(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 12 mag - The UK tobacco company Imperial Brands said that in the six months to March 31 earnings per share fell 38.1% to 59.9 pence driven by a reduction in operating profit.

Adjusted EPS totalled 127.7 pence, up a reported 3.1% and up 5.3% at constant exchange rates.

Revenue rose 0.8% to 14.719 billion pounds.

Operating profit fell 36.5% to 925 million pounds, but adjusted operating profit rose a currency-neutral 0.6% to 1.644 billion.

The company declared an interim dividend per share of 83.36 pence, up 4.0%.

"Looking ahead to the second half, while tensions in the Middle East have led to a more uncertain macroeconomic environment, we continue to be confident of delivering a step-up in adjusted operating profit growth, in line with our.

full year guidance," said the CEO, Lukas Paravicini.

(RADIOCOR) 12-05-26 08:46:46 (0181) 5 NNNN