0737 GMT - British American Tobacco's investors have been well rewarded lately as the shares have risen by 38% over the past year compared with a gain of 6.2% for the wider FTSE 100, Interactive Investor's Richard Hunter says. And despite the investment needed in transitioning the company it remains committed to a higher level of shareholder returns, including buybacks, Hunter says. "BATS has also gained the support of investors in passing Imperial Brands to become the preferred play in the sector, with the market consensus of the shares as a comfortable buy reflecting its continually resilient performance in response to the myriad of challenges," he says. Shares are down 0.7% at 3,319 pence and are up 15% in the year-to-date. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 03, 2025 03:37 ET (07:37 GMT)

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