0909 GMT - Imperial Brands' reiteration of its guidance without pointing to an immediate catalyst seems to have disappointed the market, Interactive Investor analyst Richard Hunter says in a note. The tobacco sector has faced a shifting landscape and the burden of regulatory censure, with some investors reluctant to put money into tobacco companies on ethical grounds, Hunter says. Like its peers, the U.K.-listed company has invested in next-generation products, such as vapes and oral tobacco. But although the unit is still loss-making, there are clear signs of progress, he says. The company retains its ability to choose between shareholder returns, investing in the business, paying debt or all of these. Its aggressive 1.45 billion-pound shareholder return program continues to underpin the share price, he says. Shares are down 7.4% at 2,852 pence. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 14, 2026 05:09 ET (09:09 GMT)

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