The Imperial Brand Board approved a further interim dividend of 48.00 pence per share and will propose a final dividend of 48.01 pence per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 137.71 pence per share. The third interim dividend will be paid on 31 December 2020 with an ex-dividend date of 26 November 2020. Subject to AGM approval, the proposed final dividend will be paid on 31 March 2021, with an ex-dividend date of 20 February 2021.
Other financial highlights include:
Group net revenue up +0.8%
Tobacco volume decline of -2.1% reflecting better market size and share trends in several markets
Tobacco net revenue +1.8% but weaker mix impacting gross profit contribution
Moderation of NGP net revenue decline; H1: -43%, H2: -9% with FY down 27%
Adjusted EPS down -5.6% reflecting reduced tobacco profit with COVID-19 and regulatory costs; and losses in NGP
Reported EPS up 49.4% at 158.3p reflecting prior year impairment charge for Premium Cigar sale
Strong cash conversion 127%; 107% excluding timing benefit on duty payments
