0932 GMT - Imperial Brands is navigating the current challenging market environment with aplomb, Interactive Investor's Richard Hunter says in a note. The U.K. tobacco manufacturer posted revenue of 32.17 billion pounds for fiscal 2025, down 0.7% on year. Adjusted operating profit stood at 3.99 billion pounds, meeting consensus estimates. Changing lifestyle habits and tougher regulation continue to overhang this sector, Hunter says. Other concerns include a more immediate drag from some large investors unwilling to buy tobacco shares, and an imminent U.K. Budget which could leave the tobacco companies in the firing line, he adds. "Some strength in the price at the open, against the backdrop of a weak wider market, is also a sign of investor appreciation and the group's defensive qualities," Hunter says. The stock trades 2.4% higher. (andrea.figueras@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

0932 GMT - Imperial Brands is navigating the current challenging market environment with aplomb, Interactive Investor's Richard Hunter says in a note. The U.K. tobacco manufacturer posted revenue of 32.17 billion pounds for fiscal 2025, down 0.7% on year. Adjusted operating profit stood at 3.99 billion pounds, meeting consensus estimates. Changing lifestyle habits and tougher regulation continue to overhang this sector, Hunter says. Other concerns include a more immediate drag from some large investors unwilling to buy tobacco shares, and an imminent U.K. Budget which could leave the tobacco companies in the firing line, he adds. "Some strength in the price at the open, against the backdrop of a weak wider market, is also a sign of investor appreciation and the group's defensive qualities," Hunter says. The stock trades 2.4% higher. (andrea.figueras@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 18, 2025 04:34 ET (09:34 GMT)

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