** British American Tobacco's shares BATS.L up 3.3% at 3,646p - top gainer in FTSE 100 index .FTSE
** Jefferies assumes sector coverage of global tobacco; chooses BAT as "top pick" in the sector, followed by Philip Morris PM.N as "growth pick"
** Peer Imperial Brands IMB.L rated by brokerage as "value standout"; stock up 1.5% at 2,890p
** "The sector sits in the sweet spot of staples through attractive growth, a defensive nature, rich cash returns, and still-attractive valuation" - Jefferies
** In June, BAT raised its annual sales forecast on improving U.S. demand
** 9 of 14 brokerages rate BATS as "Buy" or higher, 4 "Hold"; their median PT is 3,550p - as per data compiled by LSEG
** YTD, BATS stock up 26.42%
(Reporting by Unnamalai L in Bengaluru)
((Unnamalai.L@thomsonreuters.com;))
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