FTSE 100 news / Companies and sectors / British American Tobacco / 20 October 2026

British American Tobacco (BATS): news on Tuesday 20 October 2026

+2.0 slightly positive

Coverage was mixed: Jefferies raised its price target and a buyback was launched, but there were worries about another generational tobacco ban in Europe and claims that tobacco firms exaggerate the illegal market. A technical outlook pointed to consolidation.

What drove it

Jefferies target raise
tobacco regulation
share buyback

The 5 stories

Each headline's own score, strongest first. Links go to the publisher.

+9.2 BAT stock: Jefferies raises target for BAT stock to GBp 5,600.00 - ad-hoc-news.de ad-hoc-news.de
Jefferies raises price target for BAT
−5.8 Another generational tobacco ban in Europe could rock the sector (BTI:NYSE) Seeking Alpha
Potential generational tobacco ban threatens sector including BAT
−5.0 Tobacco giants ‘exaggerate size of illegal market to fight curbs’ The Times
Tobacco giants accused of exaggerating illicit trade to fight curbs
+3.3 British American Tobacco launches buyback for British American Tobacco stock - ad-hoc-news.de ad-hoc-news.de
Buyback launch is mildly supportive for shareholders
−0.8 British American Tobacco stock outlook: Consolidation likely as overbought signals emerge Traders Union
Technical outlook expecting consolidation after overbought signals

British American Tobacco: every day · Consumer staples on 20 October 2026 · FTSE 100 overview for the day