Strong cash generation
Generated GBP 2.6 billion of free cash flow on a 12-month basis; operating cash conversion of 98% (12-month basis). Expect at least GBP 2.2 billion of free cash flow for the full year (including cash costs related to legal settlement and strategy).
Sustained capital returns and share buyback
Announced a 4% increase in the ordinary dividend and remain on track with the GBP 1.45 billion evergreen share buyback. Total capital returned (dividends + buybacks) since FY21 to H1'26 is GBP 11.5 billion, with GBP 4.8 billion from share buybacks.
On-track to meet full-year guidance and EPS target
Management confirmed guidance: full-year tobacco net revenue growth in low single digits, double-digit NGP net revenue growth (full year guidance), adjusted operating profit growth within midterm target range of 3%–5%, and at least high single-digit EPS growth for the full year.
Net revenue and adjusted operating profit growth (H1)
Delivered growth in tobacco and NGP net revenue; group adjusted operating profit grew 0.6% in H1 despite several one-offs and regional headwinds.
Pricing more than offsetting volume declines in tobacco
Tobacco price/mix outpaced volume declines: Europe pricing ~6%, U.S. pricing ~5.7%, AAACE (ex-Australia) price/mix ~6.1%, delivering low single-digit tobacco net revenue growth in line with guidance.
Regional tobacco operating profit strength
Tobacco operating profit growth driven by Europe (+6.5%) and AAAACE excluding Australia (+10.8%).
NGP progress and market share gains
NGP volume and share gains across all three categories; Europe NGP achieved a profitable contribution in H1. U.S. O&D: net revenue grew ~20% (excluding the one-off promotional activity) and achieved 2.8% share (up vs. prior year); vapor share increased by 130 basis points across footprint.
Strategic transformation and cost savings trajectory
On track to deliver GBP 320 million annual savings over the strategic period. Actions include factory rationalization (Langenhagen exit and Taiwan sale) and manufacturing efficiencies of GBP 25 million in fiscal year '26; combined factory actions expected to reduce overheads by GBP 100 million. Transfer of ~400 roles to Capgemini to accelerate tech/capability improvements.