Imperial Brands Plc announce an interim dividend per share up 78.5% to 80.16 pence, reflecting underlying growth of 4.5% and the rephasing of dividend to four equal instalments.
Other financial highlights include:
Aggregate market share gains (+6 bps) in their five priority markets - ahead of their strategic objective
Strong tobacco pricing more than offsetting volume declines
NGP net revenue up 15.4% with growth in all categories; NGP reported revenue up 14.7%
Strong tobacco result at Logista offset by performance in long-distance transportation
Adjusted and reported earnings per share up 6.0% and 0.7% respectively, driven by further share count reduction
12-month free cash flow of £2.4bn reflecting strong cash conversion at 99% on 12-month basis
Capital returns underway: £1.25bn share buyback and increased interim dividend
On track to deliver full-year results in line with guidance
