LONDON, July 25 (Reuters) - British American Tobacco reported a 1.3% rise in half-year profit on Thursday, exceeding analyst expectations.

The maker of Dunhill and Lucky Strike posted adjusted diluted earnings for the six months to June 30 of 169.3 pence per share, compared with analyst expectations of 165.91 pence. (Reporting by Emma Rumney Editing by David Goodman )