Times are tough, but the rich can still splash out 

It will be interesting to see how much local pension funds will move to increase stakes in British American Tobacco (BAT) now that they can hold the share directly, instead of diluting it with Richemont's luxury interests, or Remgro's banking and other interests.

BAT offers steady sales, global geographic diversity and earnings in pounds - just about everything a fund could want in uncertain times, unless, of course, holding tobacco is against the ethical rules of a fund. But there are risks cigarette companies face, including litigation over health, as has been seen previously.

Sales are also down in the West, proving that high government sin taxes, regulation of smoking and banning of advertising do cut demand. . . .

In this country, BAT has responded to the advertising restrictions by changing the packaging on cigarette boxes. The change is a gradual evolution and creates a talking point among smokers about a brand. It is believed that innovation of the actual cigarette product is the next step in marketing: expect fags that change taste midway through a smoke. . . .

Long-term family investments in tobacco companies such as BAT and Philip Morris International may help put many children and grandchildren through tertiary education, but one wonders if cigarette companies will still be a top investment choice when the next generation goes through its recession.

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