LONDON, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Imperial
Tobacco today announced tobacco net revenues up 3 per cent,
earnings per share up 7 per cent, an increase in the dividend of 16
per cent plus a GBP500 million share
buyback programme which starts with immediate effect.
In a video interview with financial broadcaster
http://www.cantos.com, Imperial Tobacco Chief Executive
Alison Cooper discusses the key
elements of the companies half year results and underlines the
value of the total tobacco portfolio as a growth driver.
"Total tobacco is a unique asset for Imperial. It's all about
what consumers want. And clearly consumers are responding in
changing environments... we have the portfolio to respond to those
consumer changes, to make the most of every consumer occasion. So
it's a very key growth element for Imperial and one we're
increasingly focusing on."
Summing up the performance at the half year, she says the
company will not lose focus on costs and cash.
"We've demonstrated our commitment today to returning cash to
shareholders and we'll continue to do what Imperial has always
done, which is to focus on creating shareholder value."
Reflecting on the financial details, Robert Dyrbus, Finance
Director, says they are confident about the future.
"In the current year, the move to a 50% payout ratio means that
dividends per share are growing faster than earnings per share, and
we've announced that will continue in 2011/12 and beyond."
The interview and transcript are available now on
http://www.cantos.com.
Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth
interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company
executives. If you would like to contact us, please email
prnsupport@cantos.com or phone +44(0)207-936-1372.
SOURCE Imperial Tobacco PLC