Imperial Tobacco Posts Drop In Profit, Volumes

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC

posted a drop in profit and volumes. Imperial Tobacco's net profit for the half year declined to GBP826 million, from GBP926 million, in the year-ago period. However, pre-exceptional operating profit rose 3% to GBP1.52 billion. Imperial Tobacco's revenue climbed 1.9% to GBP14 billion. Total volumes dropped 4.1% to 159.1 billion sticks. Imperial Tobacco also declared an interim dividend of 31.7 pence, up from 28.1 pence per share. Imperial Tobacco shares closed at $80.01 yesterday.