Jefferies terms BAT as 'top pick' among global tobacco companies, shares jump 3.3%

** 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%