Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 26, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 24, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleImperial Brands plans 3-5% annual profit growth and yearly share buybacks until 2030, focusing on core markets and smoking alternatives.
(Reuters) -Imperial Brands will grow annual operating profits by 3-5% and launch a share buyback every year until 2030, the cigarette maker said, as it prepared to set out its growth strategy at a capital markets day on Wednesday.
The maker of Winston cigarettes has enjoyed a rebound in sales and returns after retreating to focus on core markets and its tobacco business following an earlier foray into vapes that saw it lose market share.
It outlined a new five-year strategy on Wednesday signalling a continuation of that focus but also an effort to build scale in smoking alternatives like vapes.
Over the years to 2030, that plan would deliver up to 5% operating profit growth a year, led by smoking alternatives, and an annual share buyback, with free cash flows of up to 3 billion pounds ($3.9 billion) per year, it said in a statement.
"The strategy builds on the firm foundations of our current plan, which has created a better business delivering a stronger, more consistent operational and financial performance, and excellent returns for shareholders," Chief Executive Stefan Bomhard said.
Imperial's shares, however, fell following the announcement to stand 1.3% down at 1159 GMT.
The company also said it was on track to deliver on annual guidance for its current financial year.
($1 = 0.7762 pounds)
(Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru and Emma Rumney in London. Editing by Savio D'Souza and Mark Potter)
Imperial Brands' strategy for profit growth and share buybacks until 2030.
Imperial Brands targets 3-5% annual operating profit growth.
The focus is on core tobacco markets and expanding smoking alternatives.
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