Imperial Brands backs FY outlook but warns Iran war could push up costs.


Tobacco company Imperial Brands backed its full-year outlook on Tuesday as it posted an uptick in first-half revenues, but warned that if the conflict in the Middle East persists, it could have a more meaningful impact on costs and consumer demand.

  • Imperial Brands
  • 12 May 2026 08:11:41
Imperial Brands

Source: Sharecast

In the six months to the end of March, adjusted operating profit nudged up 0.6% to £1.6bn, while revenue rose 0.8% to £14.7bn. Reported operating profit fell 36.5%, reflecting the costs of the Delaware settlement and 2030 Strategy activities.

Tobacco and NGP net revenue was 1.8% higher at £3.7bn, while tobacco net revenue grew 1.5%, supported by "robust" tobacco pricing, which more than offset volume declines.

Revenue from the NGP (next generation products) segment was up 7.5%, with double-digit growth in AAACE (Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Central & Eastern Europe) and Europe, and market share growth in all three NGP categories.

Chief executive Lukas Paravicini said: "We have made a positive start to the execution of our evolved 2030 Strategy, combining consistent operational and financial performance with tangible progress on our transformation.

"In combustibles, robust pricing momentum has continued to deliver low single-digit growth, at constant currency, in both net revenue and adjusted operating profit. In next generation products we continue to grow market share in all three categories."

Imperial Brands said its expectations for the financial year are unchanged and in line with the guidance given last November and medium-term guidance set out at the capital markets day last March.

"While the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in a more uncertain macroeconomic environment, we have not seen a material impact to date," it said. "We will continue to monitor the situation. The longer this persists, the more likely there could be a more meaningful impact on input costs and consumer demand, including duty free. We remain focused on delivering full year results in line with our guidance."

At 0810 BST, the shares were down 0.6% at 2,711p.

See latest RNS on Investegate


Exchange: London Stock Exchange
Sell:
0.00
Buy:
0.00
Change: -145.87 ( -1.41 %)
Date:
Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Compare our accounts

If you're looking to grow your money over the longer term (5+ years), we have a range of investment choices to help.

Halifax is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the Markets News articles. We may not share the views of the author. Understand the risks, please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest. We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.