Imperial Brands delivers solid FY results with reassuring guidance

UK‑listed tobacco major Imperial Brands PLC (LSE: IMB) has posted full‑year results that underline the company is “doing what it’s supposed to,” according to broker commentary. Adjusted operating profit came in at £3.99 billion — ahead of consensus — driven by resilient combustible tobacco volumes, strong pricing, and favourable currency tailwinds. Earnings per share for the year were 315 pence, modestly above analyst forecasts. Looking ahead to FY26, Imperial Brands has offered more precise guidance: low‑single digit growth in tobacco net revenue, double‑digit growth in next‑generation products, and operating profit growth of 3–5%. On the shareholder returns front, the firm announced a £1.45 billion share‑buyback programme, reinforcing its focus on value maximisation. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets maintained a ‘neutral’ stance with a 2,400p price target, while Jefferies reaffirmed a ‘buy’ rating and a 3,600p target, citing the core combustibles business as being in good shape with continued pricing power. #ImperialBrands #tobaccoindustry #earningsbeat #sharebuyback #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM