaining
and improving the quality of its existing products. In a competitive market, the Group believes that innovation is key to growth. The Group
considers that one of its key challenges in the medium and long term is to provide adult tobacco and nicotine consumers with high-quality
products that take into account their changing preferences and expectations, including those in relation to ESG, while complying with
evolving regulation.
The Group is in the early stages of development and roll-out of its New Category portfolio which requires significant initial investment.
The Group may be unsuccessful in developing and launching innovative products or maintaining and improving the quality of existing products
across both combustibles and New Categories that offer consumers meaningful value-added differentiation. The Group may fail to keep
pace with innovation in its sector or changes in consumer expectations and is also exposed to the risk of an inability to build a strong enough
brand equity through social media and other technological tools to compete with its competitors. There are potential bans and restrictions in
key markets when using social media to advertise and communicate. Competitors may be more successful in predicting changing consumer
behaviour, developing and rolling out consumer-relevant products and may be able to do so more quickly and at a lower cost.
In addition, the Group devotes considerable resources to the research and development of innovative products, in particular in New Categories
that may have the potential to reduce the risks of smoking-related diseases. The complex nature of research and development programmes
necessary to satisfy emerging regulatory and scientific requirements creates a substantial risk that these programmes will fail to demonstrate
health-related claims regarding New Categories or to achieve adult tobacco consumer, regulatory and scientific acceptance.
Furthermore, the regulatory environment impacting non-combustible tobacco products, vapour products and other non-tobacco nicotine
products, including classification of products for regulatory and excise purposes, is still developing and it cannot be predicted whether
regulations will permit the marketing of such New Categories in any given market in the future. Categorisation as medicines, for example,
and restrictions on advertising could stifle innovation, increase complexity and costs and significantly undermine the commercial viability of
these products. Alternatively, categorisation of any New Categories, as tobacco products for instance, could result in the application of onerous
regulation, which could further stifle uptake.
Impact
The inability to timely develop and roll out innovations or products in line with consumer demand, including any failure to predict changes in
adult tobacco consumer and societal behaviour and expectations and to fill gaps in the product portfolio, as well as the risk of poor product
quality, could lead to missed opportunities, under- or over-supply, loss of competitive advantage, unrecoverable costs and/or the erosion of the
Group’s consumer base or brand equity.
Restrictions on packaging and labelling or on promotion and advertising could impact the Group’s ability to communicate its innovations
and product differences to adult tobacco consumers, leading to unsuccessful product launches. An inability to provide robust scientific results
sufficient to substantiate health-related product claims poses a significant threat to the ability to launch innovative products and comply with
emerging regulatory and legal regimes.
The occurrence of any of the above effects could in turn have an adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations and financial condition and
cause the Group to fail to deliver on its strategic growth plans.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 285


Additional Disclosures

GROUP RISK FACTORS


CONTINUED

Risk: Exposure to risks associated with intellectual property rights, including the failure to identify, protect and
prevent infringement of the Group’s intellectual property rights and potential infringement of, or the failure to retain
licences to use, third-party intellectual property rights.
Description
The Group relies on trademarks, patents, registered designs, copyrights and trade secrets. The brand names under which the Group’s products
are sold are key assets of its business. The protection and maintenance of the reputation of these brands is important to the Group’s success.
Protection of intellectual property rights is also important in connection with the Group’s innovative products, including New Categories.
The Group is exposed to the risk of infringements of its intellectual property rights by third parties due to limitations in judicial protection, failure to
identify, protect and register its innovations and/or inadequate enforceability of these rights in some markets in which the Group operates.
Some brands and trademarks under which the Group’s products are sold are licensed for a fixed period of time in certain markets. If any of
these licences are terminated or not renewed after the end of the applicable term, the Group would no longer have the right to use, and to sell
products under, those brand(s) and trademark(s).
In addition, as third-party rights are not always identifiable, the Group may be subject to claims for infringement of third-party intellectual property rights.
Impact
Any erosion in the value of the Group’s brands, or failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of intellectual property rights for any reason,
or the loss of brands or trademarks under licence to Group companies, may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s market share, results
of operations and financial condition. Any inability to appropriately protect the Group’s products and key innovations will also limit its growth
and affect competitiveness and return on innovation investment.
Any infringement of third-party intellectual property rights could result in interim injunctions, product recalls, legal liability and the payment of
damages, any of which may disrupt operations, negatively impact the Group’s reputation and have an adverse effect on its results of operations
and financial condition.

286 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

REGULATION OF
THE GROUP’S BUSINESS

Overview
The Group’s businesses operate under increasingly stringent regulatory regimes worldwide. The tobacco industry is one of the most highly-
regulated in the world, with manufacturers required to comply with a variety of different regulatory regimes across the globe. The Group
continues to respond to these regimes and engages with governments and other regulatory bodies to find solutions to changing regulatory
landscapes. Restrictions on the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products are in place in nearly all countries and markets.
Regulation can typically be categorised as follows:
– Place: including regulations restricting smoking in private, public and work places (e.g. public place smoking bans);
– Product: including: regulations on the use of ingredients, product design and attributes (e.g. ceilings regarding tar, nicotine and carbon
monoxide yields, as well as restrictions on flavours); product safety regulations (e.g. General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC), electrical
safety regulations and reduced cigarette ignition propensity standards); and regulatory product disclosure requirements (e.g. in relation to
ingredients and emissions);
– Packaging and labelling: including regulations on health warnings and other government-mandated messages (e.g. in respect of content,
positioning, size and rotation); restrictions on the use of certain descriptors and brand names; requirements on pack shape, size, weight and
colour and mandatory plain packaging;
– Sponsorship, promotion and advertising: including partial or total bans on tobacco advertising, marketing, promotions and sponsorship
and restrictions on brand sharing and stretching (the latter refers to the creation of an association between a tobacco product and a non-
tobacco product by the use of tobacco branding on the non-tobacco product);
– Purchase: including regulations on the manner in which tobacco products are sold, such as type of outlet (e.g. supermarkets and vending
machines) and how they are sold (e.g. above-the-counter versus beneath-the-counter); and
– Price: including regulations which have implications for the prices that manufacturers can charge for their tobacco products (e.g. excise taxes
and minimum prices).
In addition, the Group operates a number of global policies, and in some cases its businesses have also entered into voluntary agreements, which
may impose more onerous obligations or standards than those imposed by local legislation.

World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control


Much of the recent development in regulation at a global level has been driven by the World Health Organization Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC came into force in 2005 and contains provisions aimed at, among other things, reducing tobacco
consumption and toxicity. The original treaty is supplemented by protocols and guidelines. While these guidelines are not legally binding, they
provide a framework of recommendations for parties to the guidelines.
To date, the FCTC has been ratified by 181 countries, not including the US. The FCTC has led to increased efforts by tobacco-control advocates
and public health organisations to reduce the supply of, and demand, for tobacco products, and to encourage governments to further regulate
the tobacco industry. As national regulations increasingly reflect global influences, the scope of areas regulated will likely further expand.
The guidelines on advertising, promotion and sponsorship, for example, seek to broaden the definition of tobacco advertising to include product
display, the use of vending machines as well as the design of the pack itself. Where adopted by contracting parties, a number of the measures
referred to in the guidelines may result in either additional costs for the tobacco industry or restrictions on a manufacturer’s ability to differentiate
its products and communicate those differences to adult smokers. For example, a change in the number and size of on-pack health warnings
requires new printing cylinders to be commissioned, while the implementation of new plant protection product standards, product testing and
the submission of ingredients information to national governments require extensive resources, time and material.

EU Tobacco and Related Products Directive (2014/40/EU)


Other developments in regulation have been driven by tobacco control activities undertaken outside the FCTC process. For example, the EU
Tobacco Products Directive (2001/37/EC), referred to as TPD1, was adopted by the EU in May 2001 for transposition into EU member states’ laws
by September 2002. TPD1 included provisions that set maximum tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields, introduced larger health warnings
and banned descriptors such as ‘light’ and ‘mild’.
A revised TPD1, the EU Tobacco and Related Products Directive (2014/40/EU), referred to as the TPD2, was adopted in April 2014 for
transposition into EU member states’ law by May 2016. Provisions of the TPD2 include: larger combined pictorial and textual health warnings
covering 65% of the two main pack surfaces (front and back) for cigarettes; restrictions on pack shape and size, including minimum pack
sizes of 20 sticks for cigarettes and 30g for roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco; increased ingredients reporting; ‘tracking and tracing’
requirements; and for e-cigarettes: nicotine limits, pre-market notification, ingredients reporting and advertising bans. Among other things, the
TPD2 bans the sale of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco with a characterising flavour. Menthol-flavoured cigarettes are exempt from the ban
until May 2020. (See ‘The US’ for information pertaining to the regulation of menthol in that market.)
The TPD2 also purports to leave open to EU member states the possibility of further standardising the packaging of tobacco products and to
apply its provisions in different ways. For example, it provides, among other things, that the labelling, packaging and the tobacco product itself
shall not include any element or feature that suggests that a particular tobacco product has vitalising, energetic, healing, rejuvenating, natural
or organic properties or has other health or lifestyle benefits. On 1 February 2017, the French government applied its laws transposing these
provisions into French national law to prohibit the sale of all variants of Vogue cigarettes from February 2018, as well as the use of certain other
tobacco brand and brand variant names. The law was subsequently annulled, but France may seek to reintroduce it. On 26 April 2019, Belgium
adopted a Royal Decree that allows the Minister of Health to establish a procedure to put brands on a prohibited list and to draw up such a list.
To date, such a procedure has not yet been established by the Belgian Minister of Health.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 287


Additional Disclosures

REGULATION OF THE GROUP’S BUSINESS


CONTINUED

Single-use plastics
The Single Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904 (the SUP Directive) entered into force on 02 July 2019. The Directive requires that EU
Member States introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes covering the cost to clean up litter and the application of on-pack
marking requirements for tobacco product filters. Member States must transpose the SUP Directive into national law by 3 July 2021, with an
implementation deadline of 5 January 2023.
Other governments have passed or are considering similar legislation including Russia, South Korea and various levels of government in the
United States.

Restrictions on smoking in private, public and work places


The Group operates in a number of markets which have in place restrictions on smoking in certain private, public and work places, including
restaurants, bars and nightclubs. While these restrictions vary in scope and severity, extensive public and work place smoking bans have been
enacted in markets including the US, Canada, the UK, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. Restrictions on smoking in private have also been
adopted or proposed, and typically take the form of prohibitions on smoking in cars or residential homes when children are present, or smoking
within a certain distance from specified public places (such as primary schools).

Regulation of ingredients, including flavoured tobacco products


A number of countries have restricted and others are seeking to restrict or ban the use of certain flavours or ingredients in cigarettes and other
tobacco products, on the basis that such products are alleged to appeal disproportionally to minors, act as a catalyst for young people taking up
smoking and/or increase the addictiveness or toxicity of the relevant product.
In Canada, the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, little cigars and blunt wraps with characterising flavours are banned, and a federal menthol
ban for cigarettes is in effect across the country. In Australia, the majority of the states have banned flavours in cigarettes that give an ‘overtly’
fruit-flavoured taste and the government is reportedly considering further regulatory options. The TPD2 similarly bans the manufacture and
sale of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco with a characterising flavour other than tobacco, subject to an exemption until May 2020 for
menthol cigarettes.
An ingredients ban in Brazil, which would ban the use of certain ingredients with flavouring or aromatic properties, including menthol, is not currently in
force due to ongoing legal challenges. In Turkey, a ban on the use of menthol in cigarettes has been fully implemented as of 5 January 2020. A number
of the above regulations are subject to ongoing legal challenges. (See ‘The US’ for information pertaining to the regulation of menthol in that market).
Further legislation on ingredients is to be expected. In particular, the EU Commission is required to prepare a report by no later than 20 May
2021 in respect of, among other things, the benefits of establishing a single list of permitted ingredients at the EU level by reference to available
scientific evidence on the toxic and addictive effects of different ingredients. Similarly, the Conference of Parties to the FCTC has tasked a working
group to further elaborate the partial guidelines on the regulation of the contents of tobacco products and tobacco product disclosures.

Plain and standardised packaging


Plain (or ‘standardised’) packaging generally refers to a ban on the use of trademarks, logos and colours on packaging other than the use of a
single colour and the presentation of brand name and variant in a specified font and location(s). The presentation of individual cigarettes may be
similarly restricted.
Plain packaging is high on the agenda of tobacco control groups, and the FCTC guidelines recommend that contracting parties consider
introducing plain packaging. To date, 19 countries (including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
Turkey, and the UK) have adopted plain packaging legislation, although in the majority of those countries the legislation has not yet been
fully implemented. Countries, territories and states that are currently considering adopting plain packaging legislation include, but are not
limited to, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Others, such as South Korea, are considering implementing large graphic
health warnings.

Product display bans at point of sale and licensing regimes


Product display bans at point of sale and licensing regimes have been in place in a number of countries for several years and have been
implemented both at national and state levels. Ireland was the first EU member state to introduce a point-of-sale display ban, which became
effective in July 2009, with Norway, Iceland, Finland, New Zealand, Thailand, Canada, Australia, the UK and a number of other countries
implementing or passing similar legislation banning tobacco displays. A number of countries, such as Hungary, have also sought to restrict the
supply of tobacco products, including through the adoption of licensing regimes limiting the number of retail outlets from which it is possible to
purchase tobacco products and/or by prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within a certain distance of specified public places.

Illicit trade
The illegal market for tobacco products is an increasingly important issue for governments and the industry across the world.
Euromonitor International estimates that approximately 456 billion cigarettes per year are smuggled, manufactured illegally or counterfeited.
A number of governments, regulators and organisations have or are considering adopting regulation to support anti-illicit trade activities.
Among other forms, such regulation may comprise mandatory ‘tracking and tracing’ requirements, enabling regulators to identify the point at
which any seized product left the legal supply chain, security features to combat counterfeiting and inspection and authentication obligations in
respect of seized product. The TPD2, for example, requires that all unit packets of tobacco are marked with a unique and irremovable identifier,
which when scanned provides various information about that product’s route to market.
In November 2012, the FCTC adopted the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products which includes a raft of supply chain control
measures, including the implementation of ‘tracking and tracing’ technologies. The Protocol entered into force on 25 September 2018 and
was considered at the first session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol in October 2018. As at 1 January 2020, 58 parties have ratified
the Protocol.

288 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Vapour products
More recently, significant debate has been generated regarding the appropriate regulation of vapour products, including regulation of the
nicotine liquids used in them. As the nascent vapour category has grown in size and complexity in a relatively short period of time, a consensus
framework for regulation and taxation has yet to emerge. The TPD2, for example, establishes frameworks for the regulation of novel tobacco
products and e-cigarettes, introducing nicotine limits, health warnings requirements, advertising bans and pre-market notification and post-
market disclosure obligations. Conversely, some governments have intentionally banned or are seeking to ban novel tobacco products and
products containing nicotine, while others would need to amend their existing legislation in order to permit their sale. For example, in Australia
nicotine is classified as poison, meaning that the importation of vaping products or nicotine refill liquids is illegal in every state and territory, as is
the possession and use of these products. Even in countries where the sale of vapour products is permitted, some governments have adopted,
or are seeking to adopt, bans on vaping in public places. Recent reports in North America of individuals experiencing acute respiratory injury in
suspected association with vaping certain e-liquids (EVALI) and youth usage have led to an increase in scrutiny of vapour products, especially at
State and Provincial levels in the United States and Canada.

The US
Through the RAI subsidiaries, the Group is subject to US federal, state and local laws and regulations. In 2009, President Obama signed into law
the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), which grants the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) broad authority over
the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products but at the outset limited the agency’s authority to cigarettes, smokeless
tobacco products, cigarette tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco products. Key elements of the FSPTCA include: filing of facility registrations,
product listing, constituent testing and ingredient information; obtaining FDA clearance for all new products or product modifications; banning
all characterising flavours other than tobacco or menthol in cigarettes; establishing ‘user fees’ to fund the FDA’s regulation of tobacco products;
increasing the health warning size on cigarette packs with the option to introduce pictorial health warnings; implementing good manufacturing
practices; revising the labelling and advertising requirements for smokeless tobacco products; and requiring the study of menthol. The US
Congress did limit the FDA’s authority in two areas, prohibiting it from:
– banning categories of tobacco products; and
– requiring the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero.
On 10 May 2016, the FDA issued a final regulation, referred to as the Deeming Rule, deeming all remaining products that meet the FSPTCA’s
definition of ‘tobacco product’ to be subject to the FDA’s regulatory authority under the FSPTCA. The Final Rule became effective as of 8 August
2016, though each requirement of the Final Rule has its own compliance date. Such newly ‘deemed’ tobacco products subject to the FSPTCA
include, among others, electronic nicotine delivery systems (including e-cigarettes, e-hookah, e-cigars, vape pens, advanced refillable personal
vapourisers, electronic pipes and e-liquids mixed in vape shops), certain dissolvable tobacco products, cigars and pipe tobacco.
The ‘grandfather’ date under the Final Rule for newly deemed products remains the same as the ‘grandfather’ date for those tobacco products
already subject to the FSPTCA – 15 February 2007. Any tobacco product that was not legally marketed as of 15 February 2007 will be considered
a new tobacco product subject to pre-market review by the FDA. The FDA has recognised that few, if any, e-cigarettes were on the market as of
15 February 2007, but thousands of such products (including R.J. Reynolds Vapor’s Vuse Digital Vapor Cigarette) subsequently have entered into
commerce. To address this issue, the FDA established a compliance policy regarding the pre-market review requirements for all newly deemed
tobacco products that are not grandfathered products, but were on the market as of 8 August 2016. The FDA will allow such products to remain
on the market so long as the manufacturer has filed the appropriate Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA) by a specific deadline.
The Final Rule established staggered initial compliance periods based on the expected complexity of the applications to be submitted. On 28 July
2017, as part of the FDA’s announcement of a comprehensive regulatory plan for nicotine and tobacco, the FDA extended the deadline for
submission of PMTAs for newly deemed products by several years (for e-cigarettes, the new deadline was August 2022). However, as a result of
legal action, in July 2019 a federal court ultimately brought forward the filing deadline for non-combustible products to 12 May 2020. This court
decision has been appealed and is currently under judicial review. In October 2019, R.J. Reynolds Vapor filed PMTAs for Vuse Solo and intends
to file PMTAs for Vuse Vibe, Ciro, and Alto, as well as Revel and Velo, by May 2020. In the case of the later three PMTAs, certain data from
ongoing tests will not be included, but will be submitted during the FDA review process. Based on the FDA’s draft guidance setting forth the
type of evidence that must be included within a pre-market review application, R.J. Reynolds Vapor expects the costs of preparing a PMTA to
be significant.
In January 2020, the FDA reinforced the filing deadline of 12 May 2020 in its Guidance related to vapor, but reversed its previous compliance
policy that allowed products to remain on the market without a PMTA and to enforce (as of February 2020) the PMTA requirements on certain
products as follows: 1) Flavoured, cartridge-based vapor products except for tobacco- or menthol-flavoured products; 2) All other vapor products
for which the manufacturer has failed to take (or is failing to take) adequate measures to prevent minors’ access; 3) Any vapor products that
targets or whose marketing is likely to promote use by minors; and 4) Any vapor product that is offered for sale in the United States after 12 May
2020, and for which the manufacturer has not submitted a premarket application. Flavoured disposable vapor products and flavoured open
systems would remain available for sale unless 1) the manufacture has failed to take adequate measures to prevent minors’ access, 2) product that
targets or whose marketing is likely to promote use by minors, or 3) fails to file PMTA by 12 May 2020.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 289


Additional Disclosures

REGULATION OF THE GROUP’S BUSINESS


CONTINUED

Comprehensive plan for tobacco and nicotine regulation


On 28 July 2017, the FDA announced its intent to develop a comprehensive plan for tobacco and nicotine regulation that recognises the
continuum of risk for nicotine delivery. As part of that plan, the FDA planned to publish an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to
seek public input regarding the potential health benefits and possible adverse effects of lowering the level of nicotine in combustible cigarettes.
The ANPRM would request comments from interested stakeholders regarding the potential impact of a nicotine product standard on, among
other things:
– the likelihood that existing users of tobacco products will stop using cigarettes;
– the likelihood that those who do not use tobacco products will start using such products; and
– the illicit trade of cigarettes containing nicotine at levels higher than a non-addictive nicotine threshold.
In addition, the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), which was established within the FDA in 2009, will coordinate with the FDA Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research regarding medicinal nicotine and other therapeutic products as part of an agency-wide nicotine framework. As part
of the comprehensive plan, the FDA also announced its intent to issue ANPRMs requesting public stakeholder input on the impact of flavours
(including menthol) in increased initiation among youth and young adults as well as assisting adult smokers to switch to potentially less harmful
forms of nicotine delivery, and the patterns of use and public health impact of premium cigars. This follows on from the FDA’s decision to issue its
own preliminary scientific evaluation regarding menthol cigarettes in 2013, which concluded that menthol cigarettes adversely affect initiation,
addiction and cessation compared to non-menthol cigarettes.
In 2018, the FDA took several steps to further this plan. Firstly, in January 2018, the FDA held a public hearing to obtain input from a broad group
of stakeholders on ways to streamline the regulatory process for the issuance of therapeutic claims for nicotine products. Secondly, in March
2018, the agency issued three ANPRMs, seeking information on (1) the lowering of nicotine levels to non-addictive or minimally addictive levels,
(2) the impact of flavours (including menthol) in increased initiation among youth and young adults as well as assisting adult smokers to switch to
potentially less harmful forms of nicotine delivery, and (3) the patterns of use and public health impact of premium cigars.
Additional regulation
In addition to the ANPRMs on reduced nicotine products and flavours, the FDA, in April 2019, issued a proposed rule on the format and content
of substantial equivalence applications. This follows on the FDA’s previous statements regarding the development of foundational rules so as to
provide clarity and predictability to the tobacco product submission process, including not only substantial equivalence applications but new
product applications as well as MRTP applications. To that end, FDA, in September 2019, published a proposed rule on the format and content of
Premarket Tobacco Product Applications.
Under the FSPTCA, for a manufacturer to launch a new tobacco product or modify an existing tobacco product after 22 March 2011, the
manufacturer must obtain an order from the CTP allowing the new or modified product to be marketed. Similarly, a manufacturer that
introduced a cigarette or smokeless tobacco product between 15 February 2007 and 22 March 2011 was required to file a substantial
equivalence report with the CTP demonstrating either (1) that the new or modified product had the same characteristics as a product
commercially available as at 15 February 2007, referred to as a predicate product, or (2) if the new or modified product had different
characteristics than the predicate product, that it did not raise different questions of public health. A product subject to such report is referred
to as a provisional product. A manufacturer may continue to market a provisional product unless and until the CTP issues an order that the
provisional product is not substantially equivalent (NSE), in which case the FDA could then require the manufacturer to remove the provisional
product from the market. Substantially, all RAI subsidiaries’ products currently on the market are provisional products. At present, there is
substantial uncertainty over the approaches that the FDA and CTP will take to determining RAI subsidiaries’ MRTP applications, PMTAs and
substantial equivalence reports.
In January 2017, the FDA issued its first proposed product standard just prior to President Trump’s inauguration whereby the agency would
require the reduction, over a three-year period, of the levels of N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) contained in smokeless tobacco products.
Since issuing this proposal, the agency has simply stated that it is evaluating submitted comments. It is not known whether or when this
proposed rule will be adopted, and, if adopted, whether the final rule will be the same as or similar to the proposed rule.
On 18 December 2017, the CTP accepted for review MRTP applications for six Camel Snus smokeless tobacco products. In 2018, the CTP began
its review of these applications which included facility inspections and a meeting on 13-14 September 2018 before the Tobacco Product Scientific
Advisory Committee for its review and recommendation. The FDA is completing its independent review of the applications with no announced
deadline for the agency to complete its review.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are subject to substantial taxes in the US. All states and the District of Columbia currently impose cigarette
excise taxes. Certain city and county governments, such as New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, also impose substantial excise taxes on cigarettes
sold in those jurisdictions. Also, all states and the District of Columbia currently subject smokeless tobacco products to excise taxes. Various states
and the District of Columbia impose a tax on vapour products, such as e-cigarettes, and many other states have proposed taxes on vapour
products. Currently, there is no federal tax on vapour products, such as e-cigarettes.
State and local governments also consider and implement other legislation and regulation regarding the sale of tobacco products.
Measures include, among others, limiting or prohibiting the sale of flavours in tobacco products, restricting where tobacco products may be sold
and increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco products.
The Group believes that, as a responsible business, it can contribute through information, ideas and practical steps, to help regulators address the
key issues regarding its products, including underage access, illicit trade, product information, product design, involuntary exposure to smoke
and the development of potentially less harmful products, while maintaining a competitive market that accommodates the significant percentage
of adults who choose to be tobacco consumers. The Group is committed to working with national governments and multilateral organisations
and welcomes opportunities to participate in good faith to achieve sensible and balanced regulation of traditional tobacco and potentially
reduced-risk products.

290 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO SECTION 219 OF THE


IRAN THREAT REDUCTION AND SYRIA HUMAN
RIGHTS ACT OF 2012 (ITRA)
Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 added Section 13(r) to the Exchange Act. Section 13(r) requires
an issuer to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports, as applicable, whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities,
transactions or dealings relating to Iran or with designated natural persons or entities sanctioned under programmes relating to terrorism or the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Disclosure is required even where the activities, transactions or dealings are conducted outside the
US by non-US affiliates in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under US law.

As of the date of this report, BAT is not aware of any activity, transaction or dealing by the Group or any of its affiliates during the financial year
ended 31 December 2019 that is disclosable under Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 and Section
13(r) of the Exchange Act, except as set forth below. This information is to the best of BAT’s knowledge.

BAT has a local operation in Iran, established on 18 October 2003, through its wholly-owned non-US subsidiary, B.A.T. Pars Company (Private
Joint Stock) (BAT Pars). BAT Pars produces its products, which include Kent, Pall Mall and Montana brands, in its own factory in Eshtehard, which
is in the Alborz province of Iran. BAT Pars distributes its product via 75 sub-agents with national and provincial distribution licences, who sell
products to wholesalers and retailers with the support of BAT Pars’ sales representatives. BAT Pars has 307 direct employees and an additional
1,159 contract workers supplied by a private company.

Concerning the business of BAT Pars, various elements such as income tax, payroll, social security, other taxes, excise, monopoly fees, duties and
other fees, including for utilities, licences and judicial fees to commence litigation, are payable to the Government of Iran and affiliated entities
regarding BAT Pars’ operation. BAT Pars maintains bank accounts in Iran with various banks to facilitate its operations in the country and to make
any required payments, as described above, to the Government of Iran and affiliated entities regarding its operations.

During the year ended 31 December 2019, BAT did not have any gross revenues or net profits derived from transactions with the Government of
Iran or affiliated entities.

BAT believes, and maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure, that its activities in Iran and elsewhere comply in all material aspects with
the applicable and relevant trade sanctions laws and regulations, including US and other international trade sanctions and/or embargoes. BAT’s
sanctions policies and procedures have been designed to be as robust as possible. However, there can be no absolute assurance that these policies
and procedures will be effective. Were they to be ineffective, penalties or sanctions could be imposed against BAT, which could be material.
To the extent permitted under applicable law, and as long as it continues to meet BAT’s risk management and operational requirements, BAT Pars’
activities in Iran are expected to continue.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 291


Additional Disclosures

MATERIAL
CONTRACTS
The Master Settlement Agreement & State Settlement Agreements
In 1998, the major US cigarette manufacturers (including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Lorillard and Brown & Williamson, businesses which
are now part of Reynolds American) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with attorneys general representing most US states
and territories. The MSA imposes a perpetual stream of future payment obligations on the major US cigarette manufacturers. The amounts of
money that the participating manufacturers are required to annually contribute are based upon, among other things, the volume of cigarettes
sold and market share (based on cigarette shipments in that year).
During 2012, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, various other tobacco manufacturers, 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
reached a final agreement related to Reynolds American’s 2003 MSA activities, and three more states joined the agreement in 2013. Under this
agreement, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has received credits of more than US$1 billion in respect of its Non-Participating Manufacturer
(NPM) Adjustment claims related to the period from 2003 to 2012. These credits have been applied against the company’s MSA payments
over a period of five years from 2013, subject to, and dependent upon, meeting the various ongoing performance obligations. During 2014,
two additional states agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2003 to 2012. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company received
US$170 million in credits, which have been applied over a five-year period from 2014. During 2015, another state agreed to settle NPM disputes
related to claims for the period 2004 to 2014. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company received US$285 million in credits, which have been applied over
a four-year period from 2016. During 2016, no additional states agreed to settle NPM disputes. During 2017, two more states agreed to settle
NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2004 to 2014. It is estimated that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company will receive US$61 million in
credits, which will be applied over a five-year period from 2017. During 2018, nine more states agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims
for the period 2004 to 2019, with an option through 2022, subject to certain conditions. It is estimated that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company will
receive US$182 million in credits for settled periods through 2017, which will be applied over a five-year period from 2018. Also in 2018, one
additional state agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2004 to 2024, subject to certain conditions. It is estimated that R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Company will receive US$205 million in credits for settled periods through 2017, which will be applied over a five-year period
from 2019. Credits in respect of future years’ payments and the NPM Adjustment claims would be accounted for in the applicable year and will
not be treated as adjusting items. Only credits in respect of prior year payments are included as adjusting items.
The BAT Group is subject to substantial payment obligations under the MSA and the state settlement agreements with the states of Mississippi,
Florida, Texas and Minnesota (such settlement agreements, collectively State Settlement Agreements). RAl’s operating subsidiaries’ expenses and
payments under the MSA and the State Settlement Agreements for 2019 amounted to US$2,762 million in respect of settlement expenses and
US$2,918 million in respect of settlement cash payments. RAl’s operating subsidiaries’ expenses and payments under the MSA and the State
Settlement Agreements for 2018 amounted to US$2,741 million in respect of settlement expenses and US$917 million in respect of settlement
cash payments.

292 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Change of control provisions as at 31 December 2019


Significant agreements
Nature of agreement Key provisions
The revolving credit facilities agreement effective 25 July 2017 and – should a borrower (other than the Company) cease to be a direct or
entered into between the Company, B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., indirect subsidiary of the Company, such borrower shall immediately
B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V., British American Tobacco Holdings repay any outstanding advances made to it; and
(The Netherlands) B.V. and B.A.T Capital Corporation (as borrowers
– where there is a change of control in respect of the Company,
and, in the case of the Company, as a guarantor) and HSBC Bank plc
the lenders can require all amounts outstanding under the Facility
(as agent) and certain financial institutions (as lenders), pursuant to
to be repaid.
which the lenders agreed to make available to the borrowers £6 billion
for general corporate purposes (the Facility).
Term loan facilities agreement dated 16 January 2017: B.A.T. – should a borrower cease to be a direct or indirect subsidiary of the
International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation Company, such borrower shall immediately repay any outstanding
(as borrowers), the Company, (as guarantor) and HSBC Bank plc (as advances made to it; and
agent) and certain financial institutions (as lenders) pursuant to which
– where there is a change of control in respect of the Company,
the lenders agreed to make available to the borrowers US$25 billion
the lenders can require all amounts outstanding under the term
for the acquisition of RAI. Facilities A and B have been repaid and
loan facilities to be repaid.
facilities C and D, totalling the sterling equivalent of US$5 billion,
are still outstanding.
Packaging Materials Agreement dated 8 April 2015, between Souza – that either party may terminate the agreement in the event of any
Cruz S.A. and Amcor Group GmbH for the production and supply direct or indirect acquisition of at least 25% of the voting shares of
of packaging for a value of R$1.5 billion. the supplier and/or its affiliates by directly or indirectly a competitor
of Souza Cruz S.A., importer or distributor.
On 25 July 2017, the Company acceded as a guarantor under the – with respect to each series of debt securities issued under the
indenture of its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary RAI. The securities indenture, upon a change of control event, combined with a credit
issued under the indenture include approximately US$11 billion ratings downgrade of the series to below investment-grade level (such
aggregate principal amount of unsecured RAI debt securities. downgrade occurring on any date from the date of the public notice
of an arrangement that could result in a change of control event until
the end of the 60-day period following public notice of the
occurrence of a change of control event), RAI is obligated to make an
offer to repurchase all debt securities from each holder of debt
securities. As a guarantor under the indenture, the Company
guarantees such payments.

LTIPs
The rules of the long-term incentive plans 2007 and 2016 (the LTIPs). – in the event of a change of control of the Company as a result of a
takeover, reconstruction or winding-up of the Company (not being an
internal reorganisation), LTIP awards will become exercisable for
a limited period based on the period of time that has elapsed since
the date of the award and the achievement of the performance
conditions at that date, unless the Remuneration Committee
determines this not to be appropriate in the circumstances; and
– the rules of the LTIPs allow (as an alternative to early release) that
participants may, if permitted, exchange their LTIP awards for new
awards of shares in the acquiring company on a comparable basis.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 293


Additional Disclosures

PROPERTY, PLANT
AND EQUIPMENT
The Group uses a combination of in-house and contract manufacturers to manufacture its products.
BAT-owned manufacturing facilities1
United States APME AmSSA ENA Total
Fully integrated cigarette manufacturing 2 16 15 12 45
Sites processing tobacco only 1 7 9 2 19
Site manufacturing other tobacco products, Snus, Modern Oral
and Liquids 3 – – 5 8
R&D facilities and Product Centres 1 1 3 2 7
Total 7 24 27 21 79

Note:
1. As of 31 December 2019.

The plants and properties owned or leased and operated by the Group’s subsidiaries are maintained in good condition and are believed to be
suitable and adequate for the Group’s present needs.
The technology employed in the Group’s factories is sophisticated, especially in the area of cigarette making and packing where throughputs can
reach between 500 and 1,000 packs per minute. The Group can produce many different pack formats (e.g., the number of cigarettes per packet)
and configurations (e.g., bevel edge, round corner, international) to suit marketing and consumer requirements. New technology machines are
sourced from the leading machinery suppliers to the industry. Close cooperation with these organisations helps the Group support its marketing
strategy by driving its product innovations, which are brought to the market on a regular basis.
The Group utilises quality standards, processes and procedures covering the entire end-to-end value chain to help to ensure quality products are
provided to its customers and adult tobacco consumers according to the Group’s requirements and end market regulatory requirements.
The Group has several improvement initiatives which it is currently managing. For example, the Group is continuing to realise the benefits of its
Integrated Work System Programme launched in 2014, which is centrally led with an aim to improve the performance of the Group’s factories
globally by focusing on manufacturing standards, continuous improvement, assessment and benchmarking, and organisational development.
The Group also utilises a survey process in the factories with an aim to improve factory productivity and reduce costs in the manufacturing
environment. This process, known as ‘Bulls Eye’, has been in existence for a number of years and highlights productivity opportunities
by benchmarking.
In 2019, the Group manufactured cigarettes in 45 cigarette factories in 43 countries. These plants and properties are owned or leased and
operated by the Group’s subsidiaries. The Group’s factory outputs and establishments vary significantly in size and production capacity.
In 2019, the Group used third-party manufacturers to manufacture the components required, including the devices, related to New Categories.
The Group also used third-party manufacturers to supplement the Group’s own production facilities in the US and Poland to bottle the liquids
used in the vapour products.
For more information on property, plant and equipment, see note 9 in the Notes on the Accounts.

294 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

US CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

Principles
In the US, ADSs of the Company are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The significant differences between the Company’s
corporate governance practices as a UK company and those required by NYSE listing standards for US companies are discussed below.
The Company has applied a robust set of board governance principles, which reflect the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 and its principles-
based approach to corporate governance. NYSE rules require US companies to adopt and disclose on their websites corporate governance
guidelines. The Company complies with UK requirements, including a statement in this report of how the Company has applied the principles of
the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 and that the Company has complied with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.

Independence
The Company’s Board governance principles require that all Non-Executive Directors be determined by the Board to be independent in character
and judgement and free from any business or other relationships that could interfere materially with, or appear to affect, their judgement.
The Board also has formal procedures for managing conflicts of interest. The Board has determined that, in its judgement, all of the Non-
Executive Directors are independent. In doing so, the Board has taken into consideration the independence requirements outlined in the NYSE’s
listing standards and considers these to be met by the Chairman and all of its Non-Executive Directors.

Committees
The Company has a number of Board Committees that are broadly comparable in purpose and composition to those required by NYSE rules
for domestic US companies. For instance, the Company has a Nominations (rather than nominating/corporate governance) Committee and
a Remuneration (rather than compensation) Committee. The Company also has an Audit Committee, which NYSE rules require for both US
companies and foreign private issuers.
These Committees are composed solely of Non-Executive Directors and, in the case of the Nominations Committee, the Chairman whom the
Board has determined to be independent in the manner described above.
Each Board Committee has its own terms of reference, which prescribe the composition, main tasks and requirements of each of the Committees
(see the Board Committee reports on pages 79, 83 and 111).
Under US securities law and the listing standards of the NYSE, the Company is required to have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements
of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Section 303A.06 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The Company’s Audit Committee complies
with these requirements. The Company’s Audit Committee does not have direct responsibility for the appointment, reappointment or removal of
the independent auditors. Instead, it follows the UK Companies Act 2006 by making recommendations to the Board on these matters for it to put
forward for shareholder approval at the AGM.
One of the NYSE’s additional requirements for the audit committee states that at least one member of the audit committee is to have ‘accounting
or related financial management expertise’. The Board has determined that Luc Jobin, Holly Keller Koeppel and Kieran Poynter possess such
expertise and also possess the financial and audit committee experiences set forth in both the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 and SEC
rules (see the Audit Committee report on page 83). Mr Jobin, Ms Keller Koeppel and Mr Poynter have also each been designated as an Audit
Committee financial expert as defined in Item 16.A. of Form 20-F. The Board has also determined that each Audit Committee member meets the
financial literacy requirements applicable under NYSE listing standards.

Shareholder approval of equity compensation plans


The NYSE rules for US companies require that shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity-compensation plans and material
revisions to those plans. The Company complies with UK requirements that are similar to the NYSE rules. The Board, however, does not explicitly
take into consideration the NYSE’s detailed definition of what are considered ‘material revisions’.

Codes of business conduct and ethics


The NYSE rules require US companies to adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for all directors, officers and employees
and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. The Group Standards of Business Conduct (SoBC) described
on pages 30 to 32 apply to all staff in the Group, including senior management and the Board, and satisfy the NYSE requirements. All Group
companies have adopted the SoBC (or localised versions). The SoBC also set out the Group’s whistleblowing policy, enabling staff, in confidence
and anonymously, to raise concerns without fear of reprisal, including concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The SoBC
is available at bat.com/sobc.
The Company has also adopted a code of ethics for its Chief Executive, Finance Director, Group Financial Controller and Group Chief Accountant
as required by the provisions of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules issued by the SEC. No waivers or exceptions to the
Code of Ethics were granted in 2019. The Code of Ethics includes requirements in relation to confidentiality, conflicts of interest and corporate
opportunities, and obligations for those senior financial officers to act with honesty and integrity in the performance of their duties and to
promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosures in all reports and other documents submitted to the SEC, the UK Financial
Conduct Authority, and any other regulatory agency.
The Company considers that these codes and policies address the matters specified in the NYSE rules for US companies.

Independent director contact


Interested parties may communicate directly with the independent directors, individually or as a group, by sending written correspondence
addressed to the independent director(s) to the attention of the Company Secretary at the following address: c/o Paul McCrory, Company
Secretary, British American Tobacco p.l.c., Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 295


Additional Disclosures

CONTROLS AND
PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures


Disclosure controls and procedures
The Group maintains ‘disclosure controls and procedures’ (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)), that are designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed in reports the Group files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarised
and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to
management, including the Chief Executive and Finance Director, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management, including the Chief Executive and Finance Director,
recognise that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance
that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of
controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Group have been detected. The Group’s
disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to meet, and management believes that they meet, reasonable assurance standards.
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive and Finance Director, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Group disclosure controls
and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on that evaluation,
the Chief Executive and Finance Director have concluded that the Group disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable
assurance level.
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting
Management, under the oversight of the Chief Executive and the Finance Director, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting for the Group. The Group’s internal control over financial reporting consists of processes which are
designed to: provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Group’s financial statements
for external reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the IASB; provide reasonable assurance that
receipts and expenditure are made only in accordance with the authorisation of management; and provide reasonable assurance regarding the
prevention or timely detection of any unauthorised acquisition, use or disposal of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated
financial statements.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management has assessed the effectiveness of the internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Rules 13(a)-13(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934) based on the updated Internal
Control‑Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (2013). Based on
that assessment, management has determined that the Group’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 31 December 2019.
Any internal control framework, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the
circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
»KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who also audit the Group’s consolidated financial statements, has audited the
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as at 31 December 2019 and has issued an unqualified report thereon,
which is included in this document.»
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in the Group’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially
affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

STATEMENTS REGARDING
COMPETITIVE POSITION

Statements referring to the competitive position of BAT and its subsidiaries are based on the Group’s belief and best estimates. In certain cases,
such statements and figures rely on a range of sources, including investment analyst reports, independent market surveys, and the Group’s own
internal assessments of market share.

296 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
INFORMATION
This Other Information section of the British American Tobacco Annual Report and Form 20-F, which includes Additional Disclosures and
Shareholder Information, forms part of, and includes certain disclosures which are required by law to be included in, the Directors’ Report.

Strategic Report disclosures


Section 414C(11) of the Companies Act 2006 allows the Board to include in the Strategic Report information that it considers to be of strategic
importance that would otherwise need to be disclosed in the Directors’ Report. The Board has chosen to take advantage of this provision and
accordingly, the information set out below, which would otherwise be required to be contained in the Directors’ Report, has been included in
the Strategic Report.
Information required in the Directors’ Report Section in the Strategic Report
Information on dividends Financial review
Certain risk information about the use of financial instruments Financial review
An indication of likely future developments in the business of the Group A strategy for accelerated growth
An indication of the activities of the Group in the field of research and development Building world-class capabilities for innovation
Our business model
A statement describing the Group’s policy regarding the hiring, continuing employment Delivering our strategy: Winning organisation
and training, career development and promotion of disabled persons
Details of employee engagement: information, consultation, regard to employee interests, Engaging with our stakeholders
share scheme participation and the achievement of a common awareness of the financial Delivering our strategy: Winning organisation
and economic factors affecting the performance of the Group
Details of business relationships: Directors’ regard to business relationships with customers, Engaging with our stakeholders
suppliers and other external stakeholders
Details of charitable donations Delivering our strategy: Sustainability
Disclosures concerning greenhouse gas emissions Delivering our strategy: Sustainability

Shareholder information disclosures


Information required in the Directors’ Report Section in Other Information
Change of control provisions Material contracts
Information on dividends Dividends
Share capital – structure and voting rights; restrictions on transfers of shares Articles of Association
Major shareholders Share capital and security ownership
Directors – appointment and retirement Articles of Association
Amendment of Articles of Association Articles of Association
Directors – share buy-back powers Purchases of shares

Listing Rules (LRs) disclosures


For the purpose of LR 9.8.4C R the applicable information
required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R Section in Other Information
Section (12) – shareholder waivers of dividends Group Employee Trust

Section (13) – shareholder waivers of future dividends Group Employee Trust

Directors: interests and indemnities


Interests – details of Directors’ remuneration and emoluments, and their interests in the Company’s shares (including share options and
deferred shares) as at 31 December 2019 are given in the Remuneration Report; and
– no Director had any material interest in a contract of significance (other than a service contract) with the Company or any
subsidiary company during the year.
Insurance – appropriate cover provided in the event of legal action against the Company’s Directors.
Indemnities – provision of indemnities to Directors in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and to the maximum extent permitted by
law; and
– as at the date of this report, such indemnities are in force covering any costs, charges, expenses or liabilities that they may incur in or
about the execution of their duties to the Company or to any entity which is an associated company (as defined in Section 256 of the
Companies Act 2006), or as a result of duties performed by them on behalf of the Company or any such associated company.

Directors’ Report approval and signature


The Directors’ Report comprises the information on pages 63 to 89 and page 114@ and pages 254 to 323. The Directors’ Report was approved
by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2020 and signed on its behalf by Paul McCrory, Company Secretary.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 297


Additional Disclosures

CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT
This document 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. In particular,
among other statements: (i) certain statements in the Overview section (pages 2 to 19), including the Chairman’s introduction, Chief Executive’s
review and Finance Director’s overview; (ii) certain statements in the Strategic Management section (pages 20 to 42), including the Global
industry overview; (iii) certain statements in the Financial Review section (pages 43 to 57), including the Treasury and cash flow section and going
concern discussions; and (iv) certain statements in the Other Information section (pages 254 to 323), including the Additional disclosures and
Shareholder information sections.
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 document. 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 and the impact of an unfavourable ruling by a tax authority in a disputed area; 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 work place; the ability to maintain credit ratings
and to fund the business under the current capital structure; the inability to develop, commercialise and deliver the New Categories strategy; and
changes in the market position, businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Group. Further details on the principal
risks that may affect the Group can be found in the ‘Principal Group risks’ section of the Strategic Report on pages 58 to 62 of this document.
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 under the heading ‘Group risk factors’ on pages 272 to 286.
It is believed that the expectations reflected in this document 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 document 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 document is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this document 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.

298 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

SHARE PRICES
AND LISTINGS

Premium listing – London Stock Exchange (LSE)


The primary market for BAT’s ordinary shares is the LSE (Share Code: BATS; ISIN: GB0002875804). BAT’s ordinary shares have been listed on the
LSE main market since 8 September 1998 and are a constituent element of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 Index.

Secondary listing – Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE Limited), South Africa


BAT’s ordinary shares have a secondary listing and are traded in South African rand on the Main Board of the JSE in South Africa (Abbreviated
name: BATS; Trading code: BTI). BAT’s ordinary shares have been listed on the JSE since 28 October 2008 and are a constituent element of the
JSE Top 40 Index.

American Depositary Shares (ADSs) – New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)


BAT ordinary shares trade in the form of BAT ADSs in the United States under the symbol BTI (CUSIP Number: 110448107). The BAT ADSs have
been listed on the NYSE since 25 July 2017 as a Sponsored Level III ADS programme for which Citibank, N.A. is the depositary (the ‘Depositary’)
and transfer agent. Each ADS represents one ordinary share. ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).

Share prices
The high and low prices at which the Company’s ordinary shares and ADSs are recorded as having traded during the year on each of the LSE,
JSE and NYSE are as follows:

High Low
LSE £32.88 £23.75
JSE R606.84 R424.18
NYSE US$42.80 US$31.41

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 299


Shareholder Information

DIVIDENDS

Policy
The Group’s policy is to pay dividends of 65% of long-term sustainable earnings, calculated with reference to adjusted diluted earnings per share,
as defined on page 264, and reconciled from earnings per share in note 7 in the Notes on the Accounts. Please see page 47 of this Annual Report
and Form 20-F 2019 for further discussion on the Group’s dividend.

Currencies and exchange rates


Details of foreign exchange rates are set out in the Financial Review section of the Strategic Report on page 51 of this Annual Report and
Form 20-F 2019. There are currently no UK foreign exchange controls or restrictions on remittance of dividends on the ordinary shares or on
the conduct of the Company’s operations, other than restrictions applicable to certain countries and persons subject to EU economic sanctions
or those sanctions adopted by the UK Government which implement resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations.

American Depositary Shares – Dividends


The following table shows the dividends paid by British American Tobacco p.l.c. in the years ended 31 December 2015 to 31 December
2019 inclusive.

Dividend per BAT ADS1


Announcement Dividend per BAT ordinary share ADS ratio 2:1
Year Payment Dividend period GBP USD2

2015 May Final 2014 1.006 3.0616600


September/October Interim 2015 0.494 1.4928680
Total 1.500 4.5545280

2016 May Final 2015 1.046 3.0292160


September/October Interim 2016 0.513 1.3324660
Total 1.559 4.3616820

Dividend Per BAT ADS1


Announcement Dividend Per BAT Ordinary Share ADS ratio 1:1
Year Payment Dividend Period GBP USD2
2017 May Final 2016 1.181 1.5239380
September/October Interim 2017 0.565 0.7585690
February 2018 Second Interim 2017 0.436 0.6068680
Total 2.182 2.8893750

2018 May Quarterly Interim 2018 0.488 0.6611420


August Quarterly Interim 2018 0.488 0.6281530
November Quarterly Interim 2018 0.488 0.6217120
February 2019 Quarterly Interim 2018 0.488 0.6324960
Total 1.952 2.5435030

2019 May Quarterly Interim 2019 0.5075 0.6596990


August Quarterly Interim 2019 0.5075 0.6155970
November Quarterly Interim 2019 0.5075 0.6521370
February 2020 Quarterly Interim 2019 0.5075 0.6571610
Total 2.0300 2.5845940

Notes:
1. ADS ratio change: prior to 14 February 2017, each BAT ADS represented two BAT ordinary shares; from 14 February 2017, each BAT ADS represents one BAT ordinary share.
2. Holders of BAT ADSs: dividends are receivable in US dollars based on the £ sterling/US dollar exchange rate on the applicable ADS payment date, being three business days after the payment date for
the BAT ordinary shares.

300 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Quarterly Dividends for the year ended 31 December 2019


On 26 April 2017, the Group announced its move to quarterly dividends with effect from 1 January 2018.
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 210.4p per ordinary share of 25p which is payable in four equal quarterly instalments of 52.6p per
ordinary share in May 2020, August 2020, November 2020 and February 2021. This represents an increase of 3.6% on 2018 (2018: 203.0p per
share), and a payout ratio, on 2019 adjusted diluted earnings per share, of 65.0%.
The quarterly dividends will be paid to shareholders registered on either the UK main register or the South Africa branch register and to ADS
holders, each on the applicable record dates set out under the heading ‘Key dates’ below.
Holders of American Depositary Shares (ADSs)
For holders of ADSs listed on the NYSE, the record dates and payment dates are set out below. The equivalent quarterly dividends receivable
by holders of ADSs in US dollars will be calculated based on the exchange rate on the applicable payment date.
South Africa branch register
In accordance with the JSE Listing Requirements, the finalisation information relating to shareholders registered on the South Africa branch
register (comprising the amount of the dividend in South African rand, the exchange rate and the associated conversion date) will be published
on the dates stated below, together with South Africa dividends tax information.
The quarterly dividends are regarded as ‘foreign dividends’ for the purposes of the South Africa Dividends Tax. For the purposes of South Africa
Dividends Tax reporting, the source of income for the payment of the quarterly dividends is the United Kingdom.

Key dates
In compliance with the requirements of the LSE, the NYSE and Strate, the electronic settlement and custody system used by the JSE,
the following are the salient dates for the quarterly dividend payments. All dates are 2020 unless otherwise stated.
Event Payment No. 1 Payment No. 2 Payment No. 3 Payment No. 4
Preliminary announcement
(includes declaration data required for JSE 27 February
purposes)
Publication of finalisation information (JSE) 17 March 30 June 21 September 7 December
No removal requests (in either direction) 17 March– 30 June– 21 September– 7 December–
permitted between the UK main register 27 March 10 July 2 October 18 December
and the South Africa branch register (inclusive) (inclusive) (inclusive) (inclusive)
Last day to trade (LDT) cum-dividend (JSE) 24 March 7 July 29 September 14 December
Shares commence trading ex-dividend (JSE) 25 March 8 July 30 September 15 December
No transfers permitted between the UK 25 March– 8 July– 30 September – 15 December–
main register and the South Africa 27 March 10 July 2 October 18 December
branch register (inclusive) (inclusive) (inclusive) (inclusive)
No shares to be dematerialised or 25 March– 8 July– 30 September– 15 December–
rematerialised on the South Africa 27 March 10 July 2 October 18 December
branch register (inclusive) (inclusive) (inclusive) (inclusive)
Shares commence trading ex-dividend 26 March 9 July 1 October 17 December
(LSE)
Shares commence trading ex-dividend 26 March 9 July 1 October 17 December
(NYSE)
Record date (LSE, JSE and NYSE) 27 March 10 July 2 October 18 December
Last date for receipt of Dividend Reinvestment 21 April 29 July 22 October 13 January 2021
Plan (DRIP) elections (LSE)
Payment date (LSE and JSE) 13 May 19 August 12 November 3 February 2021
ADS payment date (NYSE) 18 May 24 August 17 November 8 February 2021

Note:
Further details of the total amounts of dividends paid in 2019 (with 2018 comparatives) are given in note 8 in the Notes on the Accounts.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 301


Shareholder Information

SHAREHOLDER
TAXATION INFORMATION
The following discussion summarises material US federal income tax consequences and UK taxation consequences to US holders of owning and
disposing of ordinary shares or ADSs. This discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign
jurisdiction or under any US federal laws other than those pertaining to income tax. This discussion is based upon the US Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (the ‘US Tax Code’), the Treasury regulations promulgated under the US Tax Code and court and administrative rulings and decisions,
all as in effect on the date hereof. These laws may change, possibly retroactively, and any change could affect the accuracy of the statements
and conclusions set forth in this discussion.
This discussion addresses only those US holders of ordinary shares or ADSs who hold such equity interests as capital assets within the meaning
of Section 1221 of the US Tax Code. Further, this discussion does not address all aspects of US federal income taxation that may be relevant
to US holders in light of their particular circumstances or that may be applicable to them if they are subject to special treatment under the US
federal income tax laws, including, without limitation:
– a bank or other financial institution; – a US holder that is a tax-qualified retirement plan or a participant
or a beneficiary under such a plan;
– a tax-exempt organisation;
– a person that is not a US holder (as defined below);
– an S corporation or other pass-through entity and an investor therein;
– a person that has a functional currency other than the US dollar;
– an insurance company;
– a person required to recognise any item of gross income as a result of
– a mutual fund;
such income being recognised on an applicable financial statement;
– a regulated investment company or real estate investment trust;
– a US holder of ordinary shares or ADSs that holds such equity interest
– a dealer or broker in stocks and securities, or currencies; as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion or other
integrated transaction;
– a trader in securities that elects mark-to-market treatment;
– a US holder that owns (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or
– a US holder subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the
more of ordinary shares or ADSs by vote or by value; or
US Tax Code;
– a US expatriate.
– a US holder that received ordinary shares or ADSs through the
exercise of an employee stock option, pursuant to a tax qualified
retirement plan or otherwise as compensation;
The determination of the actual tax consequences to a US holder will depend on the US holder’s specific situation. US holders of ordinary shares
or ADSs should consult their own tax advisers as to the tax consequences of owning and disposing of ordinary shares or ADSs, in each case,
including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local, foreign or other tax laws and of changes in those laws.
For purposes of this discussion, the term US holder means a beneficial owner of ordinary shares or ADSs (as the case may be) that:
– is for US federal income tax purposes: (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, including any entity treated
as a corporation for US federal income tax purposes, created or organised in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the
District of Columbia; (iii) a trust if a US court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more US persons
are authorised to control all substantial decisions of the trust or it has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be
treated as a US person; or (iv) an estate that is subject to US federal income tax on its income regardless of its source; and
– is not resident in the UK for UK tax purposes.
The US federal income tax consequences to a partner in an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes
that holds ordinary shares or ADSs generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership
holding any such equity interest should consult their own tax advisers.

Material US federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of ordinary
shares or ADSs
The following is a discussion of the material US federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition by US holders of ordinary
shares or ADSs. This discussion assumes that BAT is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company for US federal income tax
purposes, as described below.
ADSs
A US holder of ADSs, for US federal income tax purposes, generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying ordinary shares that are
represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of ordinary shares for or from ADSs will not be subject to US federal income tax.
Taxation of Dividends
The gross amount of distributions on the ordinary shares or ADSs will be taxable as dividends to the extent paid out of BAT’s current or
accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under US federal income tax principles. Such income will be includable in a US holder’s gross
income as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by the US holder. Such dividends will be treated as foreign source
income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the US Tax Code.

302 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

With respect to non-corporate US investors, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of
taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with
the United States that the Treasury determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and that includes an exchange of information provision.
The Treasury has determined that the treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom meets these requirements, and BAT believes that
it is eligible for the benefits of the treaty. However, non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which
they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as ‘investment income’ pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the
US Tax Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a
dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even
if the minimum holding period has been met. US holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of these rules to their
particular circumstances.
The amount of any dividend paid by BAT in £ sterling (including any such amount in respect of ADSs that is converted into US dollars by the
depositary bank) will equal the US dollar value of the £ sterling actually or constructively received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in
effect on the date the dividend is so received by the US holder, regardless of whether the £ sterling are converted into US dollars. If the £ sterling
received as a dividend are converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder generally will not be required to recognise foreign
currency exchange gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the £ sterling received as a dividend are not converted into US dollars on
the date of receipt, the US holder will have a basis in £ sterling equal to their US dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realised on a
subsequent conversion or other disposition of £ sterling will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss. US holders of ADSs should consult
their own tax advisers regarding the application of these rules to the amount of any dividend paid by BAT in £ sterling that is converted into US
dollars by the depositary bank.
To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds BAT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined
under US federal income tax principles, the distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the US holder’s
adjusted basis of the ordinary shares or ADSs, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds the US holder’s tax basis, the excess
will be taxed as capital gain recognised on a sale or exchange, as described below. BAT does not expect to determine earnings and profits
in accordance with US federal income tax principles. Therefore, notwithstanding the foregoing, US holders should expect that distributions
generally will be reported as dividend income for US information reporting purposes.
Distributions by BAT of additional ordinary shares (which may be distributed by the depositary bank to a holder of ADSs in the form of ADSs) to
a US holder that is made as part of a pro rata distribution to all holders of ordinary shares and ADSs in respect of their ordinary shares or ADSs,
and for which there is no option to receive other property (not including ADSs), generally will not be subject to US federal income tax. The basis
of any new ordinary shares (or ADSs representing new ordinary shares) so received will be determined by allocating the US holder’s basis in the
previously held ordinary shares or ADSs between the previously held ordinary shares or ADSs and the new ordinary shares or ADSs, based on their
relative fair market values on the date of distribution.
Passive foreign investment company
A passive foreign investment company (PFIC), is any foreign corporation if, after the application of certain ‘look-through’ rules: (1) at least 75% of
its gross income is ‘passive income’ as that term is defined in the relevant provisions of the US Tax Code; or (2) at least 50% of the average value
of its assets produce ‘passive income’ or are held for the production of ‘passive income.’ The determination as to PFIC status is made annually.
BAT does not believe that it is, for US federal income tax purposes, a PFIC, and BAT expects to operate in such a manner so as not to become a
PFIC. If, however, BAT is or becomes a PFIC, US holders could be subject to additional US federal income taxes on gain recognised with respect to
the ordinary shares or ADSs and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred under the PFIC
rules. Non-corporate US holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from BAT if it is a PFIC in the taxable
year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year. BAT’s US counsel expresses no opinion with respect to BAT’s PFIC status.
Taxation of capital gains
Upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs, a US holder will generally recognise capital gain or loss for US
federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised on the disposition and the
US holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares or ADSs as determined in US dollars. Such gain or loss generally will be US source gain or loss,
and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the US holder has held the ordinary shares or ADSs for more than one year. Certain non-corporate US
holders may be eligible for preferential rates of US federal income tax in respect of net long-term capital gains. The deductibility of capital losses
is subject to limitations.
The amount realised on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares for an amount in foreign currency will be the US dollar
value of that amount on the date of sale or disposition. On the settlement date, the US holder will recognise US source foreign currency exchange
gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) equal to the difference (if any) between the US dollar value of the amount received based on the
exchange rates in effect on the date of sale, exchange or other disposition and the settlement date. However, in the case of ordinary shares traded
on an established securities market that are sold by a cash-basis US holder (or an accrual-basis US holder that so elects), the amount realised will
be based on the exchange rate in effect on the settlement date for the sale, and no foreign currency exchange gain or loss will be recognised
at that time.
A US holder’s tax basis in ordinary shares or ADSs will generally equal the US dollar cost of the ordinary shares or ADSs. The US dollar cost of
ordinary shares purchased with foreign currency will generally be the US dollar value of the purchase price on the date of purchase, or the
settlement date for the purchase in the case of ordinary shares traded on an established securities market that are purchased by a cash-basis
US holder (or an accrual-basis US holder that so elects).

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 303


Shareholder Information

SHAREHOLDER TAXATION INFORMATION


CONTINUED

Information with respect to foreign financial assets


Individuals and certain entities that own ‘specified foreign financial assets’ with an aggregate value in excess of US$50,000 are generally required
to file information reports with respect to such assets with their US federal income tax returns. Depending on the individual’s circumstances,
higher threshold amounts may apply. Specified foreign financial assets include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions,
as well as any of the following, but only if they are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (1) stocks and securities issued by
non-US persons; (2) financial instruments and contracts held for investment that have non-US issuers or counterparties; and (3) interests in
non‑US entities. If a US holder is subject to this information reporting regime, the failure to file information reports may subject the US holder to
penalties. US holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding their obligations to file information reports with respect to ordinary
shares or ADSs.
Medicare net investment tax
Certain persons who are individuals (other than non-resident aliens), estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on the lesser of
(1) their ‘net investment income’ (in the case of individuals) or ‘undistributed net investment income’ (in the case of estates and trusts) (which
includes dividend income in respect of, and gain recognised on the disposition of, ordinary shares or ADSs) for the relevant taxable year; and
(2) the excess of their modified adjusted gross income (in the case of individuals) or adjusted gross income (in the case of estates and trusts)
for the taxable year over specified dollar amounts. US holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the applicability of this provision
to their ownership of ordinary shares or ADSs.
Credits or deductions for UK taxes
As indicated under ‘Material UK tax consequences’ below, dividends in respect of, and gains on the disposition of, ordinary shares or ADSs may
be subject to UK taxation in certain circumstances. A US holder may be eligible to claim a credit or deduction in respect of UK taxes attributable
to such income or gain for purposes of computing the US holder’s US federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. The US foreign
tax credit rules are complex, and US holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of US foreign tax credits and the
application of the US foreign tax credit rules to their particular situation.
Information reporting and backup withholding
Information reporting and backup withholding may apply to dividend payments and proceeds from the sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a US holder that: (1) furnishes a correct taxpayer
identification number (TIN), certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding on Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or appropriate
successor form) and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules; or (2) provides proof that such holder
is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules may be refunded or credited against a holder’s US federal income tax liability, if any, provided that such holder furnishes the
required information to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner. The Internal Revenue Service may impose a penalty upon any taxpayer
that fails to provide the correct TIN.
This summary of material US federal income tax consequences is not tax advice. The determination of the actual tax consequences for a
US holder will depend on the US holder’s specific situation. US holders of ordinary shares or ADSs, in each case, should consult their own
tax advisers as to the tax consequences of owning and disposing of ordinary shares or ADSs, including the applicability and effect of the
alternative minimum tax and any state, local, foreign or other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

Material UK tax consequences


The following paragraphs summarise material aspects of the UK tax treatment of US holders of ordinary shares or ADSs and do not purport
to be either a complete analysis of all tax considerations relating to holding ordinary shares or ADSs or an analysis of the tax position of BAT.
They are based on current UK legislation and what is understood to be current HMRC practice, both of which are subject to change, possibly with
retrospective effect.
The comments are intended as a general guide and (otherwise than where expressly stated to the contrary) apply only to US holders of ordinary
shares or ADSs (other than under a personal equity plan or individual savings account) and who are the absolute beneficial owners of such shares.
These comments do not deal with certain types of shareholders such as charities, dealers in securities, persons holding or acquiring shares in
the course of a trade, persons who have or could be treated for tax purposes as having acquired their ordinary shares or ADSs by reason of their
employment, collective investment schemes, persons subject to UK tax on the remittance basis and insurance companies. You are encouraged
to consult an appropriate independent professional tax adviser with respect to your tax position.
Tax on chargeable gains as a result of disposals of ordinary shares or ADSs
Subject to the below, US holders will not generally be subject to UK tax on chargeable gains on a disposal of ordinary shares or ADSs provided
that they do not carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom through a branch, agency or permanent establishment in
connection with which the ordinary shares or ADSs are held.
A US holder who is an individual, who has ceased to be resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom for a period of less than five years and
who disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs during that period may be liable for UK tax on capital gains (in the absence of any available exemptions
or reliefs). If applicable, the tax charge will arise in the tax year that the individual returns to the United Kingdom.

304 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Tax on dividends
BAT is not required to withhold UK tax at source from dividends paid on ordinary shares or ADSs.
US holders will not generally be subject to UK tax on dividends received from BAT provided that they do not carry on a trade, profession or
vocation in the United Kingdom through a branch, agency or permanent establishment in connection with which the ordinary shares or ADSs
are held.
Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT)
Based on current published HMRC practice and recent case law, transfers of ADSs should not be subject to SDRT or stamp duty provided that any
instrument of transfer is executed and remains outside the UK. The transfer of an underlying ordinary share to the ADS holder in exchange for the
cancellation of an ADS should also not give rise to a stamp duty or SDRT charge.
Transfers of ordinary shares outside of the depositary bank, including the repurchase of ordinary shares by BAT, will generally be subject to
stamp duty or SDRT at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration given, except as described above in connection with the
cancellation of an ADS. If ordinary shares are redeposited into a clearance service or depositary system, the redeposit will attract stamp duty
or SDRT at the higher rate of 1.5%.
The purchaser or the transferee of the ordinary shares or ADSs will generally be responsible for paying any stamp duty or SDRT payable.
Where stamp duty or SDRT is payable, it is payable regardless of the residence position of the purchaser.
Inheritance tax
A gift or settlement of ordinary shares or ADSs by, or on the death of, an individual shareholder may give rise to a liability to UK inheritance tax
even if the shareholder is not a resident of, or domiciled in, the United Kingdom.
A charge to inheritance tax may arise in certain circumstances where ordinary shares or ADSs are held by close companies and trustees
of settlements.
However, pursuant to the Estate and Gift Tax Treaty 1980 (the ‘Treaty’) entered into between the United Kingdom and the United States, a gift or
settlement of ordinary shares or ADSs by shareholders who are domiciled in the United States for the purposes of the Treaty may be exempt from
any liability to UK inheritance tax.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 305


Shareholder Information

SHARE CAPITAL AND


SECURITY OWNERSHIP

Share capital Combined registers


Share capital % of issued
Ordinary shares of 25p each 31 December 2019 Number of ordinary
holders share capital
Issued ordinary shares
(excluding treasury shares) 2,293,875,148 1–1,999 96,846 1.29
Treasury shares 162,645,590 2,000–9,999 7,912 1.27
Total allotted and fully paid ordinary shares1 2,456,520,738 10,000–199,999 2,872 5.17
Aggregate nominal value £m 614.1 200,000–499,999 284 3.62
500,000 and over 368 82.03
Note:
Treasury shares (UK) 1 6.62
1. Includes treasury shares and shares owned by employee share trusts.
Total 108,283 100.00
Analyses of shareholders
American Depositary Shares (ADSs)
Ordinary Shares
At 31 December 2019, there was a total of 178,347,785 ADSs
At 31 December 2019, there was a total of 2,456,520,738 ordinary outstanding held by 9,715 registered holders. The ADS register is
shares in issue held by 108,283 shareholders. These shareholdings analysed by size of shareholding as at 31 December 2019 as follows:
are analysed as follows:
(a) by listing as at 31 December 2019: Number of % of total
holders ADSs
Total number % of issued Number of
Register of shares share capital holders 1–1,999 9,492 1.07
UK 2,173,460,394 88.48 37,324 2,000–9,999 195 0.36
South Africa 283,060,344 11.52 70,959 10,000–199,999 26 0.39
Total 2,456,520,738 100.00 108,283 200,000–499,999 1 0.13
500,000 and over1 1 98.05
(b) by size of shareholding as at 31 December 2019: Total 9,715 100.00
UK Register
Note:
% of UK 1. One registered holder of ADSs represents 320,387 underlying shareholders.
Number of ordinary
holders share capital
Security ownership of ordinary shares
1–1,999 31,657 0.63
As at 13 March 2020, there were 37,081 record holders of ordinary
2,000–9,999 4,059 0.72 shares listed on the LSE (including Citibank as the depositary bank for
10,000–199,999 1,126 2.58 the ADSs) and 2,181,571,009 of such ordinary shares outstanding.
200,000–499,999 182 2.66 As at that date, to BAT’s knowledge, 293 record holders, representing
500,000 and over 299 85.93 0.01% of the ordinary shares listed on the LSE, had a registered
address in the US. As at 13 March 2020, there were 770 record
Treasury shares (UK) 1 7.48
holders of ordinary shares listed on the JSE (including PLC Nominees
Total 37,324 100.00 (Proprietary) Limited as the nominee for the dematerialised ordinary
shares listed on the JSE) and 274,978,175 of such ordinary shares
South Africa Register outstanding. As at such date, to BAT’s knowledge, no record holders
% of SA of the ordinary shares listed on the JSE had a registered address in
Number of ordinary the US. As at 13 March 2020, based on information received from
holders share capital Citibank, there were 9,623 record holders of ADSs and 175,445,843
1–1,999 65,189 6.35 ADSs outstanding. As at that date, based on information received
2,000–9,999 3,853 5.49 from Citibank, 9,546 record holders, representing 99.91% of ADSs
10,000–199,999 1,746 25.09 representing ordinary shares, had a registered address in the US.
200,000–499,999 102 10.94 Security ownership – major shareholders
500,000 and over 69 52.13
At 31 December 2019, the following substantial interests (3% or
Total 70,959 100.00 more) in the Company’s ordinary share capital (voting securities) had
been notified to the Company in accordance with Section 5.1.2 of
the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTRs).
Number of % of issued
Name ordinary shares share capital1
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.2 253,543,406 11.05
BlackRock, Inc. 132,891,526 5.79

Notes:
1. The latest percentage of issued share capital excludes treasury shares.
2. Includes 24,494,199 ordinary shares represented by ADRs.

On 6 January 2020, The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the


Company that on 3 January 2020 its interest had increased to
275,376,579 ordinary shares (12.00% of issued share capital),
including 25,941,762 ordinary shares represented by ADRs.

306 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

All shares held by the significant shareholders represent the Company’s ordinary shares. These significant shareholders have no special voting
rights compared with other holders of the Company’s ordinary shares.

Additional significant shareholding disclosure


BlackRock, Inc. filed with the SEC a statement on Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act on 7 February 2020 disclosing that as of
31 December 2019 it beneficially owned 170,313,722 ordinary shares representing 7.4% of the Company’s ordinary shares outstanding as of
31 December 2019.
Capital Research Global Investors, a division of Capital Research and Management Company, filed with the SEC an amendment to Schedule
13G under the Exchange Act on 14 February 2020 disclosing that as of 31 December 2019 it beneficially owned 120,959,021 ordinary shares
representing 5.2% of the Company’s ordinary shares outstanding as of 31 December 2019. The notifications regarding the holdings by
The Capital Group Companies, Inc., listed below, indicate that Capital Research and Management Company is part of a chain of controlled
undertakings with The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
In accordance with the DTRs, shareholders must notify the Company if their shareholding reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% of total voting
rights and each 1% threshold thereafter. The notifications received by the Company during the past three years to the best of the Company’s
knowledge are set out below.
Reinet Investments S.C.A. notified the Company on 6 October 2017 that its interest had decreased below the notifiable threshold
of 3% to 68,053,670 ordinary shares on 25 July 2017.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 15 March 2018 that its interest had increased above 10% to 229,777,471 ordinary
shares on 14 March 2018.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 16 October 2018 that its interest had increased above 11% to 252,733,863
ordinary shares on 12 October 2018.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 14 January 2019 that its interest had decreased below 11% to 249,831,584
ordinary shares on 11 January 2019.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 8 March 2019 that its interest had increased above 11% to 253,390,697 ordinary
shares on 7 March 2019.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 11 April 2019 that its interest had decreased below 11% to 252,158,534 ordinary
shares on 10 April 2019.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 15 April 2019 that its interest had increased above 11% to 252,776,216 ordinary
shares on 11 April 2019.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 16 April 2019 that its interest had decreased below 11% to 251,780,072 ordinary
shares on 15 April 2019.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 19 November 2019 that its interest had increased above 11% to 253,543,406
ordinary shares on 18 November 2019.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. notified the Company on 6 January 2020 that its interest had increased above 12% to 275,376,579 ordinary
shares on 3 January 2020.
To the extent known by BAT, BAT is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, any foreign government or by any
other natural or legal person, severally or jointly. BAT is not aware of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result
in a change of control of the Group.

Security ownership of the Board of Directors and the Management Board


The following table presents information regarding the total amount of ordinary shares beneficially owned (outright, by their family or by connected
persons) by each current Director of BAT, each member of the Management Board and all Directors and the Management Board as a group, as of
13 March 2020. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each Director and member of the Management Board listed is: c/o British American Tobacco
p.l.c., Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom. The address for Guy Meldrum is Level 30, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen’s Road
East, Hong Kong. The address for Ricardo Oberlander is 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.

Number of Ordinary Shares Percentage of Class10


Directors
Richard Burrows 19,000 0.0008
Jack Bowles1,2,3 210,577 0.0092
Tadeu Marroco1,2,3 61,477 0.0027
Sue Farr – –
Jerry Fowden4 2,000 0.0001
Dr Marion Helmes 4,500 0.0002
Luc Jobin4 45,236 0.0020
Holly Keller Koeppel4,5 8,416 0.0004
Savio Kwan 7,185 0.0003
Dimitri Panayotopoulos 3,300 0.0001
Kieran Poynter 5,000 0.0002

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 307


Shareholder Information

SHARE CAPITAL AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP


CONTINUED

Number of Ordinary Shares Percentage of Class10


Management Board
Jerome Abelman6,7,8 84,762 0.0037
Marina Bellini6 159 0.0000
Luciano Comin6,7,8 25,988 0.0011
Alan Davy6,7,8 100,117 0.0044
Hae In Kim6,7,8 13,607 0.0006
Paul Lageweg6,7,8,9 122,124 0.0053
Guy Meldrum6,7,8 18,881 0.0008
David O’Reilly6,7,8 67,593 0.0029
Ricardo Oberlander6,7,8 108,828 0.0047
Johan Vandermeulen6,7,8 66,444 0.0029
Kingsley Wheaton6,7,8 57,243 0.0025
All Directors and Management Board as a group (22 persons) 1,032,437 0.0450

Notes:
1. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by the Executive Directors include ordinary shares awarded and required to be held for a period of at least three years in a UK-based trust under the SIP.
Ordinary shares cannot be sold or transferred out of the trust until the end of the three-year holding period. The amounts next to the corresponding Executive Director include the following ordinary shares
held in the trust under the SIP: (a) 573 ordinary shares for Mr Bowles, of which 311 have been held for less than three years; (b) 854 ordinary shares for Mr Marroco, of which 351 have been held for less
than three years. In all cases, the beneficial owner of ordinary shares under the SIP may direct the trust to exercise its voting rights in accordance with his instructions. See footnote (5) to the table below
under the heading ‘Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of the Board of Directors and the Management Board’ for additional details regarding the SIP and the ordinary shares
held thereunder.
2. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by the Executive Directors include the following number of options granted under the LTIP that are scheduled to vest and may be exercised within
60 days of 13 March 2020: (a) 18,497 options under the LTIP for Mr Bowles; and (b) 14,755 options under the LTIP for Mr Marroco. Each option is convertible into one ordinary share upon exercise.
See footnote (1) to the table below under the heading ‘Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of the Board of Directors and the Management Board’ for additional details
regarding the LTIP.
3. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by the Executive Directors include the following number of awards of restricted ordinary shares granted under the DSBS that are scheduled to vest within
60 days of 13 March 2020: (a) 8,997 ordinary shares for Mr Bowles; (b) 7,177 ordinary shares for Mr Marroco. Until awards of ordinary shares under the DSBS vest, they are held in trust and the recipient
of such award does not have the ability to transfer, sell or direct the voting of the applicable ordinary shares. See footnote (4) to the table below under the heading ‘Outstanding Share-based Awards and
Options-based Awards of the Board of Directors and the Management Board’ for additional details regarding the DSBS.
4. The ordinary shares beneficially owned by Mr Fowden, Mr Jobin and Ms Koeppel are represented by ADSs, each of which represents one ordinary share.
5. Ms Koeppel, being a former director of RAI and a participant in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of RAI (DCP), holds DSUs which were granted prior to becoming a Director of BAT. Each DSU
entitles the holder to receive a cash payment upon ceasing to be a Director equal to the value of one BAT ADS. The number of DSUs increases on each dividend date by reference to the value of dividends
declared on the ADSs underlying the DSUs. Ms Koeppel currently holds 23,333.51 DSUs.
6. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by the members of the Management Board include ordinary shares awarded and required to be held for a period of at least three years in a UK-based
trust under the SIP. Ordinary shares cannot be sold or transferred out of the trust until the end of the three-year holding period. The amounts next to the corresponding Management Board member include
the following ordinary shares held in the trust under the SIP: (a) 705 ordinary shares for Mr Abelman, of which 327 have been held for less than three years; (b) 159 ordinary shares for Ms Bellini, of which
105 have been held for less than three years; (c) 724 ordinary shares for Mr Comin, of which 330 have been held for less than three years; (d) 762 ordinary shares for Mr Davy, of which 350 have been held
for less than three years; (e) 263 ordinary shares for Ms Kim, of which 263 have been held for less than three years; (f) 295 ordinary shares for Mr Lageweg, of which 261 have been held for less than three
years; (g) 249 ordinary shares for Mr Meldrum, of which 249 have been held for less than three years; (h) 1,994 ordinary shares for Dr O’Reilly, of which 540 have been held for less than three years; (i) 619
ordinary shares for Mr Oberlander, of which 316 have been held for less than three years; (j) 701 ordinary shares for Mr Vandermeulen, of which 323 have been held for less than three years; and (k) 911
ordinary shares for Mr Wheaton, of which 373 have been held for less than three years. In all cases, the beneficial owner of ordinary shares under the SIP may direct the trust to exercise its voting rights
in accordance with their instructions. See footnote (5) to the table below under the heading ‘Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of the Board of Directors and the Management
Board’ for additional details regarding the SIP and the ordinary shares held thereunder.
7. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by the members of the Management Board include the following number of options granted under the LTIP that are scheduled to vest and may be
exercised within 60 days of 13 March 2020: (a) 13,688 options under the LTIP for Mr Abelman; (b) 5,229 options under the LTIP for Mr Comin; (c) 13,350 options under the LTIP for Mr Davy; (d) 2,802
options under the LTIP for Ms Kim; (e) 25,205 options under the LTIP for Mr Lageweg; (f) 5,633 options under the LTIP for Mr Meldrum; (g) 12,354 options under the LTIP for Mr O’Reilly; (h) 15,375 options
under the LTIP for Mr Oberlander; (i) 14,815 options under the LTIP for Mr Vandermeulen; (j) 14,946 options under the LTIP for Mr Wheaton. Each option is convertible into one ordinary share upon exercise.
See footnote (1) to the table below under the heading ‘Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of the Board of Directors and the Management Board’ for additional details regarding
the LTIP.
8. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by the members of the Management Board include the following number of awards of restricted ordinary shares granted under the DSBS that are
scheduled to vest within 60 days of 13 March 2020: (a) 6,658 ordinary shares for Mr Abelman; (b) 2,866 ordinary shares for Mr Comin; (c) 6,493 ordinary shares for Mr Davy; (d) 1,373 ordinary shares for
Ms Kim; (e) 3,048 ordinary shares for Mr Lageweg; (f) 2,751 ordinary shares for Mr Meldrum; (g) 6,009 ordinary shares for Dr O’Reilly; (h) 7,478 ordinary shares for Mr Oberlander; (i) 7,206 ordinary shares
for Mr Vandermeulen; and (j) 7,270 ordinary shares for Mr Wheaton. Until awards of ordinary shares under the DSBS vest, they are held in trust and the recipient of such award does not have the ability
to transfer, sell or direct the voting of the applicable ordinary shares. See footnote (4) to the table below under the heading ‘Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of the Board of
Directors and the Management Board’ for additional details regarding the DSBS.
9. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by Mr Lageweg includes 83,416 ADSs, each of which represents one ordinary share.
10. The information in this column is based on [2,293,894,961] ordinary shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) as of 13 March 2020. Any securities not outstanding subject to options, warrants,
rights or conversion privileges that give the beneficial owner the right to acquire the securities within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding
securities of the class owned by such person but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class by any other person.

308 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of the Board of Directors and
the Management Board
The following table presents information regarding the options and the restricted share awards held by the Directors and the Management
Board as of 13 March 2020. The following Directors (being the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors) have not been granted share‑based
Awards or Options-based Awards over ordinary shares: Mr Burrows, Ms Farr, Mr Fowden, Dr Helmes, Mr Jobin, Ms Koeppel, Mr Kwan,
Mr Panayotopoulos and Mr Poynter.

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
Directors
Jack Bowles
LTIP1 26,463 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
43,785 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
176,532 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2024 – 27 Mar 2029
Total Options3 246,780
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 8,997 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 12,064 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 26,192 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 6 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 3 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 3 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 3 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 4 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 6 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 7 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 6 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 8 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 9 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 7 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 47,564

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 309


Shareholder Information

SHARE CAPITAL AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP


CONTINUED

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Tadeu Marroco
LTIP1 21,109 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
28,248 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
36,057 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 495 23 Mar 2015 30.26 37.82 – 1 May 2020 – 31 Oct 2020
266 28 Mar 2018 33.76 42.20 – 1 May 2021 – 31 Oct 2021
Total Options3 86,175
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 7,177 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 7,783 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 13,233 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 8 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 6 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 4 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 6 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 7 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 10 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 11 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 11 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 13 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 14 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 12 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 28,544

310 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Management Board
Jerome Abelman
LTIP1 19,583 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
32,100 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
37,560 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 991 23 Mar 2015 30.26 37.82 – 1 May 2020 – 31 Oct 2020
Total Options3 90,234
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 6,658 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 8,844 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 13,785 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 5 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 4 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 3 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 4 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 5 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 8 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 9 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 9 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 10 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 11 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 10 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 29,614

Marina Bellini
LTIP1 29,296 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 785 28 Mar 2019 22.91 28.63 – 1 May 2022 – 31 Oct 2022
Total Options3 30,081
DSBS4 – 28 Mar 2019 – – 5,525 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 1 Apr 2019 – – 99 1 Apr 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 1 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 3 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 2 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 5,630

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 311


Shareholder Information

SHARE CAPITAL AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP


CONTINUED

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Luciano Comin
LTIP1 7,482 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
10,313 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
31,550 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 533 28 Mar 2018 33.76 42.20 – 1 May 2021 – 31 Oct 2021
Total Options3 49,878
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 2,866 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 3,464 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 5,084 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 5 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 4 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 3 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 5 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 5 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 9 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 8 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 9 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 11 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 12 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 10 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 11,744

Alan Davy
LTIP1 19,099 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
26,579 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
33,804 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 221 24 Mar 2017 40.56 50.70 – 1 May 2020 – 31 Oct 2020
Total Options3 79,703
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 6,493 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 7,323 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 12,406 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 10 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 6 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 4 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 7 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 7 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 9 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 11 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 11 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 12 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 13 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 11 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 26,572

312 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Hae In Kim
LTIP1 4,010 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
6,497 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
30,048 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 533 28 Mar 2018 33.76 42.20 – 1 May 2021 – 31 Oct 2021
Total Options3 41,088
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 1,373 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 1,863 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 3,798 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 2 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 1 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 1 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 3 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 4 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 3 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 7,297

Paul Lageweg
LTIP1 4,540 28 Mar 2014 0.00 32.58 – 28 Mar 2017 – 27 Mar 2024
8,954 27 Mar 2015 0.00 36.25 – 27 Mar 2018 – 26 Mar 2025
5,956 12 May 2016 0.00 42.34 – 12 May 2019 – 11 May 2026
8,234 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
11,471 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
29,296 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 1,309 28 Mar 2019 22.91 28.63 – 1 May 2024 – 31 Oct 2024
Total Options3 69,760
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 3,048 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 2,039 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 5,265 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 1 4 May 2020
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 1 9 May 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 1 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 1 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 1 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 2 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 3 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 2 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 10,613

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 313


Shareholder Information

SHARE CAPITAL AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP


CONTINUED

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Guy Meldrum
LTIP1 8,059 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
11,066 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
31,550 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Total Options3 50,675
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 2,751 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 3,796 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 5,651 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
Total Restricted Share Awards6 12,447

Dr David O’Reilly
LTIP1 17,674 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
24,364 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
30,048 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Total Options3 72,086
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 6,009 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 6,713 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 11,028 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 32 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 19 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 15 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 21 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 19 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 29 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 31 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 31 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 32 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 33 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 29 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 24,290

314 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Ricardo Oberlander
LTIP1 21,996 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
38,520 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
45,072 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 495 23 Mar 2015 30.26 37.82 – 1 May 2020 – 31 Oct 2020
Total Options3 106,083
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 7,478 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 8,438 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 16,542 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 7 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 5 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 3 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 6 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 4 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 7 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 7 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 7 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 7 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 8 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 6 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 32,774

Johan Vandermeulen
LTIP1 21,195 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
30,335 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
39,438 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 991 23 Mar 2015 30.26 37.82 – 1 May 2020 – 31 Oct 2020
Total Options3 91,959
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 7,206 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 8,358 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 13,785 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 4 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 4 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 3 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 4 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 5 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 7 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 8 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 8 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 10 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 11 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 10 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 29,672

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 315


Shareholder Information

SHARE CAPITAL AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP


CONTINUED

Market Price
Options at Date of Grant
Number of Date of Exercise Price of Option Number of Exercisable (LTIP/Sharesave)
Options Held Grant/Award £ £ Shares Awarded Vesting (DSBS/SIP)

Kingsley Wheaton
LTIP1 21,382 27 Mar 2017 0.00 52.11 – 27 Mar 2020 – 26 Mar 2027
32,100 26 Mar 2018 0.00 38.94 – 26 Mar 2021 – 25 Mar 2028
43,194 28 Mar 2019 0.00 33.28 – 28 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2029
Sharesave2 1,309 28 Mar 2019 22.91 28.63 – 1 May 2024 – 31 Oct 2024
Total Options3 97,985
DSBS4 – 27 Mar 2017 – – 7,270 27 Mar 2020
– 26 Mar 2018 – – 8,358 26 Mar 2021
– 28 Mar 2019 – – 13,785 28 Mar 2022
SIP5 – 3 Apr 2017 – – 67 3 Apr 2020
– 4 May 2017 – – 12 4 May 2020
– 28 Sep 2017 – – 8 28 Sep 2020
– 8 Feb 2018 – – 6 8 Feb 2021
– 3 Apr 2018 – – 70 3 Apr 2021
– 9 May 2018 – – 8 9 May 2021
– 8 Aug 2018 – – 8 8 Aug 2021
– 15 Nov 2018 – – 13 15 Nov 2021
– 7 Feb 2019 – – 13 7 Feb 2022
– 1 Apr 2019 – – 112 1 Apr 2022
– 8 May 2019 – – 13 8 May 2022
– 8 Aug 2019 – – 14 8 Aug 2022
– 14 Nov 2019 – – 16 14 Nov 2022
– 6 Feb 2020 – – 13 6 Feb 2023
Total Restricted Share Awards6 29,786

Notes:
Options
1. LTIP: grants or awards of ordinary shares under the LTIP are for nil consideration. The number of options shown is the maximum that may be exercised subject to the completion of the applicable
performance period and conditions under the rules of the LTIP. The number of options which may vest and become exercisable may be less than the number of ordinary shares shown in the table.
2. Sharesave Scheme: grants of options under the Sharesave Scheme are: (a) normally granted at a discount of 20% to the market price of ordinary shares at the time of invitation, as permitted by the
rules of the Sharesave Scheme; and (b) are exercisable at the end of a three-year or five-year savings contract up to a monthly limit of £500.
3. Each of the LTIP and Sharesave Scheme contains provisions which permit the Board of Directors or a duly authorised committee of the Board of Directors to establish further plans for the benefit of
overseas employees based on the relevant share plan but modified as necessary or desirable to take account of overseas tax, exchange control or applicable securities laws. Any new ordinary shares
issued under such plans would not count towards any applicable plan limits under the LTIP or the Sharesave Scheme.
Restricted Share Awards
4. DSBS: awards of deferred shares are made through the DSBS and comprise free ordinary shares normally held in trust for three years and no further performance conditions apply in that period.
The ordinary shares carry no rights to vote in that period.
5. SIP: the SIP is an all-employee plan which includes the SRS under which eligible employees receive an award of ordinary shares (Free Shares) in April of each year in which the plan operates in respect
of performance in the previous financial year. The Free Shares are held in a UK-based trust from the date of the award for a minimum period of three years. During that time the SIP participant is entitled to
receive dividends on those ordinary shares which are re-invested by such trust to buy further ordinary shares (Dividend Shares) on behalf of the SIP participant. The Dividend Shares are also held in the
trust from the date of acquisition for a minimum period of three years. During the three-year holding periods, the SIP participant may not remove the Free Shares or the Dividend Shares from the trust, but
may direct the trust to exercise its voting rights in accordance with his or her instructions. In addition to the Free Shares and Dividend Shares, participants in the SIP are also eligible to purchase additional
ordinary shares from their pre-tax salary up to an annual statutory limit (Partnership Shares). The SIP also provides that BAT has the right to offer additional ordinary shares to a participant at no cost for
each Partnership Share the participant purchases, at a ratio of two such ordinary shares for each Partnership Share purchased (Matching Shares). BAT does not currently provide any Matching Shares.
6. BAT has established similar plans to the SIP for non-UK employees and specific plans for employees in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Each of these plans has been modified to take account
of overseas tax, exchange control and applicable securities laws.

316 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

ARTICLES OF
ASSOCIATION

The Company is incorporated under the name of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and is registered in England and Wales under registered
number 3407696. Under the Companies Act 2006 (Companies Act), the Company’s objects are unrestricted. The following descriptions
summarise certain provisions of the Company’s current Articles of Association (Articles) (as adopted by special resolution at the AGM on 28 April
2010), applicable English and Welsh law and the Companies Act. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Companies Act and
the Articles, available on bat.com. The Articles may be altered or added to, or completely new articles may be adopted by, a special resolution of
the shareholders of the Company, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act.

Share capital – structure


Ordinary shares
– all of the Company’s ordinary shares are fully paid
– no further contribution of capital may be required by the Company from the holders of such shares
Alteration of share capital – the Company by ordinary resolution may:
– consolidate and divide all or any of its shares into shares of a larger amount than its existing shares
– divide or sub-divide any of its shares into shares of smaller amount than its existing shares
– determine that, as between the shares resulting from such a sub-division, any of them may have any preference or advantage as compared
with the others
Alteration of share capital – the Company, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, may:
– reduce its share capital, its capital redemption reserve and any share premium account in any way
– purchase its own shares, including redeemable shares, and may hold such shares as treasury shares or cancel them
Dividend rights
– shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends but not in excess of the amount recommended by the Directors
– the Directors may pay interim dividends out of distributable profits
– no dividend shall be paid otherwise than out of the profits available for distribution as specified under the provisions of the Companies Act
– the Directors may, with the authority of an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, pay scrip dividends or satisfy the payment of a dividend
by the distribution of specific assets
– unclaimed dividends for a period of 12 years may be forfeited and cease to be owed by the Company
– specific provisions enable the Directors to elect to pay dividends by bank or electronic transfer only

Share capital – voting rights


Voting at general meetings
– by a show of hands, unless a poll is demanded, and on a show of hands, every shareholder who is present in person at a general meeting has
one vote regardless of the number of shares held by the shareholder
– every proxy appointed by a shareholder and present at a general meeting has one vote except that if the proxy has been duly appointed by more
than one shareholder entitled to vote on the resolution and is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote for the resolution and by one
or more others to vote against it, or is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote in one way and is given discretion as to how to vote
by one or more others (and wishes to use that discretion to vote in the other way), he has one vote for and one vote against the resolution
– on a poll, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held by the shareholder
– a shareholder (or his duly appointed proxy) entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way
– a poll may be demanded by any of the following:
(1) t he Chairman of the meeting; (2) the Directors; (3) not less than five shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting;
(4) a shareholder or shareholders representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote
at the meeting (excluding any voting rights attached to treasury shares); or
(5) a shareholder or shareholders holding shares which confer a right to vote on the resolution at the meeting being shares on which an
aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all shares conferring that right (excluding any
voting rights attached to treasury shares)
Matters transacted at general meetings
– ordinary resolutions can include resolutions for the appointment, reappointment and removal of Directors, the receiving of the Annual
Report, the declaration of final dividends, the appointment and reappointment of the external auditor, the authority for the Company
to purchase its own shares and the grant of authority to allot shares
– an ordinary resolution is passed when a simple majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which there is a quorum vote in favour of the resolution
– special resolutions can include resolutions amending the Company’s Articles and resolutions relating to certain matters concerning
a winding‑up of the Company
– a special resolution is passed when not less than three-quarters of the votes cast at a meeting at which there is a quorum vote in favour
of the resolution
– quorum for a meeting of the Company is a minimum of two shareholders present in person or by proxy or by a duly authorised
representative(s) of a corporation which is a shareholder and entitled to vote
– convening a meeting: the Company may specify a time not more than 48 hours before the time of the meeting (excluding any part of a day that
is not a working day) by which a person must be entered on the register of members in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 317


Shareholder Information

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
CONTINUED

Share capital – pre-emptive rights and new issues of shares


– holders of ordinary shares have no pre-emptive rights under the Articles – the ability of the Directors to cause the Company to issue shares,
securities convertible into shares or rights to shares, otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme, is restricted
– under the Companies Act, the Directors of a company are, with certain exceptions, unable to allot any equity securities without express
authorisation, which may be contained in a company’s articles of association or given by its shareholders in a general meeting, but which
in either event cannot last for more than five years
– under the Companies Act, a company may also not allot shares for cash (otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme) without first
making an offer to existing shareholders to allot such shares to them on the same or more favourable terms in proportion to their respective
shareholdings, unless this requirement is waived by a special resolution of the shareholders

Restrictions on transfers of shares


– Directors can, in their absolute discretion, refuse to register the transfer of a share in certificated form which is not fully paid, provided that
such a refusal would not prevent dealings in shares in certificated form which are not fully paid from taking place on a proper basis
– The Directors may also refuse to register a transfer of a share in certificated form (whether fully paid or not) unless the instrument of transfer:
(1) is lodged, duly stamped, and is deposited at the registered office of the Company or such other place as the Directors may appoint and
is accompanied by a certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Directors may reasonably require to show the
right of the transferor to make the transfer; (2) is in respect of only one class of share; and (3) is in favour of not more than four transferees
– for uncertificated shares, transfers shall be registered only in accordance with the terms of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001
so that Directors may refuse to register a transfer which would require shares to be held jointly by more than four persons
– if the Directors refuse to register a share transfer, they must give the transferee notice of this refusal as soon as practicable and in any event
within two months of the instrument of transfer being lodged with the Company

Repurchase of shares
– subject to authorisation by shareholder resolution, the Company may purchase its own shares in accordance with the Companies Act
– any shares which have been bought back may be held as treasury shares or, if not so held, must be cancelled immediately upon completion
of the purchase, thereby reducing the amount of the Company’s issued share capital

Directors
Appointment and retirement
– a Board of Directors of not fewer than five Directors and not subject to any maximum (unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution
of shareholders)
– Directors and the Company (by ordinary resolution) may appoint a person who is willing to act as a Director
– the Articles govern the minimum number of Directors who must be subject to retirement at each AGM and who may seek re-election
– notwithstanding the Articles, all of the Directors of the Company will be subject to re-election at the forthcoming AGM to be held
on 30 April 2020 in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
– fees for Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman are determined by the Directors but cannot currently exceed in aggregate an annual
sum of £2,500,000, unless determined otherwise by ordinary resolution of the shareholders
– the remuneration of the Executive Directors is determined by the Remuneration Committee, which comprises independent
Non‑Executive Directors
Disclosure of interests
– specific provisions apply to the regulation and management of the disclosure of Directors’ interests in transactions and any conflicts of interest
that may occur in such situations including those which may arise as a result of the Director’s office or employment or persons connected
with him or her
Meetings and voting
– the quorum for a meeting of Directors is two Directors
– the Directors may delegate any of their powers to a person or a committee
– the Articles place a general prohibition on a Director voting at a Board meeting on any matter in which he has an interest other than
by virtue of his interest in shares in the Company
– specific provisions apply to a Director’s ability to vote in relation to: the giving of guarantees; the provision of indemnities; insurance
proposals; retirement benefits; and transactions or arrangements with a company in which the Director may have an interest
Borrowing powers
– the Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property, assets
(present and future) and uncalled capital
– the Directors may also issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities

318 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Additional disclosures
Disclosure of ownership of shares
There are no provisions in the Articles whereby persons acquiring, holding or disposing of a certain percentage of the Company’s ordinary shares
are required to make disclosure of their ownership percentage, although there are such requirements under statute and regulation.
Director retirement
There is no requirement for a director to retire on reaching any age.
Sinking Funds
There is no sinking fund provision in the Articles applicable to the Company’s ordinary shares.
Limitations on voting and shareholding
There are no limitations under the Articles restricting the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote ordinary shares in the Company.
Distribution of assets on a winding up
If the Company is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution and any other sanction required by law, divide among
the members in specie the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the
division shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of members. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole
or any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the members as he may with the like sanction determine, but no member
shall be compelled to accept any assets upon which there is a liability.
Anti-takeover devices and change of control
There are no provisions in the Articles that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a takeover, or change of control, of the
Company. Under English law, the Company’s directors have a fiduciary duty to take only those actions that are in the interests of the Company
and any anti-takeover devices employed by the directors in the future, if any, must accordingly be in the interests of the Company. The Company
is also subject to the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “City Code”), which governs the conduct of mergers and takeovers in the UK.
Any takeover of the Company would have to be in accordance with the City Code.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 319


Shareholder Information

PURCHASES
OF SHARES

Renewal of authority for Company to purchase own shares


Current authority – this authority (granted at the 2019 AGM) will expire at the 2020 AGM; the share buy-back programme was
to purchase shares suspended with effect from 30 July 2014; and
– renewed authority to purchase the Company’s ordinary shares in order that the appropriate mechanisms are in place
to enable the share buy-back programme to be reinstated at any time and authority would be exercised when, in the
opinion of the Directors, the exercise of the authority would result in an increase in the Company’s earnings per share
and would be in the interest of its shareholders generally.
Proposed authority to – the minimum price that may be paid for such shares is 25p, and the maximum price is the higher of: (i) an amount
purchase shares equal to 105% of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived
from the LSE Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share
is contracted to be purchased; and (ii) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current
independent bid for an ordinary share in the Company on the trading venues where the market purchases by the
Company will be carried out;
– in the absence of the necessary practical arrangements, the proposed authority has not been extended to enable BAT
to purchase its own ordinary shares on the JSE in South Africa or the NYSE in the form of ADSs; and
– further details are set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting 2020 which is made available to all shareholders
and is published on bat.com.
Treasury shares – in accordance with the Company’s policy, any repurchased shares are expected to be held as treasury shares;
at 31 December 2019, the number of treasury shares was 162,645,590 (2018: 162,645,590); no dividends are
paid on treasury shares; treasury shares have no voting rights; and treasury shares may be resold at a later date.

Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers


At the AGM on 25 April 2019, authorisation was given to the Company to repurchase up to 229.3 million ordinary shares for the period until
the next AGM in 2020. This authorisation is renewed annually at the AGM. No ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company during 2019.
The following table provides details of ordinary share purchases made by the trustees of employee share ownership plans (ESOPs) and other
purchases of ordinary shares and ADSs made to satisfy the commitments to deliver shares under certain employee share-based payment plans.

Total number of
ordinary shares Total number of Total number of Maximum number of
purchased Average price ADSs purchased Average price ordinary shares shares that may
by ESOPs or certain paid per by ESOPs or certain paid per purchased as yet be purchased as
employee share-based ordinary share employee share-based ADS part of a publicly part of a publicly
plans £ plans US$ announced plan1 announced plan1
2019
2 January 4,041 24.890000 – – – –
6 February 3,608 27.760000 – – – –
6 March 3,296 29.990000 – – – –
29 March–2 April 2,900,000 31.944600 – – – –
1 April 233,150 31.599204 – – – –
3 April 3,078 31.200000 – – – –
3 April 2,205* 31.350000 – – – –
3 April 26,658 31.109000 – – – –
25 April 63,067 30.270000 – – – –
1 May 3,407 29.870000 – – – –
5 June 3,640 28.475000 – – – –
3 July 3,340 29.750000 – – – –
7 August 3,271 29.750000 – – – –
4 September 3,228 29.395000 – – – –
2 October 3,224 29.750000 – – – –
6 November 3,355 28.295000 – – – –
4 December 3,103 29.740000 – – – –
3,265,671 29.713988 – – – –

Notes:
1. There was no publicly announced plan for BAT to purchase its own ordinary shares or ADSs during the year ended 31 December 2019.
2. All the purchases of ordinary shares and/or ADSs were made on open market transactions except for the purchase marked * which was made by way of an arm’s-length private treaty arrangement
between BAT and the relevant trustee.

320 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

GROUP
EMPLOYEE TRUST

The British American Tobacco Group Employee Trust (BATGET)


Function – used to satisfy the vesting and exercise of awards of ordinary shares under the BAT Deferred Share Bonus Scheme
and Long-Term Incentive Plans; and
– a committee of senior management reporting to the Board’s Share Schemes Committee monitors the number
of ordinary shares held in BATGET to satisfy outstanding awards.
Funding – funded by interest-free loan facilities from the Company totalling £1 billion;
– this enables BATGET to facilitate the purchase of ordinary shares to satisfy the future vesting or exercise of options
and awards;
– loan to BATGET: £788.24 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £681.43 million);
– the loan is either repaid from the proceeds of the exercise of options or, in the case of ordinary shares acquired by
BATGET to satisfy the vesting and exercise of awards, the Company will subsequently waive the loan provided over
the life of the awards; and
– if any options lapse, ordinary shares may be sold by BATGET to cover the loan repayment.

1 Jan 2019 31 Dec 2019


Ordinary shares Number of ordinary shares 7,312,975 8,049,187
held in BATGET Market value of ordinary shares £182.8m £260.1m
% of issued share capital of Company 0.30 0.33
Dividends – BATGET currently waives dividends on the ordinary shares held by it; and
paid in 2019
– quarterly interim dividends 2019: £15.67 million across 2019.
Voting rights – the trustee does not exercise any voting rights while ordinary shares are held in BATGET; and
– share scheme participants may exercise the voting rights attaching to those ordinary shares once the ordinary shares
have been transferred out of BATGET.

Notes:
1. Company share – based payment arrangements: details of the material equity share-based and cash-settled share-based arrangements are set out in note 24 in the Notes on the Accounts.
2. The values of ordinary shares shown are based on the closing mid-market share price on 31 December 2019: 3,232p (31 December 2018: 2,500p).
3. In addition to the ordinary shares held in BATGET, the trust held the following American Depositary Shares (ADSs) which relate to the vesting and exercise of certain employee stock awards formerly
granted by RAI over RAI common stock and which were assumed by BAT to be satisfied by the delivery of ADSs following the merger with RAI on 25 July 2017.

1 Jan 2019 31 Dec 2019

Number of ADSs 75,267 15,197


Market value of ADSs(a) US$2.4m US$0.6m
% of issued share capital 0.003 0.0006

Note:
(a) The value of the ADSs shown is based on the closing price of ADSs on 31 December 2019 of US$42.46.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 321


Shareholder Information

AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY SHARES

Fees and charges payable by ADS holders


Citibank, N.A. (Citibank) was appointed as the depositary bank (the ‘Depositary’) for BAT’s ADS programme pursuant to the Amended and
Restated Deposit Agreement dated 1 December 2008 and amended as of 14 February 2017 and 14 June 2017 between BAT, the Depositary and
the owners and holders of ADSs (the ‘Deposit Agreement’). Citibank was reappointed as the Depositary pursuant to the Second Amended and
Restated Deposit Agreement dated 26 November 2018 (the ‘Restated Deposit Agreement’).
The Restated Deposit Agreement provides that ADS holders may be required to pay various fees to the Depositary, and the Depositary may refuse
to provide any service for which a fee is assessed until the applicable fee has been paid.

Service Fees
Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of ordinary shares (excluding issuances Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued1
as a result of distributions of shares described below)
Cancellation of ADSs Up to US$0.05 per ADS surrendered1
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e. sale of Up to US$0.05 per ADS held2
rights and other entitlements)
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to: (1) stock dividends or other free stock Up to US$0.05 per ADS held
distributions; or (2) exercise of rights to purchase additional BAT ADSs
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase Up to US$0.05 per ADS held
additional ADSs (i.e. spinoff shares)
Depositary bank services Up to US$0.05 per ADS held

Notes:
1. Under the terms of a separate agreement between BAT and the Depositary, the Depositary has agreed to waive the fees that would otherwise be payable in connection with the issuance of ADSs upon
deposit of ordinary shares and the cancellation of ADSs and corresponding withdrawal of ordinary shares, in each case by BAT or any of its affiliates, officers, directors or employees. The terms of this
separate agreement may be amended at any time by BAT and the Depositary.
2. While under the Restated Deposit Agreement cash dividends paid in respect of ADSs are subject to a fee of up to US$0.05 per ADS payable to the Depositary, under the terms of the separate agreement
between BAT and the Depositary referred to above, such dividends are instead subject to a fee of up to US$0.02 per ADS per year (a fee of US$0.005 per dividend based on the distribution of four
quarterly cash dividends per year). Under the separate agreement, this dividend fee may not be varied by the Depositary without the consent of BAT.

Contact details for Citibank Shareholder Services are on page 323.


In addition, ADS holders may be required under the Restated Deposit Agreement to pay the Depositary: (a) taxes (including applicable interest
and penalties) and other governmental charges; (b) registration fees; (c) certain cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses;
(d) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency; (e) such fees and expenses as are incurred by
the Depositary in connection with compliance with applicable exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements; and (f) the fees
and expenses incurred by the Depositary, the custodian or any nominee in connection with the servicing or delivery of deposited securities.
The Depositary may: (a) withhold dividends or other distributions or sell for the account of any ADS holder any or all of the shares underlying
the ADSs in order to satisfy any tax or governmental charge; and (b) deduct from any cash distribution the applicable fees and charges of,
and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and any taxes, duties or other governmental charges on account.

Fees and payments made by the Depositary to BAT


Under the terms of the contractual arrangements set out in the separate agreement between BAT and the Depositary referred to above,
BAT received a total of approximately US$4.4 million from the Depositary, comprising fees charged in respect of dividends and a fixed
contribution to BAT’s ADS programme administration costs for the year ended 31 December 2019.
In 2019, these programme administration costs principally included those associated with AGM proxy mailings, exchange listing and regulatory
fees, foreign private issuer analysis, legal fees, share registration fees and other expenses incurred by BAT in relation to the ADS programme.
Under these contractual arrangements, the Depositary has also agreed to waive certain standard fees associated with the administration of the
ADS programme.

322 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

SHAREHOLDING ADMINISTRATION
AND SERVICES

United Kingdom Registrar Our website – www.bat.com


Computershare Investor Services PLC Access comprehensive information about British American Tobacco
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ and download shareholder publications at the corporate website.
tel: 0800 408 0094 or +44 370 889 3159 Visit the Investors section for valuation and charting tools, dividend
web-based enquiries: www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus and share price data and subscribe to the email alert services for key
financial events in the British American Tobacco financial calendar.
www.computershare.com/uk/investor/bri Download the British American Tobacco Investor Relations app to
Access the web-based enquiry service of Computershare Investor access all the latest financial information on your iPad, iPhone or
Services PLC for holders of shares on the UK share register. View details Android device.
of your BAT shareholding and recent dividend payments and register
for shareholder electronic communications to receive notification of Dividend Reinvestment Plan
BAT shareholder mailings by email. Available to the majority of shareholders on the UK register, this
is a straightforward and economic way of utilising your dividends
www.computershare.com/dealing/uk to build up your shareholding in British American Tobacco.
Go online or telephone 0370 703 0084 (UK) to buy or sell British Contact Computershare Investor Services PLC in the UK for details.
American Tobacco shares traded on the London Stock Exchange.
Before you can trade, you will need to register for this service. Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
Please go to www.computershare.trade/cert_faqs.html for a list A British American Tobacco sponsored ISA – contact:
of permitted domiciles.
The Share Centre
South Africa Registrar PO Box 2000, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 8ZB
tel: 0800 800 008; +44 1296 414 141
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
email enquiries: [email protected]
Private Bag X9000, Saxonwold, 2132, South Africa
website: www.share.com
tel: 0861 100 634; +27 11 870 8216
email enquiries: [email protected] (The tax advantages of ISAs depend on your individual circumstances
and the benefits of ISAs could change in the future. You should
American Depositary Shares note that investments, their value and the income they provide
Enquiries regarding ADS holder accounts and payment of dividends can go down as well as up and you might not get back what you
should be directed to: originally invested.)
Citibank Shareholder Services Capital gains tax
PO Box 43077, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3077, USA
Fact sheet for British American Tobacco historical UK capital gains
tel: +1 888 985 2055 (toll-free) or +1 781 575 4555
tax information; contact the British American Tobacco Company
email enquiries: [email protected]
Secretarial Department, tel: +44 20 7845 1000 or access online at
website: www.citi.com/dr
www.bat.com/cgt.
Documents on Display and Publications Share Fraud
This Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 is available online at
The practice of share fraud (also known as ‘boiler room’ scams)
bat.com/annualreport. Copies of current and past Annual Reports
unfortunately continues with many companies’ shareholders receiving
are available on request. Highlights from these publications can
unsolicited phone calls or mail from people offering to sell them
be produced in alternative formats such as Braille, audio tape and
what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK
large print. Documents referred to in this Annual Report and Form
investments, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for an
20-F 2019 do not form part of this Annual Report unless specifically
upfront payment.
incorporated by reference.
If you suspect that you have been approached by fraudsters, please
Contact:
tell the FCA using the share fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/
British American Tobacco Publications
scams, where you can find out more about investment scams. You can
Unit 80, London Industrial Park, Roding Road, London E6 6LS
also call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. If you have
tel: +44 20 7511 7797; facsimile: +44 20 7540 4326
lost money to investment fraud you should report it to Action Fraud on
email: [email protected]
0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Holders of shares held on the South Africa register can contact the
Company’s Representative office in South Africa using the contact Calendar 2020
details shown at the end of this Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019. Thu Annual General Meeting
ADS holders can contact Citibank Shareholder Services in the United 30 April Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG.
States using the contact details shown above. at Details of the business to be proposed at the meeting are
11:30am in the Notice of AGM, which is made available to all
The Company is subject to the information requirements of the US shareholders and is published on www.bat.com.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 applicable to foreign private issuers. BAT provides for the vote on each resolution to be by poll
In accordance with these requirements, the company files its Annual rather than by a show of hands. This provides for greater
Report on Form 20-F and other documents with the SEC. You also transparency and allows the votes of all shareholders to be
may call the SEC at +1 800-SEC-0330. In addition, BAT’s SEC filings are counted, including those cast by proxy. The voting results
available to the public, together with the public filings of other issuers, will be released on the same day in accordance with
at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. regulatory requirements and made available on bat.com.
Fri 31 July Half-Year Report

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 323


Shareholder Information

EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed in the SEC EDGAR system, as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, and can be viewed on the SEC’s
website, www.sec.gov:

Exhibit Number Description


1 Articles of Association of British American Tobacco p.l.c.1
2.1 Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of 26 November 2018, by and among British American Tobacco
p.l.c., Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder.2
2.2 Indenture, dated as of 15 August 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors,
and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee.3
2.3 Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of 28 September 2018, among British American Tobacco p.l.c. and certain of its
subsidiaries as guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee.4
2.4 Indenture, dated as of 6 September 2019, by and among B.A.T Capital Corporation, the Guarantors party thereto and Citibank,
N.A., as trustee, authentication agent, transfer agent, registrar, calculation agent and initial paying agent.5
2.5 Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of 6 September 2019, by and among B.A.T Capital Corporation, the Guarantors party
thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee.6
2.6 Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of 6 September 2019, by and among B.A.T Capital Corporation, the Guarantors party
thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee.7
2.7 Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of 6 September 2019, by and among B.A.T Capital Corporation, the Guarantors party
thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee.8
2.8 Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of 6 September 2019, by and among B.A.T Capital Corporation, the Guarantors party
thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee.9
2.9 Thirty-first Supplemental Trust Deed, dated 1 May 2019, by and among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., B.A.T Capital
Corporation, B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V., British American Tobacco p.l.c. and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c.,
further modifying the Trust Deed, dated as of 6 July 1998 (as previously modified and restated) relating to the US$3,000,000,000
(now £25,000,000,000) Euro Medium Term Note Programme.10
2.10 Description of Securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
4.1 Term loan facilities agreement, dated as of 16 January 2017, among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital
Corporation, as original borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA,
National Association, as US agent and the lenders and financial institutions party thereto.11
4.2 Revolving credit facilities agreement, dated as of 20 January 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International
Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. and B.A.T Capital
Corporation, as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent and euro swingline agent, HSBC
Bank USA, National Association, as US agent and US$ swingline agent, and the banks and financial institutions party thereto.12
4.3 Rules of the British American Tobacco 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan.13
4.4 Rules of the British American Tobacco 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of 25 February 2020)
4.5 British American Tobacco p.l.c. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme.14
4.6 Annex to British American Tobacco p.l.c. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme.15
4.7 British American Tobacco p.l.c. 2019 Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme.16
4.8 Rules of the British American Tobacco Restricted Share Plan.17
4.9 Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc. (Amended and Restated Effective 30 November 2017).18
4.10 Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and Nicandro Durante, dated as of 10 December 2010.19
4.11 Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and John Benedict Stevens, dated as of 26 March 2008.20
4.12 Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and Jack Bowles, dated as of 11 December 2018.21
4.13 Letter Agreement between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and John Benedict Stevens, dated as of 23 July 2010.22
4.14 Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and Tadeu Marroco, dated as of 27 February 2019.
4.15 Master Settlement Agreement, referred to as the MSA, dated 23 November 1998, between the Settling States named in the MSA
and the Participating Manufacturers also named therein.23
4.16 Settlement Agreement dated 25 August 1997, between the State of Florida and settling defendants in The State of Florida v.
American Tobacco Co.24
4.17 Comprehensive Settlement Agreement and Release dated 16 January 1998, between the State of Texas and settling defendants
in The State of Texas v. American Tobacco Co.25
4.18 Settlement Agreement and Release in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc., by and among the State of Minnesota, Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the various tobacco company defendants named therein, dated as of 8 May 1998.26
4.19 Settlement Agreement and Stipulation for Entry of Consent Judgment in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc., by and
among the State of Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the various tobacco company defendants named
therein, dated as of 8 May 1998.27
4.20 Form of Consent Judgment by Judge Kenneth J. Fitzpatrick, Judge of District Court in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc.28

324 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

Exhibit Number Description


4.21 Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Agreed Order dated 2 July 1998, by and among the
Mississippi Defendants, Mississippi and the Mississippi Counsel in connection with the Mississippi Action.29
4.22 Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Consent Decree dated 24 July 1998, by and among the
Texas Defendants, Texas and the Texas Counsel in connection with the Texas Action.30
4.23 Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Consent Decree dated 11 September 1998, by and among
the State of Florida and the tobacco companies named therein.31
4.24 Term Sheet agreed to by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, an indirect subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., certain other
Participating Manufacturers, 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.32
4.25 Revolving credit facilities agreement, dated as of 12 March 2020, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International
Finance p.l.c., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as
guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent and euro swingline agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as US agent and US$
swingline agent, and the banks and financial institutions party thereto.
8 List of Subsidiaries included on pages 237 to 246 in this report.
11 Code of Ethics.33
12 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13 Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.34
15 Consent of KPMG LLP (United Kingdom), independent registered public accounting firm of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
101 Interactive Data Files (formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically).

Notes:
1. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017.
2. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-237186) filed on 16 March 2020.
3. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017 filed on 15 March 2018.
4. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-227658) filed on 2 October 2018.
5. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s Form 6-K filed on 6 September 2019.
6. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s Form 6-K filed on 6 September 2019.
7. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s Form 6-K filed on 6 September 2019.
8. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s Form 6-K filed on 6 September 2019.
9. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s Form 6-K filed on 6 September 2019.
10. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s Form F-3 filed on 17 July 2019.
11. Incorporated by reference to BAT’s Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D filed on 17 January 2017.
12. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017,
and replaced by the revolving credit facilities agreement, dated as of 12 March 2020, included in Exhibit 4.25 hereto.
13. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017.
14. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017.
15. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2018 filed on 15 March 2019.
16. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2018 filed on 15 March 2019.
17. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-237186) filed on 16 March 2020.
18. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2007 filed on 27 February 2008.
19. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017.
20. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017.
21. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2018 filed on 15 March 2019.
22. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to BAT’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-217939) filed on 12 May 2017.
23. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated 24 November 1998.
24. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated 5 September 1997.
25. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated 27 January 1998.
26. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 March 1998 filed on 15 May 1998.
27. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 March 1998 filed on 15 May 1998.
28. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 March 1998 filed on 15 May 1998.
29. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 June 1998 filed on 14 August 1998.
30. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 June 1998 filed on 14 August 1998.
31. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 September 1998 filed on 12 November 1998.
32. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated 12 March 2013.
33. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11 to to BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017 filed on 15 March 2018.
34. These certifications are furnished only and are not filed as part of BAT’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Certain instruments which define the rights of holders of long-term debt issued by BAT and its subsidiaries are not being filed because the total
amount of securities authorised under each such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of BAT and its subsidiaries.
BAT agrees to furnish copies of any or all such instruments to the SEC on request.

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 325


Other Information

GLOSSARY

@ROCE Return on capital employed@


ADR American Depositary Receipt
ADS American Depositary Share – 1 ADS is equivalent SAFL Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Livelihoods
to 1 BAT ordinary share SEC United States Securities and Exchange Commission
AGM Annual General Meeting SIP Share incentive plan
AmSSA Americas (excluding US) and Sub-Saharan Africa SoBC Group Standards of Business Conduct
APFO Adjusted profit from operations SOx United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
APME Asia-Pacific and Middle East SRS Share reward scheme
BATGET British American Tobacco Group Employee Trust TaO Programme to implement the new operating
bps Basis points model, including one instance of SAP
CC Constant currency TCFD Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
CGFO Cash generated from operations TDR TDR d.o.o
CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent THP Tobacco heating products
Code UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 TPD1 European Tobacco Products Directive
CSR Corporate Social Responsibility (directive 2001/37/EC)
DSBS Deferred share bonus scheme TPD2 European Tobacco and Related Products Directive
(directive 2014/40/EU)
EMTN European Medium Term Notes
TSR Total shareholder return
ENA Europe and North Africa
US United States of America
EPS Earnings per share
UURBS Unfunded unapproved retirement benefit scheme
ESG Environmental, Social and Governance
WHO World Health Organisation
EU European Union
FII GLO Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order
FCTC Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
FMCG Fast Moving Consumer Goods
GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
GDB Global Drive Brands, being Kent, Dunhill, Pall Mall,
Lucky Strike and Rothmans
GDPR EU General Data Protection Regulation
GDSB Global Drive and Key Strategic Brands, being the
GDBs, plus Shuang Xi and State Express 555
GJ Gigajoules (of energy use)
IASB International Accounting Standards Board
IEIS International Executive Incentive Scheme
IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards as
issued by the IASB and as adopted by the EU
ISA International Standards on Auditing
JSE Johannesburg Stock Exchange
KPI Key performance indicator
LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate
LSE London Stock Exchange
LR Listing rules
LTIP Long-Term Incentive Plan
MCE Million cigarettes equivalent
MSA Master Settlement Agreement
NGP Next Generation Product
NTO Net turnover or revenue
NYSE New York Stock Exchange
OCF Operating cash flow
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development
OTP Other tobacco products, including but not limited
to roll-your-own, make-your-own and cigars
Parker Report The Parker Review Committee’s final report
on ethnic diversity in UK boards published
on 12 October 2017
PCAOB Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
RAI Reynolds American Inc.
RAI Companies Reynolds American Inc. group of companies

326 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Strategic Report Governance Financial Statements Other Information

CROSS-REFERENCE
TO FORM 20-F

Item Form 20-F caption Location in this document


1 Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers N/A
2 Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable N/A
3 Key Information
A Selected financial data 256
B Capitalisation and indebtedness N/A
C Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds N/A
D Risk factors 58-62, 272-286
4 Information on the Company
A History and development of the Company 48-49, 145-146, 157-158, 185-186, 255, 269, 323, inside back cover
B Business overview 3-42, 44, 52-57, 136-139, 255, 287-290, 292, 296
C Organisational structure 237-246, 255
D Property, plants and equipment 156-157, 294
4a Unresolved staff comments N/A
5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
A Operating results 17-21, 34-37, 39, 43-47, 50, 51, 61, 131, 159, 166-168,
180-184, 268, 269, 287-290
B Liquidity and capital resources 48-50, 129, 169, 175-178, 180-184, 266, 269-270, 283
C Research and development, patent and licences 2-10, 14-15, 44, 141, 255
D Trend information 2-42, 58-62, 287-290
E Off-balance sheet arrangements 51, 211, 213, 270
F Tabular disclosure of contractual commitments 270
G Safe harbour 298
6 Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A Directors and senior management 66-68, 76
B Compensation 90-113, 158-163, 189-190, 307-316
C Board practices 66-68, 79-80, 83-89, 90-92, 111, 189-190, 297, 318-319
D Employees 5, 189, 271
E Share ownership 42, 95-96, 186-188, 306-316, 321
7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A Major shareholders 306-307
B Related party transactions 189-190
C Interests of experts and counsel N/A
8 Financial Information
A Consolidated statements and other financial information 47, 122-236, 300-301
B Significant changes N/A
9 The Offer and Listing
A Offer and listing details 299
B Plan of distribution N/A
C Markets 299
D Selling shareholders N/A
E Dilution N/A
F Expenses of the issue N/A
10 Additional Information
A Share capital N/A
B Memorandum and Articles of Association 107, 317-319
C Material contracts 292
D Exchange controls 300
E Taxation 302-305
F Dividends and paying agents N/A
G Statements by experts N/A
H Documents on display 323
I Subsidiary information N/A
11 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 180-184

BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019 327


Other Information

CROSS-REFERENCE TO FORM 20-F


CONTINUED

Item Form 20-F caption Location in this document


12 Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
A Debt securities N/A
B Warrants and rights N/A
C Other securities N/A
D American Depositary Shares 322
13 Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies N/A
14 Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders N/A
and Use of Proceeds
15 Controls and Procedures 122-123, 296
16A Audit Committee Financial Expert 83, 295
16B Code of Ethics 88, 295
16C Principal Accountant Fees and Services 85-86, 141
16D Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees N/A
16E Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and 320
Affiliated Purchasers
16F Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant N/A
16G Corporate Governance 295
16H Mine Safety Disclosure N/A
17 Financial Statements N/A
18 Financial Statements 122-236
19 Exhibits 324-325

328 BAT Annual Report and Form 20-F 2019


Registered office
Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG
tel: +44 20 7845 1000, facsimile: +44 20 7240 0555
Incorporated in England and Wales No. 3407696
Representative Office in South Africa
Waterway House South, No 3 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront,
Cape Town 8000, South Africa
PO Box 631, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
tel: +27 21 003 6712
Secretary
Paul McCrory
Investor relations
Enquiries should be directed to Mike Nightingale, Victoria Buxton,
William Houston or John Harney
tel: +44 20 7845 1180
Press office
Enquiries should be directed to Anna Vickerstaff
tel: +44 20 7845 2888
email: [email protected]
Auditors
KPMG LLP
15 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5GL

References in this publication to ‘British American Tobacco’, ‘BAT’, ‘we’, ‘us’,


and ‘our’ when denoting opinion refer to British American Tobacco p.l.c.
(the Company) (No. 3407696) and when denoting tobacco business activity
refer to British American Tobacco Group operating companies, collectively
or individually as the case may be.
Design and production: Radley Yeldar www.ry.com
Printed in the UK by Pureprint Group on Revive 100% recycled papers, made
entirely from post-consumer waste. All pulps used are Elemental Chlorine Free.
The manufacturing mills hold the ISO14001 and EU Ecolabel (EMAS)
certificates for environmental management.
We believe in Diversity. At BAT we employ over 55,000 people
and operate across more than 180 markets globally.

We understand and recognise that to be a truly global


company we must have a truly global culture and values.

This diversity of people, thinking and ideas is key to delivering


a better tomorrow for our consumers, society, shareholders
and employees.
We believe in Science. At BAT we are leaders in the field of plant
genomics and bioinformatics, and have research facilities in the
UK and USA employing over 150 PHDs.

Our pioneering, published genome data enables the scientific


community to advance map-based gene discoveries and accelerates
our research into new product categories.

This scientific capability is critical to delivering a better tomorrow


for our consumers, employees, shareholders and society.
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Explore the story of our year


Featuring downloadable versions of
this Report, along with our Sustainability
Summary Report and other content – all
accessible on desktop, tablet and mobile.

www.bat.com/reporting

www.bat.com

@BATPress

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