Imperial Tobacco - 2011 Half-Year Results Interview with CEO and FD

LONDON, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.