British American Tobacco --News * The progress achieved by British American Tobacco (Amex: BTI) in the
first half of the year is continuing. Operating profit was 8 per cent
higher, excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items,
with good performances across the Group.
* Volumes were slightly higher at 602 billion. The four global drive
brands, Lucky Strike, Kent, Dunhill and Pall Mall, achieved an overall
growth rate of 9 per cent, while international brands as a whole
increased by over 2 per cent.
* Pre-tax profit was up 25 per cent at 1,525 million pounds benefiting
from the lower level of exceptional charges.
* Adjusted earnings per share (on a fully diluted basis) rose 8 per cent
to 45.76p.
* The Chairman, Martin Broughton, commented "The terrorist attacks in the
United States have had little immediate impact on our businesses but
they have added a further dimension to the economic uncertainties that
were already apparent.
Looking to the future, the Board is confident of British American
Tobacco's continuing ability to progress in bad times as well as good."