News

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC Preliminary Results for the twelve months ended 30 September 2007

Highlights

• Cigarette volumes 200bn up 7% (2006: 187bn)
• Net revenue £3,280m up 4% (2006: £3,162m)
• Profit from operations £1,418m up 8% (2006: £1,311m)
• Adjusted* profit from operations £1,475m up 9% (2006: £1,356m)
• Profit before tax £1,237m up 6% (2006: £1,168m)
• Basic earnings per share 134.3p up 10% (2006: 122.2p)
• Adjusted* earnings per share 136.7p up 12% (2006: 122.2p)
• Full year dividend 69.5p up 12% (2006: 62.0p)

Results are prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

* Adjusted results are reported, where applicable, before amortisation of acquired trademarks, restructuring costs, retirement benefits net financing income, certain fair value changes on derivatives and related tax effects.

Summarising today's announcement, Gareth Davis, Chief Executive, said:

"This has been another excellent year for Imperial Tobacco in which we have delivered record financial results, with further growth in our cigarette volumes and market share gains within all our regions.

"Our cigarette volumes, which included a six month contribution from our recent acquisition of Commonwealth Brands in the USA, increased by 7%, with strong performances from our key brands Davidoff, West and JPS, and good growth in a number of regional brands.

"The performance of Commonwealth Brands is particularly pleasing, with an excellent return on investment in the first six months. We anticipate completing our Master Settlement Agreement application in the coming weeks and look forward to building on our initial success with the launch of our own brands and products in the USA.

"We also expect our proposed acquisition of Altadis to be approved by the CNMV, the Spanish regulator, soon. The enlarged group presents considerable opportunities going forward and following completion we will be focused on rapidly realising these through the swift integration of the two businesses.

"Our expanding geographic footprint, international strength in cigarette and world leadership in fine cut tobacco, rolling papers and tubes provides opportunities for future growth in new and existing markets. This is supported by our ongoing commitment to effectively manage our cash, reduce costs and improve efficiencies and ensures that we remain well placed to continue to create significant value for our shareholders."

Notes to Editors

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC is the world's fourth largest international tobacco company. The Group manufactures and sells a comprehensive range of cigarettes, tobaccos, rolling papers, filter tubes and cigars in over 130 countries worldwide. It has around 14,500 employees and 31 manufacturing sites.

Enquiries 
Alex Parsons, Group Media Relations Manager +44 (0)7967 467 241
Simon Evans, Group Press Officer +44 (0)7967 467 684
John Nelson-Smith, Investor Relations Manager +44 (0)791 939 1866

Download the full announcement in PDF (116K)