Imperial Brands 2023 Annual Report - Pdf.downloadasset
Imperial Brands 2023 Annual Report - Pdf.downloadasset
CH IV
A
A NN
M A EN
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D A
A L
IN L
CC R
O EP
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TS T
20
DS LE BY
23
ET NG A
ER
INTRODUCTION AND CONTENTS
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Non-GAAP measures provide a useful comparison of performance from
one period to the next. The basis of our adjusted measures is explained
in the accounting policies accompanying our financial statements and
the APM section within Supplementary Information.
Market share
Market share data is presented as a 12-month moving average
weighted across the markets in which we operate.
Stick equivalent
Stick equivalent volumes reflect our combined cigarette,
fine cut tobacco, cigar and snus volumes.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 1
IMPERIAL BRANDS AT A GLANCE
TE N
GY
Three years into our strategy, we have built a
O
consistent track record of delivery against our
key objectives. At the same time we are making
RA G
progress on bringing to life our purpose: forging
a path to a healthier future for moments of
ST IN
relaxation and pleasure.
R ER
U IV
O L
DE
OUR FOCUSED STRATEGY OUR PASSION FOR BRANDS
NG VALUE
DRIVI
M OU R BROAD
ER
FRO
PORTFOLIO
T
IO ON
Y
BU TE
AR USI
RK RIT
OUR SING
ILD D NG
GE NESS
B
S
ET
ING
U
PR
FOC
A
MA
Local jewels
P
CON
THE
T
ED
R A IC I E N
THE
NS
IFI
SU
CE
PL
TIO
ME E
BU
PE FF
N T ES
A
R
O DE
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FO R M A NCE
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-B A
SED CULTU RE
AND
C A P A BI LI TIE S
CRITICAL ENABLERS
Pages 24-29
Markets we
operate in:
c.120
Vapour Heated tobacco Modern oral
Aggregate market share of our five NGP net revenue growth at FY24 share repurchase announced
priority combustible markets constant currency
£1.1bn
+10bps +26.4% (2023: £1.0bn)
(2022: +35bps) (2022: +10.8%)
Tobacco & NGP net revenue Dividend per share (pence) Absolute CO2 equivalent emissions
(£ billion) Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based
146.82p (tonnes)
£8.0bn
99,985t
2022: 141.17p
2022: £7.7bn*
2022: 175,766t
146.82p
288,172t
8.0bn
141.17p
7.7bn*
139.08p
7.6bn
175,766t
99,985t
21 22 23 21 22 23 17* 22 23
2023 Tobacco & NGP net revenue growth 2023 DPS growth +4.0% Our target is to be Net Zero in our direct
at constant currency +1.4% operations by 2030
* Excluding Russia * 2017 is the baseline year
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 3
OUR CONSUMER FOCUS
M H
ER
T
SU I
N TW
CO R
E TA
TH E S
W
Salvador,
Spain
Mark,
UK
Amy,
USA
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 5
OUR INVESTMENT CASE
AL T
By building a more consumer-focused
challenger business and following a
RI ES
disciplined capital allocation framework
?
we are continuing to invest behind our
PE NV
strategy, while maintaining a strong,
efficient balance sheet and delivering
enhanced shareholder returns.
IM I
IN HY
W
Aggregate priority market NGP net revenue (£ million) Annual cost savings from
share vs prior year (%) restructuring programme
23
22
10bps
35bps
23
22 £208m
£265m
£150m
21 -2bps 21 £188m
£2.4bn
from our investment in NGP and
restructuring cost savings driving a
mid-single-digit compound annual
growth rate for Group adjusted
operating profit.
£2.3bn
Further information on our strategy
can be found on pages 16 to 29.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 7
CHAIR’S STATEMENT
G
IN
RM
FO
SU R NS
S
FO A
ES
TR
CC
Dear Shareholders improvements in data, simplification of throughout this report. Consumers tell
processes, and the development of a us they value local brands with strong
The transformation of Imperial into a performance-based culture. heritage and global brands with
consumer-focused challenger business distinctive personalities – traditional
is now translating into a stronger and All of this enabled the business to
areas of strength for Imperial, which we
more consistent operational deliver an improved performance in
are now further developing. Many
performance and enhanced both combustible and next generation
consumers also tell us they have yet to
shareholder returns. Despite a difficult products (NGP) during the 2023 fiscal
find a perfect potentially reduced-harm
macroeconomic and geopolitical year. Furthermore, we are providing
replacement for cigarettes. This means
environment, with inflationary shareholders with consistent,
we are seeing a growing diversity of
headwinds, shifting consumer growing returns through a progressive
behaviour with consumers using
preferences and regulatory challenges, dividend policy and an ongoing share
different products for different
we continue to methodically deliver on buyback programme.
moments in their day.
our external commitments. I would like to thank the 25,000 people
Therefore, we see a future for this
One of my highlights of the past year who work at Imperial, as well as our
industry where multiple nicotine
was attending our capital markets many valued business partners, for
categories and a diverse ecosystem of
event in New York in June, where their individual contributions to our
businesses will coexist and evolve.
management showcased our new growing collective success.
Innovation, and responsible
consumer capabilities in insights, competition and regulation, will be the
innovation and marketing. What CONSUMER INSIGHTS ARE motors which drive us to a healthier
impressed me was both the best-in- DRIVING OUR TRANSFORMATION future. Thanks to our focused
class quality of the work by our new Everything we do starts with investments in transformation,
global centres of expertise and the deep consumers – and their diverse voices Imperial is now well placed to make a
collaboration with local markets. We can be heard on pages 4-5 and positive contribution to this wider
are making progress in other industry transition.
transformation priorities:
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 9
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT
SE
RP NG
O
I
PU M
H R
IT FO
W R
PE
Three years into our strategy, I am During FY23 and FY24, through a developing a performance-based
pleased with the consistent track combination of dividends and our culture. Taken together, these are the
record we are building and excited by ongoing share buyback programme, we critical enablers for strategic success
the growing opportunities ahead. Our expect to make cumulative capital and the focus for our investments over
focus has been to develop Imperial into returns of £4.7 billion. This is the the past three years.
a strong, consumer-centric challenger equivalent of c.30% of Imperial’s market
In a sector where consumer behaviour
business, capable of growth, year in and value as at 30 September 2023.
is becoming increasingly diverse,
year out. Since the launch of our
Meanwhile, we are continuing to make strong insights, innovation capabilities
strategy in early 2021, we have been
focused investments in consumer and brand building are more and more
creating the team and the capabilities
capabilities, data, processes and crucial. In June, I joined our consumer
to enable the revival of our combustible
systems, and our culture to ensure we team at a capital markets event in New
business and the successful reboot of
can grasp future opportunities across York City. Their presentations included
our next generation products (NGP).
all segments. While I am pleased with our new research in consumer demand
This approach is leading to clear our progress so far, I believe that the full spaces, our emerging partnership
operational progress, despite a benefits of Imperial’s transformation approach to innovation, and our activity
challenging macro-economic will continue to emerge in the next few to refresh both our international and
environment. In our five priority years and beyond. local brands. Since then, we have
combustible markets, which account continued to improve our ways of
for around 70% of our operating profit, BUILDING OUR CHALLENGER working to ensure that our centres of
we have stabilised the share declines CAPABILITIES expertise work as effectively as
and exceeded our expectations with a possible with our teams in the markets.
Imperial is the fourth largest – and
43 basis point growth in aggregate
smallest – of the global businesses in For more on our investments in our
share since September 2020. Over the consumer capabilities see pages
our sector. To outperform consistently,
same period, NGP net revenue has 24-25.
we need to do things differently to our
grown by 41% at actual exchange rates,
larger rivals – to act as the industry’s
underpinned by market launches and Today’s Imperial was assembled
challenger. Being a challenger is about
new products in all three categories. through a series of global acquisitions
being close to the consumer, having
during the past quarter century. A clear
We have also delivered a material robust data and processes to enable
demonstration of our transformation
step-up in shareholder returns. fast, well-informed decisions, and
journey is how we are replacing more
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 11
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT continued
own product developers and third-party EMBRACING CHANGE Our earnings per share growth will
partners in a single collaborative space. Since joining Imperial in June 2020, I benefit additionally from the continued
have visited a total of 35 markets and reduction in the number of shares as a
Consumer health is a key element of
nine factories and had conversations result of our ongoing share buyback
our broader environmental, social and
both face to face and virtually with programme, although this will be offset
governance (ESG) framework, which
many hundreds of colleagues. During slightly by increased adjusted finance
internally we refer to as our People and
this past three years, I have seen how and tax costs.
Planet agenda. We are making material
progress in our other priority areas. We our people have embraced change, At current rates, foreign exchange
are committed to becoming a fully Net balancing the need for near-term translation is expected to be a 0-1%
Zero carbon emission company by 2040 delivery with supporting our long-term headwind to net revenue, adjusted
and, driven by an overall reduction in transformation. I have seen too a operating profit and earnings per share.
energy consumption, we have reduced growing spirit of collaboration,
accountability and inclusivity, as we We look forward to building on our
our Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based
integrate new hires with strong global growing operational track record to
carbon emissions by 65% since our
consumer experience and our deliver shareholder returns through an
baseline year 2017. We are also on
colleagues with deep local and sector ongoing buyback and progressive
course to meet our commitment to
expertise. Above all else it is the power dividend, and to play a positive,
eliminate landfill waste in our
of our people which gives me distinctive role in this industry’s
operations by 2025. For more
confidence in our ability to continue transition to a healthier future.
information on People and Planet see
to deliver over our five-year strategy
pages 38-69.
period and beyond.
ALLOCATING CAPITAL WITH
DISCIPLINE OUTLOOK
Capital allocation is a key value lever Our five-year strategy is continuing to
Stefan Bomhard
for the business. Focus and discipline drive the operational and cultural
Chief Executive Officer
are the key principles behind our four changes which, despite challenging
capital allocation priorities: macro-economic headwinds, are
strengthening our financial delivery.
• Invest behind the strategy to deliver This underpins our confidence in
the growth initiatives. delivering against the final two years of
• Deleverage to support a strong and our plan with a further improvement in
efficient balance sheet with a target adjusted operating profit growth to
leverage towards the lower end of our support a mid-single-digit constant
adjusted net debt to EBITDA range of currency compound annual growth rate
2-2.5 times. over FY23-FY25, in line with our
• A progressive dividend policy medium-term guidance.
with dividend growing annually,
In the coming year, we expect to deliver
taking into account underlying
low single-digit constant currency
business performance.
tobacco and NGP net revenue growth
• Return surplus capital to shareholders
and to grow our constant currency
while maintaining our target leverage.
adjusted operating profit close to the
Having reached our target leverage, in middle of our mid-single-digit range.
October 2022 we began returning
Performance will be weighted to the
surplus capital to shareholders via a
second half of the year driven by the
share buyback. We completed an initial
phasing of investments in NGP and the
buyback of £1 billion during FY23, and
phasing of our pricing in FY23. As a
we have announced the next £1.1 billion
result, first half operating profit is
tranche for FY24. As a result, we expect
expected to grow at low single digits, at
in total our returns to shareholders will
constant currency.
exceed £2.4 billion in the coming
fiscal year.
Given the highly cash generative
nature of the business and our current
valuation, we remain committed to a
progressive dividend policy and an
ongoing buyback programme, which
will meaningfully reduce the capital
base and generate significant
shareholder returns.
For our investment case,
see pages 6-7.
CO U
FO
N ED
SU
S
M EA
ER M
1
T
-
4
1. Stefan Bomhard
Chief Executive Officer
2. Lukas Paravicini
Chief Financial Officer
7
3. Alison Clarke
Chief People and Culture Officer
5. Javier Huerta
Chief Supply Chain Officer
6. Murray McGowan
Chief Strategy and Development
Officer
10
7. Paola Pocci
President, Africa, Asia, Australasia
and Central & Eastern Europe UNRIVALLED FMCG EXPERIENCE
Region Our Executive Leadership Team has a strong
8. Kim Reed blend of experience from across leading
President and CEO, Americas global consumer companies and deep
Region tobacco and local market knowledge.
9. Sean Roberts
Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs
Officer
For more information see
10. Aleš Struminský www.imperialbrandsplc.com
President, Europe Region
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 13
OUR DISTINCT APPROACH
S
centre of our business with
We take a different,
EL ES
strong consumer insight
challenger approach to guiding all our decision-
making (see pages 24-25).
running our business,
OD IN
differentiating ourselves
from our global peers
M S
BU
OUR ASSETS
WHAT WE DO
STAKEHOLDER VALUE
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 15
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION
Y
N EG
IO AT
CT R
A ST
IN R
OU
NG VALUE
STRATEGIC DRIVI
PILLARS M OU R BROAD
ER
FRO R TFOLIO
Pages 18-23 PO
T
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CRITICAL ENABLERS
CON
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Pages 24-29
R A IC I E N
THE
NS
IFI
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PL
TIO
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PE FF
N T ES
M
A
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D
F
N
A
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FO R M A NCE
O
S
-B A
SED CULTU RE
AND
C A P A BI LI TIE S
HOW WE MEASURE To measure our performance we have 10 financial and four non-financial
OUR PERFORMANCE key performance indicators. We also measure the performance of several
Pages 30-31 other indicators. Financial performance is reported on pages 92 to 99,
and non-financial performance is reported on pages 38 to 81.
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION
TO SOCIETY
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 17
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION continued
STRATEGIC PILLARS
Y
KE RIO N
IT
AR P O
TS R
M R US
OU C
FO
c.70%
of operating profit
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 19
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION continued
E
U
T
STRATEGIC PILLARS
FO ER R AL
KE
RT AD OU V
O AR
PO O M G
LI M
BR O IN
FR IV
DR
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 21
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION continued
P
NG
IN G
STRATEGIC PILLARS
LE IN
A D
SC IL
BU
Hungary 4%
Poland 3%
FO RMATION IN ACTION
Germany 2% TRANS
Europe 7%
+11% +26%
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 23
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION continued
BU N E E
NE E O T
CRITICAL ENABLERS
E CE M TH
SI R R A
SS F
TH E SU G
TH N TIN
T
CO T
We used an approach called demand Our innovation capabilities have been Looking ahead, we will optimise the
spaces, a type of analysis which is well reoriented to provide consistent and organisational design to make sure the
established in other consumer sectors coherent consumer experiences across consumer centre of excellence is
but is still quite new in tobacco and combustibles and NGP. A new and working in tandem with the markets to
nicotine. This method, which internally differentiated approach to innovation continue to deliver maximum benefit
we call “Dimensions”, breaks down the has been developed. It is one that is for the business and our consumers.
lives of our consumers into individual consumer led and involves close
moments when they enjoy our collaboration across functions. We are
products, for example, morning or now delivering NGP in a more
evening, in the home or out and about, sustainable way, and at pace. In
alone or with friends. We interviewed improving our agility, we can respond to
“The Global Consumer
8,600 consumers across eight countries, the needs of consumers more quickly.
collecting in-depth information on
Office is supporting
We have created and embraced a
15,800 different consumption our vision by listening
partner ecosystem, and these partners
occasions. By analysing these different are working with us on our innovation carefully to smokers
moments of consumption we are better agenda across flavour, device, digital, and next generation
able to differentiate our offerings to the sensory and packaging. We are building product users.”
same consumer. deep partnerships that allow us to be
In addition, we have created new data unencumbered by ownership of an
and analytics tools and made these entire value chain in a sector where
available across the organisation. technologies and products are evolving
This is a clear example of how we are quickly. We are operating innovation
ON
A CTI
N IN
TIO
MA
OR March 2023
NSF February 2023
TRA Davidoff Double Q4 2023
New JPS campaign Crushball launched Premium non-menthol variant
launched in Germany in the Middle East of Kool launched in the US
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 25
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION continued
E NG
CRITICAL ENABLERS
UR MI
LT R
O
CU F
R NS
OU A
TR
During 2022, our focus was on designed to help each of them become
supporting colleagues to become better coaches and unlock the full
familiar with these behaviours. potential of their teams. Examples of
Every employee received training in our people’s response to the programme
understanding how best to live our are on the opposite page.
behaviours in their working lives, with
As part of our broader culture change
Over the past three years, as part of leaders going through an immersive
agenda, during 2021 and 2022, we built
Imperial’s transformation into a strong five-day programme, which we
the foundations of a new, more rigorous
challenger business, we have been called Connections.
approach to diversity, equity and
developing a performance culture We also rebranded our global office and inclusion (DEI). This included the
which is more collaborative, factory estate, and stepped up our establishment of Employee Resource
accountable and inclusive. internal communications with new Groups covering gender, ethnicity,
This has been a highly structured, global, regional and functional events disability and LGBTQ+, and the
multi-year programme and, while we enabling broad-ranging dialogues and recruitment of a new central team.
know there is considerable work still the sharing of best practice. During 2023, we agreed a set of
to do, we are pleased with our progress long-term DEI ambitions. These are
Over the past year, we have continued
so far. covered in more detail on pages 67-69.
to develop this new culture. Our
The process of cultural change began in behaviours are now embedded in the The positive impact of these activities
2021 when, in support of our newly way we manage performance, with is evidenced in our most recent global
launched strategy, we unveiled a new leaders paid bonuses based not just on employee experience survey, where we
purpose, vision and five behaviours. what they achieve but also how they saw a 91% response rate and
deliver those achievements. maintained our above-benchmark
These behaviours, which have been the engagement score of 74%. Among our
foundation of all subsequent activity, Also during 2023, we have made a
Global Business Leaders – roughly our
are: Start with the Consumer; significant investment in the coaching
top 500 people – we saw engagement
Collaborate with Purpose; Take and development skills of our senior
improve by 10 percentage points to 84%.
Accountability with Confidence; managers. Three hundred leaders,
Be Authentic and Inclusive to all; including the full Executive Leadership We will continue to embed our new
and Build our Future. Team, have completed a bespoke culture through rigorous performance
course, called Connected Leadership, management and further coaching to
support our leaders.
TRANSF
ORMATION IN ACTION
74%
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 27
OUR STRATEGY IN ACTION continued
T
CRITICAL ENABLERS
NS N
AT FI D
IO IE
ER EF FIE
C
I
OP D L
AN MP
SI
RMATION IN ACTIO
TRANSFO N
2021
New performance
management approach
introduced
Market clusters reduced
from 13 to 10
2022 2023
Changes to business Embedding consumer
support functions capabilities
Investment in new ERP 300 roles moved to new
system announced Global Business Services unit
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 29
KPIs
IN E
We use key performance indicators to assess
RM R
G
the progress we are making in delivering our
O EA
purpose, vision and strategy.
RF W
FINANCIAL KPIs1
PE W
23 10bps 23 £265m
22 35bps 22 £208m
21 -2bps 21 £188m
Performance Performance
Our “focus on our priority markets” has NGP revenue grew by 26.4% on a constant
enabled us to stabilise the market share currency basis in the year. This growth in our
loss we experienced for a number of years NGP revenue reflects our strategic priority to
and led to the second year of an increase in “build a targeted NGP business” and the step
aggregate priority market share vs prior year. up in investment during the period. This
Gains in the US, Spain and Australia offset metric is used as a bonus performance
declines in the UK and Germany. criterion for Executive Directors.
Dividend per share (pence) Adjusted operating cash Adjusted net debt to EBITDA
conversion rate (%) R (multiple) R
Return on invested capital Energy consumption (GWh) R Absolute Scope 1 and 2 market-based
(%) R C02 equivalent emissions (tonnes) R
Total shareholder return R Waste (tonnes) Lost time accident frequency rate
(per 200,000 hours)
215
195 23 35,744 23 0.30
175
22 41,969 22 0.24
155
135 17 49,141 19 0.40
115
95 Performance Performance
75 Our target is to reduce waste by 20% by 2030. We have seen a 25% increase in our lost time
2020 2021 2022 2023 We have exceeded this target with a 27% accident rate compared to last year. The
— Imperial Brands total return reduction in waste compared to the 2017 number of LTAs stayed the same as last year
baseline year. We will set a new target for while the number of hours worked has
Performance waste reduction moving forward. reduced, leading to the 25% increase in
We have delivered total shareholder returns LTA rate.
of 56% over the prior three-year period. During FY23 we continued to increase the
Delivery in line with our guidance supports use of leading indicators to better manage
growing investor confidence in our risk throughout our operations..
management team’s ability to implement
our strategy.
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1. Definitions for non-financial KPIs can be found in the ESG Review on pages 38 to 69 and in the Reporting
BU
PE EFF
N T ES
A
R
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SI
SI N
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O
D
F
Criteria document available on our https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/healthier-futures/our-performance.
N
A
PER
FO R M A NCE
O
S
BAS
AND
ED CULTURE 2. 2023 non-financial data has been independently assured by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) under the limited
C A P A BI LI TIE S
assurance requirements of the ISAE 3000 standard. EY’s Assurance Opinion is available on our website.
Our reporting scope and definitions are detailed in the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
See https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/healthier-futures/our-performance for more information.
3. Our 2023 environmental data follows the reporting period Q4 financial year 2022 to Q3 financial year 2023.
R KPIs used as bonus and LTIP performance This is to allow for data collection, validation and external assurance. Our reporting scope and definitions are
criteria for Executive Directors. detailed in the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
See Remuneration Report on pages 4. Our health and safety data is for the full 2023 financial year. Our reporting scope and definitions are detailed in
142 to 163 for more information the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 31
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
RS UR
Building and maintaining
trust with our stakeholders
DE O
underpins the success and
reputation of Imperial Brands.
OL ITH
Through stakeholder
G collaboration we aim to
AK ST IN develop the Company,
minimise our environmental
EH W impact, make a positive social
ST U D
standards of governance.
BU
CONSUMERS
Our strategy starts with our • Our CEO and CFO also met separately • Our focus groups have shown us
consumers. Millions of adults with consumers during the year. that listening to these needs and
worldwide choose to enjoy our • A tour of our Langenhagen factory responding to them allows us to
during the Board visit to Germany remain relevant and underpins
tobacco and next generation
provided Board members with further consumer loyalty to brands.
products. The better we
insight and understanding of the full
understand the preferences of life-cycle of the products our How we monitor the effectiveness of
our consumers, the better we consumers enjoy. our engagement
are able to serve them. This • We hold regular consumer focus
helps us grow our business, How we engage with this stakeholder groups to assess the impact of our
• Consumer roundtables and focus brand refreshes and marketing
and it helps us identify and campaigns on consumers.
groups are held to understand
capitalise on opportunities as consumers’ specific requirements • We believe market share changes
a challenger business. and preferences. across products, channels and
• Feedback from these focus groups is geographies reflect the effectiveness
How the Board considers used in our decision-making for of our engagement with consumers.
this stakeholder investments in brand refreshes • Regular data-led updates from the
• The Board participated in a number and marketing. Global Consumer Office provide the
of consumer immersion events over • The Global Consumer Office, headed Executive with evidence and an
the course of the year, in Germany by the Chief Consumer Officer, leads opportunity to challenge
and Morocco. These afforded Board consumer-listening initiatives across assumptions when making decisions
members the opportunity to get the Group. related to our product portfolio.
closer to the consumer by hearing
directly from them about their What matters to this stakeholder
behaviours, likes and dislikes. Board • Our focus groups informed us that
members were also able to discuss adult consumers want a choice of
matters important to both brands and quality products at the
combustible and nicotine product right price points.
consumers, including the dynamic • Feedback has also shown us that
between local and international consumer preferences such as
brands. The Board also heard about cigarette pack formats, flavours and
the different buying habits of filters, as well as the choice of
consumers and the impact of the potentially less harmful NGP,
rising cost of living. evolve over time.
COLLEAGUES
Our colleagues are Imperial’s • The Board receives regular feedback What matters to this stakeholder
most important asset and are from our employees through updates • Our colleagues want to see continued
at the People and Governance progress on equality and diversity
critical to the success of the
Committee. These include the results and to feel included. They want to see
business. It is essential we that issues of authenticity and
of our employee experience (“Have
create a supportive, safe and Your Say”) surveys, which prove inclusion around gender, ethnicity,
rewarding work environment to invaluable in helping to understand LGBTQ+ and disability are taken
enable them to deliver our goals what works well and what we may seriously throughout the Company.
and develop their careers. need to change, as well as pulse • They want to see that responsibility
We believe that a diverse and surveys, which gather the views of and accountability are underpinned
engaged workforce is imperative colleagues on particular topics, for by a fair assessment of contribution.
example the progress of our • Colleagues want to see senior
for business success.
“Connections” workshops and the management lead the new
work of our employee resource behaviours by example to create an
How the Board considers groups (ERGs). environment where innovative
this stakeholder approaches are encouraged and we
• Collective responsibility for workforce How we engage with this stakeholder learn from our failures.
engagement has been embedded into • “Connections”, our purpose, vision and
• Health, safety and wellbeing continue
the Board’s governance framework in behaviours programme, continued,
to be a priority in the workplace (see
the remit of the People and ensuring all new and existing
pages 64 to 66).
Governance Committee. colleagues experience training to
• The Board held three “Meet the Board” enhance their understanding of these How we monitor the effectiveness of
events with groups of colleagues behaviours, and what they mean for our engagement
during the year. These events gave them in their role. • We review the results of our annual
the Board the opportunity to hear • We continued to hold CEO and workforce engagement “Have Your
colleagues’ perspectives as part of leadership town hall meetings, Say” survey.
our overall engagement strategy. in person and virtually, providing • We review the results of our interim
This engagement allows the Board to opportunities for colleagues to give pulse surveys.
incorporate colleagues’ views into its feedback directly to the ELT.
• The ESG Committee, chaired by the
decision making. • Feedback from our four ERGs, CEO, receives feedback from the
• The Board also engages with a broad focusing on gender, ethnicity, ERGs. In addition, as each ERG is
cross-section of employees by way of LGBTQ+ and disability, has helped us sponsored by a member of the ELT
dinners with teams, informal drinks to understand how better to co-create and co-chaired by members of senior
and site visits, including a tour of our strategies and policies for including management, feedback from
Langenhagen factory during the under-represented groups. colleagues on how the Company is
Board visit to Germany. • We use various channels including progressing in relation to inclusivity
our intranet and IB News to ensure concerns is given to the ELT via
regular internal communication these sponsors.
with colleagues. • Feedback is obtained during the
Board listening sessions.
• We collate feedback from exit
interviews to find out why employees
choose to leave us.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 33
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT continued
CUSTOMERS
Where it is difficult to engage How we engage with this stakeholder
• Support and guidance through
directly with consumers, • Our market cluster leadership teams
industry changes, e.g. initiatives to
engage with our customers to
engaging with retailers provides help customers manage their
understand how to improve the
useful insights into our effectiveness of their sales forces.
business through regulatory change
consumers’ behaviour and such as display bans or
• We work closely with our distributors plain packaging.
preferences. This helps us grow to understand how we can best
• Trade programmes that reward
our business, even where there manage our relationships, and have a
customer business growth.
are regulatory headwinds, and dedicated team to support distributor
identify opportunities to be a sales and build best practice in How we monitor the effectiveness of
successful challenger. We work distributor management across our engagement
the Company. • We monitor our performance relative
closely with distributors,
• We use key account management to other FMCG companies through
wholesalers and retailers to
practices to engage with our largest the Advantage Survey and other
ensure our products are customers to better understand benchmarking surveys. Feedback
available to adult consumers in a their needs and to create strong from these surveys is reviewed and
diverse range of outlets. These commercial partnerships to help our taken into account in our engagement
stakeholders play a crucial role businesses create value together. plans and in setting priorities.
in our business model. • We hold management roundtable
What matters to this stakeholder
events with regional customers to
• A diverse portfolio of quality products
How the Board considers hear first-hand how Imperial is
that appeal to consumers.
this stakeholder performing relative to peers.
• Consistent communication on the
• The Board has participated in store • A quarterly pulse report provides
launch pipeline and investment
visits in Germany and Morocco over performance feedback which is used
behind relevant brands in their region.
the course of the year. These visits to highlight areas for improvement.
• Ease of ordering and a strong supply
provide the opportunity to talk • We have KPIs to monitor progress
chain to maintain high levels of
directly to retailers. against operational initiatives.
on-shelf availability.
• Our CEO meets with customers
• Support to protect against illicit trade
regularly throughout the year.
and underage sales.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 35
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT continued
SUPPLIERS
We maintain strong How the Board considers What matters to this stakeholder
relationships with our tobacco, this stakeholder • Our support with Leaf Partnership
• The Board approves our Modern Projects focusing on having an
non-tobacco materials (NTM)
Slavery Statement annually. impact on important issues in the
and NGP suppliers to help countries from which we source our
• Suppliers within our supply chain are
ensure sustainable supply and included as part of the Board’s ESG tobacco, including Malawi,
business continuity, ensuring considerations. Mozambique, Indonesia, India, the
fair contract and payment • Factory and site visits help the Board Philippines, Dominican Republic,
terms. We are conscious of the understand the complexities of our Honduras and Turkey.
key dependencies in our supplier global supply chain. • We set and abide by fair contract and
relationships, especially those payment terms.
How we engage with this stakeholder
partners we are relying on to • Our Supplier Qualification How we monitor the effectiveness of
support delivery against our Programme is a screening process our engagement
strategic objectives. We are for all new NTM and NGP suppliers, • We operate a vendor rating system
working to increase the requiring completion of a self- for our key NTM suppliers, and carry
resilience of these relationships, assessment on business conduct, out annual business reviews.
including by building out our environmental management, • The STP supports the sustainable
business continuity capability at and labour practices such as supply of quality tobacco leaf. It is a
discrimination, child and forced framework to improve labour
Group level, and deepening our labour, freedom of association, standards, raise standards of living
understanding of critical remuneration, working hours, and and address environmental
dependencies. health and safety. challenges by sharing good
Working in partnership with our • All our leaf suppliers are expected to agricultural practices.
suppliers ensures we have the participate in the Sustainable • The annual STP assessment is part of
right resources in place to Tobacco Programme (STP). our formal supplier relationship
respond with agility to global • Through our Leaf Partnership management. It forms part of the
challenges, and supports Projects we support communities in suppliers’ ratings that we determine
tobacco-growing countries identified along with quality, cost and value.
our growth.
as having the most need. • We carry out online engagement and
• Our Supplier Code of Conduct helps performance reviews.
ensure we engage suppliers that offer
resilience in our supply chain and
security in our technology platforms.
Environmental • Environmental Policy Environmental targets 31, 48, 52, 61, 75, 78, 80
matters* • Filter Policy International management 49, 70 to 81
• Sustainable Tobacco Programme systems
• Biodiversity Statement
Climate and energy 31, 48 to 51, 70 to 81
Reducing waste 52 to 54
* Further information on our policies, due diligence and outcomes in these areas is contained throughout the Strategic Report..
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 37
ESG REVIEW
S
ES
GR
O
PR
D
LI
SO
Tony Dunnage
Global ESG Director
We are now into the third This allowed us to define which issues
Purpose: Forging a path to a were most material to our business.
healthier future for moments of
year of our five-year strategy In addition to desk research and
relaxation and pleasure. to transform Imperial into interviews, using an objective and
a business better able to consistent methodology on large
Vision: To build a strong
amounts of information makes the
challenger business powered by deliver sustainable growth data-driven insights fully traceable and
responsibility, focus and choice.
year in, year out. better suited for auditing purposes,
including reasonable assurance.
Our commitment to environmental,
social and governance (ESG) issues is Results from the double materiality
OUR ESG HIGHLIGHTS integral to our business strategy and assessment show that consumer health
underpins our purpose and vision. remains as our top priority as we
Reduced our Scope 1 and Our purpose expresses our ambition to continue to strengthen our next
Scope 2 market-based build a “healthier future”, and this generation products (NGP) to make a
emissions by applies not only to our consumers but more meaningful contribution to harm
also to our communities and planet. reduction by offering adult smokers a
65%
since 2017
Our vision states that our pursuit of
commercial success will be “powered
range of potentially less harmful
products. The assessment confirmed
by responsibility”. our eight focus areas, as detailed on
page 40, remain priorities. We will
Double materiality assessment check the validity of our material ESG
Reduced absolute waste across
In 2023 we continued to build on the priorities on an annual basis.
our operations by
strong foundations of our ESG strategy
27%
since 2017
established in 2022. Following on
from the materiality assessment we
conducted in 2021 where we considered
ESG REPORTING FRAMEWORK
Our Reporting Criteria document
provides further information on
the views of consumers, customers,
ESG-related KPIs.
employees, investors and shareholders
Scored to establish our priority ESG issues, in We report ESG-related information in
92%
on 2022 ShareAction Workforce
2023 we conducted our first double
materiality assessment.
Double materiality identifies both how
accordance with the core options of the
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Standards and against the Sustainable
Disclosure Initiative Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
a company's operations impact people
framework for tobacco. Details can be
and the environment and how
found in our 2023 GRI and SASB Index.
sustainability matters impact the
company itself. We used an Artificial To note: Logista remains out of scope
Intelligence tool through an external for all Imperial ESG-related KPIs.
provider, Datamaran, to process
However, the steps Logista is taking
thousands of data points from to address climate change impacts on
corporate reports, mandatory and its business are detailed in our TCFD
voluntary regulations, and online news. disclosures on page 70.
• New business • ESG Board and executive Internal “People ESG priorities • Continuous monitoring
strategy launched governance agreed and Planet” integrated into by the working groups
• Purpose, vision and • New ESG agenda launched executive and ESG Committee
behaviours unveiled strategy developed remuneration • Continuous sponsorship
• ESG materiality • ESG strategy signed off by metrics (introduced and engagement across
study completed ESG Committee and Board for FY23) the organisation
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 39
ESG REVIEW continued
HEALTHIER FUTURES
We are committed to To ensure the Board has full oversight Legal, Governance, Corporate Affairs,
of all relevant ESG issues, we have Supply Chain and Procurement,
conducting our operations established a cross-functional ESG Communications, Group Science and
responsibly and respecting Committee, chaired by the CEO of ESG attend meetings as required.
our people, our communities Imperial Brands. The Committee meets
Our comprehensive governance
at least three times per year. Permanent
and our planet. members of the Committee include all
structure enables appropriate levels of
focus, cross-collaboration, risk
Our ESG responsibilities are fulfilled the Executive Leadership Team (ELT),
management and escalation pathways
through a robust governance making it an executive committee. The
covering every ESG area of focus.
framework, upholding high standards purpose of the ESG Committee is to
of corporate governance, transparency provide oversight, advice and direction The Board will review our ESG
and ethics. We continuously review on the implementation of our People performance on a quarterly basis. The
and improve our risk management and Planet agenda and the Company’s ESG Committee reports to the Board for
processes and disclosure practices to progress on its ESG commitments and ESG-related opportunities, and potential
ensure we meet evolving standards objectives, as well as ensuring adequate material ESG-related risks are reported
and practices. resources to deliver these. Senior to the Group Risk Committee.
managers representing functions
including Investor Relations, Group
Risk
ESG Committee Group Risk Committee
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 41
ESG REVIEW continued
The cross-functional Environmental We have a broad range of policies to Governance education training
and Social Strategy Groups report to the support our approach to risk for employees
ESG Committee and are in turn fed into management and good governance. Mandatory governance education
by a range of ESG topic-specific Our key policies relating to each of our modules on a variety of topics are rolled
operational working groups which are eight ESG focus areas are listed under out to employees with online access,
noted in each of the ESG focus areas. the ESG topic area. Our Code of based on role and location. For
This activity is facilitated by the ESG Conduct, translated into 27 languages, employees who do not have access to
team. This strengthened governance is embedded throughout Imperial our online systems, we work with
approach enables cross-functional Brands and enables our responsible markets to provide accessible local-
collaboration and avoids duplication approach. It is aligned with the policies, language versions of courses for
of efforts. internal controls and risk management face-to-face training. All employees
processes that underpin our strategy. who are assigned courses are required
Achieving our ESG targets requires a
The Code of Conduct sets out the to complete these modules. One of our
strong commitment from the top of our
responsible behaviours we expect from key e-learning courses is on our Code
organisation. ELT sponsors have been
employees in their dealings with of Conduct.
appointed for each of our eight ESG
colleagues, customers, consumers, Part 1 of this course introduces our
priorities, to be accountable for
suppliers, agents, intermediaries, Code of Conduct, reviews our Company
performance, challenge strategy
advisers, governments and competitors. values, explains why we have a Code
development, and drive integration and
All employees and business partners and emphasises how we all have a
visibility from the top down. This is
are expected to act with integrity and in responsibility to follow the Code.
intended to inspire engagement
accordance with the standards of Part 2 of the Code of Conduct course
throughout the business. We believe
behaviour set out in the Code. We explains the responsibilities each of us
this executive level sponsorship puts us
expect our suppliers to conduct their has, regardless of our role, seniority or
in a stronger position to deliver against
business in an ethical and responsible location, to act in ways that promote a
our goals. Our executive sponsors will
manner and to comply with all culture of mutual trust and respect.
work with management teams to
applicable laws and regulations. We also have an e-learning course
integrate our ESG targets into our
on modern slavery, now available in
business strategy, monitor progress Our Supplier Code of Conduct, refreshed
15 languages. This course provides
regularly, report transparently, and lead in 2023, sets out the behaviours we
a short overview of modern slavery
by example. Their commitment and expect our suppliers to demonstrate.
and explains how employees can
role-modelling will foster a culture The Supplier Code of Conduct is
raise concerns.
of responsibility throughout embedded into our Procurement Policy
the organisation. and processes, which govern how we
Further information on our approach
select and contract with our suppliers.
to risk and opportunity management Our refreshed Supplier Code of Conduct
is available on pages 100-111. will be made available in a wide variety
of languages.
INVESTOR BENCHMARKS
Our ESG management and performance
is evaluated by a wide range of external
rating agencies.
We believe it is important for rating In 2022, CDP awarded us an A rating for our
We are pleased to note that MSCI has
agencies to work together with Climate Change submission for a fourth
upgraded our rating from an ‘A’ to an
companies, investors and other consecutive year. We await the results of
‘AA’. Its latest report dated August 2023
stakeholders to improve consistency our 2023 submissions to CDP for Climate,
states: “Imperial Brands continues to
and transparency in producing robust Water and Forests. We continue to
lead global peers on corporate
ESG data and ratings. participate in the CDP Supply Chain
governance practices. The company
Programme, which gathers information
has responsible marketing policies and
from our key suppliers on how they are
enforcement mechanisms such as
managing their climate risks and
regular audits and employee training.
opportunities. We were pleased to be
However, like industry peers, the
recognised as a Supplier Engagement
company continues to face scrutiny
In its August 2023 updated report, Leader by CDP in 2022 for a fourth
over its supply chain labour practices.”
Sustainalytics states that: Imperial is at consecutive year.
high risk of experiencing material
financial impacts from ESG factors,
has medium exposure and strong
management of material ESG issues.
The company is noted for its strong Moody’s Analytics gave us an overall We have also participated in the investor-
corporate governance performance, ESG score of 42/100 and a Company backed Workforce Disclosure Initiative
which is reducing its overall risk. Reporting Rate of 82% in their last (WDI) since 2019. This benchmark is
Imperial’s overall ESG Risk exposure is update in October 2021. currently based on a disclosure score, and
medium and is moderately above
performance scores have not been
subindustry average.
allocated. We received a 92% disclosure
score for our 2022 submission and have
submitted our 2023 disclosures to the WDI.
We are proud to have been recognised
for a third consecutive year as a
Climate Leader by the Financial Times
in its ranking of actions taken by
European businesses.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 43
ESG REVIEW continued
HEALTHIER FUTURES
CONSUMER
HEALTH
NGP net
revenue has
increased by
41%
between FY21
and FY23
Key Policies
• International
Marketing Standards
• NGP Policy Positions
ELT sponsor
• Andy Dasgupta,
Chief Consumer Officer
• Sean Roberts, Chief Legal and
Corporate Affairs Officer
OUR PLAN
2023 2024
• Consumer Health Working Group created. • New NGP innovations planned
• Three innovation hubs in Liverpool, across multiple markets.
Hamburg and Shenzhen.
• Acquisition of range of US oral nicotine
pouches from TJP Labs.
• Launch of blu bar, our disposable vape.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 45
ESG REVIEW continued
Supporting consumer choice – We interviewed c.8,600 consumers Substantiation of reduced risk - our
consumer behaviour is becoming across eight countries, collecting innovation is underpinned by a
more diverse. in-depth information on c.15,800 rigorous scientific framework.
The tobacco industry has made different consumption occasions. Our Our Group Science function, partnering
significant progress in tobacco harm research highlighted how, moment by closely with our consumer teams,
reduction. However, even in Europe, the moment, there are wide variations in ensures each of our NGP is substantiated
region where NGP has made most how consumers behave. against our Scientific Assessment
progress, cigarettes still represent 91% We learned that, in some markets, NGP Framework. This is designed to:
of the total market. are already the dominant category for 1. Reassure our consumers by ensuring
Analysing the global and regional certain moments or occasions – the all our products are manufactured to
figures, we are seeing growing diversity moments, for example, when people a high and consistent standard.
in consumer behaviour market by meet with friends outside the home. 2. Evidence that our NGP are
market. For instance, in three examples Equally, however, we learned that there potentially reduced-risk compared
of neighbouring countries in Europe: are certain moments – which account to continuing to smoke, and that
France is a significant vaping market, for a high proportion of nicotine they are compelling to try and
while Italy is the largest heated tobacco consumption – where NGP have made satisfying when used by adult
market in Europe and in Austria oral few inroads. These are typically smokers and existing NGP users (the
nicotine is the dominant NGP category. moments when people are on their own “off-ramp” on the graphic below).
at home, for example taking a break
Furthermore, we are seeing similar 3. Support the conclusion through a
between tasks.
diversity of consumer behaviour when wide range of measures that our
we analyse nicotine use by individual These trends suggest that there will be NGP are unattractive to unintended
occasions – or “moments.” Over the no one-size-fits-all solution in tobacco populations, including never-
past two years, Imperial has conducted harm reduction – and there is room for smokers and the under-age.
a major piece of consumer research, a wide range of businesses, including Furthermore, current internal
using an approach called “demand Imperial, to carve out distinctive roles research indicates that alternative
spaces”. This method breaks down the catering for specific consumer needs. nicotine products may be competing
lives of our consumers into individual with combustible cigarettes rather
moments when they enjoy our than promoting smoking thereby
products: for instance, in the morning potentially preventing “on-ramp” to
or evening; in the home or out and potential cigarette smoking.
about; and alone or with friends.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 47
ESG REVIEW continued
HEALTHIER FUTURES
CLIMATE
CHANGE
65%
since 2017
Key policies
• SDG 13: Take urgent action to • Environmental Policy
combat climate change and
• Biodiversity Statement
its impacts
• SDG 7: Ensure access to ELT sponsor
affordable, reliable, sustainable • Lukas Paravicini,
and modern energy for all Chief Financial Officer
OUR PLAN
(from a 2017 baseline year) 2030 2040
• 100% of energy sourced for our • Our value chain will be Net Zero
2025
operations will be from renewable emissions (absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3
• 100% of our purchased grid
sources. GHG emissions).
electricity will come from traceable
renewable sources. • Be Net Zero in our direct operations
(Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions).
• Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG
emissions by more than 50%. • Reduce our total carbon footprint
(absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG
emissions) by 50%.
• Reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions
by 50%.
• Reduce energy consumption by 25%
• Reduce water consumption across
our operations by 30%.
26% diverse as crop failure, asset destruction details see the Sustainable and
and interruption in distribution. We Responsible Sourcing section on
recognise the importance of disclosing page 60.
Reduced absolute water how we are managing climate-related
consumption in our operations risks and opportunities and we have
(m3) by reported on our approach for several
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 49
ESG REVIEW continued
Operations with % 92 78 83 82 We have updated the scope of this indicator to ensure we are
ISO 14001 addressing largest manufacturing sites. For further details
certification see our 2023 Reporting Criteria document.
Absolute energy GWh 875 729 712 650A We set a target to reduce our absolute energy consumption by
consumption1 25% by 2030 versus a 2017 baseline. We are pleased to report
that in FY23 we exceeded this target with a 26% reduction
Relative energy KWh/£m 112,801 95,740 91,364 81,128A compared to the baseline. We will now set a new target for
consumption1 net energy reduction moving forward.
revenue
Electricity from % 8 6 52 96A We aim to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
purchased from within the same market boundary as electricity is
renewable being consumed.
sources1 In markets where RECs are not available within the
same market boundary, we purchase from a nearby
geographical location.
We are regularly reviewing this with the intention to purchase
from within the same market boundary once a source
becomes available.
Energy from % 5 4 23 41A The proportion of energy from renewable sources has
renewable increased by 36% since our 2017 baseline year. This is
sources mainly driven by the use of renewable electricity with our
RECs scheme.
We have set a target to use 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Absolute Scope 1 Tonnes 114,270 92,900 91,007 81,089A Our Scope 1 emissions arise from stationary fuel combustion
CO2e emissions1 at our sites, refrigerant gases and mobile fuel combustion in
our fleet of Company sales vehicles.
We have seen an 11% decrease in Scope 1 emissions since last
year and a 29% reduction from our 2017 baseline year.
Absolute Scope 2 Tonnes 161,360 133,292 131,236 114,059A Our Scope 2 location-based emissions comprise the indirect
CO2e location- emissions resulting from the use of purchased electricity, heat
based emissions1 and steam at our sites.
We have seen a 13% decrease in Scope 2 location-based
emissions since last year and a 29% reduction from our 2017
baseline year.
Absolute Scope 2 Tonnes 173,902 – 84,759 18,896A We report Scope 2 location-based and market-based
CO2e market- emissions according to the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance
based emissions1 (2015) and CDP guidance.
We have seen a 78% reduction in Scope 2 market-based
emissions compared to last year and an 89% decrease
compared to the 2017 baseline year.
This significant reduction in Scope 2 market-based emissions
reflects the increase in our use of electricity purchased from
traceable renewable sources.
Total absolute Tonnes 275,630 226,192 222,243 195,148A We have seen a 29% decrease in our total Scope 1 and 2
Scope 1 and 2 location-based emissions from our 2017 baseline.
location-based Our target is to be at Net Zero in our direct operations by 2030.
CO2e missions1 We have also set a Scope 3 target to be Net Zero by 2040.
A. Select 2023 data has been independently assured by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) under the limited assurance requirements of the ISAE 3000 standard. EY’s Assurance Opinion
is available on our website. Our reporting scope and definitions are detailed in the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
1. Our 2023 environmental data covers the reporting period Q4 2022 to Q3 2023. This is to allow for data collection, validation and external assurance. We use the industry
leading Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Protocol standard to inform our reporting of Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Total Scope 3 Tonnes 981,638 – – 822,880 In FY23 we recalculated our Scope 3 baseline of 2017 and
CO2e emissions calculated our 2022 Scope 3 emissions across all categories. This
recalculation follows the latest methodology outlined in our
Reporting Criteria document, and in accordance with the Global
Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
The resulting data shows a 16% decrease in our total Scope 3
emissions compared to the baseline year.
We have a clear methodology for further improving our data
capture for Scope 3, by transitioning to a more market-based
approach with our partner suppliers and updating using the most
recent emissions factors.
Based on our recalculation, we have set a more ambitious target to
reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.
Scope 3 CO2e Tonnes 16,003 1,837 5,901 18,879A Business travel is travel undertaken for work or business purposes.
emissions: The main driver for the increase in emissions in FY23 is business
Business travel1 travel mileage which increased by approximately 100% compared
to the previous year .
Key suppliers by % – 20 25 33 We aim for 50% of our suppliers by spend within the Purchased
spend with Goods and Services category to have science-based targets by
science-based 2024. Of the suppliers in scope, 33% had science-based targets at
targets the end of FY23.
We are engaging with our key suppliers directly and via the CDP
Supply Chain Programme to achieve this target.
Logista absolute Tonnes 38,554 45,557 47,099 Logista is managed remotely due to commercial sensitivities and
Scope 1 and 2 is responsible for its own data. Logista has provided independently
CO2e emissions assured data from 2022 for absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Data for 2023 is still undergoing independent assurance.
Logista absolute Tonnes 193,611 194,634 189,709
The increase in Scope 1 and 2 emissions seen in 2022 is due to an
Scope 3 CO2e increase in transport activity under operational control. The
emissions decrease in Scope 3 emissions is attributed to some divestment
activity and some emissions reduction initiatives implemented
by Logista.
Logista’s 2022 relative Scope 1 and 2 emissions comprise 23 tonnes
(2021: 22 tonnes) of CO2e per £million of 2022 distribution fees
(our non-GAAP revenue measure for Logista). Further information
on the scope of Logista’s GHG reporting is available at
www.grupologista.com.
Absolute water m3 1,468,626 1,109,178 1,056,982 999,214A We set a target to reduce our absolute water consumption by 30%
consumption1 by 2030 versus a 2017 baseline. We are pleased to report that in
FY23 we exceeded this target with a 32% reduction compared to
Relative water m3/£m 189 146 136 125A the baseline. We will now set a new target for water consumption
consumption net moving forward.
revenue
Relative Scope 1 emissions tCO2e / £m net revenue 0.2 9.9 0.2 11.2
Relative Scope 2 location-based emissions tCO2e / £m net revenue 0.1 14.1 0.1 16.7
Relative Scope 2 market-based emissions tCO2e / £m net revenue 0 2.4 0.04 10.8
Total Gross Scope 1 and Scope 2 location-based emissions tCO2e 2,713 192,436 2,654 217,798
Relative Scope 1 and Scope 2 location-based tCO2e / £m net revenue 0.3 24.0 0.3 27.9
Total Gross Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based emissions tCO2e 1,841 98,145 2,061 171,710
Relative Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based tCO2e / £m net revenue 0.2 12.3 0.3 22.0
1. We have provided reporting in compliance with UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations (being the Large and Medium-sized Companies and
Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, as amended by the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 and the SECR under the
Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018).
2. For details on the methodology used for SECR calculations, please see our Reporting Criteria document available on our website.
3. Energy efficiency measures taken in FY23 are reported in our 2023 CDP Climate Change disclosures available on the CDP website.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 51
ESG REVIEW continued
HEALTHIER FUTURES
PACKAGING
AND WASTE
Reduced absolute
waste by
27%
since 2017
ELT sponsors
• Javier Huerta, Chief Supply
Chain Officer
• Aleš Struminský, President,
Europe Region
OUR PLAN
(from a 2017 baseline year)
2025 2030
• Our operations will send zero waste • We aim to reduce waste generated
to landfill. within our operations by 20%.
• 100% of our packaging will be • We aim to have a greater than 80%
reusable, recyclable, or compostable average packaging recycling
in the EU and UK. recovery score in the EU and UK.
• 100% of all wood fibre in our
packaging will be sustainably
sourced.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 53
ESG REVIEW continued
NGP waste Heated tobacco products: For our Oral nicotine delivery: The
Vaping products: To support our Pulze 2.0 product packaging we have sustainability aims are focused on
consumers with the responsible achieved a 92% reduction in use of recyclability improvements, exploring
disposal of our blu products, several plastic compared to the packaging for more sustainable materials for cans/
markets have introduced “take-back” Pulze 1.1. refilling options and potential returns
schemes for vaping devices and pods. schemes are being investigated across
We continue to focus on packaging
In those markets, we have provided our footprint.
improvements with further solutions
incentives to consumers to return
under development.
their empty pods, which enhances
the commercial offering of blu in
addition to achieving our
environmental objectives.
Absolute waste1 Tonnes 49,141 41,714 41,969 35,744A Our target is to reduce waste by 20% by 2030.
6.34 5.48 5.39 4.47A We have exceeded this target with a 27%
Relative waste 1 Tonnes/£m
reduction in waste compared to the 2017
net revenue
baseline year.
We will set a new target for waste reduction
moving forward.
All waste sent to Tonnes 7,200 10,619 8,544 4,442A Our target is to achieve zero non-hazardous
landfill1 waste sent to landfill by 2025.
0.93 1.40 1.10 0.56A We have seen a 38% decrease in waste sent to
Relative waste Tonnes/£m
landfill since the 2017 baseline year. This
to landfill1 net revenue
decrease has been driven by our zero waste to
landfill initiatives across our operations.
Landfill % 88 83 85 91A A key element of our environmental approach
avoidance rate1 is to minimise the waste sent to landfill by
reusing waste, recycling, composting and
incineration (with energy recovery).
Recyclability % – – 95 96 We aim to have 100% of our packaging material
score in the EU and the UK to be reusable, recyclable
or compostable by 2025.
A third party assesses the materials for us and
we are on track to achieve this target.
Sustainable % – – – 97 We aim to have 100% of all wood fibre in our
sourcing packaging2 from sustainable sources by 2025.
We are on track to achieve this target.
A. Select 2023 data has been independently assured by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) under the limited assurance requirements of the ISAE 3000 standard. EY’s Assurance Opinion
is available on our website.
Our reporting scope and definitions are detailed in the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
1. Our 2023 environmental data covers the reporting period Q4 2022 to Q3 2023. This is to allow for data collection, validation and external assurance.
To note: Absolute waste does not include reused waste.
2. This excludes products from ITG Brands.
FARMER
LIVELIHOODS
AND WELFARE
155,000
people in our leaf supply
chain benefiting from Leaf
Partnership Projects aimed
at improving access to
clean water
Key policies
• Human Rights Policy
• Child Labour Policy
• Biodiversity Statement
ELT sponsors
• Javier Huerta,
Chief Supply Chain Officer
• Kim Reed,
President and CEO,
Americas Region
OUR PLAN
2025 2030
• Support suppliers to provide access • Support suppliers to improve access
to 100% sustainable wood use. to basic needs for 180,000 farmers
and their families.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 55
ESG REVIEW continued
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE those created through the Sustainable The STP is an industry-wide initiative
Sustainable agriculture impacts our Tobacco Programme (STP). aimed at enhancing agricultural
people and our planet, providing food supply chain due diligence and
We have a strong governance
security, establishing livelihoods and accelerating the positive social and
structure in place for our tobacco leaf
supporting environmental environmental impact in tobacco-
supply chain. This is overseen by our
stewardship. Imperial works hard to growing communities. The STP is
Leaf Compliance Working Group
support leaf suppliers’ farmers and independently managed and provides
(LCWG) and part of their
their families. This includes us with visibility over our leaf supply
responsibility is to maintain effective
improving farmer access to basic chain in two ways: first, by
governance and response to ESG
needs, a decent standard of living empowering our suppliers to report
risks within the tobacco leaf supply
and income diversification, on the actions they are taking to
chain. Our Leaf Compliance and
enabling them to continue to grow address any risks identified, and how
Response (CARE) Programme
tobacco sustainably. they are having a positive impact on
includes our Leaf CARE tool which is
the ground; and second, by validating
We purchase approximately 97% of an in-house IT platform to record
these actions both remotely and in
our tobacco through both global and potential ESG-related issues arising
the field. This informs our strategy to
niche suppliers from more than 30 in the supply chain and to track the
support our suppliers in taking
countries worldwide, and only 3% associated due diligence processes
effective action. All our tobacco leaf
from our own directly contracted suppliers have established to respond
suppliers are expected to participate
farms. Therefore, we work to these potential reported issues.
in the STP. In 2023 (based on the
collaboratively with our partners to The majority of the data in the Leaf
2022 tobacco leaf crop year),
enhance standards in our leaf supply CARE tool is sourced from the STP. A
93% of our suppliers reported on
chain both directly with our suppliers third party reviews and substantiates
their due diligence.
and through partnerships, such as that information in the STP, before it
is uploaded to our Leaf CARE tool.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 57
ESG REVIEW continued
Improve access to basic needs for 180,000 farmers and their families by 2030
Childcare and – – 36,000 Imperial continues to fund projects aimed at addressing key
education project livelihood and welfare issues in tobacco communities. This number
beneficiaries represents the total number of cumulative active beneficiaries as of
the end of FY23.
Clean water project – – 155,000 Imperial continues to fund projects aimed at addressing key
beneficiaries livelihood and welfare issues in tobacco communities. This number
represents the total number of cumulative active beneficiaries as of
the end of FY23.
Sanitation and – – 33,000 Imperial continues to fund projects aimed at addressing key
hygiene project livelihood and welfare issues in tobacco communities. This number
beneficiaries represents the total number of cumulative active beneficiaries as of
the end of FY23. Sanitation and hygiene projects, which mainly
focus on infrastructure improvement and development, were
impacted by cyclone Freddy in a number of African countries.
1. Data is from strategic suppliers in prioritised countries in most need of support, as outlined by a sustainability index compiled
using Maplecroft risk indexes.
A. Data has been independently assured by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) under the limited assurance requirements of the ISAE 3000
standard. EY’s Assurance Opinion is available on our website.
SUSTAINABLE
AND RESPONSIBLE
SOURCING
We have been
recognised by
CDP as a supplier
engagement
leader
for a fourth
consecutive year
ELT sponsor
• Javier Huerta,
Chief Supply Chain Officer
OUR PLAN
To source products and services from • Using Sedex as the third-party 2024
a diverse supply base that matches provider to undertake ethical • 50% of our suppliers by spend
our ESG values and ambitions. trading assessment of our partner within the Purchased Goods and
suppliers. This will give us further Services category will have science-
Delivered in 2023 visibility of our supply chain and based targets by 2024.
• Launched refreshed Supplier Code enable us to better manage • Roll out ethical trading risk
of Conduct which has an increased ESG risks. assessment to key strategic
focus on business integrity, human
• Building capability. We appointed a suppliers.
rights, diversity, equity and
new Head of Procurement Capability
inclusion and the environment. 2025
and ESG Lead for Procurement.
• Confirm longer-term ESG metrics
for our value chain.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 59
ESG REVIEW continued
Ensuring continuity in our supply chain • Business Integrity: Our suppliers are
2023 performance highlights has a direct impact on our business expected to conduct their business in
today, as well as the potential to impact an ethical and responsible manner
In 2023 business sustainability in the future. It and comply with all applicable laws
33%
is important that the standards we and regulations.
expect in terms of quality, labour • Human Rights & Diversity, Equity and
practices, human rights and Inclusion: Our suppliers are expected
of our suppliers by spend within environmental concern are adhered to to provide a fair and safe workplace,
Purchased Goods and Services by our suppliers. and demonstrate respect for human
had set science-based targets.
We establish a relationship of trust and rights, diversity, equity and inclusion.
We are engaging with our key integrity with our suppliers. We expect • Environmental Sustainability: Our
suppliers directly and via the them to conduct their business in suppliers are expected to adopt
CDP Supply Chain Programme an ethical and responsible manner policies and practices that protect the
to achieve this target. and comply with all applicable laws planet and reduce negative impacts
and regulations. on the environment.
We have refreshed our Our Supplier Code of Conduct, aligned We expect all our suppliers – new and
to our Code of Conduct, sets out the existing – to adhere to our updated
Supplier Code behaviours we expect our suppliers version of the Code. But where possible
of Conduct, to demonstrate. We launched our we want suppliers to go beyond the
expectations outlined in this Code.
refreshed Supplier Code of Conduct in
dividing topics into the following Together we must make a positive
September 2023.
sections for clarity: Business social and environmental impact.
Integrity, Human Rights, We have thousands of suppliers who
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, connect with every part of our business The new Code can be found on our
and the Environment. – from leaf to consumer. They work website and a link is included in our
This is published on our alongside and within our business and purchase order T&Cs, contracts and
corporate website. are fundamental to our success. Our tendering documents. The existing
new Code sets out our expectations for Code will be “phased out” as the new
Using Sedex to obtain ethical our suppliers and reflects our Code is communicated to new suppliers
trading risk assessment of our commitment to be a socially and existing suppliers as and when
partner suppliers. responsible, compliant and sustainable Procurement teams engage with them,
business. It also provides the minimum prioritising our key partners.
standards of behaviour we expect from While suppliers may be managed
our partners, in the following areas: globally, regionally or locally, the
ambition is that all suppliers meet the
same standard to enable Imperial to
meet its commitments to stakeholders,
employers and communities.
Scope 2: 2%
Em
pl
Us
includes questions on business
oy
e
Sc o
ee
of
conduct, environmental management so
co
ld
pe
m
pr
m
and labour practices including od
ut
1: 9
In
ve uc
in
discrimination, child and forced labour, st
g
Do ts
%
m
1.3
wn en 1.4
8%
str 4%
freedom of association, remuneration, &d
eam t s2
. 7
working hours and health and safety. ist tran 7%
rib sp
uti ort
on a
Once on board, our Global Quality team EOL 3.0 tion
t r 4%
perform their own reviews which may sold
pro
e atm
e
duc nt of
include the supplier being asked to ts 3
.28
%
provide evidence for their management
of ESG issues, including how the
supplier communicates their own Code Fuel or energy act
ivities 6.17%
of Conduct and grievance policies
across their operations, and how they ation
port Pur
& se chased
m T rans 3%
rea rvice g
conduct audits and act on findings. Upst tribution
7.3 s 64 oods
.52%
& dis %
Our logistics and indirect suppliers of 33
s 8.
d
goods and services, including facilities oo
lG
management, do not undergo the i ta
p
Ca
Supplier Qualification Programme.
Where we have run a tender process,
we request the supplier provides copies
of policies relevant to the services that
Sco
89%
they supply, which may include those
pe
addressing the labour practices, forced
3:
labour and child labour (in the case of
service outsourcing or goods
manufacture). We review the policies as
part of the selection process.
Scope 3 GHG emissions and Services (PG&S) which makes up
In FY23, we continued our membership 65% of our total Scope 3 emissions.
In FY23 we recalculated our Scope 3
of the CDP Supply Chain Programme
baseline of 2017 and calculated our 2022 We will continue to focus our efforts on
and invited suppliers to complete the
Scope 3 emissions across all categories. the PG&S category and have set the
questionnaires for CDP Climate, Water
This recalculation follows the latest following target: We aim for 50% of our
Security and Forests as applicable.
methodology outlined in our Reporting suppliers by spend within the
We have been recognised as a Supplier Criteria document, and in accordance Purchased Goods and Services category
Engagement Leader by CDP for a fourth with the global Greenhouse Gas to have science-based targets by 2024.
successive year. All companies making (GHG) Protocol.
climate change disclosures to CDP Based on our recalculation, we have
See our Reporting Criteria document
receive a Supplier Engagement Rating now set a more ambitious target to
available on our website for details.
(SER), in addition to their climate reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 50% by
change score, rating them on how 2030.
effectively they engage their suppliers We have a clear methodology for
on climate issues. further improving our data capture for
Scope 3, by transitioning to a more
market-based approach with our
partner suppliers and updating using
the most recent emissions factors.
During the recalculation we re-assessed
the Scope 3 categories relevant to us
and have determined that our most
material category is Purchased Goods
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 61
ESG REVIEW continued
HUMAN
RIGHTS
All factories
report against
21
modern slavery
leading indicators Governance
• Human Rights Compliance
Working Group
• Leaf Compliance Working Group
Key policies
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
We are committed to raising awareness and improving
Policy
processes in our supply chains, and we recognise the • Code of Conduct
importance, influence and role we have in promoting and • Supplier Code of Conduct
protecting human rights. • Human Rights Policy
• Speaking Up Policy
• Fairness at Work Policy
OUR PLAN
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 63
ESG REVIEW continued
EMPLOYEE
HEALTH, SAFETY
& WELLBEING
Reduced lost
time accidents by
44%
since 2019
(absolute numbers)
Key policies
• Health, Safety and
• SDG 3: Good health and
Wellbeing Policy
wellbeing.
• Health and Safety Framework
• SDG 8: Decent work and
• Human Rights Policy
economic growth.
ELT sponsors
• Javier Huerta,
Chief Supply Chain Officer
• Aleš Struminský,
President, Europe Region
• Paola Pocci,
OUR PLAN President, Africa, Asia,
Australasia and Central &
(From a 2019 base year)
Eastern Europe Region
2024 2025
• Kim Reed,
• Further roll out of behavioural • 75% of fleet vehicles fitted
President and CEO,
science in safety with an in-vehicle monitoring
Americas Region
leadership training. system (IVMS).
• Design Behavioural Based Safety • 60% reduction in fleet
Programme Foundations. collision rate.
• Launch Group standards for safety • 100% compliance with the
leadership routines. Health and Safety
• Zero Injury Aspiration campaign Framework.
focus on awareness and education. 2030
• Implementation of Wellbeing • 75% reduction in lost time
Framework and Guidance. accident rate (LTA).
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 65
ESG REVIEW continued
To capture diverse perspectives, we In May 2023, together with our We will continue to develop our
established a Wellbeing Working Group, Disability Employee Resource Group approach and strategy for wellbeing
which included representatives from (ERG), we held two events focused on in FY24.
different functions and regions. This the importance of our wellbeing,
approach ensured that all areas of the specifically targeting anxiety and fear.
business were involved during the An external anxiety specialist delivered Our Wellbeing Plan:
wellbeing strategy development and the session and our people were • Develop KPIs to measure
that the final plan resonated with encouraged to share their experiences our performance.
various stakeholders. with anxiety in and outside the • Foster a mentally healthy
workplace, promoting openness and culture by incorporating
Looking ahead, we plan to establish
reducing mental health stigma. these principles into
clear metrics and leading indicators for
People Leader training.
measuring performance in wellbeing. In FY23, 47 employees from nine
• Run regular initiatives to raise
By tracking the impact of our factories received mental health
awareness of mental health
initiatives, we will be able to assess training. As Wellbeing Champions,
issues at work.
their effectiveness and identify areas they can now better identify the signs
for improvement. This data-driven of stress, anxiety and depression in • Enable local sites to design
approach ensures that our Wellbeing themselves and others, how to practise and implement initiatives
strategy remains relevant, impactful active listening, and to offer support addressing local wellbeing
and continually evolving to meet the through local networks. needs.
needs of our people.
Employee fatalities1 Number 2 1 0 0 Health and safety remain a priority for all our employees.
Contractor Number 0 0 0 1 Regretfully, a contractor fatality occurred in April 2023, at the
fatalities1 external premises of the Skopje Factory, North Macedonia. The
impacted person was an employee of the Government-owned
contractor who was performing a routine waste collection activity.
Members of the Number 1 0 0 0 Road safety remains a priority across all our operations.
public fatalities
involving Imperial
Brands vehicles1
Lost time accidents Number 101 65 57 57 There has been no change in the number of lost time accidents
(LTAs)1,2 compared to last year. However there has been a 44% decrease in
lost time accidents since the 2019 base year.
LTA rate1,2 LTAs per 0.40 0.27 0.24 0.30A We have seen an 25% increase in our lost time accident rate
200,000 compared to last year. The number of LTAs stayed the same as
hours last year whilst the number of hours worked has reduced, leading
worked to the 25% increase in LTA rate.
During FY23 we continued to increase the use of leading
indicators to better manage risk throughout our operations.
Total number Number 850 573 522 420 We have seen a 20% decrease in total accidents compared
of accidents1,2 to last year.
Accident rate1,2 Total 3.39 2.36 2.24 2.24 The total number of accidents compared to last year decreased,
accidents however the number of hours worked has also decreased which
per 200,000 has resulted in the accident rate remaining the same as last year.
hours
worked
Fleet collision rate Accidents 5.03 3.95 2.8 2.29A There has been a 18% decrease in our vehicle accident rate
per million compared to last year. Road safety remains a key priority for us.
kilometres We adopt global standards for road safety and use our Drive Safe
campaign to promote awareness and influence behaviour.
Fleet vehicles fitted % – – 57.3 46.9 Evidence shows that in-vehicle monitoring systems typically
with an in-vehicle lead to fuel reduction and improved safety performance and we
monitoring system will continue to test and extend coverage.
(IVMS) The reduction in percentage is due to an increase in fleet size in
markets without IVMS, and the closure of a market that had fleet
vehicles with IVMS installed.
Compliance with % – – 87 93 We aim to be at 100% compliance with our framework standards
the Health and by 2025.
Safety Framework
(Manufacturing)
Compliance with the % – – 93 94 We aim to be at 100% compliance with our framework standards
Health and Safety by 2025.
Framework (Sales)
ISO 45001 % 79 74 71 72 Of the factories in scope, 72% have certification for the
certification international standard for health and safety at work.
A. Select 2023 data has been independently assured by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) under the limited assurance requirements of the ISAE 3000 standard. EY’s Assurance Opinion
is available on our website. Our reporting scope and definitions are detailed in the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
1. Our health and safety data is for the full 2023 financial year.
2. Accidents reported do not include commuting to or from work, or those sustained by third parties such as distributors.
DIVERSITY,
EQUITY &
INCLUSION
Scored
92%
on 2022 ShareAction
Workforce
Disclosure
Initiative
ELT sponsors
OUR PLAN
• Murray McGowan,
2021 2023 Chief Strategy and
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) • Workplace and Workforce pillars Development Officer
set up. have been the focus. • Alison Clarke, Chief People and
• Goals set with each Executive Culture Officer
Nov 2022 Leadership Team member,
• Board approved a five-year measuring progress on
ambition for DEI. a quarterly basis.
• Launched a self-declaration
campaign called “I Belong”.
2027
• Target set to increase
representation of women in senior
management from 28.2% in 2022 to
35% by 2027.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 67
ESG REVIEW continued
A. Select 2023 data has been independently assured by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) under the limited assurance requirements of the ISAE 3000 standard. EY’s Assurance Opinion
is available on our website.
Our reporting scope and definitions are detailed in the Reporting Criteria document published on our website.
1. We recognise the need to gain more comprehensive employee demographic data in order to understand the diversity of our employee base and drive inclusion.
This will form a key part of our new DEI strategy and will help us measure (where appropriate) ethnic minority, disability, LGBTQ+ and other key DEI dimensions.
2. Based on employees recorded in Imperial Brands Group Human Resources Information Systems, excluding Logista, contractors and casual labour.
3. The proportion of senior management employees (Global Grades 3, 4, 5) recorded as female across Imperial Brands Group, excluding Logista.
4. This reflects all employees excluding those employed by ITG Brands and Logista.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 69
TCFD
96%
electricity from
purchased
renewable sources
TCFD Pillar TCFD recommended Cross-reference Compliance Next steps, other comments or
disclosures statement explanation of partial compliance
Governance a. Board oversight Page 72 Compliant We will continue to evolve our governance of Climate
Change, and reflect it in these disclosures.
b. Management’s role Page 73 Compliant We will continue to evolve our governance of Climate
Change, and reflect it in these disclosures.
Strategy a. Climate-related risks and Page 75 Compliant We will continue to evolve by including comments on
opportunities specific risk areas, particularly in regard to mitigations
in place.
b. Impact on the Page 74 Compliant We will continue to evolve in line with our strategy,
organisation’s strategy including mitigation and transition plans.
c. Resilience of the Page 76 Compliant Based on the 2022 scenario analysis we completed an
organisation’s strategy internal analysis of our owned operational sites located
in higher physical risk areas as well as an analysis of
our leaf sourcing regions. We have detailed local action
plans as well as business continuity plans (BCPs) in
place to mitigate the risk for each location. We have also
incorporated Logista in our disclosures.
a. Risk identification and Page 77 Compliant We have put in place local action plans for sites and leaf
Risk assessment process sourcing regions identified with a higher physical risk.
management We will continue to monitor these regions and evolve
our BCPs as the need arises.
b. Risk management Page 78 Compliant Climate risk management is integrated into our Group
process Risk Management framework and we will continue to
monitor this risk and evolve our processes accordingly.
c. Integration into overall Page 78 Compliant We will continue to evolve in line with our Group risk
risk management management evolution.
Metrics and a. Climate-related metrics Page 80 Partially We are developing our understanding of how to link our
targets in line with strategy and compliant analysis to specific actions within our strategy.
risk management process
With the updated analysis, we have gained greater
understanding of how we can utilise our climate
change strategy in order to manage risks and
realise opportunities, particularly those related to
cost avoidance.
In the future, we aim to include metrics on climate-
related opportunities.
b. Scope 1, 2 (and 3) Page 80 Partially We report our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in accordance
GHG metrics and the compliant with the GHG protocol, and its related risks. We will
related risk continue to explore industry-specific ratios to achieve
full compliance.
c. Climate-related Page 80 Partially We are developing our understanding of how to link our
targets and performance compliant analysis to specific actions within our strategy.
against targets
With the updated analysis, we have gained greater
understanding of how we can utilise our climate
change strategy in order to manage risks and
realise opportunities, particularly those related to
cost avoidance.
We aim to incorporate anticipated regulatory
requirements in the future.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 71
TCFD continued
GOVERNANCE
We have integrated ESG oversight and management, including
climate change, at all levels of the business, as illustrated below.
The second line of defence is held either at The first line of defence is assigned
ELT level or functional leadership level either to members of the Planet Strategy
(Planet Strategy Group, see page 73) Group, or to members of the groups
depending on the materiality of the risk. feeding into it, depending on who is
We integrate climate risk and opportunity managing the topic operationally.
into business functions and, as such,
multiple functional meetings report into
ELT-level committees on climate risks
and opportunities.
BOARD OVERSIGHT updated on climate-related risks and expenditure, through reporting from the
opportunities three times, following the ESG Committee, as well as Board-level
The Board of Directors’ main duty is to
ESG Committee meetings in March 2023, consideration and oversight of
safeguard our Company’s long-term
June 2023 and September 2023. The (i) enterprise risk appetite, assessment
prosperity. The Board considers
Board has been updated on performance and management; (ii) longer-term
climate-related matters through our
against our climate-related targets as strategy; and (iii) the annual budget plan.
ESG strategy and performance, which
well as our climate transition plan
includes management of climate risk We have two Non-Executive Directors
which includes financial risk and
and opportunity. It has endorsed all (NEDs) with specific experience in
opportunity, in order to oversee and
climate-related targets including the climate-related matters. Diane de Saint
monitor progress. In addition, it is kept
investments needed to implement Victor, appointed to the Board in
up to date on climate-related risks,
programmes to reduce carbon emissions November 2021, has been associated
opportunities and performance via the
and meet our climate action goals. with a variety of companies playing a
monthly CEO report, and informed of
major role in addressing climate
To ensure the Board has appropriate significant climate-related risks and
change. This includes serving as an
oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities, as required.
executive committee member at one of
opportunities, it endorsed the formation
The Board considers business plans, the world leaders in technology
of a cross-functional ESG Committee
including expenditure on climate-related solutions that help industries in
which is chaired by the CEO and reports
matters, such as climate-related capital reducing their energy consumption.
to the Board. In FY23 the Board was
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 73
TCFD continued
OUR APPROACH
2022 2023
PHASE 1 SCENARIO ANALYSIS PHASE 2 SCENARIO ANALYSIS
Our process of the assessment of climate-related risks and In the second phase of the scenario analysis, conducted in
opportunities can be described in two phases. Phase 1 is 2023, we took a deeper dive into the local sites identified as
based on the initial scenario analysis conducted in potentially at risk in Phase 1, including leaf sourcing
collaboration with a third-party supplier in 2022. In this regions. We reviewed their existing mitigation and their
first phase, we conducted a quantified climate scenario mitigation and adaptation plans and helped them identify
analysis with 4°C and 1.5°C pathways (RCP 8.5 and RCP 2.6), local-level opportunities for continuous improvement in
aligned with the recommendations of TCFD and the Paris climate-related risk management. This enabled us to update
Agreement, utilising a third-party modelling tool. the scenario analysis by taking into consideration existing
and planned local risk mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Maximum financial impact risk-basis, have produced action plans RCP 8.5) aligned with the
The table on page 75 sets out the different to address the risks. recommendations of the TCFD and
types of risks and opportunities aligned recommended disclosures. The scenario
The MFI calculation does not include
to Imperial Brands’ risk framework, and analysis takes into consideration
inflation, nor does it take into account
the associated maximum financial climate-related physical and
the impacts of future government
impact (MFI). MFI is defined as the transitional risks, as well as
policies. Risks and opportunities have
accumulated maximum impact quantum opportunities in the short (0-3 years),
been prioritised based on the findings
over 10 years between the 1.5°C and 4°C medium (3-5 years) and long term (more
of the scenario analyses.
scenarios. The MFI relates to the gross than 5 years). The Logista analysis
risk and assumes no mitigation or Our approach assumes IPCC and IEA WEO STEPS2
adaptation activities by Imperial. The In 2023, we integrated Logista further scenarios, which are taken into account
dots represent the degree of significance into our disclosures. Imperial Brands’ for the risk and opportunity analysis.
of the risk in each of the 1.5°C and 4°C scenario analysis covers both physical The separate methodology used means
scenarios compared to the total of the and transition risk for Imperial Brands that the numbers cannot be integrated
Company asset base. These scenarios are PLC. In 2023, we reviewed Logista’s wholly into Imperial Brands’ analyses,
integrated into our financial models for approach, undertaken separately with which are summarised on the next
goodwill, and going concern, more details different methodology, and with the page, but are reflected in the text.
on this can be found in page 200 (Note 11). support of Logista management,
In 2023, we undertook an in-depth look have incorporated their findings
into this report. 1. A not-for-profit charity previously known as the
at the highest MFIs, and worked Carbon Disclosure Project https://www.cdp.net/en
collaboratively with sites to consider the Logista quantified the scenario analysis 2. International Panel on Climate Change,
and International Energy Agency World
local mitigations already in place. In with 2oC, and 4oC pathways (RCP 4.5 and Energy Outlook
addition, these sites, selected on a
Chronic drought risk2 could lead Product nq* The Group takes out insurance
to a decrease in revenues due to supply for the coverage of this risk
supply chain disruption and its within direct operations, and
effects on production capacity. maintains business
contingency plans.
Acute Increased frequency and severity Product 54 The Group maintains supply
of extreme weather events supply chain contingency plans and
could lead to a decrease in insurance cover for the
revenues due to supply chain coverage of this risk within
disruption and its effects on the supply chain. The number
production capacity. has been updated to include
La Romana assessment which
represents the majority of this
specific MFI.
More severe hurricane risk2 Product nq* The Group maintains supply
could lead to a decrease in supply chain contingency plans and
revenues due to supply chain insurance cover for the
disruption and its effects on coverage of this risk within
production capacity. the supply chain.
Transition risks associated with transitioning to a low-carbon economy
Policy & Increased costs could result from Delivery 9 It is expected that we will
legal emerging regulations such as of ESG mitigate this through our Net
carbon taxation1 and the carbon strategy Zero strategy, aiming to be Net
pricing mechanism, predicted to Zero in our direct operations
begin in 2024. by 2030. In FY23 the impact of
carbon pricing has been
reassessed to incorporate the
improved ability of the global
economy to adapt to transition,
e.g. through a higher share of
renewable energy.
Market Materials costs in NTM and Product 268 It is expected that mitigation
tobacco leaf could increase due to Supply will be possible through
increases in the operating costs partnership with key suppliers
of suppliers and raw materials. to drive change in the supply
This could reduce access to chain before a financial
capital. A key impact is expected impact occurs.
to be from the introduction of
carbon taxation through our
supply chain, predicted to begin
in 2024.
Climate-related opportunities
Energy Energy supply costs3 could Delivery 36 The Group is prioritising early
sourcing decrease due to resource of ESG action to limit costs and
efficiency and the use of zero strategy mitigate impact, reflected in
emission sources of energy in our the step change in renewable
direct operations. electricity reporting in our
performance summary.
1. Assuming no decarbonisation measures are taken by Imperial Brands Mild change5 <0.2%
2. Impact has been quantified non-financially
3. Cost avoidance from energy transition Moderate change5 0.2%-1%
4. In accordance with Imperial Brands’ risk assessment Significant change5 >1%
5. % of asset value
*Nq= not quantifiable. These risks have not been quantified due to the complexity in calculating financial impact and lack of tool capability. Further assessment is required in
these areas to develop a link to financial impact, including an assessment of materiality when taking into account mitigation and action plans in place.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 75
TCFD continued
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 77
TCFD continued
that may impact our business, and have The ESG team, led by the Global ESG
integrated them into our risk framework. Director, are subject matter experts and CASE STUDY:
In assigning significance of climate- are part of the second line of defence.
Our Manisa factory, the Philippine
related risks, we refer to the MFI stated They develop appropriate policy, process
Bobbin Corporation (PBC) and FM
on page 75. Having considered the and control structures and analyse the
Global identified an elevated risk of
analyses we find greater value in impacts of the risks upon the business in
riverine flooding. FM’s assessment
ensuring that climate-related risks and line with the Board’s risk appetite. The
identified that the flood exposure at
opportunities are included within our second line of defence provides support
this location is the highest 100-year
principal risks, rather than focusing on to the first line of defence in the design
(high frequency) flood exposure
climate change as a principal risk in and implementation of local mitigations.
across Imperial’s locations globally.
itself. This assessment by each risk
The ESG team is key in assessing They estimated that in a flood event
owner ensures that we appropriately
climate-related risks and opportunities waters could rise one metre,
determine true materiality, and integrate
that occur at a local and global level resulting in damage to about 30%
ownership of the associated climate-
related to the achievement of our of the site and up to six months’
related risks into the wider business.
climate targets. interruption to business. The most
With the support of subject matter
recent loss expectancy estimate was
experts, risk owners review the potential Our third line of defence consists of
US$ 24.1 million for the 100-year
cause and likelihood of any risk Group Internal Audit who provide
flood event.
materialising. As a business we are independent assurance over the
accustomed to managing risk across a effectiveness of the design and This finding supported PBC’s
variety of topic areas, including operation of the risk management intention to investigate the
emerging regulatory requirements framework. On an intermittent basis, installation of a flood wall which FM
related to climate change, and we apply we also commission a third party to have confirmed would all but
the same process for all risk areas. perform its own analyses to validate eliminate this exposure. Completion
risks identified by the business. of this additional protective measure
For further information on how we
manage risk, please refer to the risk would also be key to achieving FM’s
For this TCFD report we also add a fourth
section on page 100. highest risk category, a Highly
line of defence, by seeking assurance
Protected Risk.
against the listing rule by a third party.
The Group’s formal approach to risk
management includes an update to the Due to the long-term nature of climate-
Board on a twice-yearly basis on the related risks, and in order to formulate
results of the Group risk assessment, this TCFD report, a cross functional
including the Group’s principal risks. project team considered actions relating
The Group risk management framework to these analyses covering and beyond
specifies accountability for the the standard risk timeframe we typically
identification, assessment and consider for risk and financial planning.
mitigation of risks throughout the In accordance with the Listing Rules,
business and is based on the “three lines we have taken into account the period
of defence” model. The first line of 2022-2050. This allows us to build on
defence is our people in operational the risks and materiality developed in
roles, who identify potential risks and the third-party analyses, and integrate
opportunities at an operational level. them into our wider Group risk
management framework.
OUR PLAN
(from a 2017 baseline year) 2023 2024
2030
50% Reduce
• Our absolute Scope 3 GHG
emissions by 50%
• Energy consumption by 25%
For more information on all our ESG
targets, including waste, please refer
to page 38 or our ESG Performance
Summary on our website.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 79
TCFD continued
METRICS AND TARGETS with reductions required to limit climate In FY23, we have focused on driving
Climate change is our second most warming to 2°C, approved by the Science site-level risk and opportunity planning
material ESG topic, after consumer Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In FY21, on a risk-based approach. These views
health. As such, we have long monitored we set our sights higher and joined the have been used to enhance our
the risks identified for climate change Business Ambition for 1.5°C Race to Zero disclosures, and form the basis of our
and put in place intervention or initiative, a campaign led by the SBTi. In continued strategy development. Sites
mitigation measures where necessary. FY23, we applied for approval by the have been asked to develop local action
Our targets on climate change represent SBTi for our new targets in line with the and decarbonisation plans, to manage
multiple business opportunities: there 1.5°C Paris Agreement. In FY23, we can risk and realise opportunity more
are cost and environmental benefits to report a reduction in energy comprehensively. We also understand
energy savings, and to efficiency consumption of 26%, achieving our 2030 that our decarbonisation targets rely on
programmes, today and in the future. energy consumption reduction target. cultural changes within the business, for
For more details on how this
example in evaluating energy sourcing
We are focused on alignment to the UN’s commitment impacts our Climate options, or when looking to drive change
Sustainable Development Goals, and in Change pillar, please see ‘Our plan’ as within our value chain.
particular support the goals outlined in well as our previous year’s
goal 7.2, improve energy composition, performance on page 48. The analyses indicate that our most
and 7.3, reduce energy consumption. As material risks are within transition,
such, we have had Scope 1, 2 and 3
For more information on all our ESG specifically carbon pricing internally,
targets, including waste and water, and carbon pricing externally, realised in
targets in place since 2019, consistent please see page 38. our rising material costs.
Carbon pricing In line with our 2025 goal: to source 100% of In order to further support our Net Zero
Our carbon pricing risk relates to the our purchased grid electricity from strategy, we have developed an internal
likely increase of carbon taxation on traceable renewable sources, we have carbon budget to incentivise low-carbon
emissions within our operations. To continued to prioritise decarbonising our transition projects to improve energy
drive our emissions down, we have electric supply, reaching 96% renewable efficiency and renewable energy transition.
joined Business Ambition for 1.5°C, a grid electricity in 2023. Reflection of this The internal carbon budget is based on our
campaign led by the SBTi. This means performance in our updated analyses internal carbon pricing, which we intend to
we are committed to reaching indicated an increased opportunity for cost launch in FY24. This initiative pilots an
science-based Net-Zero emissions by avoidance of £190 million by 2050, approach to more closely link funding with
2040. To achieve this, we have reset assuming we meet our 2030 decarbonisation solutions, and includes an
our science-based targets for carbon, decarbonisation targets. assessment of climate opportunities.
increasing our ambition in line with
The updated analysis completed within
1.5ºC global warming limits and
We are on track to decarbonise our direct FY23 demonstrated the extent to which our
currently wait for approval by the SBTi.
operations by 2030. In FY23 we can report decarbonisation strategy protects against
an emissions reduction of 65% vs our 2017 future costs. The potential cumulative risk
baseline. We continue to develop goals for mitigation, excluding any cost of investment,
the different areas of our Scope 1 and is up to £450 million to 2050 when compared
Scope 2 emissions. Our development of with taking no decarbonisation measures in
local decarbonisation plans for key sites a 1.5°C scenario.
and sales fleets continues to drive tangible
action and progress against this goal.
Materials costs In 2023 we have recalculated our Scope 3 There is an opportunity to further assess the
The materials cost relates to the calculations and we intend to fully assure resilience of our supply chain to help bring
likely impact of carbon taxation on our Purchased Goods and Services Scope 3 focus to the business to achieve our Net
emissions, and the impact of physical emissions in 2024. Zero target. Achievement of the Scope 3
risks within our value chain. To drive decarbonisation target will be important to
down emissions within our value limit exposure to rising material costs,
Our target to achieve Net Zero in our entire
chain, we have an SBTi approved which are strongly linked to carbon pricing
value chain by 2040 is also supported by an
supplier engagement target: 50% of our within the supply chain. Our first step
emission reduction target of Scope 3 of 50%
suppliers by spend within Purchased towards this has been the enhancement of
by 2030. We have strengthened our climate
Goods and Services (PGS) will set the environment-related section in our
dialogue with suppliers within all
science-based targets by 2024. This Supplier Code of Conduct, which sets out the
procurement areas and are aiming to
target helps us reduce our Scope 3 minimum requirements of doing business
continue to do so. This approach benefits
emissions and thus is fully aligned with us and our request to have suppliers
us in various ways such as risk
with our 2040 Net Zero ambition. In our join us to decarbonise.
management, reduction of Scope 3
ESG Review we report that 33% of
emissions as well as creating opportunities
suppliers by spend have achieved this
such as of cost avoidance (page 77). The
target. In pursuit of this target, we have
re-calculation of our Scope 3 baseline and
identified our partner suppliers
our Scope 3 emissions for 2023 provided
contributing 50% by spend of our
greater clarity of data to drive decisions
Scope 3 category: Purchased Goods
going forwards.
and Services, and will engage with
them in 2024.
In 2024, we will continue to develop our The data underlying these and market
decarbonisation plans for sites, building out practice in relation to such disclosures are
initiatives to support each site-specific likely to evolve over time, owing to several
decarbonisation. In a risk-based approach, factors including, but not limited to, the:
we will also include management of • evolving nature and impact of climate
physical climate risks in this, ensuring that change and related policies, regulations,
our sites most at risk of the physical effects standards, classification frameworks and
of climate change include mitigation market developments;
activities in their decarbonisation plan.
• accuracy and completeness of the data,
For metrics relating to our ESG strategy, methodologies and assumptions
including waste and water, please see our underlying our metrics and targets,
ESG section, pages 38-69.
which may vary depending on the scope,
boundary, definition and measurement
There are three recommended disclosures
of the relevant indicators and activities,
in the Metrics and Targets section that we
as well as the availability and quality of
consider ourselves partially compliant with:
external sources and benchmarks;
(a) including climate-related opportunity
metrics; (b) as regards industry-specific
GHG ratios; and (c) accounting for
avoided GHG emissions on the entire
product lifecycle.
Our reasons for this are because there are
transitional challenges in obtaining the
relevant data and there is no generally
accepted industry-specific data, though
we continue to monitor developments in
this area.
We aim to expand our disclosures by
including climate-related opportunity
metrics in 2024, and providing accepted
industry-specific GHG efficiency ratios,
once applicable practices are available.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 81
MARKET REVIEW
T N NG
number of nicotine product categories
NG
introduces supply chain complexity –
which Imperial mitigates using a strong
supplier partnership model. It also
KE HA DI
introduces regulatory complexity,
GI
which can be harder to mitigate.
AR C N However, where regulators allow, the
advent of next generation nicotine
products also provides much greater
M A PO
consumer choice. With that greater
consumer choice, opportunities are
unlocked for a challenger business
with a strong understanding of
TO S
consumer needs.
For example, many consumers also tell
RE
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 83
OPERATING REVIEW
ON E
GI OP
RE R
EU
Aleš Struminský
President, Europe Region
AT A GLANCE HEADLINES
OPERATING REVIEW • Strong financial performance driven
To provide a greater focus on Tobacco volume by strong pricing action early in the
“driving value from our broader year which offset volume declines
market portfolio”, which is one of
our strategic pillars, we have
-8.2% • Leveraging our local jewel brand
strategy to drive operational and
transferred the management of financial performance
our Central and Eastern Europe
Tobacco & NGP net revenue*
• Positive NGP net revenue
cluster from our Europe region to
the Africa, Asia and Australasia +4.8% performance with growth across all
categories driven by product
(AAA) region. Under the innovation and new market launches
leadership of Paola Pocci, we Tobacco net revenue* • Successful launch and roll-out of
have been enhancing our
capabilities and expertise in
managing our smaller markets,
+2.8% all-new vapour device blu 2.0 and
disposable blu bar
• New and improved Pulze 2.0 offering
many of which have attractive NGP net revenue*
consumer choice across four markets
margins and the potential to
become platforms for future
growth in combustible tobacco
+40.4% • Adjusted operating profit growth
reflects strong combustible
performance and increased
and NGP. The AAA region will Adjusted operating profit* investments behind NGP
now be known as AAACE. The
affected markets are Poland,
Czech Republic, Ukraine,
+2.0% Our results in Europe are driven by
strong combustible pricing, which
Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, * Change at constant currency. helped mitigate inflationary headwinds
Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and support increased investment in
Croatia and Slovenia. The NGP launches. Tobacco volumes were
Americas region is unaffected by impacted by macro conditions and
this change. continued pressure on consumer
spending. As expected, the volume
trajectory improved in the second half
of the year. Net revenue benefited from
an acceleration in NGP revenue growth
(year on year up 45.1% in the second
half of the year at constant currency) as
our innovation pipeline supported new
product and market launches alongside
growth in existing markets.
Strategic initiatives in our priority jewel brand, Nobel, benefited from new We delivered a step-up in new product
markets supported our combustible format launches and we refined our and flavour launches following our “test
tobacco performance. In the UK, after focus on the key sales channels, for and learn” validation with consumers
two years of market share growth, we example vending machines. and market pilots in FY22. Our new
raised prices early in the period, consumer-led partnership model on
Tobacco volumes declined 8.2% with
causing our market share to decline as NGP product innovation delivered a
consumer buying patterns impacted by
we balanced market share with value range of new products in all three
cost-of-living pressures. The elevated
creation. As anticipated, we categories: Pulze 2.0 in heated tobacco
excise regimes in markets such as the
experienced some market share (four markets); blu 2.0 (10 markets)
UK and France have contributed to
recovery during the second half of the and blu bar (nine markets) in vapour;
continuing pressure on volumes.
year. We remain confident that our and ZoneX (three markets) and
However, volume declines moderated
strategic initiatives in the UK, such as Skruf Modern (Norway) in modern
in the second half of the year in the UK.
our local jewel brands, Richmond oral nicotine.
Tobacco net revenue was up 2.8% at
Embassy and Regal Signature, have
constant currency, reflecting strong Tobacco and NGP adjusted operating
continued to gain traction. Our work to
price mix of 11.0%, which more than profit for the year increased 2.0% at
arrest the long-term share declines in
offset the volume declines. constant currency, mainly reflecting
Germany continues with a refinement
the strong tobacco performance
in our investment in brand equity Our NGP portfolio has delivered
together with increased investment in
building initiatives. In Spain, we strong net revenue growth, which was
our NGP product and market launches.
achieved strong price increases while up 40.4% at constant currency with
also gaining market share as our local growth across all three categories.
Tobacco share
Germany Tobacco market size declined 1.9% in the year with some downtrading, together with
• 18.2% (-80bps) a category shift from cigarettes to fine cut tobacco. Our market share declined
• 13% of Group net revenue although we continue to refine our investment initiatives with the aim of stabilising
our share over time. As anticipated, it is taking time to address our share performance
after more than a decade of underinvestment and share losses. We remain confident
the investment behind these strategic initiatives will enhance our brand equity and
improve our sales force effectiveness. Our brand portfolio remains well positioned
across the key price segments to appeal to a range of consumer needs, which
includes the launch of Paramount to meet consumer needs in the value segment.
We expanded our vapour offer with the launch of blu 2.0 and blu bar during the year.
UK Tobacco market size declined 16.9%, driven by the COVID-19 unwind, inflationary
• 41.1% (-50 bps) excise increases and manufacturer price increases in the period. We increased prices
• 8% of Group net revenue in November and again in March to pass on the excise increases. As anticipated, and
after two years of share gains, these price increases caused us to lose share.
However, we recovered some of the market share lost in H1 as we sought to optimise
the balance between managing share and value creation. Our strategic investments
continue to gain traction with our local jewel brand variants of Richmond, Embassy
and Regal Signature performing well – and as we focused on supporting our key
account customers. We grew our NGP contribution in vaping, launching both blu 2.0
and blu bar in the period, supported by innovation of our flavours in both platforms.
Spain Tobacco market size declined 2.6% year on year. We were able to increase prices for
• 28.4% (+10 bps) the second year in a row, following several years of stable pricing, while also
• 5% of Group net revenue continuing to deliver share gains. Our market share increase was driven by
investments in innovation and brand extensions, such as limited-edition packs and
big pack launches for West. We continued to focus on our portfolio of local jewel
brands with the launch of new, high-quality packs for brands such as Nobel. We also
benefited from refocusing our sales force on channels, where we have been under-
represented historically. The launches of blu 2.0 and blu bar have been well received
by consumers and the trade and the blu brand is the joint market-leading brand by
retail sales value as at August 2023.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 85
OPERATING REVIEW continued
S
A
ON IC
GI R
RE ME
A
Kim Reed
President and CEO,
Americas Region
-4.7%
2022. This contributed to adverse
product mix in mass market
product mix which has weighed on our
cigars partially offset by strong
net revenue performance.
cigarette pricing
Tobacco net revenue* • Mass market cigar performance Tobacco volumes declined against an
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 87
OPERATING REVIEW continued
ER NT LA IA
EU L A
ST CE RA AS
RO &
N RA SI
PE
EA D T A,
AN US IC
A FR
A
Paola Pocci
President, Africa, Asia,
Australasia and Central &
Eastern Europe
share against a highly competitive consumer spending was affected by the European markets, which more than
market backdrop with record levels of rising cost of living and there was an offset volume declines to support
illicit trade. We refined our approach to increase in illicit trade in some financial delivery.
revenue growth management to countries. Our renewed consumer focus
Tobacco volumes declined 13.6%
optimise value creation across our underpins the management of our local
primarily driven by our exit from
portfolio with a clear brand offering at jewel brands, such as Fine in Ivory
Russia. Excluding Russia, volumes
each of the key price points. This has Coast and Hamilton in Burkina Faso,
declined 6.3%. However, strong price
supported our decisions on pricing and and our international brands, such as
mix (+11.7% ex Russia) more than offset
product innovation, for example line News in Madagascar. With a wide
volume declines to grow tobacco net
extensions of our Lambert & Butler variety of consumer preferences across
revenue by 5.3% ex Russia on a constant
brand in the lowest pricing segment these markets, this insight enables
currency basis.
enabled us to adopt a clearer pricing us to prioritise how we utilise the
strategy for Parker & Simpson in the diverse brand portfolios for each NGP net revenue grew 10.0% in the
value segment. We also reshaped how country to meet the differing adult period reflecting product and market
we support our customers to drive consumer demands. launches during the year. Following our
improved availability while enhancing successful trial of our upgraded Pulze
In the Middle East, markets such as
our financial performance. 2.0 device, which validated our
Kuwait benefited from borders
consumer proposition, we launched our
As we look to drive value from our reopening and we exercised strong
new heated tobacco device in Czech
wider market portfolio, we transferred pricing discipline combined with a
Republic and two additional markets of
the management of our Central & more rigorous go-to-market approach.
Hungary and Poland. This was
Eastern European markets from Europe Our global brand Davidoff resonates
supported by an expansion in our iD
to this region. Given their similar with local consumers and performed
stick offering with new flavour and
characteristics, these markets now well in Kuwait. Davidoff also has strong
limited edition crushball launches.
benefit from being under this regional brand loyalty in Taiwan, though
leadership team which has enhanced volumes here were impacted by lengthy Adjusted operating profit grew 5.5% at
capabilities and expertise to manage local COVID-related travel restrictions constant currency driven by a strong
our portfolio of smaller markets to and the competitive dynamic which tobacco performance in Australia,
unlock value and become platforms for made pricing gains tougher. Africa and the Middle East. These
future growth. more than offset increased NGP
Pricing was stronger across the
investment to fund new product and
In our African markets, pricing gains majority of our Central & Eastern
market launches. Excluding Russia,
more than offset weaker volumes as
adjusted operating profit grew 6.2%
at constant currency.
Tobacco share
Australia Market size declined 15.6% with the pressure on consumer affordability as well as
• 32.1% (+10 bps) record levels of illicit trade. However, we grew share, revenue and profit in Australia
• 4% of Group net revenue as we continue to actively manage our portfolio of brands, applying revenue growth
management techniques to optimise the value creation while managing our overall
market share delivery. Our performance benefited from innovation with line
extensions in Lambert & Butler in the fifth price segment, which created a clearer
price segment architecture for our portfolio. This enabled us to deliver strong pricing
with Parker & Simpson. We also launched JPS Evolve for both cigarettes and fine cut.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 89
OPERATING REVIEW continued
N
O
TI
BU
RI
ST
DI
+17.0%
across Southern Europe. refrigerated transportation in the food
The results include the incremental sector in Spain and Speedlink, acquired
financial contribution from the in February 2022, a Dutch express,
* Change at constant currency.
acquisitions of Herinvemol S.L., trading courier company, expands the B2B
** Eliminations relate to sales of tobacco and
NGP product to Logista that are still held in as ‘Transportes El Mosca’, (73.3%) and parcel business.
their inventory.
Carbó Collbatallé S.L. (100%), which Gross profit – Gross profit at
were not in the prior year period, and £1,466 million was 36.4% higher on a
Speedlink Worldwide Express B.V. constant currency basis with strong
(70%), which was included from underlying performance across the
three key regions (Iberia, France and the prior year. This was offset by the Logista was c.£1.8 billion, with
Italy), further enhanced by the positive performance in convenience movements in the cash position during
contribution from acquisitions. product distribution, driven by the the 12-month period varying from a
growth in disposable vaping products. high of c.£2.3 billion to a low of
In Iberia, growth in gross profit was c.£0.9 billion, primarily due to the
driven in part by tobacco and related Operating profit – Adjusted operating
timing of excise duty payments. At
products, with the former benefiting profit margin reduced by 339 basis
30 September 2023, the loan position
from manufacturer price increases in points at constant currency as the
was c.£2.0 billion compared to
Spain which also led to a higher profit acquired businesses diluted Logista’s
c.£2.1 billion at 30 September 2022.
on inventory than in the prior year. The strong pre-acquisition margins. After
transport services recorded a strong eliminations, the adjusted operating
growth year on year, partly as a result profit contribution to the Group
of the integration of the new increased 17.0% on a constant currency
acquisitions. In the long-distance basis, driven by the acquired businesses
segment, Logista Freight recorded and a strong contribution from profit on
single digit growth including the inventory in Spain and France
integration of Transportes El Mosca following manufacturers’ price
(100% consolidated with 73.3% stake). In increases in the period. Restructuring
the industrial parcel segment, Logista charges of €14 million were included in
Parcel continued to benefit from adjusted operating profit. This is in line
improving demand for its services and with our policy on adjusting items
has started to integrate with the Carbó where restructuring charges are now
Collbatallé network. Growth in the not recognised as an adjusting item
parcel delivery business benefited from after FY22.
the acquisition of Speedlink (70%) and Cash – In line with the rest of Imperial
from single digit growth in Nacex Brands, we continue to benefit from an
business. Pharmaceutical distribution inter-company cash pooling
continues to expand both its customer arrangement with Logista, which
base and product offering. further enhances the Group’s liquidity.
In Italy, gross profit was supported by On a 12-month basis, the daily average
good performance in tobacco and NGP cash balance loaned to the Group by
volumes together with strong growth in
convenience products, driven by
disposable vaping products. In July
2023, Logista announced the
acquisition of Gramma Farmaceutici, a
pharmaceutical distribution company
in Italy, representing the first stage of
our expansion into the pharma
segment in Italy.
In France, gross profit was impacted by
tobacco volume declines, following the
excise tax increase mid-year with
subsequent price increases by the
tobacco manufacturers, which led to a
profit on inventory much higher than in
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 91
GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW
G
IN
S AT
RN ER
TU EL
RE CC
A
Lukas Paravicini
Chief Financial Officer
Impact of Russia exit Alternative performance measures Reconciliations between reported and
On 20 April 2022, we announced the (APM) adjusted measures are included in the
transfer of our Russian business to local When managing the performance of our Supplementary Information.
investors. This has affected the business we focus on non-GAAP Percentage growth figures for adjusted
year-on-year performance comparison measures, which we refer to as adjusted results are given on a constant
in these results. We provide below the measures. We believe they provide a currency basis, where the effects of
contribution from our Russian business useful comparison of underlying exchange rate movements on the
in FY22 for key metrics in order to performance from one period to the translation of the results of our
facilitate comparison between the two next, as GAAP measures can include overseas operations are removed.
periods; we have also provided one-off, non-recurring items and While we believe that adjusted
year-on-year comparisons including recurring items that relate to earlier performance measures can provide
and excluding Russia. acquisitions. These adjusted measures helpful information which supplements
FY22 Russia contribution Russia are supplementary to, and should not be reported measures, we are also aware of
Tobacco volume bn SE 7.8 regarded as a substitute for, GAAP the need to ensure that an appropriate
measures, which we refer to as reported balance is maintained between the two
Tobacco & NGP net
revenue £m 56 measures. The basis of our adjusted sets of reporting metrics, with adjusted
measures is explained in the accounting disclosures not being given greater
Tobacco net revenue £m 56
policies accompanying our financial prominence than GAAP measures. This
NGP net revenue £m –
statements and the APM section within year, we have included adjusted
Adjusted operating profit £m 5 the Supplementary Information. performance measures to exclude our
exit from Russia in April 2022.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 93
GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW continued
24.5%
21.7% 38.1%
44.1% 40.4%
45.4%
35.1%
32.4%
10.5%
FY22 Tobacco Russia FY22 Tobacco Tobacco Tobacco NGP FY23 Constant Translational FX FY23 Tobacco &
& NGP net & NGP net revenue volume price/mix net revenue currency tobacco & NGP net revenue
revenue (ex-Russia) NGP net revenue
OPERATING PROFIT • Reported Group operating profit of • Tobacco adjusted operating profit
£3,402m increased by +26.8% primarily increased by +4.1% at constant
driven by non-recurrence of exit currency and excluding Russia,
charges related to the Russian asset reflecting strong pricing offsetting
Reported operating profit volume declines. Including Russia,
disposal (£399m) in FY22.
+26.8%
tobacco adjusted operating profit rose
• Adjusted Group operating profit
+3.9% at constant currency.
increased +3.9% at constant currency
and excluding Russia, driven by Logista • NGP losses increased +48.3% at
performance and strong tobacco constant currency as we increased
pricing offsetting tobacco volume investment behind product and
Group adjusted operating profit*
declines and increased NGP losses. market launches.
FY22 adjusted Russia FY22 AOP Tobacco NGP losses Logista and elims FY23 adjusted Translation FX FY23 adjusted
operating profit (ex-Russia) performance operating profit at operating profit
constant currency
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 95
GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW continued
EARNINGS PER SHARE • Reported EPS increased +52.1% to growth at Logista. Including Russia,
252.4 pence driven by higher reported adjusted EPS grew +4.2%.
operating profit and a reduction in
tax charge relating to favourable
Reported EPS
FX movements.
265.2p (0.4)p 264.8p 15.1p (6.6)p (1.9)p (2.0)p 7.0p 276.3p 2.5p 278.8p
FY22 Russia FY22 Operating Interest Minorities & Tax Number of FY23 Translation FY23
Adjusted EPS Adjusted EPS profit JV shares Adjusted FX Adjusted EPS
ex-Russia constant
currency EPS
Free cash flow of £2,364 million Restructuring cash costs were £61 million (2022: £56 million) and other
(2022: £2,562 million) was below the £98 million (2022: £91 million). restructuring costs of £3 million.
prior year primarily due to the lower We have cash spend from our three Together, the total cash spend for all
cash flows from operating activities, previous restructuring programmes: three restructuring programmes is
the increase in capital expenditure and Cost Optimisation Programme I anticipated to be £1,558 million, of
increased interest costs due to the of £24 million (2022: £11 million), which £1,346 million has been spent to
higher cost of debt. Cost Optimisation Programme II of date. The remaining cash spend is
£10 million (2022: £19 million) and the ongoing, although is not expected to be
2021 Strategic Review Programme of in excess of the existing provisions.
The net cash outflow of £137 million launched in the US and that we announced a further share buyback of
(2022: £1,255 million inflow) reduced announced in June and Logista’s up to £1.1 billion of shares during FY24.
year on year, reflecting the share acquisition of Transportes El Mosca
buyback programme and higher (73.3%) and Carbó Collbatallé S.L. (100%),
acquisition costs compared to the prior all of which completed in the period.
year. Acquisition costs were The £1.0 billion share buyback
£183 million (2022: £14 million income) announced in October 2022 also
and relate to Imperial’s acquisition of a completed in the period. We have
range of nicotine pouches to be
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 97
GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW continued
Adjusting items We have not treated restructuring costs Reported net finance costs were
The main reconciling items of the as adjusting items in the FY23 results. £298 million (2022: £117 million),
Group’s reported to adjusted operating Restructuring charges of £197 million in incorporating the impact of net fair
profit are shown above. the prior year relate to the 2021 value and foreign exchange gains on
Strategic Review Programme which is financial instruments of £149 million
In the period to 30 September 2023
now complete. There will be ongoing (2022: £201 million), post-employment
adjusting items relate mainly to
cash spend from past restructuring benefits net financing income of
amortisation of acquired intangibles of
programmes. £11 million (2022: £8 million) and tax
£347 million (2022: £349 million) and
settlement interest costs of £50 million
fair value movements on derivative During the period factory footprint
(2022: nil). The net fair value gains of
financial instruments £(149) million rationalisation costs were supported by
£139 million on financial instruments
(2022: £(201) million). profit on sale of former operational
are primarily due to positive valuation
sites and have not been included in
Adjusting items in the prior period movement of the Group’s interest rate
adjusted items.
included net charges associated with derivatives reflecting increasing
Russia, Ukraine and associated markets Finance costs market interest rate expectations in
which are significantly reduced in the Adjusted net finance costs were higher the year.
current year to £4 million at £410 million (2022: £326 million),
(2022: £399 million). reflecting higher interest rates in all
major currencies during the year.
Exchange rates
Foreign exchange had a positive impact
on Group adjusted operating profit and
adjusted earnings per share at constant
currency (1.5% and 0.9%, respectively).
Sterling weakened against the US dollar
(4.3%) and weakened against the euro
(2.7%). Other major currencies remained
broadly flat compared to the prior year.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 99
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
RISK
increase in materiality.
The Group, along with all other
businesses, has continued to be
RISK APPETITE impacted by inflationary pressures.
The Board is responsible for setting the This has resulted in increased
Group’s risk appetite and has completed commodity and energy prices as well
its annual exercise to ensure this is as sustained economic pressures on
The principal risks faced by aligned to, and supports, delivery of the consumer spending.
the Group and Imperial’s Group strategy.
risk management approach The resultant risk management RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
are described in the approach supports the achievement of The framework is designed to ensure
objectives and the Board’s wider accountability for the identification,
following pages.
responsibility for risk management assessment and mitigation of risks
Risks represent the various potential through clear communication of the throughout the business, supported by
outcomes that are managed whilst expected outcomes of key controls and appropriate capabilities.
implementing the Group’s strategy. related monitoring.
The success of the risk management
Imperial defines a risk as the exposure
approach relies upon the effectiveness
to the consequences of uncertainty. RISK LANDSCAPE of the control frameworks in place to
Risk is anything that could disrupt the
The Group operates in highly competitive manage risks and seize opportunities
achievement of the Group’s strategy
multinational markets and faces general that arise.
and objectives.
commercial risks associated with a
large fast-moving consumer goods Imperial’s approach to governance, risk
The Board and management have
(FMCG) business. management and internal control
reviewed the risk landscape (current
follows the “three lines model”, which
and emerging) and related profiling, with
Imperial constantly assesses and enables the business to achieve its
risk mitigations and impacts assessed.
evaluates the risks posed by the strategic objectives while remaining
Many of these risks are external and changing environments in which the aligned to the Board’s risk appetite.
cannot be fully mitigated, and while the Group operates, whether geopolitical,
Group continues to monitor its risk socioeconomic or technological. The
landscape, there can be no guarantee consideration of potential impacts and
Board • Oversight of the Group’s internal control systems, • Oversees risk management approach
risk management process and framework and reporting
• Provides operational and strategic risk • Reviews results of semi-annual risk
perspectives, ensuring these are considered in assessment, including the Group’s
Group strategy principal risks
• Sets the Group’s risk appetite annually • Discusses and agrees risk appetite for the
• Reviews the Group’s principal risks and Group’s principal risks
considers emerging risks and themes identified
in six-monthly risk assessment process
Audit • Obtains and reviews scope, quality and results • Oversees risk management approach
Committee of assurance provided by internal and and reporting
external audit • Regularly reviews results of assurance activities
• Reviews results of six-monthly risk assessment
“Top-down”
Risk • Provides “top-down” insights to risk • Meets throughout the year to oversee risk
Committee assessment process management approach and reporting
• Considers emerging risks and themes identified • Reviews results of assurance activities to
in risk assessment process ensure the effectiveness of risk mitigations
• Provides input into development of risk
management activities
Third Line • Group Internal Audit performs risk-based, • Provides the Board with independent
challenging audits and provides insights and assurance over the effectiveness of
recommendations to the Audit Committee the design and operation of the
and management Risk Management Framework
• Provides audit reports and reporting to
management and the Audit Committee
Second Line • Evaluation of functional risk registers by subject • Define and implement policy and risk
matter experts, in line with Board risk appetite, management activities aligned to risk appetite
including review of first line risk assessments • Provide support to business in design and
• Review and agreement of functional risk implementation of local mitigations
registers by functional leadership teams, with • Monitor effectiveness of mitigations through
minimum six-monthly formal update Key Risk Indicators/Key Performance
“Bottom-up”
First Line • Local ownership and accountability for • Leadership accountability for risk assessment
completion and continued update of risk register, and mitigation effectiveness
with minimum six-monthly formal update • Regional leadership team oversight and input
• Local leadership team input to review and • Dedicated Global Business Services (GBS)
formally agree risk assessment outcomes Compliance function responsible for
• Approach includes requirement to assess facilitating compliance activities in selected
effectiveness of related risk mitigations on an First Line operations
ongoing basis • Management certification of compliance with
• Completion of regular key control testing across Group policies, GCM financial control
the business – Group Controls Matrix (GCM) compliance, laws and regulations and
communicates key requirements and notification of fraud on a six-monthly basis
required testing
The mitigation and management of identified risks is vital to the success of the Group. The Group’s risk management and internal
control framework and related reporting are further discussed in the Audit Committee report on page 134.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 101
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES continued
The following section Not all of these principal risks are The risks reported are those currently
within Imperial’s direct control, and considered by the Board to have the
highlights the principal the list cannot be considered to be most likely impact on achievement of
risks the Group faces and exhaustive, as other risks and the Group’s objectives.
identifies the mitigations uncertainties may emerge in a
This year the previously reported tax
changing business environment.
that are in place to manage legislation risk is no longer considered
An illustration of the primary impact as a principal risk to the Group, and is
them, with all risks reported
each risk might have on relevant not included below. The People and
on a mitigated basis. strategy elements and the change in Organisation risk has been replaced by
profile of the risk compared to the ‘Effective management of
previous year is included. organisational transformation’.
Changes have been made to the way in
which some of the remaining principal
risks have been described.
PRICING, EXCISE OR OTHER PRODUCT TAX • Pricing pressures resulting from sustained inflationary impact on
OUTCOMES NOT IN LINE WITH BUSINESS consumer spend, triggered by unprecedented increases in prices
PLAN ASSUMPTIONS OR EXPECTATIONS for fuel, food and other commodities
• Continued development of EU Excise Directive, which may
Risk profile:
include tax across next generation product (NGP) categories,
Strategic impacts: with new rates to apply from FY27
MANAGEMENT OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE • The FDA is expected to release final product standards that would
REGULATORY CHANGE AND RESPONSE TO ban menthol cigarettes and characterising flavours in cigars in
REGULATORY CHANGE the US by the end of 2023, though implementation is unlikely
before FY25, if at all. Legislative proposals restricting flavours at
Risk profile: state and local levels remain of concern. A separate regulatory
Strategic impact: proposal to implement a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes
is unlikely to be implemented within the Group’s three-year
Focusing on our priority markets risk horizon
Building a targeted NGP business • Generational smoking ban and further restrictions on EVP
products proposed in the UK. The proposed generational smoking
Regulatory change aimed at further de-normalising the ban would have a gradual impact from 2027 onwards
sale, marketing and consumption of tobacco and nicotine • Wider alignment between Tobacco and NGP regulation could
products adversely impacts the Group’s products, markets, arise in the EU under reforms to EU Tobacco Products Directive
manufacturing processes, customers and/or consumers (EUTPD) and other legislation, and globally as a result of decisions
made at the WHO Conference of Parties
• Single use plastics Extended Producer Responsibility legislation
introduced in the EU and the UK with expected financial impact
from FY24
• Disposable vapes face political pressure in Europe
• Australia’s National Tobacco Strategy seeks to further standardise
product, pack and marketing by 2025
• New Zealand’s law prohibiting all but ”very low nicotine”
cigarettes will be implemented in 2025 and combines with other
generational and retail restrictions
• Heated tobacco characterising flavour ban in Europe
• In markets where consumers are • Subject matter experts assess global excise • The development of the Group
increasingly price-conscious, high price risks and model price elasticity to ensure the strategy includes analysis of
increases impact product demand and business plan and strategy are developed and planned and potential changes
volumes sold aligned to consumer insights in product taxation to identify
• Pricing pressures may result from • The Group’s Revenue Growth Management and ensure investment
significant pressures on consumer function is responsible for the identification opportunities across our range
disposable income, as well as increases and management of strategic commercial of products
in taxation further increasing product opportunities arising from excise change • Tailored product portfolio
price. This could result in downtrading to • Tools in use to better model and predict offerings at a local level, within
lower price products/categories or an impacts of excise, inflation and other and across categories, allow for
increase in the attractiveness of illicit consumer pressures any relative commercial
product, impacting sales volumes • Pricing strategies regularly reviewed by advantage from excise
• Counterfeit and illicit trade thrive in regional leadership teams mechanisms to be realised
high-excise environments, reducing the • Engagement with authorities providing • Opportunity for use of
size of the legitimate tobacco market, informed input and evidence about the technology and artificial
increasing risks to consumers from unintended consequences of disproportionate intelligence-enabled tools to
non-compliant product, and financing changes in product taxation, supported by the analyse, simulate and better
organised crime Group’s Regulatory and Anti-Illicit Trade teams predict price and promotion
• Inferior, unregulated counterfeit product moves across our categories
could result in damage to brands
• Regulatory change can restrict product • A reviewed set of Group public policy • While stringent regulation
specification (e.g. menthol or other positions is in place to align with proves a burden on all firms,
flavour ban), consumer interaction, and regulatory developments the burden is less on those that
product supply, and place restrictions on • Engagement with regulatory authorities operate from an existing high
consumers’ ability to enjoy our products • Subject matter experts employed to assess baseline of responsibility and
(potentially impacting sales volumes and the impacts of proposed regulatory change have advanced compliance
market size), and to access potentially and Group-wide impacts systems
reduced-risk nicotine products • Regulation can benefit
• Project teams in place to manage the
• Compliance with increasingly complex impacts of regulatory change, ensuring consumers and responsible
regulatory requirements increases the required compliance is achieved and market players through
risk of both additional cost to the Group opportunities identified preventing less responsible
and inadvertent non-compliance, which companies from discrediting
• Legal action can be taken to defend
could result in investigation, regulatory product categories
against or prevent regulatory change where
censure, financial penalty and • Some global regulators have
this impacts legal freedoms
reputational damage adopted a policy of tobacco
• Where interpretation of regulation is harm reduction, which
required, judgements made can lead to recognises the reduced risk
dispute or investigation by regulators that non-combustible nicotine
and result in possible related financial products offer adult smokers in
costs or reputational damage even where comparison to cigarettes and
no fault is proven other traditional combustible
products
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 103
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES continued
PRODUCT SUPPLY FAILS TO MEET MARKET • Continued global cost inflation, notably in leaf, non-tobacco
DEMANDS materials and conversion costs, has impacted, and will continue
to impact, the cost of goods. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has
Risk profile: continued to impact energy prices in Europe
Strategic impact: • Pressures on the Group’s logistics supply chain have eased due to
the relaxation of regional COVID-19 lockdown restrictions
Focusing on our priority markets
Building a targeted NGP business • Geopolitical tensions have continued to increase, with the
potential to impact global supply chains if there are any adverse
Failure to ensure timely supply of products demanded by developments in, or affecting, the Group’s key countries
markets which meet quality, regulatory and cost and regions
requirements. Availability issues could result in loss of • Continuing frequency of adverse weather globally due to climate
sales and could be caused by production, planning or change potentially impacting supply chains, notably cigar
logistical issues, or failure to be able to produce/develop operations in our Caribbean factories and Philippines
formats aligned to consumer needs
MAJOR INCIDENT RESULTING FROM CYBER OR • The Group continues to operate in an external environment with
SIMILAR TECHNOLOGY RISK heightened geopolitical risk, including in a number of the Group’s
markets and regions, which highlights the continued risk of
Risk profile: corporate cyber-attacks, notably ransomware
Strategic impact: • Increasing trend in security incidents reported within our
extended supply chain, emphasising the importance of our
Simplified and efficient operations
commitment to third-party security controls
Cyber-attack or other technology incident results in a major
system outage or loss, theft or corruption of sensitive data.
The criticality of Group systems, notably those which are
Track-and-Trace related, continues to increase, with key
reliance on system availability both internally and through
the supply chain
PRODUCT PORTFOLIO AND INTERACTIONS • Continued emergence and growth of new low-price tiers across
WITH CONSUMERS NOT ALIGNED TO many markets
CONSUMER PREFERENCES • Continuation of downtrading trend in which consumers become
increasingly value-driven due to inflationary pressures on
Risk profile:
disposable income and increasing taxes on tobacco products
Strategic impact: • Evolving consumer preferences in NGP categories, including a
Consumer at the centre of the business shift towards disposable vapes
Building a targeted NGP business
• Loss of key manufacturing site or • Robust demand planning process and supply • Operations continue to supply
capacity could impact the Group’s ability chain management aligned to changing quality, compliant products
to meet short-term production demands market environment whilst improving agility and
• Failure to supply markets could result in • Material stocks (leaf and non-tobacco) scalability, catering for demand
loss of short-term sales volume, with maintained in line with assessed supply shifts and opportunities to
potential loss of consumer loyalty continuity risks, and aligned to sales contain underlying costs whilst
possibly impacting longer-term volumes forecast requirements maintaining standards and
• Failure to manage cost inflation could • Production capacity planning includes agreed actions of a responsible
result in increased cost of goods continuity measures in the event of machine manufacturer
• Severe weather episodes could impact failure or site issue
raw material supply, manufacturing sites • Supplier agreements, standards and practices
and warehousing, potentially affecting or include requirement to comply with Group
increasing the cost of short-term supply policies and Code of Conduct
to markets • Ongoing supplier reviews include quality, ESG
• A lack of availability of raw materials and continuity-related scope
could impact short-term supply to • Learnings from disruptive crisis events to
markets date incorporated into strategic and
• Product quality issues could impact operational processes and plans
customer satisfaction, potentially
damaging brand equity and future sales
• Loss of critical systems could impact • Enterprise Security Office set up to • Continued modernisation of
product supply to distributors or retailers continually improve approach the Group’s IT environment
• Failure to protect personal data could • Cyber risk assessment completed, and alongside the Group’s security
result in regulatory breach and related actions implemented to protect business awareness and culture
censure, financial penalty and • Vulnerability scanning in place to ensure programme provide
reputational damage ongoing vulnerability identification opportunity to further mitigate
• Cyber breach could result in loss of cyber risk exposure
• External penetration testing completed on an
sensitive corporate data, impacting ongoing basis
achievement of strategy, reputational • Ongoing investment in security
damage, significant cost to the Group or monitoring tools
lost competitive advantage
• Modernisation of critical site network
security controls (e.g. firewalls)
• Crisis management scenario planning and
response activities in place and tested
• If the Group’s product portfolio fails to • Wide portfolio across all combustible • Facilitates the development of
meet consumer preferences, then value tiers products and/or relevant route
reduced demand will result in lower • NGP launches across categories, including a to market and pricing
sales volumes and reduced brand equity disposable device strategies that meet and drive
• Failure to identify changes in consumer • Continued investment in advertising and consumer demand
trends could result in lost opportunities, promotional spend • Speed and quality of innovation
notably in our NGP categories where • Global Consumer Office accountability for enables the drumbeat of
innovations are more prevalent product/brand strategy and initiatives consumer activation that
• Failure to ensure effective ensures both brand relevance
• Innovations and go-to-market plans
implementation of market or retail and continued brand loyalty
are validated against consumer needs
initiatives could result in lost and preferences • Management of “local hero”
opportunities, wasted investments and brands in markets offers ability
• Excise strategies, marketing guidelines and
potential loss of share to realise local opportunities
product standards developed to support our
• Failure to act upon consumer insights and strengthen consumer
consumers and our business
could prevent opportunities from being loyalties
• Consumer panels used to gather
seized and impact growth • Portfolio strategy workshops in
consumer insights
• Failure to identify intellectual property priority markets to ensure clear
• Brand monitoring, including equity tracking
(IP) constraints in the innovation of new brand roles, with brand
• Innovation processes develop consumer strategies and initiatives in
products could impact development and/
products based upon robust analysis, testing place to seize opportunities
or launch, limiting the ability to respond
and scientific support
to competitor offerings
• Formalised and consistent Insights approach
• Consumer Insights Centre of Expertise
established
• Data sources controlled to ensure consistency
and robustness of information and insights
• Intellectual property risks managed by Group
experts and external legal support
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 105
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES continued
CHANGES IN MARKET ENVIRONMENT • Continued growth in illicit trade due to widening gap between
duty paid and non-duty paid prices as a result of excise impacts,
Risk profile: notably in Europe and Australia where excise levels are very high
Strategic impact: • Rapid development and proliferation of new NGP categories such
as disposable vapes
Focusing on our priority markets
Driving value from our broader portfolio • Continued economic pressure on consumers due to inflationary
pressures and economic uncertainty across our market footprint
Failure to obtain or effectively respond to commercial
insights and learnings, resulting in loss of market share or
inability to capitalise on commercial opportunities
DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE HARM- • Decision in August 2023 by United States Court of Appeals for the
REDUCTION CATEGORY District of Columbia Circuit to vacate the FDA’s Marketing Denial
Order for our myblu pod-based vapour portfolio
Risk profile:
• Continued competitor activity in the NGP market with growth in
Strategic impact: category size through new product developments, product launches
and marketing initiatives
Building a targeted NGP business
• Significant shift towards disposables in vape
Failure to develop a portfolio of commercially sustainable, • Increasing regulation of NGP, with potential further flavour bans,
science-based, potentially reduced harm products, that disposables bans and plain packaging being considered
meet consumer needs, could impact the Group’s ability to
seize market opportunities and deliver its ESG agenda
DELIVERY OF ESG STRATEGY NOT ALIGNED TO • Continued focus on ESG-related matters from investors and
STAKEHOLDER EXPECTATIONS external stakeholders
• New reporting requirements announced, such as the EU
Risk profile:
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive which will cover all
Strategic impact: pillars of environmental, social and governance. In-scope
subsidiaries of the Group will be required to comply with this
Focusing on our priority markets
Simplified and efficient operations by 2025
• Upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
Failure to deliver on the Group’s ESG strategy to external will introduce further requirements from FY25 to conduct due
expectations. The pace of change in external requirements diligence throughout our global value chain
and expectations remains significant, with greater focus on • As with all multinationals, the Group continues to face increasing
integrity and assurance of reporting, and comparison climatic impacts across its global footprint
cross-industry and between sector peers • In 2023, a double materiality assessment was performed and
confirmed that the eight focus areas of our ESG strategy remain
priorities for our stakeholders
• Failure to respond to changes in market • Formalised and consistent Insights approach • Provides opportunity to align
environment could make the Group’s • Market impacts analysed as part of market Group portfolio and product
products less attractive to consumers, size calculations developments to consumer
resulting in reduced sales • Empty Pack Survey collection reporting trends and changing
• Economic pressure on consumers could completed to provide trend analysis of market environments
result in reduced spend on tobacco illicit impacts • Robust data analysis increases
products and alternatives, reducing • Excise and price monitoring provides confidence in achievability of
market size insights into possible changes in illicit expected outcomes and
• Increases in illicit trade impact the impacts through widening disparity between optimisation of investment
size of the legitimate market, impacting the price of legitimate and illicit product choices
sales volumes • Industry trade groups and joint operations • Monitoring of illicit impacts
with enforcement agencies and product flows provides
opportunity for engagement
with, and support to, regulators
to reduce the illegal trade in
tobacco products
• Failure to accurately predict or identify • Test-and-learn approach followed across • Improved ability to meet
current and emerging consumer trends categories and markets to ensure feedback and consumer needs and robust
could result in lost opportunities and learnings captured and responded to consumer validation are key
lower volumes should products have • Successful launches of new and updated drivers of commercial success
reduced relevance to consumers heated tobacco, oral nicotine and vape • The Group’s experience in
• Failure to align NGP portfolio to products in selected markets, including combustibles and NGP provides
consumer needs and expectations could launch of blu bar it with a strong base to
result in failure to achieve NGP ambition • Acquisition of US range of nicotine pouches meet the needs of the
• Failure to develop NGP categories could from TJP Labs to facilitate entry into the US wider changing nicotine
impact achievement of key ESG priorities modern oral market market dynamic
• Failure to develop a sustainable • Dynamic consumer and market analysis
commercial model for all NGP categories integral to product development and
could result in failure to achieve go-to-market model
NGP ambition • Development of consumer-centric
products bringing alive the Group’s agile
“fast-follower” strategy
• Consolidated NGP category management
approach enabling holistic view
of opportunities and informed
investment strategy
• Engagement with regulatory authorities
• Intellectual property risks managed by
subject matter experts within the Group and
external legal support
• Failure to meet expectations, or to ensure • ESG strategy, agenda and communications, • Positive ESG strategies and
at least parity with industry peers, may including ongoing development and communications can increase
impact the Group’s reputation as a materiality assessment, aligned to strategic the attractiveness of the
sustainable business and adversely goals and targets organisation to new joiners,
affect stakeholder sentiment • ESG Committee with executive representation and increase the engagement
• Failure to comply with key ESG-related in place to provide oversight of existing employees
regulation, including environmental and • Investor and stakeholder presentations • Sustainability is a growing
human rights legislation, would result in ensure alignment with expectations and factor in customer and
a material impact to the Group, including, transparency on progress of Group actions consumer choices across
but not limited to, financial penalties • Human Rights Compliance Working Group FMCG sectors
• Reputational damage may result from meets regularly, specialist human rights • Sustainability initiatives can
allegations, even where no wrongdoing capabilities recruited, Human Rights Policy in reduce long-term financial
has occurred place and Modern Slavery Audits conducted costs through greater
• Employee engagement or attractiveness by the ESG function efficiency and reduced waste
of the Group as an employer may be • TCFD disclosures and related actions facilitate • Investor and wider stakeholder
adversely affected as a result of any robust reporting and control frameworks sentiment is more positive
perception that the Group is acting in an • Responsibility and accountability for toward companies with
inappropriate manner identification and mitigation of ESG-related successful and proven ESG
risks understood and continues to be strategies and initiatives
embedded across the business
• Investments in the NGP business to offer
adult smokers potentially reduced harm
products continue
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 107
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES continued
ADVERSE JUDGMENT OR IMPACT IN • Increasing external trend of ESG-related litigation risks with
LITIGATION CASE external focus on human rights issues in international supply
chains, greenwashing claims and shareholder activist claims
Risk profile:
Strategic impact:
Simplified and efficient operations
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF ORGANISATIONAL • Significant transformation activity across the Group, including
TRANSFORMATION both ongoing and new programmes
Risk profile:
Strategic impact:
Performance-based culture and capabilities
Simplified and efficient operations
• Failure to comply with regulations could • Internal and external lawyers employed,
result in investigation and the specialising in the defence of product liability
enforcement of financial penalties or claims and other litigation. To date, no
regulatory censure tobacco litigation claim brought against the
• Investigation or allegations of Group has been successful and/or resulted in
wrongdoing can result in significant the recovery of damages or settlement monies
management time being required, • Advice is provided to mitigate the causes of
potentially reducing focus on other litigation, along with guidance on defence
operational matters strategies to direct and manage litigation
• If any claim against the Group was to be risk and monitor potential claims around
successful, it might result in a significant the Group
liability for damages and could lead to • The Group’s Code of Conduct and core
further claims behaviours articulate the way employees are
• Regardless of the outcome, the costs of expected to act, with compliance certified by
defending such claims can be substantial management across the business
and may not be fully recoverable • The Group’s policies and standards mandate
• The reputational damage arising from that employees must comply with legislation
investigations or allegations of non- relevant to both a UK-listed company and
compliance could have a greater impact local law
with external stakeholders than the • In the event of an investigation (which may
penalties or actions related to the or may not result in actions), the Group
matter itself co-operates fully with the relevant authority
and will continue to do so
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 109
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES continued
LIQUIDITY AND GOING this scenario the Group would • First, the Board considered the period
CONCERN STATEMENT implement a number of mitigating over which it has a reasonable
actions including revoking the expectation that the Group will
The Group’s policy is to ensure that we
uncommitted dividend, pausing the continue to operate and meet its
always have sufficient capital markets
share buyback and reducing liabilities, considering current debt
funding and committed bank facilities
discretionary spend such as facilities and debt headroom; and
in place to meet foreseeable peak
capital expenditure. • Second, it considered the potential
borrowing requirements.
Based on its review of future cash flows impact of severe but plausible
The Group recognises uncertainty of scenarios over this period, including:
covering the period through to
the external environment. During the
November 2024, and having assessed • assessing scenarios for each
period of the COVID-19 pandemic as
the principal risks facing the Group, the individual principal risk, for
well as during the ongoing period of
Board is of the opinion that the Group example commercial issues and
political uncertainty with regard to
as a whole and Imperial Brands PLC the impact of regulatory
Ukraine and Russia, the Group
have adequate resources to meet their challenges; and
effectively managed operations across
operational needs from the date of this • assessing scenarios that involve
the world, and has proved it has an
report through to 30 November 2024 more than one principal risk
established mechanism to operate
and concludes that it is appropriate to including multi-risk scenarios.
efficiently despite uncertainty. The
prepare the financial statements on a
Directors consider that a one-off
going concern basis. Findings
discrete event with immediate cash
outflow is of greatest concern to the Viability review period
short-term liquidity of the Group. VIABILITY STATEMENT Whilst the Board has no reason to
The Board has reviewed the long-term believe the Group will not be viable over
The Directors have assessed the
prospects of the Group to assess its a longer period, the period over which
emerging and principal risks of the
viability. This review, which is based on the Board considers it possible to form
business, including stress testing a
the business plan which was completed a reasonable expectation as to the
range of different scenarios that may
in July 2023, incorporated the activities Group’s longer-term viability, based on
affect the business. These included
and key risks of the Group together the risk and sensitivity analysis
scenarios which examined the
with the factors likely to affect the undertaken, is the three-year period to
implications of:
Group’s future development, September 2026. This reflects the
• A one-off discrete event resulting in performance, financial position, cash period used for the Group’s business
immediate cash outflow such as flows, liquidity position and borrowing plans and has been selected because,
unexpected duty and tax payments; facilities as described in the ‘Managing together with the planning process set
and/or other legal and regulatory risk’ section of this report on pages 100 out above, it gives management and
risks materialising of c.£500 million. to 101. the Board sufficient, realistic visibility
• A rapid and lasting deterioration to on the future in the context of the
In addition, we describe in notes 20 to
the Group’s profitability because industry environment.
21 on pages 210 to 220 the Group’s
markets become closed to tobacco objectives, policies and processes for The Group’s annual corporate planning
products or there are sustained managing its capital, its financial risk processes include completion of a
failures to our tobacco manufacturing management objectives, details of its strategic review, preparation of a
and supply chains. These assumed a financial instruments and hedging three-year business plan and a periodic
permanent reduction in profitability activities and its exposures to market, re-forecast of current-year business
of 15% from 1 October 2023. credit and liquidity risk. performance and likely landing. The
The scenario planning also considered plans and projections prepared as part
mitigation actions including reductions Assessment of these corporate planning processes
to capital expenditure, dividend To report on the long-term viability of consider the Group’s cash flows,
payments and share buyback the Group, the Board reviewed the committed funding, forecast future
programme. There are additional overall funding capacity and headroom funding requirements, banking
actions that were not modelled but available to withstand severe events covenants and other key financial
could be taken including other cost and conducted a robust assessment of ratios, including those relevant to
mitigations such as staff redundancies, the emerging and principal risks facing maintaining our investment grade
working capital management, the Group, including those that would ratings. These projections represent the
retrenchment of leases and discussions threaten its business model, future Directors’ best estimate of the expected
with lenders about capital structure. performance, solvency or liquidity. The future financial prospects of the
assessment assumes that any bank business, based on all currently
Under the reverse stress test scenario, debt maturing in the next three years available information.
after considering mitigation actions can be refinanced at commercially
including reductions of capital acceptable terms or via our current
expenditure, dividend payments and standby facility. The Board believes
share buyback programme, we have that three years is an appropriate time
modelled that a 38% EBITDA reduction horizon given the current business
would lead the Group to have sufficient portfolio and limited visibility beyond
headroom until April 2024. The Group three years. This assessment also
believes this reverse stress test included reviewing and understanding
scenario to be remote given the both the impact and the mitigation
relatively small impact on our trading factors in respect of each of those risks.
performance and bad debt levels during The viability assessment has two parts:
the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the
current political situation in Ukraine. In
The consequences of The maximum quantifiable impact of all • Pricing, excise or other product tax outcomes not in
adverse operating and envisaged business risks, including the line with business plan assumptions or expectations
commercial pressures, impact of a loss of market size and share • Management of potential adverse regulatory change
involving volume and lack of pricing. and response to regulatory change
reduction and/or falls in • Product supply fails to meet market demands
The value of these combined risks totals
margin, driven by
£1.3 billion over the three-year period • Major incident resulting from cyber or similar
unforeseen reductions in
under review. technology risk
the size of the legitimate
• Product portfolio and interactions with consumers not
tobacco market or other A further worst-case scenario has also
aligned to consumer preferences
changes in the level of been considered, modelling 15%
consumer demand for reduction on remaining EBITDA after • Changes in market environment
our products. consideration of the isolated business • Development of a sustainable harm-reduction category
risks. The value of this EBITDA modelled • Delivery of ESG strategy not aligned to stakeholder
totals £1.9 billion over the three-year expectations
period under review. • Effective management of organisational
transformation
The possible costs Failure to successfully defend existing • Adverse judgment or impact in litigation case
associated with legal and and reasonably foreseeable future legal • Delivery of ESG strategy not aligned to
other regulatory and regulatory challenges, at the stakeholder expectations
challenges, including expected financial exposure.
competition enquiries and
The value of these combined risks is
tax audits.
c.£0.1 billion.
None of the scenarios reviewed, either individually or in aggregate, would cause Imperial Brands to cease to be viable.
Climate-related risks have been assessed as causes of a number of our underlying risks which are included within the scenario
modelling, including, but not limited to, the failure to supply product due to weather-related impacts on individual factories, the
cost of complying with environmental legislation, and the impact that climate change has upon the supply of raw materials
(notably leaf).
In FY23, we also conducted a quantified climate scenario analysis with 4°C and 1.5°C pathways aligned with the recommendations
of TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and Paris Agreement. The scenario analysis takes into
consideration climate-related physical and transition risk in the short, medium and long term (up to 2050). The Group does not
consider climate change to be a risk from a viability perspective. The Group holds c.12 months of leaf stock therefore any shortage
or incremental cost caused by a natural event would only impact part of the period under review. Any incremental cost would
have an EBITDA impact lower than that modelled as part of the scenario testing.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of this robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group, and on the assumption that they are
managed or mitigated in the ways disclosed, the Board’s review of the business plan and other matters considered and reviewed
during the year, and the results of the sensitivity analysis undertaken and described above, the Board has a reasonable expectation
that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period to September 2026.
The Strategic Report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.
By order of the Board.
Emily Carey
Company Secretary
CE
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE
GOVERNANCE REPORT
Governance at a Glance 112
N
Chair’s Introduction 114
Board Leadership 116
A
Section 172 126
Board Statements 128
N People and Governance Committee
Audit Committee
129
134
ER
Remuneration Report 142
Directors’ Report 164
Directors’ statement 168
V
GO
GOVERNANCE
The Board confirms that the Group complied with the principles and all relevant
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the ”Code”) for the period
under review. The Code is publicly available at www.frc.org.uk.
Board and Committee membership as at 30 September 2023
Board Audit Remuneration People &
Committee Committee Governance Board nationality
Committee
American
Sue Clark (SID) 1
Swiss
Executive Directors
Nigerian
Stefan Bomhard (CEO)
Lukas Paravicini (CFO) Austrian
1. Denotes Chair
2. Andrew Gilchrist appointed to the Board on 1 March 2023. * Alan Johnson has dual British-Italian
nationality.
Men 6 60 2 7 64
Women 4 40 2 4 36
Prefer not to say 0 0 0 0 0
Thérèse Esperdy
Sue Clark
Diane de Saint
Victor
Ngozi Edozien
Andrew Gilchrist
Alan Johnson
Bob Kunze-
Concewitz
Jon Stanton
Thérèse Esperdy
Sue Clark
Diane de Saint
Victor
Ngozi Edozien
Andrew Gilchrist
Alan Johnson
Bob Kunze-
Concewitz
Jon Stanton
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 113
GOVERNANCE CHAIR’S INTRODUCTION
TE E O HE
RA AS T
GY F
ST H OR
R P F
OU X DY
NE A
T
RE
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 115
GOVERNANCE BOARD LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RD
D
BO N
A
A
SE D
E
ER L
V IL
DI SK
A
Stefan Bomhard
Chief Executive Officer
Tenure
Appointed in July 2020
Tenure
Appointed Non-Executive Director in
December 2018, Chair of the
Lukas Paravicini Remuneration Committee in February Diane de Saint Victor
Chief Financial Officer 2019 and Senior Independent Director Non-Executive Director P R
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 117
GOVERNANCE BOARD LEADERSHIP continued
Andrew Gilchrist
Non-Executive Director A P
Tenure
Appointed March 2023.
Ngozi Edozien
Nationality
Non-Executive Director A P
Alan Johnson CMG
American
Tenure Non-Executive Director A P
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 119
GOVERNANCE BOARD LEADERSHIP continued
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK To ensure Directors are kept up to date As part of the governance framework,
The Board is responsible for the on developments and to enhance the the Board has adopted a schedule of
governance of the Company, overall effectiveness of the Board, the matters on which it must take the final
undertaking its duties within a Board Chair and Committee chairs decision. These include approving the
framework of clear authorities and communicate regularly with the Group’s strategy, business plans,
governance structures, with effective Chief Executive Officer and the Chief dividend, major financial
controls that enable risk to be assessed Financial Officer. Where appropriate announcements, and acquisitions
and managed effectively. the Board convenes virtually outside and disposals exceeding
of scheduled meetings to consider defined thresholds.
The Board sets the tone for the Group time-sensitive matters.
from the top and delegates specific Each member of the Board has access,
tasks to its Committees. Each of these The Board is responsible to collectively and individually, to the
Committees has specific written terms shareholders and stakeholders for Company Secretary and is also entitled
of reference issued by the Board, approving the strategy of the Group, for to obtain independent professional
adopted by the respective Committee overseeing the performance of the advice at the Company’s expense,
and published on our website. Group and evaluating and monitoring should they decide it is necessary in
All Committee chairs report on the the management of risk in a manner order to fulfil their responsibilities
proceedings of their Committee at the that is most likely to promote the as Directors.
next meeting of the Board, and make Company’s long-term success.
recommendations to the Board where
appropriate. Minutes of Committee
meetings are circulated to all
Board members.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 121
GOVERNANCE BOARD LEADERSHIP continued
Non-Executive Directors
Thérèse Esperdy (Chair)
Sue Clark (SID)
Diane de Saint Victor
Ngozi Edozien
Alan Johnson
Bob Kunze-Concewitz
Andrew Gilchrist1 n/a n/a
Simon Langelier2 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jon Stanton
Executive Directors
Stefan Bomhard (CEO)
Lukas Paravicini (CFO)
Notes:
1. Appointed 1 March 2023.
2. Retired 1 February 2023 following the conclusion of the 2023 Annual General Meeting.
People Governance
Advised by the People and Governance Under the leadership of the Chair
Committee, the Board reviewed key and the People and Governance
people priorities, including the Board’s Committee, an externally-facilitated
composition and independence and evaluation of the Board was conducted
progress against the Group’s diversity, in 2023.
equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy.
The last externally facilitated Board
Board members engaged directly with review took place in 2021. In light of
the workforce through various events the strategic and operational progress
in the UK and overseas to allow the of the Group and the new senior
employee voice to be heard and to leadership and organisation in place, it
inform Board discussions and decisions. was considered that a specialist board
evaluation provider would be best
Andrew Gilchrist’s appointment to the
placed to provide an objective view on
Board was announced in February
the progress made by the Board over
2023, with the appointment taking
this period.
effect from 1 March 2023.
For further information on the Board
For further information, please see
evaluation, please see page 133.
the People and Governance
Committee report at pages 129 to 133.
BOARD IN ACTION:
Langenhagen factory visit,
Germany
As part of its review of our European
cluster, the Board visited one of our
largest factories in Langenhagen.
Topics discussed included energy-
saving activities, the apprenticeship
programmes and how the factory is
adapting to deliver new products
alongside our existing ones.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 123
GOVERNANCE BOARD LEADERSHIP continued
BOARD IN ACTION:
Market review: Africa, Asia, Australasia and Central &
Eastern Europe (AAACE)
As part of its programme of deep dive reviews of Imperial’s
markets, the Board visited Morocco in June to better
understand the dynamics, performance and strategy for
the region.
A structured ”listening agenda” was developed for the visit to
enable stakeholder voices to be heard directly by the Board:
Consumers: a consumer immersion event was held whereby
Board members met with a cross-section of consumers to gain
insight on local consumer preferences, choices and moments
with Imperial’s brands.
Retailers: visits to a variety of stores in Casablanca allowed
Directors to better understand our direct and trade
commercial channel stakeholders and how we can work
together effectively.
People: an informal employee event was held, where Directors
could meet a cross-section of our local workforce in small
groups and without a set agenda in order that they could hear
directly from employees across our global organisation.
Local leadership: the Board heard from regional, cluster and
market leaders about key aspects of our business, including
regional and country business reviews.
November 2022 • FY22 Performance • Approval of the full year announcement, the year-end results presentation
(London, UK) • GCO and the Annual Report and Accounts.
• Global Consumer Office (GCO) review, including an update on US NGP Plans,
disposables and innovation pipeline.
January 2023 • Performance • Q1 performance and strategic progress update.
(Bristol, UK) • Strategic progress • Global Supply Chain review, including performance, KPIs and strategy.
• Global Supply Chain • NGP update, including potential M&A and partnership opportunities.
• NGP • Annual General Meeting preparation.
• AGM
March 2023 • Europe regional review • Update on European landscape and Imperial Brands’ performance.
(Hamburg, • Cluster review • Background to key European strategic priorities.
Germany) • German market • Brand overview within combustibles sector.
engagement • NGP acceleration.
• Risk • Risk assessment update.
May 2023 • Performance • Half year performance and announcement, with an update and assessment
(London, UK) • US regional review on strategic progress.
• Digital Transformation • Update on US market environment, performance and initiatives.
• Future strategic • Consumer deep dive on US brands.
planning • Overview of Unify programme, including ambition, achievements to date and
key milestones.
June 2023 • AAACE regional review • Update on Africa, Asia, Australasia and Central & Eastern Europe (AAACE)
(Casablanca, region, including landscape, renewed vision and strategy.
Morocco) • Overview of performance by region within AAACE cluster.
• Consumer interaction and store visits.
August 2023 • Performance • Q3 update, including operational and financial performance, inflation
(virtual, via • Corporate Affairs management and IR feedback following a US investor event.
Teams) • Corporate affairs update, including engagement on electronic vapour
products (“vape”) and the status of single use plastics schemes in Europe.
September 2023 • Performance • Performance and strategic progress update.
(London, UK) • Business plan • Discussion and approval of the FY24 business plan, including strategic
• Capital allocation context within overall delivery of five-year plan, adaptation to changes in the
• Risk NGP category and the continued transformation of Imperial’s operating model.
• Consideration of options for capital allocation in FY24.
• Board risk assessment, including risk appetite.
The Board is kept informed of investor engagement Read more on how the Board considers all our stakeholders,
throughout the year, through the IR Board Report which is and how the Directors fulfil their duties under Section 172 of
presented at every Board meeting. Investor perception is the Companies Act 2006, in our S172(1) statement and
assessed on an on-going basis through feedback on meetings, accompanying information on pages 126 to 128.
our events and our conference presentations. When appropriate,
this feedback is shared with the Board in the IR Board Report.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 125
GOVERNANCE SECTION 172
Effective engagement In taking into account the various The Board recognises its responsibility
interests of all relevant stakeholders to give due regard to the following
with a wide range of when making decisions, the Board matters in arriving at its decisions:
stakeholders, including recognises it is not always possible to
achieve each stakeholder’s preferred Section 172(1) factors
consumers, colleagues,
outcome. Which stakeholder groups’ a The likely consequences of any
governments and regulators, interests are considered depends on decision in the long term
our customers, suppliers, the decision at hand. The Board b The interests of the Company’s
and investors is key to the endeavours to balance the different employees
priorities and interests of our
successful delivery of our stakeholders in a way compatible with
c The need to foster business
relationships with suppliers, customers
strategy and vision in the the long-term, sustainable success of and others
long term. the business and which aligns with our
d The impact of the Company’s
purpose, vision and behaviours.
operations on the community and
During the year, the Directors acted in a
Examples of key decisions taken by the the environment
way they considered, in good faith,
most likely to promote the Company’s Board during the year and how stakeholder e The desirability of the Company
long-term success for the benefit of its views and inputs, as well as Section maintaining a reputation for high
172(1) factors, have been considered in standards of business conduct
members as a whole, paying due regard
to the matters set out in Section 172(1) its decision-making are shown on the f The need to act fairly as between
of the Companies Act 2006. following pages, which together form members of the Company
our Section 172(1) statement.
Key stakeholders
Consumers
Customers
Governments
and regulators
Colleagues
Suppliers
Investors
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 127
GOVERNANCE SECTION 172 continued
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 129
GOVERNANCE PEOPLE AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE continued
Membership and attendance: During the year the Board held two
“Meet the Board” sessions in Germany
1 2 3 4 and Morocco, and further participated in
Name/Meeting 11/22 01/23 05/23 09/23
dinners and office visits. These sessions
Thérèse Esperdy (Chair) included small groups to allow for
Sue Clark (SID) different voices to be heard and with no
Diane de Saint Victor set agenda to enable open discussion.
Ngozi Edozien Participants in these sessions represented
a broad cross-section of our workforce.
Andrew Gilchrist1 n/a n/a
Alan Johnson Diversity
Bob Kunze-Concewitz The Committee continued to appraise
Simon Langelier2 n/a n/a appointments to the Board from the
Jon Stanton perspective of its commitment to
diversity, particularly with respect to
1. Appointed 1 March 2023.
gender and ethnicity, in its composition
2. Retired from the Board at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on 1 February 2023.
Note: n/a signifies not eligible to attend and succession plans. The proportion of
women on the Board at 30 September
2023 remained at 40%.
Other regular attendees
• Company Secretary, The People and Governance The proportion of women in our
as Secretary to the People and Committee consists entirely of Executive Leadership Team was 30% for
Governance Committee independent NEDs, as defined in the the year.
• Chief Executive Officer UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 Further information on gender
(the Code). The Board Chair is the balance amongst the Group’s senior
• Chief Financial Officer
Chair of the Committee, and was management can be found on page 69
• Chief People and Culture Officer of the Strategic Report.
independent, as defined by the Code,
• Other senior executives
upon appointment. The Board currently has two Directors
as appropriate
who identify as being from an ethnic
minority background, meeting the
Parker Review’s current recommendation
PEOPLE AND GOVERNANCE Read more about the skills and
of at least one Director. Two members
experience of our Board on pages 116
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES 2022/23 of our Executive Leadership Team
to 119.
Succession planning identify as being from an ethnic
minority background.
Executive Employee engagement
The Committee reviewed the Group’s The successful delivery of Imperial’s During the year, the Committee
talent model, its development cultural transformation forms a key reviewed progress against Imperial’s
initiatives and approach to succession part of the Group’s strategy. During this diversity, equity and inclusion ambition
across a band of management grades. critical phase of organisational and five year strategy. Areas
It discussed the pipeline of potential transformation, the Board has considered by the review included:
executive leaders over the short and determined that all NEDs should have
• Actions to attract and hire
longer term, as well as the work responsibility for workforce
diverse talent.
underway to identify the development engagement. The Board considers this
needs of future leaders within arrangement to be effective because it • Global and local gender goals.
the organisation. allows every Board member to • Benchmarked measures of
participate rather than channelling employee inclusion.
Non-Executive engagement through a single Director • Employee data informing priorities
To assist in succession planning for and insights are heard collectively. and enabling the setting of goals in
Non-Executive Director appointments other areas of representation, with
and Committee membership, the Imperial’s programme for employee
priority focus on ethnicity.
Committee considered the skills, engagement forms part of the remit of
• The completion of external
experience and tenure of current the People and Governance Committee.
assessments to identify priority areas
Non-Executive Directors and reflected The Committee reviews the
for policy and practice improvement.
on how this skillset enabled the Board mechanism for workforce engagement
to execute the Group’s strategy, fulfil on an annual basis and considers the See pages 67 to 69 for more
effectiveness of this approach as part of information about our DEI agenda.
the tasks and activities of its
Committees and meet future business the Committee evaluation.
and regulatory challenges. The workforce engagement programme
The Committee assessed the includes a number of Board-led
appointment of Andrew Gilchrist activities, including individual and
as a Non-Executive Director and collective site visits and structured
recommended that he join listening sessions to facilitate two-way
the Audit and People and dialogue between employees and Board
Governance Committees. members. These are complemented by
insights from employee engagement
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 131
GOVERNANCE PEOPLE AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE continued
Imperial sites around the world, The feedback confirmed that the
where they meet with colleagues, Committee was operating effectively,
management, suppliers and consumers. having quality interaction and in-depth
You can read more about our discussion with the executive that has
stakeholder engagement in more demonstrated progress in the
detail on pages 32 to 36. organisation’s cultural transformation
alongside evolving talent management
During the year the Board received
and succession planning programmes.
training on corporate policy positions
Areas of focus for 2024 include
and intellectual property rights and
rebalancing agenda time towards
licensing in NGP.
traditional nomination committee
The Directors have access to activities, including succession
independent professional advice at the planning for the Board.
Group’s expense, as well as the advice
and services of the Company Secretary,
who advises the Board on regulatory
and corporate governance matters.
People and IBE reflects on IBE defines the IBE benchmarks Final evaluation Board and
Governance feedback from scope of the against best reports discussed Committees
Committee 2021 review to review, attends practice standards by the Board and agree actions to
agrees evaluation inform thinking Board and of corporate its Committees, take forward.
provider, on key focus Committee governance and with Chair giving
Actions then
following detailed areas for the meetings and other boards. individual
implemented
consideration. evaluation. interviews Discusses draft feedback to each
and monitored
individual reports with Chair, Director and the
IBE discusses over the year.
directors and Committee Chairs SID facilitating
evaluation
non-Board and Senior the Board’s
process
contributors. Independent feedback to
with Chair.
Director (SID). the Chair.
2023 BOARD REVIEW agreed to implement actions across the and topics to explore strategic ideas
In 2023, the Board initiated an external following areas: before they are fully developed, find
evaluation by the firm Independent ways to introduce different styles of
Board agenda and focus discussion and allow Board members
Board Evaluation (IBE). IBE externally
The Board’s focus during 2022-23, has to bring their experience to the
facilitated Imperial Brands’ Board
been on the three areas referred to decision-making process.
evaluation in 2021 but beyond this there
above, together with ESG and specific
is no connection between IBE and
projects. As Imperial begins to develop Strategy
either Imperial Brands or its Directors.
the next strategic plan,their focus will While delivery of the current strategic
The evaluation supported the view that shift towards more time on long-term plan has gone well to date, the Board is
the Board was performing effectively, strategy, NGP and risk. We will ensure mindful that the market, regulatory and
noting the progress made since the increased co-ordination across the geopolitical landscape remains dynamic
previous review in 2021. The cohesion Board and its Committees to ensure and the parameters for a future strategy
and diversity of the boardroom, strong that strategic and operational priorities will be different to those of the current
levels of trust and transparency and the dovetail and agendas are linked. plan. The format of formal and informal
support and challenge of the Board as it Board time will be re-examined to agree
has overseen cultural change and Adding value and optimising challenge optimal methods for engaging the Board
transformation within the business With the Board having satisfied one of on the development of the next five
were identified as areas of strength in the key recommendations of the 2021 years of the strategy, including
the review. review, namely rebuilding trust and encouraging strategic debates on
solidifying its culture both within the diverse options.
Recommendations were made with the boardroom and with executive
aim of helping the Board achieve management, there is now opportunity
optimal effectiveness. The Board to review Board meeting structure
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 133
GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
Dear shareholder estimates made by management
I am pleased to present the report to and ensuring support for a robust
shareholders of the Audit Committee financial close.
for the year ended 30 September 2023,
which sets out how it has discharged As a Committee, we continue to focus
its duties in accordance with the UK on ensuring the Annual Report is fair,
Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the balanced and understandable, with
Code) and details the key matters an emphasis on transparency of
considered and findings during the underlying performance drivers,
year. The Audit Committee has and confirming both that adjusting
exercised the authority delegated to it items are in accordance with the
by the Board to provide assurance for agreed framework and that disclosures
the integrity of the Group’s financial are enhanced where necessary to help
statements, to oversee the Group’s users understand the accounts. This
external and internal audit and to included ensuring that an appropriate
review the Group’s internal control balance within both the Half Year
and compliance frameworks. Report and the Annual Report of
reported and adjusted results
I would like to express my thanks to was presented. Additional Alternative
Simon Langelier, who stepped down Performance Measures were adopted in
from the Board and Audit Committee the year to enable a greater explanation
during the year, for his most respected of the impact of the Company’s Russia
input during his tenure; a warm exit; it is anticipated that these will only
welcome goes to Andrew Gilchrist who be used in respect of this financial year.
joined the Audit Committee this year,
providing extremely valuable sector Both external and internal auditors
and geographical insights to our continue to present feedback on
discussions in addition to his key financial risks and controls and to
financial expertise. provide objective and appropriate
challenge to management in addressing
The Committee has spent time during these areas. Both took advantage of
the year monitoring Imperial’s risk regular private meetings with myself
Jon Stanton management, control and financial and the full Audit Committee
Committee Chair governance framework, including a throughout the year. These processes
step-up in our approach to Enterprise continue to enable the Audit Committee
Risk Management and the to report to the Board on how it
enhancement of the surrounding discharged its responsibilities and to
framework. These are critical as we make recommendations to the Board,
enter the fourth year of our five-year all of which were accepted. The
strategy and, as a business, look beyond Committee was also subject to an
that. The Group’s strategic ambitions external evaluation during the year,
remain on track and the Committee further details of which you can find
continues its focus to provide the Board below, but I was pleased with the
with the necessary assurance in its findings and will work with members to
delivery of that strategy. consider areas for improvement
The Committee also received updates identified as part of the process.
from the Treasury and Tax functions The following pages provide an
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT during the year, both of which have insight into the range of activities and
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE strengthened the governance deliberations of the Audit Committee
REPORT underpinning their activities, which during the financial year, supported
Audit Committee Chair’s has been critical as they play their part by a fuller list of key matters considered
overview 134 in the wider ongoing Finance by the Audit Committee set out on page
Role of the Audit Transformation. We also monitored and 137 to 139.
Committee 135 received updates on the developments
About the Audit proposed by what was the Department
Committee 135 for Business, Energy and Industrial
Audit Committee’s Strategy (BEIS) as part of its ‘Restoring
activities in 2022/23 136 Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance’
agenda, and the subsequent withdrawal
Key matters considered 137 Jon Stanton
of draft new reporting regulations.
Governance, risk Chair of the Audit Committee
We will continue to monitor the
management and
proposed wider reforms, as well
internal control 140
as the forthcoming Code changes.
Internal audit 140
See also the Committee’s focus in
External audit 140
2023 on page 136.
Directors’ statement 141
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 135
GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE continued
• Ensuring reporting and disclosures better support delivery of Imperial’s The Audit Committee evaluation was
are fair, balanced and strategy to enable a more consistent, undertaken through meeting
understandable, and adequately effective and transparent approach to observation, together with a review of
reflect developments in our risk and to drive future value. meeting materials and one-to-one
ESG commitments and FRC Regulatory developments will continue interviews with Committee members
disclosure guidelines. to be in focus with the outcome of and the external audit lead partner.
• Assessment and approval of the BEIS proposals to be taken into
There is a high level of confidence
alternative performance measures to consideration, and the enactment
in the Audit Committee, which
facilitate the presentation of results of the FRC’s Standard for Audit
feedback confirms is well-chaired.
following the Company’s Russia exit. Committees. We will, as always,
The composition facilitates challenge,
• Oversight of the external auditor and challenge ourselves to ensure
evaluation and debate and draws well
implementation of ongoing our overall reporting continues
on members’ experience, facilitating
enhancements to derive value from to improve, remains appropriate and
good cross-Committee governance. The
the external audit whilst also takes full account of regulatory and
main areas to focus on for the Audit
enhancing audit quality. other developments.
Committee were the continued evolution
• Supporting the Group Internal of the Group’s risk management and
Review of the Audit Committee
Audit strategy. internal controls programme; and
An externally facilitated evaluation
of the Board and Committees was non-financial/ESG reporting.
Looking ahead to 2024
undertaken in 2023, as reported
For the coming year, the Committee
elsewhere in the Annual Report,
will continue to support and monitor
conducted by Independent Board
the Finance team’s transformation
Evaluation (IBE). IBE has no other link
programme and the development of the
with the Company or its Directors.
Group’s risk management framework to
Use of alternative performance During the year the conclusions of a detailed Three additional APMs were introduced
measures review and scrutiny of the proposed use of at the half year to better enable the
Non-GAAP or alternative APMs in FY23 were presented to the Audit presentation of Group results excluding
performance measures (APMs) Committee. The Committee also reviewed and Russia and it is anticipated that these
provide an appropriate and useful approved changes to the APMs proposed by will be discontinued after FY23. The
assessment of business performance management to provide greater clarity on the separation of “NGP Adjusted Operating
and reflect the way the business is nature and amount of all adjusting items. Profit” as a standalone metric, being a
managed. They are also used in derivative of the previously combined
determining annual and long- Tobacco and NGP Operating Profit APM,
term incentives for remuneration, was approved for the full year, to better
and are widely used by our investors. reflect the growing importance of
There is a risk that their this market.
inappropriate use could distort
the performance of the business. No restructuring costs associated with the 2021
No action required.
strategic review were recognised in FY23, as
previously agreed by the Committee.
Production changes at the Company’s Kyiv Its treatment in this way was
factory were considered as an adjusting item consistent with that of sector peers
and discussed by the Audit Committee. and considered appropriate.
The Audit Committee discussed with
management and EY the fair value adjustment
Approved.
and impairment of other financial assets.
Segmental reporting The Group changed its internal management The FY23 full year figures are presented
The accounting standard IFRS 8 reporting structuring with effect from 1 October on the same revised basis, also including
Operating Segments requires 2022. The change involved the movement of the a restatement of the comparatives, and
alignment of external reporting Central and Eastern Europe cluster from the were similarly reviewed.
segments with the internal Europe division to Africa, Asia Australasia
management information provided (AAA) division The AAA division was
to the Chief Operating Decision subsequently renamed the AAACE division.
Maker within an organisation. The Audit Committee reviewed the resultant
changes to the external reported operating
segments presented on the new basis at the
Half Year, together with a restatement of the
prior year comparative figures.
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GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE continued
Goodwill and intangible asset At both the half year and the full year, the Audit Following these reviews it was
impairment reviews Committee reviewed cash forecasts for the concluded that there is significant
Cash Generating Unit Groupings (CGUGs) that headroom from the discounted cash
(See note 11 to the financial are used to support the Group’s goodwill and flows for each CGUG above the
statements for further information) intangible assets balances. Within this review valuation of the goodwill allocated
Goodwill and intangible assets form a the potential impacts of climate change were to it.
major part of the Group’s balance sheet, considered.
The Audit Committee concluded that
and their current valuations must be
In addition, CGUGs were reviewed in connection there was no requirement to impair
supported by future prospects.
with the Group reorganisation of the Central goodwill and intangibles and that the
and Eastern Europe cluster into the newly disclosure of sensitivities was
constituted AAACE division. appropriate and on this basis the
Committee approved the note
The Audit Committee also considered detailed
disclosure in the financial
reporting from, and held discussions with, the
statements.
external auditor.
Taxation The Audit Committee received a detailed update The Audit Committee continued to
from management at each Committee meeting consider the appropriateness of
(See notes 7 and 22 to the financial on the status of ongoing inquiries and tax audits items treated as adjusting and
statements for further information) with local authorities; the Group’s effective tax concluded that the items satisfied tax
The Group is subject to taxation in a rate for the current year; and the level of adjusting item criteria on the basis of
number of international jurisdictions, provision for known and potential liabilities, materiality and nature.
requiring significant management including the third-party counsel received in
The Audit Committee reviewed the
judgement in relation to effective developing estimates. In addition, the Audit
status of each material tax
tax rates, tax compliance and the Committee discussed material positions
judgement, including a range of
reasonableness of tax provisions, with the external auditor in support of
possible outcomes, noted that
which could materially affect the developing an independent perspective
independent third-party support had
Group’s reported results. on the positions presented.
been obtained for each judgement
The Group is subject to periodic The Audit Committee received specific progress and agreed that the level of tax
challenges by local tax authorities reports on French tax litigation, German tax provisions and disclosures
on a range of matters and there are authority audit into debt and equity allocation was appropriate.
uncertain tax positions in relation to branches, the recognition and recoverability
mainly to two principal matters: of deferred tax in connection with the Group’s
German branch capital structure; and Dutch business and the conclusion of the
a French tax authority challenge in transfer pricing audits, including settlement on
respect of an intra-Group disposal UK, German and French transfer pricing audits,
and financing. and in light of these considered the
reasonableness of provisions and
reporting disclosures.
Litigation matters and competition The Audit Committee considered reports from The Audit Committee concluded that
investigations the Group’s external lawyers which confirmed risks in respect of these actual
that the Group continues to have meritorious and threatened legal proceedings and
The Group is exposed to litigation
defences to a number of actual and threatened litigation matters otherwise covered
matters arising from claimants seeking
legal proceedings. in this report, along with any
remedies from the Company or its
competition authority proceedings,
subsidiary companies. A small number
are appropriately disclosed or
of claims alleging smoking-related
provided for in the Group’s Annual
health effects remain, as well as
Report and Accounts.
NGP-related product litigation in the US
only. A claim arising from specific US
legislation (Helms Burton) remains
ongoing, one element of the US state
settlement agreements remains
unresolved, employment related claims
arising from a number of legacy
disputes is ongoing and the Group
faces one ESG related claim (see notes
24 and 29). The Group is in the process
of appealing three decisions by
national Competition Authorities in
the EU.
Going concern and viability Management performed a comprehensive Together, these points allowed the Audit
statement series of stress tests to confirm that the going Committee to form an opinion as to the ability of
concern basis and viability statement remain the Group to remain a going concern from the
In the context of
appropriate. These tests are described in the date of this Annual Report through to November
global economic
going concern statement on page 110. The tests 2024 and make its recommendation to the Board.
uncertainty, characterised
involved the stress testing of the resilience of The Audit Committee noted that this 12-month
by Ukraine and other
the Group to certain changes in trading period was a reduction from the prior year, which
conflicts and, amongst
conditions that may come about as a result of had increased following the outbreak of the
other things, the ongoing
the global economic environment, as well as coronavirus to provide assurance to the market
cost-of-living crisis, the
realisation of other key risks, including climate around corporate liquidity risk. The Committee
Directors are required to
change and the impact of the share buyback. determined this was appropriate given the Group’s
consider whether it is
cash flow resilience and strong access to funding
appropriate to prepare the The Audit Committee reviewed these tests on
markets when required, and also noted that it was
financial statements on a operating cash flows, the ongoing resilience of
in line with statutory requirements.
going concern basis and demand and supply, the financial impact of the
explain how they have disposal of the business in Russia and the The Audit Committee also considered
assessed the prospects impact of the war in Ukraine on the business. management’s view of the Group’s ability to remain
of the Company over a The Audit Committee noted the Group’s ability viable, for the agreed three-year period, following
longer period. to raise funds, with significant oversubscription the forecast realisation of a number of key risks,
to the Group’s debt financing offers, even in including the possible impacts of climate change,
challenging markets. and concluded that it is appropriate to sign off the
Group’s viability statement.
Revenue recognition Discussions were held with management and The Audit Committee is satisfied that the Group’s
the external auditor which satisfied the Audit policy was operating effectively. No breaches
There is a risk that
Committee that the Group’s criteria for revenue were found during the year.
revenue could be
recognition continued to be appropriate and
overstated through the
that the central monitoring of trade weight at
inclusion of sales which
period ends ensured any material breaches
are not in compliance
to the Group’s revenue recognition policy
with the Group’s revenue
would be both detected and reported to the
recognition policy.
Audit Committee and, where applicable,
disclosed externally.
Fair, balanced and The Audit Committee received a report from After consideration of the Annual Report against
understandable management summarising the processes that these criteria the Audit Committee recommended
had been undertaken to ensure that the Group’s to the Board, which accepted the recommendation,
The Board is required
external reporting is fair, balanced and that taken as a whole the Annual Report is fair,
to state that the Group’s
understandable. This included, but was not balanced and understandable and provides the
external reporting is
limited to, the following: (i) a full document information necessary for shareholders to assess
fair, balanced and
review by the Disclosure Committee, including the Company’s position, performance, business
understandable. The Audit
ensuring no undue reporting of good news and model and strategy.
Committee is requested by
material information is given due prominence;
the Board to provide
(ii) engagement of a cross-functional group of
advice to support
internal and external subject matter experts
the assertion.
and content owners in the preparation and
review of materials, including the ELT, Group
Corporate Communications, Group Finance,
Group Internal Audit, Group Legal, Investor
Relations, ESG team and Company Secretariat;
(iii) input and advice from appropriate external
advisers, including the Company’s brokers, legal
advisers, and external audit challenge and
scrutiny; (iv) regular research to identify
emerging practice and guidance from relevant
regulatory bodies; and (v) regular meetings
involving the key contributors to the document,
during which specific consideration was given to
the fair, balanced and understandable assertion.
During the year the Audit Committee has
continued its review of the use of APMs,
including ensuring the appropriate balance of
reported and adjusted measures in the
Annual Report.
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GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE continued
INTERNAL AUDIT
GOVERNANCE, RISK MONITORING THE Group Internal Audit (GIA) is
MANAGEMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF RISK responsible for providing objective
INTERNAL CONTROL MANAGEMENT assurance on the adequacy and
Assessing and managing the risks The Audit Committee is responsible effectiveness of the risk management
faced by the Group is fundamental to for approving the risk management and internal controls framework.
achieving our strategic objectives, approach on behalf of the Board, and
During the year GIA performed a
safeguarding our stakeholders’ for oversight of its ongoing effectiveness.
risk-based audit programme aligned to
interests and protecting the Group
The Board and Audit Committee the Group’s strategic priorities,
from reputational or legal challenges.
received regular updates throughout resulting in relevant recommendations
This is reflected in our risk
the year on the continued development and insights to further strengthen the
management framework, which
of the Group’s internal control systems, Group’s control framework.
ensures significant risks are
risk management process and
identified, managed and monitored. The Audit Committee reviewed key
framework, as well as on the results
reports from GIA at each Audit
The Board has responsibility for the of risk assessments and internal
Committee meeting to monitor the
oversight of the Group’s internal control effectiveness assessments.
effectiveness of the control framework
control systems, risk management
The Board and Audit Committee have and considered the effectiveness and
process and framework. The Board
been informed of, and looked at, all results of the audits undertaken by GIA,
delegates to the Audit Committee the
significant whistleblowing reports and monitored management responses
detailed risk assessment review and
and reported frauds in the year, and to the audit matters raised.
assurance over the operation of the
are comfortable that none of these
risk management framework. The Audit Committee also met
gave rise to evidence of systemic
independently with the Director
The Group’s risk management non-compliance with relevant laws
of Internal Audit to discuss
approach is described in the Principal and regulations.
additional insights.
Risks and Uncertainties section on
The Audit Committee receives
pages 100 to 111 and is designed to The Audit Committee reviews the
presentations from the Executive on
manage, rather than eliminate, the effectiveness of GIA routinely through
their respective functions. This direct
significant risks the Group may face. post-audit surveys and KPI reporting,
dialogue with the Audit Committee
Consequently, our internal controls and monitors progress on GIA’s own
provides further assurance to the
can only provide reasonable, and not strategic priorities through
Audit Committee regarding the
absolute, assurance over our updates provided.
effective management of significant
principal risks.
risks to the Group. The Audit Committee also reviewed
During the year the Board considered and approved the FY24 GIA plan,
Reporting provided to the Audit
the Group’s “bottom-up” risk including the scope, risk coverage and
Committee enables the review and
assessment, which included resourcing model to deliver it.
monitoring of the effectiveness of our
consideration of both current and
risk management and internal
emerging risks and issues as EXTERNAL AUDIT
control systems. The Audit
discussed in the Principal Risks and The Audit Committee is responsible for
Committee has considered and
Uncertainties section on pages 100 oversight of EY as the Group’s external
confirmed to the Board that this is in
to 111. auditor, agreeing its audit strategy and
accordance with the
recommendations of the Code and related work plan, as well as approving
the FRC Guidance on Risk its fees. At the Committee’s February
Management, Internal Control and 2023 meeting, EY set out its external
Related Financial and Business audit plan for the year, which continued
Reporting and that such systems to build on its previous experience, EY’s
were in place throughout the year continued focus on audit quality and the
and up to the date of the approval of feedback it received from management,
the financial statements. the Board and the Audit Committee. EY
provided the Audit Committee with an
overview of its evolving audit strategy,
tailored to the Group, including its audit
risk assessment, Group audit
materiality and scope, and the key
areas of its proposed audit approach.
The Audit Committee considered the
external auditor’s feedback,
management letter and half year
review. EY also provided feedback to
relevant Group and local management
in a number of debrief sessions and
audit close meetings.
The Audit Engagement Letter detailing
the provision of statutory audit and half
year review services in respect of FY23
was considered and approved in the
prior year.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 141
GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT
Focus in 2023
• Triennial review of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy
• Extensive two-phase investor consultation on Directors’ Remuneration
Policy
• Ensuring remuneration continues to support the Group’s strategy as we
move into the improving delivery phase
• Attraction and retention of high-performing individuals in a competitive
global market place
• Further development and incorporation of ESG strategy into incentive plans
• Review of wider workforce reward considerations in light of ongoing
economic volatility
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GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
workforce. In FY22, we introduced a Strong performance was achieved The LTIP award due to vest in February
number of targeted actions which across both ESG measures of consumer 2024 will vest in part, resulting in 85% of
supported our colleagues and we have health (NGP net revenue) and climate the total award vesting. No discretion
continued to monitor and, where change (reduction in energy was applied by the Committee in
appropriate, take action in FY23 in consumption and Scope 1 & 2 CO2 respect of the vesting outcome.
locations where significant economic emissions). NGP net revenue growth
challenges continue to exist. accelerated during the year, with strong IMPLEMENTATION FOR FY24
growth in all categories across Europe, The Committee reviews remuneration
Annual salary budgets continue to be
and delivery of £227 million NGP net trends and plans for the wider
determined with a focus on markets
revenue (excluding US and at internal workforce each year and this provides
where wage inflation lagged price
exchange rates). An 8.8% reduction in important and relevant context for the
inflation by a significant margin,
energy consumption and significant decisions it makes regarding the
recognising the disproportionate
reductions in CO2 emissions were Executive Directors and the Executive
impact for those on lower incomes.
delivered following a concerted focus Leadership Team.
Across the countries we operate in,
on energy conservation and
salary increases typically range from In reviewing salaries this year, the
energy efficiency.
4% to 8% (excluding higher increases Committee has been mindful of the
made in countries experiencing The market share, NGP revenue and ongoing global inflationary pressures
hyperinflation), with average increases climate targets were met in full, while that have been impacting many of our
in the UK at 5% for FY24. the adjusted operating profit and cash people across the Group.
conversion targets were achieved
The Committee will continue to The annual salary review is effective
in part.
monitor and review workforce pay from 1 October 2023. As mentioned
and policies over the coming year, The Executive Directors performed earlier, salary increases awarded to
to ensure we support our colleagues. extremely well against their strategic employees typically ranged from 4% to
objectives which as far as possible have 8% across the markets we operate in
REMUNERATION OUTCOMES been set as specific and quantifiable. (excluding higher increases made in
FOR FY23 For Stefan Bomhard, this included the countries experiencing hyperinflation).
launch of blu 2.0 into eight, Pulze into Our budgeted average increase for the
The FY23 Annual Bonus was based
five and blu bar into eleven markets, UK workforce is 5% for FY24.
on stretching financial measures
the planned entry into modern oral
with 40% based on adjusted operating
nicotine in the US and upper quartile In setting the salary for the Executive
profit, 20% on adjusted operating cash
global colleague engagement scores Directors, the Committee took into
conversion and 20% on market share.
during a period of significant change consideration global inflationary
ESG (consumer health and climate)
and transformation. Lukas Paravicini’s pressures, the approach taken for
and strategic objectives formed the
objectives included the setting up of colleagues, performance and
remaining 20% of the bonus at 10%
Finance and IT GBS operations, the contribution, and the impact on
weightings for each.
UNIFY programme progressing to time total remuneration.
Adjusted operating profit performance and budget and material increases in Stefan was appointed on 1 July 2020
with growth of 3.8% at constant Finance, IT and Transformation and has provided exceptional
currency was delivered through strong colleague engagement scores. Further leadership over the first three years of
market share growth and tobacco details are shown on page 155 and 156. our transformation strategy. After
pricing. A third consecutive year of
In aggregate, as a percentage of careful consideration, the Committee
market share growth of +10bps against
maximum, Stefan received a bonus of decided to award a salary increase of
FY22 was achieved with performance
71.6% and Lukas received a bonus of 4.5% to Stefan and of 4% to Lukas. The
mainly driven by the US, Spain and
70.6%. 50% of the bonus will be deferred increases awarded reflect the strong
Australia. Cash generation remained
in Imperial Brands shares over three performance and contribution from
a key focus and has supported the
years. The Committee believes this both our Executive Directors during the
delivery of a 92% adjusted operating
outcome reflects fairly the performance year. In taking these decisions, the
cash conversion outcome and this
of the business during the year. Committee considered the comparison
strong cash generation has enabled
No discretion has been applied by with wider workforce increases, noting
the business to return £2.3 billion to
the Committee. that the increases were, again, below
shareholders via dividends and
the average increase for the UK
share buyback.
workforce. Stefan’s new salary is
£1,400,036 pa and Lukas’ new salary
is £789,568 pa.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 145
GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
REMUNERATION AT A GLANCE
IO ON
Y
BU TE
AR USI
growth that benefits all our
RK RIT
OUR SING
ILD D NG
GE NESS
B
S
stakeholders
ET
ING
U
PR
FOC
• To motivate executives to
A
MA
consistently perform to the
P
best of their ability
• To reinforce the behaviours
Measuring performance1
CON
that support our values
THE
T
ED
R A IC I E N
Annual Bonus: LTIP:
THE
NS
IFI
SU
• To align executive reward with
CE
• Adjusted operating profit (40%) • Adjusted EPS growth (40%)
PL
TIO
ME E
the experience of our
BU
PE FF
N T ES
M
A
O DE
• Adjusted operating cash
O T • Return on invested capital (15%)
SI
shareholders through SI N
R
F
N
A
encouraging share ownership conversion (15%) PER • CECumulative free cash flow (15%)
FORMAN
S
and an “ownership” mindset • Market share growth (15%) BASE • RRelative
E TSR (20%)
D CULTU
• To balance restraint with fair • Strategic/individual (20%) AND CAPABIL•TIEClimate
S change (10%)
reward for contribution, in the • Consumer health – NGP (10%)
way we reward executives, as
we do for the wider workforce 1. Further details of the above performance measures can be found on page 153.
Annual Adjusted operating profit growth at constant currency 40% 26.8% 67%
Bonus
Adjusted operating cash conversion 20% 4.8% 24%
Salary Operation
Attract and retain high- Reviewed, but not necessarily increased, annually by the Committee taking into account
performing individuals, Company performance as well as each Executive Director’s performance together with changes
reflecting market value of in role and responsibility.
the role and the Executive
Salary increases, if any, are generally effective from 1 October.
Director’s skills, experience
and performance. The Remuneration Committee considers pay data for UK listed companies closest to the Company
by FTSE ranking (and excluding those in the financial services sector) and other relevant
international comparators of similar size and sector. In determining individual remuneration, the
primary factors taken into account are individual performance, the scale of the challenges
intrinsic to that individual’s role, changes in role, their ability and experience. The Remuneration
Committee also considers general increases for the wider workforce, with a focus on increases in
the country in which the Executive Director is based.
Maximum opportunity
To avoid setting expectations of Executive Directors and other employees, there is no maximum
salary or maximum increase in salary under the Policy.
Pension Operation
Provision of market- Pension provision for Executive Directors is provided in line with other employees. Executive
competitive pension aligned Directors are offered membership of the defined contribution plan, and have the option to receive
to workforce. a cash supplement in lieu of, or a combination thereof.
The Remuneration Committee may amend the form of any Executive Director’s pension
arrangements in response to changes in pensions’ legislation or similar developments, so long
as any amendment does not increase the cost to the Company of an Executive Director’s
pension provision.
Maximum opportunity
The maximum pension contribution or allowance for Executive Directors will be aligned with the
workforce (currently 14% of salary).
Benefits Operation
Competitive benefits taking Benefits include provision of a company car (or cash allowance in lieu), health insurance,
into account market value of life insurance and income protection insurance which are provided directly or through the
role and benefits across Company’s pension scheme. Other benefits, including expatriate or relocation arrangements, may
the workforce. also be provided on the basis that they are also offered more widely across the Company or are
necessary in order to be competitive locally.
Reasonable business-related expenses will be reimbursed.
Where appropriate, benefits may include any tax payable thereon.
Maximum opportunity
While there is no maximum level of benefits prescribed, they are generally set an appropriate level
reflecting market-competitive data. The value may vary depending on the cost of providing
such provisions.
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GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
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GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
DIFFERENCES IN REMUNERATION POLICY FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND THE POLICY FOR
OTHER EMPLOYEES
The Remuneration Policy for Executive Directors is designed having regard to the remuneration policy for employees across the
Group. The structure of the Remuneration Policy for Executive Directors and other senior employees is closely aligned. The key
differentiator is the increased emphasis on long-term performance in respect of Executive Directors, with a greater percentage of
their total remuneration being performance related. This includes mandatory three-year deferral of a portion of bonus (typically
50%) and an additional two-year holding period on vested LTIPs, neither of which apply to managers. There are also variations in
the performance metrics which the Remuneration Committee believes are necessary to reflect the different levels of
responsibility.
The Company’s approach to annual salary reviews is consistent across the Group, with consideration given to Company
performance, the scope of the role, level of experience, responsibility, individual performance and pay levels in
comparable companies.
All managers are eligible to participate in an Annual Bonus plan with similar metrics to those used for the Executive Directors.
Senior managers are eligible to participate in the LTIP (c.500 individuals). Where possible, all employees are encouraged to become
shareholders by participating in our Sharesave Plan on the same terms as Executive Directors. Approximately 40% of eligible
employees have taken the opportunity to participate in the Sharesave Plan. Certain managers (c.200 individuals) are eligible to
participate in the legacy Share Matching Scheme although this is closed to new participants. Executive Directors may not
participate in the Share Matching Scheme.
Retirement benefit, typically in the form of a pension, is provided based on local market practice. Other benefits provided reflect
local market practice and legislation.
£’000 £’000
14,000 6,000
£5,444
£11,762
12,000 18%
5,000
21% £4,457
10,000 £9,312 44% 36%
4,000
53% 42%
8,000 £3,036
£6,232 3,000
39%
6,000
47% 29%
35%
2,000
4,000 30% 24% 31%
£904
£1,612 27% 1,000
2,000
100% 26% 17% 13% 100% 30% 21% 17%
0 0
Minimum Target Maximum Max + share Minimum Target Maximum Max + share
price growth 50% price growth 50%
Fixed pay Annual bonus LTIP Share price growth
1. Service agreement dated 31 January 2020 with a start date of 1 July 2020.
2. Service agreement dated 11 April 2021 with a start date of 1 May 2021.
Copies of Executive Directors’ service agreements are available to view at the Company’s registered office.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 151
GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Fees Operation
Attract and retain high performing Reviewed, but not necessarily increased, annually by the Board.
individuals.
Fee increases, if applicable, are normally effective from 1 October.
The Board considers best practice and fee data at comparator companies of
similar scale.
Additional fees may be payable for acting as the Senior Independent Director, as Chair
and/or a member of a Committee or for other additional responsibilities. An allowance
may be paid when regular intercontinental travel is required.
Higher fees may be paid to a Non-Executive Director should they be required to assume
executive duties on a temporary basis.
No eligibility for Annual Bonus, retirement benefits or to participate in the Group’s
employee share plans.
Maximum opportunity
No prescribed maximum annual increase.
Aggregate annual fees limited by Articles of Association (currently £2.0 million).
Benefits Operation
Reimbursement of business-related Reimbursement of travel to the Company’s registered office is recognised as a
expenses. taxable benefit.
To the extent that any other reasonable business related expenses are recognised as a
taxable benefit, these will be reimbursed at cost (including any tax thereon).
Reasonable benefits may be provided from time to time on a case-by-case basis.
Maximum opportunity
Grossed-up costs.
The Chair and Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to establish a holding in Imperial Brands shares of the equivalent of one
year’s base fee.
Element Implementation
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GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
1. REMUNERATION EARNED BY OUR DIRECTORS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
Single Total Figure of Remuneration for each Director (Audited)
Annual
Salary Benefits Pension Total fixed bonus LTIP Other Total
Executive Directors Year £’000 £’0001 £’0002 pay £’0003 £’0004 £’0005 variable pay Total pay
2023 1,340 16 188 1,544 1,919 5,138 – 7,057 8,601
Stefan Bomhard 2022 1,301 17 182 1,500 2,185 1,747 – 3,932 5,432
2023 752 4 105 861 1,062 2,099 – 3,161 4,022
Lukas Paravicini 2022 730 15 102 847 1,205 – 566 1,771 2,618
Stefan • Build a targeted • Significant percentage of NGP markets (Heated Tobacco and vaping) achieved their launch
Bomhard NGP business (5%) objectives, exceeding target set. Overall results exceeded targets in business plan.
• Achieved target to launch blu 2.0 into eight markets.
• blu bar launched into eleven markets.
• Pulze launched into five markets, exceeding target.
• Completed assessment of options and recommendation for progression on US NGP.
• Board agreed recommendation to enter MOND in US and acquisition made and completed
in May 23 with FY24 launch planned.
• Completion of follow up from ELT strategic review on potential future growth options
for Group.
• Lead • Conducted five Global Business Leaders events, exceeding target. High engagement with
transformation average participant feedback of 4.3 out of 5.
program (5%) • Maintained FY22 global pulse survey results around role modelling of new behaviours by
senior leaders (all employees). Results upper quartile against global benchmark on
leadership measure. Global engagement score sustained at 74% exceeding global
benchmark by 1%.
• Continued development of ELT including dedicated sessions for new team members
supporting team integration.
• DEI programme KPIs defined and deployed in business. Meaningful progress on gender and
ethnic diversity. Female representation increased by 12% at ELT-1 level and tracking ahead
of gender goal target glidepath at 29.8%.
• Business case for Novo FY23 delivered.
• Operating model transformation key projects (GBS & Digital Core Transformation) primarily
on time and within budget.
Total payout as a % of maximum bonus: 71.6%
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GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Lukas • Continued Company• Completed Finance Transformation in Group and top 5 markets. Set up a 100+ strong GBS,
Paravicini transformation (5%) by transferring activities in line with blueprint and by assessing, appointing and training
the retained organisation.
• In line with Group’s multi-function GBS strategy, fully transferred IT Operations (100+ FTE)
under the remit of the newly created GBS IT.
• GM and Cluster Lead survey in March showed transformation impact well received and
further improvement in results on survey rerun in September.
• Finance, IT and Transformation employee engagement increased to 72% (+8pp vs FY22).
Material increases in key Inclusion metric (81%, +9pp vs FY22) and Wellbeing (72%, +6pp vs
FY22) scores.
• Overall engagement supported by personal people leadership score improving by 5pp
to 79%.
• Explore phase of UNIFY programme completed on time and within budget. Prepared itself
for the Deploy phase for early adopters UK/I and Radom factory.
• UNIFY deploy phase accompanied by a strong business transformation, communication
and change management plan. Programme is well established and well supported in the
organisation at large.
• Drive shareholder • Global IT and UNIFY capes managed within allocated budget.
value (5%) • Funding provided proactively, taking advantage of market opportunities to deliver
€950million of new debt financing with 8 years’ maturity.
• Active debt holder engagement increased throughout the year, leveraging in full the best
practices acquired over time in Investors Relations.
Total payout as a % of maximum bonus: 70.6%
Adjusted EPS excludes the impact of share buybacks and associated financing costs.
The methodology agreed for net debt/EBITDA out-turn included an adjustment for share buybacks to ensure that the measure is
not negatively impacted by cash returned to shareholders. The targets for the adjusted net debt/EBITDA for FY23 assumed a share
buyback in FY23 of £400 million. The out-turn was adjusted to reflect the actual share buyback undertaken in FY23 of £1 billion.
The TSR measure compared the Company’s performance against the following companies: Altria Group, Anheuser-Busch InBev,
Beiersdorf, British American Tobacco, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Clorox, Constellation Brands, Diageo, Heineken, Henkel, Japan
Tobacco, Kimberly-Clark, Kirin Holdings, L’Oréal, Monster Beverage, Pernod Ricard, PepsiCo, Philip Morris International, Procter &
Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser Group, Unicharm and Unilever PLC.
Vested awards granted for FY21 onwards are subject to a two-year holding period.
Adjusted EPS excludes the impact of share buybacks and associated financing costs.
The TSR comparator group comprises the following companies: Altria Group, Anheuser Busch InBev, British American Tobacco,
Brown-Forman, Carlsberg B, Carnival, Clorox, Constellation Brands, Diageo, Heineken, Henkel, Japan Tobacco, Kimberly-Clark,
Kirin Holdings, L’Oreal, Monster Beverage, Pernod Ricard, PepsiCo, Philip Morris International, Procter & Gamble, Reckitt,
Unicharm, and Unilever.
Each measure operates independently and is capable of vesting regardless of the Company’s performance in respect of the other
metrics. The Committee retains discretion to adjust up or down including to zero the number of shares that vest taking into
account a number of factors including personal or corporate performance and circumstances that were unforeseen at the date
of grant.
Non-Executive
Directors
Thérèse Esperdy1 37,787 61,729 – – – – – – –
Sue Clark 6,506 8,040 – 21 – – – – –
Diane de Saint Victor 252 625 – 3 – – – – –
Ngozi Edozien2 252 621 – 4 – – – – –
Andrew Gilchrist3 – 3,238 – – – – – – –
Alan Johnson 586 984 – 8 – – – – –
Bob Kunze-Concewitz 50,630 50,974 – – – – – – –
Simon Langelier4 26,101 26,168 – - – – – – –
Jon Stanton 2,820 3,260 – 19 – – – – –
1. Thérèse Esperdy shares are in the form of American Depositary Receipts.
2. Ngozi Edozien’s share amount of 625 includes 353 American Depositary Receipts.
3. Andrew Gilchrist was appointed to the Board on 1 March 2023 and his shares are in the form of American Depositary Receipts.
4. Simon Langelier stepped down from the Board on 1 February 2023.
5. There have been no changes in Director share figures reported in the table above, between 30 September 2023 and the date this report was signed, other than the dividend
reinvestment post year end figures included in the table.
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GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Our middle market share price at the close of business on 29 September 2023, being the last trading day of the financial year, was
£16.67 and the range of the middle market price during the year was £16.40 to £21.85.
Full details of the Directors’ share interests are available for inspection in the Register of Directors’ Interests at our
registered office.
1. Shares held is inclusive of shares owned outright, those vested but subject to a holding period awarded, including shares awarded under the Deferred Share Bonus Plan
being the deferred element of the bonus.
2. Or date of leaving if earlier.
3. Based on a share price of £18.55, being the closing price on 30 September 2022.
4. Based on a share price of £16.67, being the closing price on 30 September 2023.
5. Stefan Bomhard joined the Board on 1 July 2020 and has five years to build to his shareholding requirement.
6. Lukas Paravicini joined the Board on 1 May 2021 and has five years to build to his shareholding requirement.
200
150
100
50
30-Sep-13 30-Sep-15 30-Sep-17 30-Sep-19 30-Sep-21 30-Sep-23
Increase in line with or below wider workforce Salary Average increase of 5% for FY24
Mix of financial/strategic measures, with 50% of Annual Bonus Mix of financial/strategic measures 100% paid
bonus deferred into award over shares in cash
Performance metrics measured over three years, LTIP Performance metrics measured over three years
with two-year holding period after vesting No holding period
14% cash or contributions into Company’s Pension The majority of UK employees receive a
pension fund contribution of 14% of salary
£250 per month and three-year savings period Sharesave £250 per month and three-year savings period
The Board continues its commitment to listening to colleagues and appreciates the opportunity to understand what is important
to them, and how their priorities evolve with each year of our “Meet the Board” programme. These views are considered in
decision-making and actions taken in the year.
We look forward to continuing our “Meet the Board” listening sessions on reward in FY24 to ensure that we stay close to the
evolving priorities of our diverse workforce.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 159
GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Non-Executive
Directors
Thérèse Esperdy 3.1 22.0 - 2.5 – – 24.7 (100) – 353.32 -41.3 –
Sue Clark 2.1 (50.0) - 2.2 – – 7.0 (100) – 55.4 -50.0 –
Alan Johnson
(from 1 Jan 21) 2.3 (40.0) - – – – – – – – – –
Andrew Gilchrist
(from 1 Mar 23) – – – – – – – – – – – –
Bob Kunze-
Concewitz
(from 1 Nov 20) 2.3 (40.0) - 11.52 – – – – – – – –
Jon Stanton 2.6 (50.0) - 1.8 – – 17.9 (100) – 187.92 0.0 –
Ngozi Edozien
(from 15 Nov 21) 16.12 (100.0) - – – – – – – – – –
Diane de Saint
Victor (from
15 Nov 21) 15.62 (40.0) - – – – – – – – – –
All UK employees 6.6 5.9 4.1 2.7 7.3 2.9 0.0 2.4 7.9 6.69 -5.72 32.44
1. A year on year comparison is not possible in the year that a Director joins the Board.
2. Increase reflects first full year.
The CEO total remuneration pay ratio has increased across all percentiles, due to an increase in CEO total remuneration driven by
incentive out-turns and strong share price performance. The CEO base salary ratio has remained static, confirming that the
variance is driven by performance-related variable pay.
The salary component for FY23 at each quartile is £42,376 (P25), £53,849 (P50) and £80,078 (P75). The equivalent total pay numbers
are £56,840 (P25), £76,735 (P50) and £123,667 (P75).
The Committee is satisfied that the overall picture presented by the 2023 pay ratios is consistent with the reward policies for our
UK employees. The Committee takes into account these ratios when making decisions around the Executive Director pay
packages, and Imperial Brands takes seriously the need to ensure competitive pay packages across the organisation.
Ordinary shares
Balance at Acquired Distributed Balance at under award at
01/10/2022 during year during year 30/09/2023 30/09/2023 Surplus/(shortfall)
Executive Trust 1,504,333 0 (111,230) 1,393,103 2,326,963 (933,860)
2001 Trust 2,157,457 0 (1,981,156) 176,301 6,370,306 (6,194,005)
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 161
GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Predictability – The Committee regularly reviews the performance of in-flight awards so it understands the likely outcomes.
Proportionality – The Committee is against rewarding poor performance and, therefore, a significant portion of remuneration is
performance-based and dependent on delivering the Company’s strategy. Performance targets are based on a combination of
measures to ensure there is no undue focus on a single measure.
Alignment – There is a clear progression of remuneration throughout the workforce with performance measures supporting the
key performance indicators and the long-term sustainability of the business. The Committee reviews the Remuneration Policy,
taking into account the feedback received from shareholders and the impact on the wider workforce.
Other companies which provided advice to the Remuneration Committee are as follows:
Alithos Limited undertook total shareholder return (TSR) calculations and provided advice on all TSR-related matters. During the
year it was paid £19,500 and provided no other services to the Company. Willis Towers Watson provided market pay data and was
paid £36,000 for these services. Willis Towers Watson also provided actuarial and wider reward-related services to the Company.
Both advisers were appointed by the Committee, which remains satisfied that the provision of those other services in no way
compromises their independence. They are all paid on the basis of actual work performed rather than on a fixed fee basis.
The strong support received for the Directors’ Remuneration Report followed engagement with our largest shareholders during
2021, 2022 and 2023. The input we received from shareholders was extremely helpful. Following the AGM, we continued to engage
with our largest shareholders, taking their feedback on our plans for the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and our FY24 incentives.
At the 2024 AGM, shareholders will be invited to vote on the 2023 Directors’ Remuneration Report (advisory vote) and 2024
Directors’ Remuneration Policy (binding vote).
Sue Clark
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 163
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REPORT
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
The Directors present their report and CHARITABLE AND At its AGM on 1 February 2023,
audited financial statements for the year POLITICAL DONATIONS the Company obtained shareholder
ended 30 September 2023. This Directors’ As part of our responsible approach, authorisation for the buyback of up
Report, together with our Strategic Report, we continued to support a number to 94,200,000 shares (the “2023 Buyback
forms the management report required of communities in which we operate Authority”), renewing and replacing a
under the Disclosure Guidance and by allocating a central budget. This budget similar authority granted at the AGM held
Transparency Rules (DGTR). The Company largely funds our support of the Eliminating on 2 February 2022. 52,107,043 ordinary
has chosen, in accordance with Section Child Labour in Tobacco Growing (ECLT) shares with a nominal value of 10 pence
414 C(11) of the Companies Act 2006, to Foundation and our support of Hope for each were purchased in FY23, of which
include certain matters in the Strategic Justice. In addition, a number of our 33,432,389 were purchased under the 2023
Report that would otherwise be required to subsidiaries donate to charitable and Buyback Authority. The aggregate amount
be disclosed in the Directors’ Report. The community endeavours from local budgets. of consideration paid by Imperial in FY23
Strategic Report can be found on pages 2 to was £1,000 million. The 2023 Buyback
111 and includes an indication of future All charitable donations and partnership Authority will expire at the earlier of the
likely developments of the Company, investments are subject to the close of business on 31 March 2024 and the
details of important Company events and requirements of our Code of Conduct. end of the AGM of the Company to be held
the Company’s business model and No political donations were made to UK or in 2024.
strategy. The Corporate Governance non-UK political parties, organisations or On 5 October 2023, we announced the
information on pages 112 to 141 and the candidates during the year (2022: nil). commencement of a further £1.1 billion
Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on
share buyback programme which is
page 168 are incorporated into the Directors’ POWERS OF DIRECTORS AND expected to be completed by 30 September
Report by reference. The Directors’ Report, SHARE CAPITAL 2024. As at close of business on
including the information incorporated by
The business of Imperial is managed by the 10 November 2023, a total of 54.1 million
reference, fulfils the requirements of the
Board which may exercise all the powers further shares could still be repurchased
Corporate Governance Statement for the
of the Company, subject to the provisions under the 2023 AGM Authority before
purposes of the DGTR.
of the Articles of Association and the it expires.
Specifically, the following disclosures and Companies Act 2006. Authority is sought
The Board continues to regard the ability
those referred to under “Other information” from shareholders at each Annual General
to repurchase issued shares in suitable
on page 167 have been included elsewhere Meeting to grant the Directors powers,
circumstances as an important part
in the Annual Report and are incorporated in line with institutional shareholder
of Imperial’s financial management.
into the Directors’ Report by reference: guidelines and relevant legislation, in
A resolution will be proposed at the
relation to the issue and buyback by the
Disclosure Page
2024 AGM to renew the authority for the
Company of its shares.
Company to purchase its own shares,
Future developments in
the business 6 Details of our share capital are shown up to specified limits and in line with
in note 25 to the financial statements. institutional shareholder guidelines, for a
Disclosure of greenhouse gas
emissions, energy consumption All shares other than those held in treasury further year. The proposal will be described
and energy efficiency action 50 are freely transferable and rank pari passu in more detail in the 2024 Notice of AGM.
for voting and dividend rights. For all recent share buyback programmes,
Going concern statement 110
Imperial has entered into irrevocable,
Viability statement 110 As at 30 September 2023 we held 70,289,137
non-discretionary arrangements with a
Statement of Directors’ shares in treasury, which represented
broker in order to reduce the issued share
responsibilities 168 approximately 7.26% of the Company’s
capital of the Company.
Disclosure of information to issued share capital and had an aggregate
the auditor 141 nominal value of £7,028,914. INSURANCE AND INDEMNITIES
Financial risk management 210 Imperial maintains directors’ and officers’
We have not cancelled these shares but
Shareholder information 263 hold them in a treasury shares reserve liability insurance which provides
within our profit and loss account reserve, appropriate cover for legal action brought
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES and they represent a deduction from equity against its Directors and Officers. The
We regard equality and fairness as shareholders’ funds. Company has also granted indemnities to
a fundamental right of all our people. each of its Directors to the extent permitted
We aim to create a work environment that Repurchases of own shares by law. Qualifying third-party indemnity
allows equal opportunities so people are On 6 October 2022, we announced a arrangements for the benefit of Directors, in
employed fairly, safely and in compliance commitment to return surplus capital to a form and scope which comply with the
with applicable employment laws and shareholders though regular annual share requirements of the UK Companies Act
regulation. We respect each person for who buybacks if circumstances were right and 2006, were in force throughout the year and
they are and what they can contribute in line with our five-year strategy to deliver up to the date of this Annual Report.
and provide the same opportunity for sustainable growth and enhanced
career development and promotion shareholder returns, expected to be in the
regardless of disability, physical or mental region of £1 billion in the financial year
health, age, race, origin, gender, sexual ending 30 September 2023. This programme
orientation, political views, religion, marital completed on 11 September 2023.
status or any other legally protected status.
being a date not more than one month Information provided to the Company under the DGTRs is publicly available via the regulatory information services, and
prior to the date of the AGM Notice on our website at https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/creating-shareholder-value/stock-exchange-announcements.
of Meeting.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 165
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
PENSION FUND make available to Imperial Brands of the Company; or (ii) such number of
The Group Pensions Committee Finance PLC and Imperial Tobacco shares in the capital of the Company
provides global oversight on both risk Germany Finance GmbH (now carrying more than 50% of the voting
and reward elements of the Group’s Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH) rights normally exercisable at a general
pension arrangements. committed credit facilities of meeting of the Company; and (b) as a
€3,493 million for a period of up to result of the change of control, there is
The Committee’s objectives include three years with bi-annual six-month either: (i) a reduction to a non-
tackling the risks inherent in the auto-extensions; investment grade rating or withdrawal
Group’s defined benefit pension of the investment grade rating of the
• a credit facility agreement dated
schemes as well as reward matters. notes which is not raised again,
September 2023 under which a
The Group has three main pension certain bank makes available to reinstated to or replaced by an
arrangements, the largest being the Imperial Brands Finance PLC investment grade rating during the
Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund, which committed credit facilities of change of control period specified in
is not controlled by the Board but by £250 million until September 2024; the final terms; or (ii) to the extent that
a trustee company. Its board consists of • a credit facility agreement dated the notes are not rated at the time of
five Directors nominated by the September 2023 under which a certain the change of control, the Issuer fails to
Company, one Director nominated by bank makes available to Imperial obtain an investment grade credit
employee members and two Directors Brands Finance PLC committed credit rating of the notes within the change of
nominated by current and deferred facilities of £200 million until control period as a result of the change
pensioners. This trustee company September 2024; and of control.
is responsible for the assets of • a credit facility agreement dated The bonds Imperial Brands Finance
the pension fund, which are held September 2023 under which a PLC issued in such manner are
separately from those of the Group certain bank makes available to as follows:
and are managed by independent Imperial Brands Finance PLC
fund managers. The pension • 15 September 2008 £600 million
committed credit facilities of
fund assets can only be used in 8.125% guaranteed notes due 2024;
£100 million until September 2024.
accordance with the fund’s rules • 26 September 2011 £500 million 5.5%
and for no other purpose. In addition, three deeds of counter- guaranteed notes due 2026;
indemnity each dated April 2023 made • 28 February 2014 €650 million 3.375%
ARTICLES on substantially the same terms under guaranteed notes due 2026;
which certain insurance companies
The Company’s Articles of Association • 28 February 2014 £500 million 4.875%
(the Sureties) have made available to
do not contain any entrenchment guaranteed notes due 2032;
the Company, Imperial Brands Finance
provisions and, therefore, may be • 27 January 2017 €500 million 1.375%
PLC and Imperial Tobacco Limited a
altered or added to, or completely guaranteed notes due 2025; and
surety bond, in each case issued on a
new Articles may be adopted, by special standalone basis but in aggregate • 12 February 2019 €750 million 2.125%
resolution, subject to the provisions forming an amount of £120 million, guaranteed notes due 2027.
of the Companies Act 2006. until December 2028. The bonds Imperial Brands Finance
If any person or group of associated Netherlands B.V. issued in such
SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS
persons (as defined within each manner are as follows:
The agreements summarised below are
agreement) acquires the right to • 18 March 2021 €1,000 million 1.750%
those which we consider to be
exercise more than 50% of the votes guaranteed notes due 2033;
significant to the Group as a whole and
exercisable at a general meeting of the
which contain provisions that take • 15 February 2023 €600 million 5.250%
Company, the Sureties may demand
effect, or give the other party or parties guaranteed notes due 2031; and
that Imperial Tobacco Limited, amongst
a specific right to alter or terminate • 12 September 2023 €350 million
other things, pay a sum to a cash
them if we are subject to a change of 5.250% guaranteed notes due 2031.
collateral account equal to but not
control following a takeover bid.
exceeding the aggregate amount Imperial Brands Finance PLC has also
The Group has four credit facility outstanding under each guarantee. issued bonds in the USA under the
agreements that provide that, unless provisions of Section 144a and
Imperial Brands Finance PLC and
the lenders (as defined within each Regulation S respectively of the US
Imperial Brands Finance Netherlands
agreement) otherwise agree, if any Securities Act (1933). The Company acts
B.V. have issued bonds under Euro
person or group of associated persons as guarantor.
Medium Term Notes (EMTN) Debt
and/or any connected persons acquires
Issuance Programmes. The Company The final terms of this series of notes
the right to exercise more than 50% of
acts as guarantor. contain change of control provisions
the votes exercisable at a general
under which the holder of each note
meeting of the Company, the respective The final terms of these series of notes
will, subject to any earlier exercise by
borrowers (as defined within each contain change of control provisions
the Issuer, have the option to require
agreement) must repay any under which the holder of each note
the Issuer to redeem or, at the Issuer’s
outstanding utilisation owed by them will, subject to any earlier exercise by
option, purchase that note at 101% of its
under the facility agreement and the the Issuer, have the option to require
nominal value if: (a) (i) any person (as
total commitments under that facility the Issuer to redeem or, at the Issuer’s
such term is used in the US Securities
agreement will be cancelled. option, purchase that note at its
Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange
nominal value if: (a) any person, or
The four credit agreements are: Act)) becomes the beneficial owner
persons acting in concert or on behalf
of more than 50% of the Company’s
• a credit facilities agreement dated of any such person(s), becomes
voting stock; or (ii) there is a transfer
March 2020 under which certain interested in: (i) more than 50% of the
(other than by merger, consolidation,
banks and/or financial institutions issued or allotted ordinary share capital
amalgamation or other combination)
The bonds issued in such manner are (7) Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash n/a
as follows: (8) Non pre-emptive issue by major subsidiary undertakings n/a
• 21 July 2015 $1,500 million 4.25% (9) Listed subsidiary n/a
guaranteed notes due 2025;
(10) Contracts of significance 166
• 26 July 2019 $1,000 million 3.125%
guaranteed notes due 2024; (11) Provision of services by a controlling shareholder n/a
• 26 July 2019 $750 million 3.5%
(12) Shareholder waivers of dividends See above
guaranteed notes due 2026;
• 26 July 2019 $1,000 million 3.875% (13) Shareholder waivers of future dividends See above
guaranteed notes due 2029; and (14) Agreements with controlling shareholders n/a
• 27 July 2022 $1,000 million 6.125%
guaranteed notes due 2027. OTHER INFORMATION
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the following items have been included
WAIVER OF DIVIDENDS in other sections of this Annual Report:
In respect of LR 9.8.4R (12) and (13) the
• a fair review of the business, as required by the Companies Act 2006, is included in
trustee of the Imperial Tobacco Group
the Strategic Report;
PLC Employee and Executive Benefit
• the information in our Governance Report, including information on our Directors,
Trust and the Imperial Tobacco Group
is included in this Directors’ Report by reference;
PLC 2001 Employee Benefit Trust
agrees to waive dividends payable • future developments in the business are included in the investment case
on the Group’s shares it holds commencing on page 6;
for satisfying awards under various • information relating to our people, including colleague engagement, is included in
Imperial Brands PLC share plans. the Stakeholder Engagement section on page 33, our People and Planet agenda on
In accordance with Section 726 of the page 39, Safe and Inclusive workplace on pages 64 to 66 and on pages 123 and 125
Act no dividends can be paid to the in our Governance Report;
Company in respect of the shares it • our principal risks are detailed on pages 102 to 109;
holds in treasury. • information relating to our sustainability approach that supports our
environmental, social and governance agenda is included on pages 38 to 69;
2023 ANNUAL GENERAL • responsibilities to a broader stakeholder group, including consumers and
MEETING VOTE customers, are included on pages 32 to 36, and 126 to 128;
At the Annual General Meeting in 2023, • information on our greenhouse gas emissions is included on page 50; and
the Company received strong support • the Directors of the Company are listed on pages 116 to 119.
for all its resolutions.
Our report under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting requirements can be
POST-YEAR-END EVENTS found on page 51.
Share Buybacks The Strategic Report and this Directors’ Report were approved and signed by order of
As noted above, on 5 October 2023 the the Board.
Company announced a further share
buyback programme of up to £1.1 billion
of shares in the period from 6 October
2023 to the end of September 2024.
Emily Carey
2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Company Secretary
This year’s AGM will be held at the
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel on 13 November 2023
31 January 2024 at 9.30am. Imperial Brands PLC
Incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales No: 3236483
Details of the resolutions to be put to
the meeting can be found in the Notice
of Annual General Meeting sent to
shareholders and made available on the
Company’s website.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 167
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
STATEMENT OF In preparing the Parent Company Each of the Directors in office as at the
DIRECTORS’ financial statements, the Directors are date of this report, whose names and
required to: functions are listed on pages 116 to 119,
RESPONSIBILITIES confirms that, to the best of
The Directors are responsible for • select suitable accounting policies
their knowledge:
preparing the Annual Report and Group and then apply them consistently;
and Parent Company financial • make judgements and accounting • the Group and Parent Company
statements in accordance with estimates that are reasonable financial statements, which have
applicable law and regulations. and prudent; been prepared in accordance with
• state whether applicable United UK-adopted International Accounting
Company law requires the Directors to Standards and UK GAAP FRS 101
Kingdom Accounting Standards have
prepare financial statements for each respectively, give a true and fair view
been followed, subject to any material
financial year. Under that law, the of the assets, liabilities, financial
departures disclosed and explained
Directors are required to prepare the position and profit of the Group and
in the financial statements; and
Group financial statements in Parent Company on a consolidated
• prepare the financial statements
accordance with UK–adopted and individual basis; and
on the going concern basis unless
International Accounting Standards. • the Strategic Report and the
it is inappropriate to presume that
In addition, the Directors have elected Directors’ Report contained in the
the Parent Company will continue
to prepare the Parent Company Annual Report and Accounts include
in business.
financial statements in accordance a fair review of the development and
with United Kingdom Generally The Directors are responsible for performance of the business and
Accepted Accounting Practice keeping adequate accounting records position of the Group and Parent
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards that are sufficient to show and explain Company, together with a description
and applicable law), including FRS 101 the Group and Parent Company’s of the principal risks and
“Reduced Disclosure Framework”. transactions and disclose with uncertainties that they face.
Under company law the Directors must reasonable accuracy at any time the
not approve the financial statements financial position of the Group and The Directors consider that the Annual
unless they are satisfied that they Parent Company on a consolidated and Report and Accounts, taken as a whole,
give a true and fair view of the state individual basis, and to enable them to are fair, balanced and understandable
of affairs of the Group and Parent ensure that the Group financial and provide the information necessary
Company and of the profit or loss statements comply with the Companies for shareholders to assess the Group
of the Group and Parent Company for Act 2006. They are also responsible for and the Parent Company’s position
that period. safeguarding the assets of the Parent and performance, business model
Company and its subsidiaries and and strategy.
In preparing the Group financial
hence for taking reasonable steps for The Directors’ responsibilities in
statements, International Accounting
the prevention and detection of fraud relation to the disclosure of information
Standard 1 requires that Directors:
and other irregularities. to auditors is disclosed in the Audit
• properly select and consistently Committee report on page 141.
Under applicable law and regulations,
apply suitable accounting policies;
the Directors are also responsible for This Statement of Directors’
• present information, including
preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Responsibilities was approved by the
accounting policies, in a manner that
Report, Remuneration Report and Board and signed on its behalf.
provides relevant, reliable, comparable
Corporate Governance Statement that
and understandable information; The Strategic Report and the Directors’
comply with the law and
• provide additional disclosures when those regulations. Report were approved by the Board and
compliance with the specific signed on its behalf.
requirements in IFRS are insufficient The Directors are responsible for the
maintenance and integrity of the By order of the Board.
to enable users to understand the
impact of particular transactions, Parent Company’s website. Legislation
other events and conditions on the in the United Kingdom governing the
entity’s financial position and preparation and dissemination of
financial performance; financial statements may differ from
Emily Carey
• state whether the Group financial legislation in other jurisdictions.
Company Secretary
statements have been prepared in
accordance with UK-adopted 13 November 2023
International Accounting Standards, Imperial Brands PLC
subject to any material departures Incorporated and domiciled in England
disclosed and explained in the and Wales
financial statements; and No. 3236483
• prepare the Group financial
statements on the going concern
basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the Group will continue
in business.
Opinion
In our opinion:
• Imperial Brands PLC’s (“Imperial Brands”) consolidated financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial
statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 30 September 2023 and of the
group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards;
• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice and in accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements of Imperial Brands PLC (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended
30 September 2023 which comprise:
Group Parent company
Consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2023 Balance sheet at 30 September 2023
Consolidated income statement for the year then ended Statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended Related notes I to IX to the financial statements including
a summary of significant accounting policies
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
Consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended
Related notes 1 to 34 to the financial statements, including a summary of
significant accounting policies and the supplementary information on
pages 235 to 246
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and UK
adopted international accounting standards, The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent
company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure
Framework” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Independence
We are independent of the group and parent in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial
statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company and we remain
independent of the group and the parent company in conducting the audit.
• confirming our understanding of the directors’ going concern assessment process, including the controls over the review and approval of
the business plan and cash flow forecasts covering the period through to 30 November 2024;
• assessing the appropriateness of the duration of the going concern assessment period to 30 November 2024 and considering the
existence of any significant events or conditions beyond this period based on our procedures on the group’s business plan, cash flow
forecasts and from knowledge arising from other areas of the audit;
• verifying inputs against the board-approved business plan, cash flow forecasts and debt facility terms, and reconciling the opening
liquidity position to the year end position as at 30 September 2023;
• reviewing borrowing facilities to confirm both their availability to the group and the forecast debt repayments through the going concern
assessment period and to validate that there are only two financial covenants in relation to the revolving credit facility;
• evaluating management’s historical forecasting accuracy and the consistency of the going concern assessment with information
obtained from other areas of the audit, such as our audit procedures on the business plan and cash flow forecasts which underpin
management’s goodwill impairment assessments;
• testing the assessment, including forecast liquidity under base and downside scenarios, for clerical accuracy;
• assessing whether assumptions made, including those relating to current economic challenges, were reasonable and in the case of
downside scenarios, appropriately severe, in light of the group’s relevant principal risks and uncertainties and our own independent
assessment of those risks;
• assessing management’s considerations related to material climate change impacts in the going concern period;
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC continued
• evaluating the amount and timing of identified mitigating actions available to respond to a severe but plausible downside scenario, and
whether those actions are feasible and within the group’s control;
• performing independent stress testing on management’s assumptions including applying incremental adverse cash flow sensitivities.
Our sensitivities included the impact of certain severe but plausible scenarios identified in other areas of our audit, including litigation
and tax, materialising within the going concern period; and,
• performing reverse stress testing on management’s base case scenario to understand how severe conditions would have to be to breach
liquidity or financial covenants and whether the reduction in EBITDA that result in breaches to liquidity or financial covenants has no
more than a remote possibility of occurring;
• assessing the appropriateness of the going concern disclosure on page 182.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually
or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the period to
30 November 2024.
In relation to the group and parent company’s reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing
material to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors
considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this
report. However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the group’s ability to
continue as a going concern.
Materiality • Overall group materiality of £156m which represents 5% of profit before tax.
In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative coverage of
significant accounts in the financial statements, of the 394 reporting components of the group, we selected 18 (2022: 19) components
covering entities within Australia, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Morocco, Poland, Spain, the UK and the USA., which represent the
principal business units within the group.
Of the 18 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 5 components (“full scope components”)
which were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 13 components (“specific scope components”), we
performed audit procedures on specific accounts within that component that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on
the significant accounts in the group financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile.
The table below illustrates the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.
2023 2022
% of group % of group
PBT (on PBT (on
absolute % of group % of group absolute % of group % of group
Reporting components Number basis) 1 Revenue Assets Number basis) 1 Revenue Assets
Full scope 5 70% 63% 79% 5 73% 60% 70%
Specific scope 13 14% 18% 13% 14 18% 23% 19%
Specified procedures 22 0% 0% 1% 18 0% 0% 1%
Full, specific, and specified
procedures coverage 40 84% 81% 93% 37 91% 83% 90%
Remaining components 354 16% 19% 7% 357 9% 17% 10%
Total reporting components 394 100% 100% 100% 394 100% 100% 100%
1. Coverage of profit before tax measured on an absolute basis for each component (components with a loss would be added to both the numerator and denominator).
Imperial Brands has centralised processes and controls in relation to certain accounts managed by its Finance Shared Services (“FSS”)
centres in Manila and Krakow. Members of the group engagement team provided direct oversight, review, and coordination of the EY FSS
audit teams. The EY FSS audit teams performed centralised testing for certain accounts covered at the Imperial Brands’ FSS locations,
including revenue and receivables and purchases and payables. In establishing our overall approach to the group audit, we determined the
work that needed to be undertaken at each of the locations by the group engagement team or by auditors from local EY teams.
The group audit team continued to follow a programme of planned visits that has been designed to ensure that the Senior Statutory Auditor,
and other group Partners, visit all full scope and other key locations. During the current year’s audit cycle, visits were undertaken by the
primary audit team to the component teams in Germany, Morocco, Spain and the USA. These visits involved discussing the audit approach
with the component team and any issues arising from their work, meeting with local management, and reviewing relevant audit working
papers on risk areas. The primary team interacted regularly with the component teams, where appropriate, during various stages of the
audit, reviewed relevant working papers and were responsible for the scope and direction of the audit process. At critical periods of the
audit, we increased the use of online collaboration tools to facilitate team meetings, information sharing and the evaluation, review and
oversight of component teams. We requested more detailed deliverables from component teams, and we utilised fully the interactive
capability of EY Canvas, our global audit workflow tool, to review remotely the relevant underlying work performed. For the UK
components, communication has been maintained throughout the audit with the Senior Statutory Auditor covering the same areas
described above applicable to all non-UK component teams. This, together with the additional procedures performed at group level, gave us
appropriate evidence for our opinion on the group financial statements.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC continued
Climate change
There has been increasing interest from stakeholders as to how climate change will impact Imperial Brands. The group has determined
that the most significant future impacts from climate change on their operations will be from:
• an increase in material costs due to increases in operating costs of suppliers and raw materials;
• increased costs from emerging regulation such as carbon taxation;
• changes in the tobacco crop yield that may lead to agricultural supply chain disruption; and,
• other impacts that may cause supply chain disruption or affect production capacity, namely:
These are explained on pages 70 to 81 in the required Task Force for Climate related Financial Disclosures, which form part of the “Other
information,” rather than the audited financial statements. Our procedures on these unaudited disclosures therefore consisted solely of
considering whether they are materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or
otherwise appear to be materially misstated, in line with our responsibilities on “Other information”.
In planning and performing our audit we assessed the potential impacts of climate change on the group’s business and any consequential
material impact on its financial statements.
As explained in note 2, Accounting estimates and judgements, governmental and societal responses to climate change risks are still
developing, and are interdependent upon each other, and consequently financial statements cannot capture all possible future outcomes
as these are not yet known. The degree of certainty of these changes may also mean that they cannot be taken into account when
determining asset and liability valuations and the timing of future cash flows under the requirements of UK adopted international
accounting standards.
Our audit effort in considering the impact of climate change on the financial statements was focused on evaluating management’s
assessment of the impact of physical and transition climate risk, and ensuring that the effects of material climate risks disclosed on
page 75 have been appropriately reflected in asset values and associated disclosures where values are determined through modelling
future cash flows, being goodwill and intangible assets impairment assessment (note 11) and the recoverability of deferred tax assets
(note 22). We also challenged the Directors’ considerations of climate change in their assessment and disclosure of going concern (note 1)
and viability.
Whilst the group have stated their commitment to the aspirations of the Paris Agreement to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, the group
are currently unable to determine the full future economic impact on their business model, operational plans and customers to achieve this
and therefore as set out above the potential impacts are not fully incorporated in these financial statements.
Based on our work we have not identified the impact of climate change on the financial statements to be a key audit matter or to impact a
key audit matter.
Our remaining procedures, applicable to all full and specific scope components
included the following:
• Cut-off testing for a sample of revenue transactions near the period end to check that
they were recognised in the appropriate period;
• Targeted manual journal entry testing in response to the risk of fraud; and,
• Review of disclosures against the requirements of IFRS 15
The audit procedures performed to address this risk were performed by component and
shared service centre teams and reviewed by the group team.
• Manipulation of reported margins to • Challenged the timing of recognition of one-off costs and whether the classification
overstate operating profits; of any costs as adjusting is in line with group policy and disclosed appropriately.
• Incorrect classification of items as adjusting • Evaluated the classification of one-off adjustments for indicators of management
costs in order to manipulate the bias, in particular whether both income and expense items are treated consistently.
adjusted operating profit metric; In respect of our focus on working capital metrics, we have:
• Errors relating to working capital metrics,
particularly focused on inappropriate cash • Performed cut-off testing at year end on working capital balances to a lower testing
cut-off to manipulate working capital and threshold. Namely, on trade receivables, inventory and trade payables to ensure that
therefore the adjusted operating cash working capital metrics are not recorded pre year end and then reversed post year
conversion metric; end to manipulate the adjusted operating cash conversion metric.
• Incorrect reporting of ESG metrics on which • Performed detailed, disaggregated analytical review to identify unusual trends and
aspects of executive remuneration are based. positions in key significant accounts such as cash, trade receivables, trade payables
and inventory to identify potential manipulation of these balances that would
influence working capital balances.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC continued
• Conducted in-person and remote site visits to understand local level ESG
performance and data collection processes;
• Obtained an understanding of the process for collecting, collating and reporting the
ESG metrics during the reporting period;
• Performed analytical review procedures to understand the appropriateness of
the data.
• Performed testing, on a sample basis, against underlying source information to check
the accuracy and completeness of the data and the appropriate application of the
ESG criteria.
We consider that items identified as being adjusted are appropriate and in line with the revised group accounting policy.
Following our procedures performed over working capital metrics, we consider these balances are materially correct.
We did not identify any issues with regards the completeness, accuracy or appropriateness of data used in the application of ESG criteria
related to executive remuneration.
Uncertain tax positions (Provision for uncertain We challenged management’s judgements using tax specialists, both domestic and
tax positions – 2023: £189m, 2022: £148m) overseas, to provide technical support regarding developments in the period and to
consider whether the amounts provided reflected an appropriate best estimate of the
The global nature of the group’s operations expected economic outflow.
results in complexities in the payment of, and
accounting for, tax. The group audit team, including tax specialists, evaluated the tax consequences of the
transactions undertaken in the period. We confirmed that the tax figures appropriately
Management applies judgement in assessing reflect the transactions and there are no additional material risks for which an
tax exposures in each jurisdiction, many of uncertain tax position (UTP) should be recorded.
which require interpretation of local tax laws.
We challenged whether the tax exposures identified were complete. Our work included
Given this judgement, there is a risk that tax inquiring with management regarding the current status of discussions with tax
provisions are misstated. authorities, the impact of legislative developments and the review of transfer
Refer to the audit committee report (page 138); pricing policies.
accounting policies (note 1); accounting We assessed whether the group’s disclosures, detailing the year end status of material
estimates and judgements (note 2); and tax open tax inquiries, adequately disclose relevant facts and circumstances and potential
disclosure (note 7) of the consolidated liabilities of the group.
financial statements.
The audit procedures were designed and led by the group audit team, with support from
component teams whose work was reviewed by the group audit team.
Litigation We evaluated the processes and controls over litigation operated by management at
group, by walking through the process from identification of potential litigation to the
There are a number of ongoing legal cases in evaluation of probability of outcome and the quantification and recording of a provision
different jurisdictions relating to competition, or disclosure of a contingent liability.
product liability, intellectual property and
commercial litigation. Significant judgements are We inspected Imperial’s litigation log and communications to the Executive Leadership
involved in determining the likelihood of a Team and met with group Finance and group General Legal Counsel to discuss the
probable outflow occurring from legal cases, developments in significant cases.
together with the estimate of the likely financial
cost. The group’s assessment includes evaluating
In the prior year, our auditor’s report included a key audit matter in We determined materiality for the parent company to be £210
relation to the measurement and classification of adjusting items. million (2022: £309 million), which is 2% (2022: 2%) of net assets. In
This year, the key audit matter has been expanded to focus on performing our procedures, materiality was capped at the group
management override of controls or errors related to KPIs allocated materiality of £35 million (2022: £30 million).
impacting executive remuneration. We remain focussed on the
manipulation of adjusted measures, working capital balances that Performance materiality
impact the adjusted operating cash conversion metric, and the The application of materiality at the individual account or balance
appropriateness of the classification of items as adjusting. In the level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level
current year we added focus on reported margins and specific ESG the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected
metrics which are also linked to executive remuneration. misstatements exceeds materiality.
Both in the current year and prior year, our auditor’s report On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our
includes key audit matters in relation to revenue recognition assessment of the group’s overall control environment, our
including management override, uncertain tax positions and judgement was that performance materiality was 75% (2022: 75%)
litigation. The risk associated with these matters remained of our planning materiality, namely £117 million (2022: £95 million).
consistent with the prior year.
Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining
Our application of materiality audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing undertaken based on a percentage of total performance
the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on materiality. The performance materiality set for each component
the audit and in forming our audit opinion. is based on the relative scale and risk of the component to the
group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement
Materiality at that component. In the current year, the range of performance
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually materiality allocated to components was £23 million to £35 million
or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the (2022: £19 million to £30 million).
economic decisions of the users of the financial statements.
Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent Reporting threshold
of our audit procedures. An amount below which identified misstatements are considered
as being clearly trivial.
We determined materiality for the group to be £156 million (2022:
£126 million), which is 5% of Profit before tax (2022: 5% of Profit We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them
before tax). We believe that Profit before tax provides the most all uncorrected audit differences in excess of £8 million (2022:
relevant performance measure to the stakeholders of the group. £6 million), which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as
differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted
reporting on qualitative grounds.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC continued
We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the Corporate Governance Statement
quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light We have reviewed the directors’ statement in relation to going
of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion. concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate
Governance Statement relating to the group and company’s
Other information compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance
The other information comprises the information included in the Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules.
annual report set out on pages 1 to 168, other than the financial
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have
responsible for the other information contained within the concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate
annual report. Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial
statements or our knowledge obtained during the audit:
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other
information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated • Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of
in this report, we do not express any form of assurance adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any
conclusion thereon. material uncertainties identified set out on page 128;
• Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the company’s
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent is appropriate set out on page 110 to 111;
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the • Director’s statement on whether it has a reasonable expectation
course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially that the group will be able to continue in operation and meets its
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent liabilities set out on page 111;
material misstatements, we are required to determine whether • Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set
this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial out on page 128;
statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, • Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other of the emerging and principal risks set out on page 128;
information, we are required to report that fact. • The section of the annual report that describes the review of
We have nothing to report in this regard. effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems
set out on page 100 to 101; and;
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the • The section describing the work of the audit committee set out
Companies Act 2006 on page 135 to 136.
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be
audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement
Companies Act 2006.
set out on page 168, the directors are responsible for the
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that
the audit: they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
• the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ financial statements that are free from material misstatement,
report for the financial year for which the financial statements whether due to fraud or error.
are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
• the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible
in accordance with applicable legal requirements. for assessing the group and parent company’s ability to continue
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to
Matters on which we are required to report by exception going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the
the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic
the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the alternative but to do so.
strategic report or the directors’ report.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in financial statements
relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
you if, in our opinion: the financial statements as a whole are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent
auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been
a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit
received from branches not visited by us; or
conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a
• the parent company financial statements and the part of the
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence
• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these
are not made; or
financial statements.
• we have not received all the information and explanations we
require for our audit
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements on pages 178 to 262 were approved by the Board of Directors on 13 November 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
Lukas Paravicini
Director
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Equity
Share attributable
premium Exchange to owners Non-
Share and capital Retained translation of the controlling Total
£ million capital redemption earnings reserve parent interests equity
At 1 October 2022 103 5,837 (443) 1,363 6,860 613 7,473
Profit for the year – – 2,328 – 2,328 128 2,456
Exchange movements on retranslation of net assets – – – (942) (942) (15) (957)
Exchange movements on net investment hedges – – – 427 427 – 427
Exchange movements on quasi-equity loans – – – 22 22 – 22
Hyperinflation adjustment in the year – – 5 – 5 – 5
Current tax on hedge of net investments and quasi-equity loans – – – (115) (115) – (115)
Net actuarial losses on retirement benefits – – (376) – (376) – (376)
Deferred tax relating to net actuarial losses on retirement benefits – – 135 – 135 – 135
Other comprehensive expense – – (236) (608) (844) (15) (859)
Total comprehensive income/(expense) – – 2,092 (608) 1,484 113 1,597
Transactions with owners
Costs of employees’ services compensated by share schemes – – 41 – 41 – 41
Repurchase of shares (6) 6 (1,006) – (1,006) – (1,006)
Changes in non-controlling interests – – 1 – 1 (1) –
Deferred tax on share-based payments – – 1 – 1 – 1
Registration of put/call option – – (48) – (48) – (48)
Dividends paid – – (1,312) – (1,312) (104) (1,416)
At 30 September 2023 97 5,843 (674) 755 6,021 621 6,642
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Under the reverse stress test scenario, after considering mitigation
Basis of preparation actions including reductions of capital expenditure, dividend
The consolidated financial statements comprise the results of the payments and share buyback programme, we have modelled that
Company, a public company limited by shares, incorporated in a 38% EBITDA reduction would lead the Group to have sufficient
England and Wales, and its subsidiary undertakings, together with headroom until April 2024. The Group believes this reverse stress
the Group’s share of the results of its associates and joint test scenario to be remote given the relatively small impact on our
arrangements. The Company’s registered number is 3236483 and trading performance and bad debt levels during the COVID-19
its registered address is 121 Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2LL. pandemic, as well as the current political situation in Ukraine.
In this scenario Group would implement a number of mitigating
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in actions including revoking the uncommitted dividend, pausing the
accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards share buyback and reducing discretionary spend such as capex.
(“UK-adopted IAS”).
Based on its review of future cash flows covering the period
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical through to November 2024, and having assessed the principal
cost convention except where fair value measurement is required risks facing the Group, the Board is of the opinion that the Group as
under IFRS as described below in the accounting policies on a whole and Imperial Brands PLC have adequate resources to meet
financial instruments, and on a going concern basis. their operational needs from the date of this report through to
30 November 2024 and concludes that it is appropriate to prepare
The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds the financial statements on a going concern basis.
sterling, the presentation currency of the Group, and the functional
currency of the Company. All values are rounded to the nearest Imperial Brands PLC (the Company) provides guarantees to a
one million (£1 million) except where otherwise indicated. number of subsidiaries under section 479A of the Companies Act
2006, whereby the subsidiaries, incorporated in the UK and Ireland,
Alternative performance measures are exempt from the requirements of the Act relating to the audit
Information on Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) is of individual accounts for the financial year ending 30 September
presented within the Supplementary Information section of 2023. See note VIII Guarantees of the Imperial Brands PLC financial
this document. statements for further details.
Basis for going concern The principal accounting policies, which have been applied
The Group’s policy is to ensure that we always have sufficient consistently other than where new policies (detailed below) have
capital markets funding and committed bank facilities in place to been adopted, are set out below.
meet foreseeable peak borrowing requirements.
Basis of consolidation
The Group recognises uncertainty of the external environment. Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Group. Control exists
During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as during when the Group is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable returns
ongoing period of political uncertainty with regard to Ukraine and from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect
Russia, the Group effectively managed operations across the those returns through its power over the entity. The financial
world, and has proved it has an established mechanism to operate statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial
efficiently despite uncertainty. The Directors consider that a one- statements from the date that control commences until the date that
off discrete event with immediate cash outflow is of greatest control ceases. Where necessary, accounting policies of subsidiaries
concern to the short-term liquidity of the Group. are changed to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by
the Group.
The Directors have assessed the emerging and principal risks of
the business, including stress testing a range of different scenarios The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the
that may affect the business. These included scenarios which purchase of subsidiaries. The excess of the value transferred to
examined the implications of: the seller in return for control of the acquired business together
with the fair value of any previously held equity interest in that
• A one-off discrete event resulting in immediate cash outflow
business over the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable
such as unexpected duty and tax payments, and/or other legal
net assets is recorded as goodwill.
and regulatory risks materialising, of c.£500m.
• A rapid and lasting deterioration to the Group’s profitability Intragroup transactions, balances and unrealised gains on
because markets become closed to tobacco products or there are transactions between Group companies are eliminated.
sustained failures to our tobacco manufacturing and supply Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless costs cannot
chains. These assumed a permanent reduction in profitability of be recovered.
15 per cent from 1 October 2023.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
For the Distribution business, revenue comprises the invoiced Uncertain tax positions are assessed and measured on an issue
value for the sale of goods and services net of sales taxes, rebates by issue basis within the jurisdictions where we operate using
and discounts when goods have been delivered or distribution management’s estimate of the most likely outcome. Where
services have been provided. The Distribution business only management determines that a greater than 50% probability exists
recognises commission revenue on purchase and sale that the tax authorities would accept the position taken in the tax
transactions in which it acts as a commission agent. Distribution return, amounts are recognised in the consolidated financial
and marketing commissions are included in revenue. Revenue is statements on that basis. Where the amount of tax payable or
recognised on products on consignment when these are sold by recoverable is uncertain, the Group recognises a liability or asset
the consignee. based on either: management’s judgement of the most likely
outcome; or, when there is a wide range of possible outcomes, a
Payments are made to both direct and indirect customers for rebates, probability weighted average approach. The Group recognises
discounts and other promotional activities. Direct customers are interest on late paid taxes as part of financing costs. The Group
those to which the Group supplies goods or services. Indirect recognises penalties, if applicable, as part of administrative and
customers are other entities within the supply chain to the end other expenses.
consumer. Rebates and discounts are deducted from revenue.
Where the contract with customers has an entitlement to variable Deferred tax is provided in full on temporary differences between
consideration due to the existence of retrospective rebates and the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial
discounts, revenue is estimated based on the amount of statements and the tax base, except if it arises from the initial
consideration expected to be received. This estimation is a recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction, other than a
determination of the most likely amount to be received using business combination, that at the time of the transaction affects
all known factors including historic experience. Typically there neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is
is a high degree of certainty over the amount of retrospective provided on temporary differences arising on investments in
rebates/discounts paid due to relatively low year-on-year subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the
variations in the volume and pattern of product sales. As the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable
provision of distribution services typically involves product that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable
delivery tasks undertaken in a short period of time, revenue and future. Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it
any associated rebates and discounts relating to these services is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
do not normally span an accounting year end. which the assets can be realised. Deferred tax is determined using
the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at
Payments for promotional activities will also be deducted from the balance sheet date, and are expected to apply when the
revenue where the payments relate to goods or service that are deferred tax liability is settled or the deferred tax asset is realised.
closely related to or indistinct from associated sales of goods or
services to that customer. The calculated costs are accrued and Dividends
accounted for as incurred and matched as a deduction from the Final dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which
associated revenues (i.e. excluded from revenues reported in the the dividends are approved by shareholders, whereas interim
Group’s consolidated income statement). dividends are recognised in the period in which the dividends
are paid.
Duty and similar items
Duty and similar items includes duty and levies having the Intangible assets – goodwill
characteristics of duty. In countries where duty is a production tax, Goodwill represents the excess of value transferred to the seller in
duty is included in revenue and in cost of sales in the consolidated return for control of the acquired business together with the fair
income statement. Duty is regarded as a sales tax and excluded value of any previously held equity interest in that business over
from revenue where: the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets.
• duty becomes payable to the tax authority when the goods Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment and carried at
are sold; cost less accumulated impairment losses. Any impairment is
• there is an obligation to change the sales price when a change recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement
in the rate of duty is imposed; and and cannot be subsequently reversed. If any negative goodwill
• there is a requirement to identify the duty separately on sales arises this is recognised immediately in the income statement.
information such as invoices. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to
groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from
Payments made in the USA under the Master Settlement
the business combination in which the goodwill arose.
Agreement are recognised in other cost of sales, for further
disclosure see note 29 contingent liabilities. Intangible assets – other
Other intangible assets are initially recognised in the consolidated
Taxes balance sheet at historical cost unless they are acquired as part of
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for a business combination, in which case they are initially
the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the
recognised at fair value. They are shown in the balance sheet at
balance sheet date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect historical cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.
of previous years. The Group does not operate a revaluation model and therefore
assets are not subject to ongoing revaluations.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses Provisions
the incremental borrowing rate, defined as the rate of interest that A provision is recognised in the consolidated balance sheet when
a lessee would have to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past
a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a event, it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be
similar value to the right of use asset in a similar economic required to settle that obligation, and a reliable estimate of the
environment, at the lease commencement date if the interest amount can be made.
rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the
commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group
to reflect the accumulation of interest and reduced for the lease has approved a detailed formal restructuring plan, and the
payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease restructuring has either commenced or has been publicly
liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the announced, and it is more likely than not that the plan will be
lease term, a change in the in-substance fixed lease payments or a implemented, and the amount required to settle any obligations
change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset. arising can be reliably estimated. Future operating losses are not
provided for.
Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low value
assets are recognised as expense on a straight line basis over Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood
the lease term in cost of sales or distribution, advertising and that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by
selling costs. considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is
recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any
Short term leases, leases of low value assets and practical one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.
expedients applied
The Group has applied a number of practical expedients permitted Contingent liabilities
by IFRS 16. These include; Contingent liabilities are possible obligations that arise from
past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the
• the exclusion of leases where the lease term ends within occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future
12 months of the commencement of the lease or date of initial events, not wholly within the control of the Group. Contingent
application; and liabilities are not recognised, only disclosed, unless the possibility
• the exclusion of leases of low value assets, defined as those of of a future outflow of resources is considered remote, or where a
less than US$5,000. disclosure would seriously prejudice the position of the Group.
IFRS 16 was applied using the modified retrospective method, to Retirement benefit schemes
contracts that were previously identified as operating leases in For defined benefit schemes, the amount recognised in the
accordance with IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The Group has elected to; consolidated balance sheet is the difference between the present
value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date
• apply hindsight in determining the lease term if the contract and the fair value of the scheme assets to the extent that they are
contains options to extend or terminate the lease; demonstrably recoverable either by refund or a reduction in future
• exclude initial direct costs from the measurement of the right of contributions. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually
use asset; and by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method.
• use a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined
similar characteristics. by discounting the estimated future cash flows using interest
These elections were only applied on transition to IFRS 16 and rates of high quality corporate bonds that are denominated in
have not been applied to new leases following adoption of the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have
the standard. terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related
pension obligation.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The service cost of providing retirement benefits to employees
Cost is determined using the first in first out (FIFO) method. during the year is charged to operating profit. Past service costs
The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw are recognised immediately in operating profit, unless the changes
materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production to the pension plan are conditional on the employees remaining in
overheads (based on normal operating capacity). Net realisable service for a specified period of time.
value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of
business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling
expenses. Inventory is considered for obsolescence or other
impairment issues and an associated provision is booked
where necessary.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Imperial Brands comprises two distinct businesses – Tobacco & NGP and Distribution. The Tobacco & NGP business comprises the
manufacture, marketing and sale of Tobacco & NGP and Tobacco & NGP-related products, including sales to (but not by) the Distribution
business. The Distribution business comprises the distribution of Tobacco & NGP products for Tobacco & NGP product manufacturers,
including Imperial Brands, as well as a wide range of non-Tobacco & NGP products and services. The Distribution business is run on an
operationally neutral basis ensuring all customers are treated equally, and consequently transactions between the Tobacco & NGP and
Distribution businesses are undertaken on an arm’s length basis reflecting market prices for comparable goods and services.
On 1 October 2022 the Group reorganised the structure of the Europe and AAA regions. The Central and Eastern Europe cluster, which
includes operations in Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Slovenia, moved from the
Europe region to the AAA region. The AAA region has been re-named AAACE. The managerial and internal reporting structures of the
regions have been revised to reflect the new structure. Following the introduction of these changes we have revised our segmental
reporting as required under IFRS 8. The comparative figures below have been restated accordingly
The function of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (defined in IFRS 8), which is to review performance and allocate resources, is performed
by the Board and the Chief Executive, who are regularly provided with information on the Group's segments. This information is used as the
basis of the segment revenue and profit disclosures provided below. The main profit measure used by the Board and the Chief Executive is
adjusted operating profit. Segment balance sheet information is not provided to the Board or the Chief Executive.
The Group's reportable segments are Europe, Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Central and Eastern Europe (AAACE) and Distribution.
Operating segments are comprised of geographical groupings of business markets. The main Tobacco & NGP business markets within the
Europe, Americas and AAACE reportable segments are:
Europe – United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands.
AAACE – Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and our African markets
including Algeria and Morocco.
Distribution
£ million unless otherwise indicated 2023 2022
Revenue 10,819 9,756
Distribution gross profit 1,466 1,046
Operating profit 298 212
Adjusted operating profit 306 254
Adjusted operating margin % 20.9 24.3
2022
£ million 2023 (restated)
Tobacco & NGP
Europe 1,482 1,447
Americas 1,257 1,179
AAACE 844 815
Total Tobacco & NGP 3,583 3,441
Distribution 306 254
Eliminations (2) (1)
Adjusted operating profit 3,887 3,694
Russia, Ukraine and associated markets – Tobacco & NGP (4) (399)
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles – Tobacco & NGP (339) (323)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles – Distribution (8) (26)
Restructuring costs – Tobacco & NGP – (197)
Fair value adjustment and impairment of other financial assets – Tobacco & NGP (36) (37)
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries – Tobacco & NGP (1) (13)
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries – Distribution – (16)
Acquisition and disposal costs – Tobacco & NGP – (5)
Excise tax provision – Tobacco & NGP – 9
Charges related to legal provisions – Tobacco & NGP (85) –
Structural changes to defined benefit pension schemes – Tobacco & NGP (12) (4)
Operating profit 3,402 2,683
Net finance costs (298) (117)
Share of profit/(loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method 7 (15)
Profit before tax 3,111 2,551
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Other information
2022
2023 (restated)
Additions Depreciation Additions Depreciation
to property, and to property, and
plant and software plant and software
£ million equipment amortisation equipment amortisation
Tobacco & NGP
Europe 69 79 44 76
Americas 36 20 31 25
AAACE 46 41 41 52
Total Tobacco & NGP 151 140 116 153
Distribution 40 41 29 32
Total Group 191 181 145 185
2022
2023 (restated)
External Non-current External Non-current
£ million revenue assets revenue assets
UK 3,926 148 4,286 149
Germany 4,142 3,245 4,238 3,280
France 3,428 2,350 3,215 2,371
USA 3,657 5,646 3,726 6,430
Other 17,322 7,553 17,086 7,490
Total Group 32,475 18,942 32,551 19,720
Non-current assets comprise intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, right of use assets and investments accounted for using the
equity method. Note the comparative figure has been restated to include right of use assets.
Analysis of fees payables to Ernst & Young LLP and its associates
£ million 2023 2022
Parent Company and consolidated financial statements 2.7 2.2
The Company’s subsidiaries 6.1 5.6
Total audit fees 8.8 7.8
Audit-related assurance services 0.5 0.4
Total audit-related fees 9.3 8.2
Other assurance services 0.5 0.6
Total non-audit fees 0.5 0.6
Total auditor’s remuneration 9.8 8.8
Analysed by workstream:
2023 2022
Cumulative Cumulative cash
£ million Costs Cash spend cash spend Costs Cash spend spend
2021 Strategic review programme – 61 165 197 56 104
Other – 37 1,276 – 35 1,239
– 98 1,441 197 91 1,343
Restructuring projects involve significant one-off costs that are incurred in integrating acquired businesses and in major rationalisation
and optimisation initiatives together with their related tax effects.
As these projects are not part of business as usual, any costs incurred are classified as restructuring costs and are included within
administrative and other expenses in the consolidated income statement and treated as adjusting items.
No accounting charges are now expected to be recognised in relation to historic restructuring programmes, however there remains some
ongoing cash costs to be incurred which are not expected to be in excess of existing provisions.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
7. TAX
The major components of income tax expense for the years ended 30 September 2023 and 2022 are:
£ million 2023 2022
UK current tax
Current year (credited)/charged to the consolidated income statement (55) 217
Current year charged/(credited) to consolidated other comprehensive income 115 (158)
Total current year UK current tax 60 59
Adjustments in respect of prior years charged to the consolidated income statement 15 149
Total UK current tax 75 208
Total current tax charged to the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 928 762
Deferred tax
Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences (158) (34)
Total tax charged to the consolidated income statement 655 886
Differences in effective tax rates on overseas earnings represents the impact of worldwide profits being taxed at rates different from 22.0%.
The remeasurement of deferred tax balances arising from changes in tax rates for the year is £nil (2022: £4 million).
During the year the Group has increased the provision for deferred tax on unremitted earnings by £5 million (2022: £26 million decrease).
The tax will arise on the distribution of profits through the Group and on planned Group simplification.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
The cash tax paid in the year is £223 million lower than the current tax charge (2022: £239 million lower). This arises as a result of timing
differences between the accrual of income taxes and the actual payment of cash and the movement in the provision for uncertain
tax positions.
Provisions arising from uncertain tax positions taken in the calculation of tax assets and liabilities are included within current tax
liabilities. At 30 September 2023 the total value of these provisions excluding compensating assets under mutual agreement procedure was
£261 million (2022: £215 million excluding compensating assets, 2022: £148 million including compensating assets). The assessment of
uncertain tax positions is subjective and significant management judgement is required. This judgement is based on current interpretation
of legislation, management experience and professional advice. Until matters are finally concluded it is possible that amounts ultimately
paid will be different from the amounts provided.
Management have assessed the Group’s provision for uncertain tax positions and have concluded that apart from the matters referred to
below the provisions in place are not material individually or in aggregate, and that a reasonably possible change in the next financial year
would not have a material impact on the results of the Group.
Based on the Commission’s decision and despite the appeals, the UK Government was obliged to recover state aid received. Whilst the
Group’s position remains that no state aid has been received, in February 2021 a recovery charging notice for £101 million was issued to the
Group by HMRC and has since been paid.
In June 2022 the European General Court rejected the appeals. Whilst this decision has been appealed to the Court of Justice of the
European Union (CJEU) and the appeal may possibly be successful, in the light of the European General Court’s decision, during 2022 the
Group reassessed recoverability of the £101 million previously recorded as a receivable and determined it was appropriate to provide in full.
In December 2021 the Group concluded a transfer pricing audit with the French tax authorities. In September 2022 the Group concluded
transfer pricing audits with the UK and German tax authorities. Settlements of the French and UK audits were made during 2022.
Settlement of the German audit was made during 2023. In September 2023 an additional separate transfer pricing audit was opened
by the German tax authorities.
The Group believes the transfer pricing provision held above appropriately provides for this and other transfer pricing issues.
8. DIVIDENDS
Distributions to ordinary equity holders
£ million 2023 2022 2021
Paid interim of 43.18 pence per share (2022: 42.54 pence, 2021: 42.12 pence)
• Paid June 2021 – – 199
• Paid September 2021 – – 199
• Paid December 2021 – – 458
• Paid June 2022 – 202 –
• Paid September 2022 – 202 –
• Paid December 2022 – 464 –
• Paid June 2023 196 – –
• Paid September 2023 195 – –
Interim dividend paid 391 868 856
Proposed third interim of 51.82 pence per share (2022: 49.31 pence, 2021: 48.48 pence)
• To be paid December 2023 466 – –
Interim dividend proposed 466 – –
Proposed final of 51.82 pence per share (2022: 49.32 pence, 2021: 48.48 pence)
• Paid March 2022 – – 458
• Paid March 2023 – 457 –
• To be paid March 2024 465 – –
Final dividend 465 457 458
Total ordinary share dividends of 146.82 pence per share (2022: 141.17 pence, 2021: 139.08 pence) 1,322 1,325 1,314
The proposed third interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2023 of 51.82 pence per share amounts to a proposed dividend of
£466 million, which will be paid in December 2023. The proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2023 of 51.82 pence per
share amounts to a proposed dividend payment of £465 million in March 2024 based on the number of shares ranking for dividend at
30 September 2023, and is subject to shareholder approval. If approved, the total dividend paid in respect of 2023 will be £1,322 million
(2022: £1,325 million). The dividend paid during 2023 is £1,312 million (2022: £1,320 million).
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Earnings: basic and diluted – attributable to owners of the Parent Company 2,328 1,570
Millions of shares
Pence
Logista
Acquisition of Speedlink Worldwide Express B.V.
On 16 February 2022, the Group’s subsidiary Logista acquired 70% of the share capital of Speedlink Worldwide Express B.V. for a purchase
consideration of €20 million (£16 million) which has been paid in cash. There is an intention to purchase the remaining 30% of share capital
over the next two years. As effective control has been achieved through this acquisition, Speedlink Worldwide Express B.V. has been
consolidated as a subsidiary within the Group with a 65% minority interest. Goodwill of €12 million (£10 million), intangible assets of
€15 million (£13 million) and deferred tax liability of €4 million (£3 million) were recognised on acquisition.
Transportes El Mosca offers national and international intermodal transport services by road, sea and air, as well as frozen or refrigerated
transport. The main destination markets for the international road transport activity are the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, France,
the Netherlands, and Italy, and its clients are mainly producers and large distribution chains in the food sector.
The total purchase consideration for the 60% initial shareholding is €99 million (£86 million) with €1 million (£1 million) remaining as a
current liability as at 30 September 2023. The agreement contemplates cross-call and call options for the remaining 40% exercisable over a
3-year time horizon. At 30 September 2023 goodwill of €39 million (£33 million) has been recognised relating to this acquisition which has
been assigned to the Distribution segment. The valuation of the assets at fair value has been carried out by an independent expert. This
valuation includes, as intangible assets, Customer Relationships for €42 million (£38 million) and Trademarks for €5 million (£4 million).
On 3 August 2023, Logista announced the acquisition of an additional 13.33% of equity for a consideration of €23 million (£20 million),
increasing its total ownership to 73.33%.
At 30 September 2023, Logista has a purchase option for the remaining 26.67%, which is recorded at fair value as a non-current liability for
an amount of €25 million (£22 million) and a current liability for an amount of €25 million (£22 million), with a corresponding adjustment
taken to equity reserves. The equity movement of €56 million (£48 million) is calculated based on the initial valuation of the call options at
fair value of €75 million (£65 million) , reduced by the minority interests arising from the purchase transaction of €17 million (£14 million)
and those arising from the profit for the year generated by the acquired company.
The ordinary income and net profit that would have contributed to the consolidated income statement if Transportes El Mosca had been
acquired on 1 October 2022 is not significantly different from the figures indicated in the previous paragraph.
The total consideration for the shares acquired was €55 million (£46 million) of which €51 million (£42 million) was paid in cash at the time
of the purchase with €4 million (£4 million) outstanding as at 30 September 2023.
As at 30 September 2023, goodwill of €36 million (£31 million) has been recognised which has been assigned to the Distribution segment.
The valuation of the assets at fair value has been carried out by an independent expert. This valuation includes, as intangible assets,
Customer Relationships for €20 million (£17 million) and Trademarks for €1 million (£1 million).
The revenue and net profit that were contributed to the consolidated income statement for the period ended 30 September 2023 totalled
€63 million (£55 million) and €5 million (£4 million) respectively.
The revenue and net profit that were contributed to the consolidated income statement for the period ended 30 September 2023 totalled
€2 million (£2 million) and €18 thousand (£16 thousand) respectively. The ordinary income and net profit that would have contributed to the
consolidated income statement if the company had been acquired on 1 October 2022 is not significantly different from the figures indicated
in the previous paragraph.
The amounts of the assets and liabilities arising from the following acquisitions during the year ending 30 September 2023 are as follows:
Hernivemol,
S.L.
Carbó (Transportes
Collbatallé S.L. El Mosca) Total
£ million Fair value Fair value Fair value
Property, plant and equipment and right of use assets 29 67 96
Other intangible assets 18 42 60
Other non-current assets – 1 1
Trade receivables and other accounts receivable 10 75 85
Cash and other equivalent liquid assets 3 11 14
Other current assets 1 2 3
Deferred tax liabilities (5) (10) (15)
Trade payables and other accounts payable (16) (55) (71)
Other current financial liabilities – (43) (43)
Other non-current financial liabilities (25) (23) (48)
Total net assets 15 67 82
Less minority interests – (14) (14)
Net assets acquired by the group 15 53 68
Consideration for the acquisition 46 86 132
Goodwill 31 33 64
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Cost
At 1 October 2022 14,228 13,871 1,433 522 30,054
Additions – 136 1 119 256
Acquisitions 67 5 54 2 128
Disposals – (115) – (3) (118)
Reclassifications – (2) – 2 –
Exchange movements (510) (853) (31) (12) (1,406)
At 30 September 2023 13,785 13,042 1,457 630 28,914
2022
Intellectual property
and product Supply
£ million Goodwill development agreements Software Total
Cost
At 1 October 2021 13,417 12,359 1,387 451 27,614
Additions – 20 1 65 86
Acquisitions 10 – 13 – 23
Disposals – – – (8) (8)
Reclassifications 4 – – – 4
Exchange movements 797 1,492 32 14 2,335
At 30 September 2022 14,228 13,871 1,433 522 30,054
Intellectual property mainly comprises brands acquired in the USA in 2015 and through the purchases of Altadis in 2008 and
Commonwealth Brands in 2007.
Supply agreements include Distribution customer relationships acquired as part of the purchase of Altadis, and of Carbó Collbatallé S.L. and
Herinvemol S.L. (Transportes El Mosca) in the current financial year.
Intangible amortisation and impairment are included within administrative and other expenses in the consolidated income statement.
In June 2023 the Group purchased intellectual property relating to tobacco pouches to be marketed within the United States. The purchase
consideration was $130 million (£106 million) comprising $50 million (£41 million) which was paid in cash on completion, deferred
consideration of $31 million (£25 million) expected to be paid in December 2023 and contingent consideration currently estimated at
$49 million (£40 million) payable over a five-year period up until 2028. All deferred and contingent consideration has been discounted at a
rate of 13% and a corresponding consideration liability of $81 million (£66 million) has been recognised. The total initial intangible asset
value recognised was $130 million (£106 million).
One of the requirements of IAS 36 is to undertake an impairment test based on the former CGUG prior to reapportioning intangible assets
to new CGUG in the event of a Group reorganisation. The impairment testing which was undertaken as at 1 October 2022 indicated no
impairment. Therefore there was no requirement to impair any goodwill or brand intangible prior to the reallocation to new CGUG.
Our reportable segments have been updated to Americas, Europe, AAACE and Distribution. The Tobacco & NGP operating segments
continue to be comprised of geographical groupings of business markets. The main Tobacco & NGP business markets that have moved
segments as part of this restructuring are Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova,
Croatia and Slovenia.
Goodwill is allocated to CGUG that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. For the Tobacco &
NGP business, CGUG are based on the markets where the business operates and are grouped in line with the regional structure in operation
during the year. The groupings represent the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. A summary of
the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives is set out below.
Goodwill has arisen principally on the acquisitions of Reemtsma in 2002 (all CGUG), Commonwealth Brands in 2007 (USA), Altadis in 2008
(all CGUG) and ITG Brands in 2015 (USA). Intangible assets with indefinite lives relate to the tobacco trademark, Davidoff, which was
purchased as part of the acquisition of Reemtsma in 2002.
The Group tests goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually, or more frequently if there are any indications
that impairment may have arisen. The value of a CGUG is based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections
derived from financial plans of our Tobacco business which are based on detailed bottom-up market-by-market forecasts of projected sales
volumes for each product line. These forecasts reflect, on an individual market basis, numerous assumptions and estimates regarding
anticipated changes in market size, prices and duty regimes, consumer uptrading and downtrading, consumer preferences and other
changes in product mix, based on long-term market trends, market data, anticipated regulatory developments, and management experience
and expectations. We consider that pricing, market size, market shares and cost inflation are the key assumptions used in our plans.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2023 2022
% Pre-tax Initial Long-term Pre-tax Initial Long-term
discount rate growth rate growth rate discount rate growth rate growth rate
The calculation to determine the value in use involves a discounted future cash flow forecast model. Nominal cash flows are used in the
calculation which will themselves already factor in the effects of inflation. The cash flows are sourced from the Group business plan which
considers and factors in the risk of variability of future business performance and hence cash flow variation. A nominal discount rate is
used within the model based on the Group's weighted average cost of capital which is itself calculated using the Capital Asset Pricing
Model. As risk has been applied within the undiscounted cash flows no adjustment is made to the discount rate for risk, except for the
application of country risk premia over and above the Group weighted average cost of capital where appropriate.
Country-specific discount rates are used based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted for country risk premium. The
impairment review is undertaken at a CGUG level which involves the aggregation of the individual value in use amounts for the individual
countries which constitute each CGUG. Our impairment projections are prepared under the basis set out in IAS 36 which can differ from our
internal plans.
Nominal cash flows from the business plan period are used for year one, two and three, then extrapolated out to year five using the implicit
growth rate, shown in the table above as the initial growth rate. In certain markets, the extrapolated cash flow growth rate can exceed the
long term growth rate based on the business plan being a better reflection of the anticipated initial growth. Estimated long term weighted
average compound growth rates are used beyond year five.
• the nominal GDP growth rates for the country of operation; and
• the extrapolation of the initial growth rates as estimated by management for years one to five.
Long-term growth rates are based on management’s long-term expectations, taking account of industry specific factors such as the nature
of our products, the role of excise in government fiscal policy, and relatively stable and predictable long-term macro trends in the Tobacco
industry. Year on year variations in initial growth rates may result in consequential changes to estimated long term rates.
Europe’s initial growth rate was in line with the prior year. The long term growth rate improved by 0.4%. This primarily reflects
improvements in the UK market where the outlook is forecast to be better than prior year forecast and where the long term growth rate was
not capped by the medium term rate.
Americas was broadly in line with the prior year growth assumptions for the initial and medium growth rate. The key changes which
largely offset each other were the 0.5% increase in long-term growth rate and an increased tax rate by 4%.
AAACE's increases in the initial growth rates are driven by improved initial and medium-term forecasts, which are both due to changes in
the growth outlook for a number of key markets including Taiwan, Ivory Coast and Hungary. Improvements in forecast profitability reflect
actions delivered in line with our strategic goals. The long-term growth rate has improved this year, in the prior year this needed to be
capped to the medium-term rate for a number of the key markets.
The Distribution improved initial growth rate reflects stronger business projections compared to prior year.
At the present time the recoverable amount is significantly in excess of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets. However,
given the uncertainties mentioned above this could change in the future.
Intellectual property and product development intangible assets have also been reviewed to identify potential impairment triggers. No such
impairment triggers were noted in the year ended 30 September 2023 and hence no impairment charge has been incurred (2022: £nil).
No impairment charge (2022: £1 million) was incurred in the year relating to software.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2022
Fixtures
Plant and and motor
£ million Property equipment vehicles Total
Cost
At 30 September 2021 797 2,086 411 3,294
Hyperinflation restatement to 1 October 2021 1 24 2 27
At 1 October 2021 798 2,110 413 3,321
Additions 13 74 58 145
Disposals (51) (170) (24) (245)
Hyperinflation adjustment (note 1) 1 7 – 8
Reclassifications 19 (4) (5) 10
Exchange movements 26 63 13 102
At 30 September 2022 806 2,080 455 3,341
2023
Fixtures
Plant and and motor
£ million Property equipment vehicles Total
Net book value
At 1 October 2022 194 3 31 228
Additions 74 3 37 112
Acquisitions 50 – 32 84
Terminations and modifications (3) – (2) (5)
Depreciation and impairment (53) (4) (28) (85)
Exchange movements (6) – (2) (8)
At 30 September 2023 256 2 68 326
The maturity profile and the future minimum lease payments of the carrying amount of the Group's lease liabilities and the contractual
cash flows as at 30 September 2023 is disclosed in Note 20.
The movements in right of use assets in the year ending 30 September 2022 were as follows:
2022
Fixtures
Plant and and motor
£ million Property equipment vehicles Total
Net book value
At 1 October 2021 202 6 34 242
Additions 57 1 11 69
Terminations and modifications (13) – (2) (15)
Depreciation (56) (4) (14) (74)
Exchange movements 4 – 2 6
At 30 September 2022 194 3 31 228
The movements in lease liabilities in the year ending 30 September 2022 were as follows:
£ million Lease
Liabilities
At 1 October 2021 251
Cash flow (68)
Accretion of interest 6
New leases, terminations and modifications 54
Exchange movements 5
At 30 September 2022 248
The maturity profile and the future minimum lease payments of the carrying amount of the Group's lease liabilities and the contractual
cash flows as at 30 September 2022 is disclosed in Note 20.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Summarised financial information for the Group’s joint ventures, which are accounted for using the equity method, is shown below:
2023
Global Horizon
£ million Ventures Others Total
Revenue 19 28 47
Profit after tax 13 4 17
Non-current assets – 7 7
Current assets 56 49 105
Total assets 56 56 112
Current liabilities (7) (41) (48)
Non-current liabilities – (14) (14)
Total liabilities (7) (55) (62)
Net assets 49 1 50
2022
Global Horizon
£ million Ventures Others Total
Revenue 23 27 50
Profit after tax (7) 5 (2)
Non-current assets – 6 6
Current assets 62 44 106
Total assets 62 50 112
Current liabilities – (39) (39)
Non-current liabilities (7) (10) (17)
Total liabilities (7) (49) (56)
Net assets 55 1 56
15. INVENTORIES
£ million 2023 2022
Raw materials 1,159 910
Work in progress 81 73
Finished inventories 3,106 2,969
Other inventories 176 188
4,522 4,140
Within finished inventories of £3,106 million (2022: £2,969 million) there is excise duty of £1,192 million (2022: £1,255 million).
It is generally recognised industry practice to classify leaf tobacco inventory as a current asset, although part of such inventory, because
of the duration of the processing cycle ordinarily would not be consumed within one year. We estimate that around £337 million
(2022: £114 million) of leaf tobacco held within raw materials will not be utilised within a year of the balance sheet date.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
The movements in the total loss allowance for receivables can be analysed as follows:
Trade receivables are reviewed by their risk profiles and loss patterns to assess credit risk. Historical and forward-looking information is
considered to determine the appropriate expected credit loss allowance. Provision levels are calculated on the residual credit risk after
consideration of any credit protection which is used by the Group. Expected credit losses (ECLs) are applied to net trade receivables which
are measured reflecting lifetime ECLs using the simplified approach.
£135 million (2022: £144 million) of total cash and cash equivalents is held in countries in which prior approval is required to transfer the
funds abroad. Nevertheless, if the Group complies with these requirements, such liquid funds are at its disposition within a reasonable
period of time which in all cases is three months or less from the date the transfer is requested.
Non-current borrowings
Bank loans 2 1
Capital market issuance:
£600 million 8.125% notes due March 2024 – 626
$1,000 million 3.125% notes due July 2024 – 910
€500 million 1.375% notes due January 2025 437 445
$1,500 million 4.25% notes due July 2025 1,236 1,367
€650 million 3.375% notes due February 2026 574 584
$750 million 3.5% notes due July 2026 617 682
£500 million 5.5% notes due September 2026 500 500
€750 million 2.125% notes due February 2027 657 670
$1,000 million 6.125% notes due July 2027 822 908
$1,000 million 3.875% notes due July 2029 822 909
€950 million 5.25% notes due February 2031 838 –
£500 million 4.875% notes due June 2032 505 505
€1,000 million 1.75% notes due March 2033 872 889
Total non-current borrowings 7,882 8,996
Total borrowings 9,381 10,007
Analysed as:
Capital market issuance 9,330 9,979
Bank loans and overdrafts 51 28
Current and non-current borrowings include interest payable of £33 million (2022: £2 million) and £96 million (2022: £104 million)
respectively as at the balance sheet date.
Interest payable on capital market issuances are at fixed rates of interest and interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts are at floating
rates of interest.
On 13 February 2023, $354 million (£292 million equivalent) 3.5% notes were repaid. On 15 February 2023, €600 million (£533 million
equivalent) 5.25% notes were issued. On 14 August 2023, €750 million (£646 million equivalent) 1.125% notes were repaid. On 12 September
2023, €350 million (£301 million equivalent) 5.25% notes were issued, supplementary to the 15 February 2023, €600 million issue.
All borrowings are unsecured and the Group has not defaulted on any borrowings during the year (2022: no defaults).
The maturity profile of the Group's bonds and the contractual cash flows as at September 2023 is disclosed in Note 20.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2023 2022
Balance sheet Balance sheet
£ million amount Fair value amount Fair value
GBP 1,632 1,524 1,631 1,457
EUR 3,378 2,996 3,250 2,777
USD 4,320 4,097 5,098 4,768
Total capital market issuance 9,330 8,617 9,979 9,002
During the year the maturity of €3,125 million of the Group's syndicated multicurrency facility of €3,493 million (2022 €3,500 million) was
extended to 30 September 2026. One syndicate member opted not to extend their participation of €184 million which has a maturity date of
30 September 2025. One syndicate member opted not to extend their participation of €184 million which has a maturity date of 30 March
2026. One syndicate member sold their participation of €125 million and one syndicate member sold their participation of €184 million.
Two syndicate members increased their participations from €125 million to €184 million and a new syndicate member joined with a
participation of €184 million.
During the year three new bilateral facilities for a total £550 million, all maturing in September 2024, were arranged.
The Group operates a centralised treasury function which is responsible for the management of the financial risks of the Group, together
with its financing and liquidity requirements. Financial risks comprise, but are not limited to, exposures to funding and liquidity, interest
rate, foreign exchange and counterparty credit risk. The treasury function is also responsible for the financial risk management of the
Group’s global defined benefit pension schemes and management of Group-wide insurance programmes. The treasury function does not
operate as a profit centre, nor does it enter into speculative transactions.
The Group's treasury activities are overseen by the Treasury Committee, which meets four times per year and comprises the Chief
Financial Officer, the Director of Treasury, the Group Finance Director, the Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer, the Chief Strategy and
Development Officer and three Group Regional Finance Directors. The Treasury Committee operates in accordance with the terms of
reference set out by the Board and a policy (the Treasury Operations Policy) which sets out the expectations and boundaries to assist in the
effective oversight of treasury activities.
The Group’s financial results are principally exposed to fluctuations in euro and US dollar exchange rates. Management of the Group’s
foreign exchange transaction and translation risk is addressed below.
Transaction risk
The Group’s material transaction exposures arise on costs denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of subsidiaries,
including the purchase of tobacco leaf, which is sourced from various countries but purchased principally in US dollars, and packaging
materials which are sourced from various countries and purchased in a number of currencies. The Group is also exposed to transaction
foreign exchange risk on the conversion of foreign subsidiary earnings into sterling to fund the external dividends to shareholders. This is
managed by selling euros and US dollars monthly throughout the year. Other foreign currency flows are matched where possible and
remaining foreign currency transaction exposures are not hedged.
Translation risk
The Group's currency mix of debt and related derivatives is held with consideration to the currency mix of its net assets and profits, which
are primarily euros and US dollars. The Group issues debt in the most appropriate market or markets at the time of raising new finance and
has a policy of using derivative financial instruments, cross-currency swaps, to change the currency of debt as required. Borrowings
denominated in, or swapped into foreign currencies to match the Group’s investments in overseas subsidiaries are treated as a hedge
against the net investment where appropriate.
2023 2022
Increase/
(decrease) Increase in
£ million in income income
Income statement impact of non-functional currency foreign exchange exposures:
10% appreciation of sterling against euro (2022: 10%) 33 59
10% appreciation of sterling against US dollar (2022: 10%) (9) 2
An equivalent depreciation of sterling against the above currencies would cause a decrease in income of £41 million and £11 million
increase for euro and US dollar exchange rates respectively (2022: £72 million decrease and £2 million decrease).
Movements in equity in the table below relate to intercompany loans treated as quasi-equity under IAS 21 and hedging instruments
designated as net investment hedges of the Group's euro and US dollar denominated assets.
2023 2022
Change in Change in
£ million equity equity
Equity impact of non-functional currency foreign exchange exposures:
10% appreciation of sterling against euro (2022: 10%) 1,035 621
10% appreciation of sterling against US dollar (202: 10%) 205 276
An equivalent depreciation of sterling against the above currencies would result in a change in equity of £(1,265) million and £(250) million
for euro and US dollar exchange rates respectively (2022: £(759) million and £(338) million).
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
At 30 September 2023, after the effect of derivative financial instruments, approximately 111% of the Group’s net debt was denominated in
euro and non US dollar currencies (2022: 80%) and (11)% in US dollars (2022: 20%).
The Group manages its exposure to interest rate risk on its borrowings by entering into derivative financial instruments, interest rate
swaps, to achieve an appropriate mix of fixed and floating interest rate debt in accordance with the Treasury Operations Policy and
Treasury Committee discussions.
As at 30 September 2023, after adjusting for the effect of derivative financial instruments detailed in note 21, approximately 107% (2022: 103%)
of reported net debt was at fixed rates of interest and (7)% (2022: (3)%) was at floating rates of interest. After adjusting for cash held in
subsidiary bank accounts and cash in transit, accrued interest, the mark to market of the derivative portfolio and finance leases,
approximately 100% (2022: 97%) of debt was at fixed rates of interest and 0% (2022: 3%) was at floating rates of interest.
The sensitivity analysis has been prepared on the basis that net debt and the derivatives portfolio remain constant and that there is no net
impact on other comprehensive income (2022: £nil).
2023 2022
Change in Change in
£ million income income
Income statement impact of interest rate movements:
+/- 1% increase in euro interest rates (2022: 1%) 12 13
+/- 1% increase in US dollar interest rates (2022: 1%) (9) (9)
Financial instruments
In order to manage its credit risk to any one counterparty, the Group places cash deposits and enters into derivative financial instruments
with a diversified group of financial institutions carrying suitable credit ratings in line with the Treasury Operations Policy. Utilisation of
counterparty credit limits is regularly monitored by treasury and ISDA agreements are in place to permit the net settlement of assets and
liabilities in certain circumstances. During the year the Group terminated one collateralised trade held under an ISDA Credit Support Annex
and as at 30 September 2023 had placed collateral of £nil (2022: £12 million) with a third party in order to manage their counterparty risk on
the Group under derivative financial instruments.
2023 2022
Maximum Maximum
exposure to exposure to
credit risk credit risk
Counterparty exposure £ million £ million
Highest 311 136
2nd highest 104 135
3rd highest 84 128
4th highest 83 127
5th highest 80 114
These exposures are held with counterparties with investment grade credit ratings or in money market funds with a AAA rating.
The Group primarily borrows centrally in order to meet forecast funding requirements, and the treasury function is in regular dialogue with
subsidiary companies to ensure their liquidity needs are met. Subsidiary companies are funded by a combination of share capital and
retained earnings, intercompany loans, and in very limited cases through external local borrowings. Cash pooling processes are used to
centralise surplus cash held by subsidiaries where possible in order to minimise external borrowing requirements and interest costs.
Treasury invests surplus cash in bank deposits and money market funds and uses foreign exchange contracts to manage short term
liquidity requirements in line with short term cash flow forecasts. As at 30 September 2023, the Group held liquid assets of £1,345 million
(2022: £1,850 million).
The table below summarises the Group’s non derivative financial liabilities by maturity based on their contractual cash flows as at
30 September 2023. The amounts disclosed are undiscounted cash flows calculated using spot rates of exchange prevailing at the relevant
balance sheet date. Contractual cash flows in respect of the Group’s derivative financial instruments are detailed in note 21.
2023
Contractual
Balance sheet cash flows Between 1 and Between 2 and
£ million amount total <1 year 2 years 5 years > 5 years
Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Bank loans 51 51 49 2 – –
Capital market issuance 9,330 10,663 1,767 1,951 3,651 3,294
Trade payables 1,507 1,507 1,507 – – –
Lease liabilities 349 406 82 70 114 140
Total non-derivative financial liabilities 11,237 12,627 3,405 2,023 3,765 3,434
2022
Contractual
Balance sheet cash flows Between 1 and Between 2 and
£ million amount total <1 year 2 years 5 years > 5 years
Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Bank loans 28 28 27 1 – –
Capital market issuance 9,979 11,440 1,349 1,830 5,710 2,551
Trade payables 1,345 1,345 1,345 – – –
Lease liabilities 248 289 64 56 84 85
Total non-derivative financial liabilities 11,600 13,102 2,785 1,887 5,794 2,636
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Capital management
The Group defines capital as adjusted net debt and equity and manages its capital structure through an appropriate balance of debt and
equity in order to drive an efficient mix for the Group. Besides the minimum capitalisation rules that may apply to subsidiaries in certain
countries, the Group’s only externally imposed capital requirements are interest cover and gearing covenants contained within its core
external bank debt facilities, with which the Group was fully compliant during the current and prior periods and expects to be so going
forward. Management have assessed that the likelihood of a future covenant breach is remote.
The Group continues to manage its capital structure to maintain investment grade credit ratings which it monitors by reference to a
number of key financial ratios, including ongoing consideration of the return of capital to shareholders via regular dividend payments and
share buybacks and in on-going discussions with the relevant rating agencies.
As at 30 September 2023 the Group was rated Baa3/stable outlook by Moody’s Investor Service Ltd, BBB/A-2/stable outlook by Standard and
Poor’s Credit Market Services Europe Limited and BBB/F2/stable outlook by Fitch Ratings Limited.
Hedge accounting
The Group has investments in foreign operations which are consolidated in its financial statements and whose functional currencies are
euros or US dollars. Where it is practicable and cost effective to do so, the foreign exchange rate exposures arising from these investments
are hedged through the use of cross-currency swaps, foreign exchange swaps and foreign currency denominated debt.
The Group only designates the undiscounted spot element of the cross currency swaps, foreign exchange swaps and foreign currency debt
as hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of the cross currency swaps and foreign exchange swaps attributable to changes in
interest rates and the effect of discounting are recognised directly in profit or loss within the “Finance costs” line. These amounts are,
therefore, not included in the hedge effectiveness assessment.
Net investment gains and losses are reported in exchange movements within other comprehensive income and the hedging instrument
foreign currency gains and losses deferred to the foreign currency revaluation reserve are detailed in the statement of changes in equity.
The Group establishes the hedging ratio by matching the notional balance of the hedging instruments with an equal notional balance of the
net assets of the foreign operation. Given that only the undiscounted spot element of hedging instruments is designated in the hedging
relationship, no ineffectiveness is expected unless the notional balance of the designated hedging instruments exceeds the total balance of
the foreign operation’s net assets during the reporting period. The foreign currency risk component is determined as the change in the
carrying amount of designated net assets of the foreign operation arising solely from changes in spot foreign currency exchange rates.
The following table sets out the maturity profile of the hedging instruments used in the Group’s net investment hedging strategies:
2023
Total Maturity
notional Between 1 and Between 2 and
£ million balance <1 year 2 years 5 years > 5 years
Bonds (3,897) – (433) (2,645) (819)
Cross-currency swaps (5,986) (1,447) (1,214) (1,971) (1,354)
Foreign exchange swaps (541) (541) – – –
(10,424) (1,988) (1,647) (4,616) (2,173)
2022
Total Maturity
notional Between 1 and Between 2 and
£ million balance <1 year 2 years 5 years > 5 years
Bonds (5,378) (982) (906) (3,490) –
Cross-currency swaps (3,623) – (1,475) (1,596) (552)
Foreign exchange swaps (273) (273) – – –
(9,274) (1,255) (2,381) (5,086) (552)
2023
Carrying amount Changes in fair
value used for
calculating
Notional hedge in-
£ million balance Assets Liabilities Balance sheet line item effectiveness
Hedging instrument:
Bonds 3,897 – 3,929 Borrowings 338
Cross-currency swaps 5,986 – 249 Derivative financial instruments 75
Foreign exchange swaps 541 1 – Derivative financial instruments 14
Hedged item:
Investment in a foreign operation n/a 10,424 – 427
2022
Carrying amount Changes in fair
value used for
calculating
Notional hedge in-
£ million balance Assets Liabilities Balance sheet line item effectiveness
Hedging instrument:
Bonds 5,378 – 5,414 Borrowings (532)
Cross-currency swaps 3,623 – 331 Derivative financial instruments (117)
Foreign exchange swaps 273 – 7 Derivative financial instruments –
Hedged item:
Investment in a foreign operation n/a 9,274 – (649)
2022
At the Other
beginning of Income comprehensive Designations/ At the end
£ million the year statement income (de-designations) of the year
Derivatives in net investment hedges of foreign operations (214) (7) (117) – (338)
Bonds in net investment hedges of foreign operations (5,286) (3) (532) 407 (5,414)
Total (5,500) (10) (649) 407 (5,752)
The Group also treats certain permanent intragroup loans that meet relevant qualifying criteria under IAS 21 as part of its net investment in
foreign operations where appropriate. Intragroup loans with a notional value of €3,714 million (£3,217 million equivalent) (2022: €674 million
(£595 million equivalent)) were treated as part of the Group’s net investment in foreign operations at the balance sheet date.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2023
Gross
Gross collateral Net financial Related
financial assets/ assets/ amounts not
assets/ (liabilities) (liabilities) per set-off in the
£ million (liabilities) set-off balance sheet balance sheet Net
Assets
Derivative financial instruments 950 – 950 (817) 133
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (1,003) – (1,003) 817 (186)
2022
Gross
Gross collateral Net financial Related
financial assets/ assets/ amounts not
assets/ (liabilities) (liabilities) per set-off in the
£ million (liabilities) set-off balance sheet balance sheet Net
Assets
Derivative financial instruments 1,051 (12) 1,039 (948) 91
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (1,138) 12 (1,126) 948 (178)
2023
Fair value Fair value Assets and
through through other liabilities at
income comprehensive amortised
£ million statement income cost Total Current Non-Current
Trade and other receivables – – 2,323 2,323 2,297 26
Cash and cash equivalents – – 1,345 1,345 1,345 –
Derivatives 949 1 – 950 126 824
Total financial assets 949 1 3,668 4,618 3,768 850
Borrowings – – (9,381) (9,381) (1,499) (7,882)
Trade and other payables – – (8,705) (8,705) (8,705) –
Derivatives (754) (249) – (1,003) (174) (829)
Lease liabilities – – (349) (349) (81) (268)
Total financial liabilities (754) (249) (18,435) (19,438) (10,459) (8,979)
Total net financial assets/(liabilities) 195 (248) 14,767 14,820 (6,691) 8,129
2022
Fair value Fair value Assets and
through through other liabilities at
income comprehensive amortised
£ million statement income cost Total Current Non-Current
Trade and other receivables 17 – 2,406 2,423 2,386 37
Cash and cash equivalents – – 1,850 1,850 1,850 –
Derivatives 1,039 – – 1,039 54 985
Total financial assets 1,056 – 4,256 5,312 4,290 1,022
Borrowings – – (10,007) (10,007) (1,011) (8,996)
Trade and other payables – – (8,710) (8,710) (8,710) –
Derivatives (788) (338) – (1,126) (54) (1,072)
Lease liabilities – – (248) (248) (58) (190)
Total financial liabilities (788) (338) (18,965) (20,091) (9,833) (10,258)
Total net financial assets/(liabilities) 268 (338) (14,709) (14,779) (5,543) (9,236)
Derivatives classified as fair value through other comprehensive income relate to cross currency swaps and foreign exchange swaps
designated as hedges of foreign currency denominated net investments. The Group only designates the undiscounted foreign exchange
spot element of these derivative instruments and the changes in fair value related to this element are posted to other comprehensive
income. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments attributable to changes in interest rates and the effect of discounting
are recognised in the income statement. The Group also designates certain bonds as hedges of foreign currency denominated net
investments and the foreign exchange revaluation of those bonds is recognised in other comprehensive income. The carrying value at
30 September 2023 of those bonds included in the above table is £3,929 million (2022: £5,414 million). All of the Group’s net investment
hedges remain effective.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2023 2022
£ million Assets Liabilities Net Fair Value Assets Liabilities Net Fair Value
Current derivative financial instruments:
Interest rate swaps 30 (66) (36) 6 (36) (30)
Foreign exchange contracts 12 (5) 7 31 (13) 18
Cross-currency swaps 84 (103) (19) 17 (5) 12
Total current derivatives 126 (174) (48) 54 (54) –
126 (174) (48) 54 (54) –
Non-current derivative financial instruments:
Interest rate swaps 745 (652) 93 680 (746) (66)
Cross-currency swaps 79 (177) (98) 305 (338) (33)
Total non-current derivatives 824 (829) (5) 985 (1,084) (99)
Collateral¹ – – – – 12 12
824 (829) (5) 985 (1,072) (87)
Total carrying value of derivative financial instruments 950 (1,003) (53) 1,039 (1,126) (87)
Analysed as:
Interest rate swaps 775 (718) 57 686 (782) (96)
Foreign exchange contracts 12 (5) 7 31 (13) 18
Cross-currency swaps 163 (280) (117) 322 (343) (21)
Collateral1 – – – – 12 12
Total carrying value of derivative financial instruments 950 (1,003) (53) 1,039 (1,126) (87)
1. Collateral deposited against derivative financial liabilities under the terms and conditions of an ISDA Credit Support Annex.
Fair values are determined based on observable market data such as yield curves, foreign exchange rates and credit default swap prices to
calculate the present value of future cash flows associated with each derivative at the balance sheet date. Market data is sourced from a
reputable financial data provider and valuations are validated by comparison to counterparty valuations where appropriate. Some of the
Group's derivative financial instruments contain early termination options and these have been considered when assessing the element
of the fair value related to credit risk. On this basis the reduction in reported net derivative liabilities due to credit risk is £2 million
(2022: £3 million) and would have been a £5 million (2022: £8 million) reduction without considering the early termination options.
The classification of these derivative assets and liabilities under the IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy is provided in note 20.
The table below summarises the Group’s derivative financial instruments by maturity based on their remaining contractual cash flows as at
30 September 2023. The amounts disclosed are the undiscounted cash flows calculated using spot rates of exchange prevailing at the
relevant balance sheet date. Contractual cash flows in respect of the Group’s non derivative financial instruments are detailed in note 20.
2023
Contractual
Balance sheet cash flows Between 1 and Between 2 and
£ million amount total <1 year 2 years 5 years >5 years
Net settled derivatives 57 200 (3) 34 143 26
Gross settled derivatives (110) – – – – –
• receipts – 17,822 5,429 4,010 5,283 3,100
• payments – (17,675) (5,374) (3,941) (5,247) (3,113)
(53) 347 52 103 179 13
The Group does not apply cash flow or fair value hedge accounting, as permitted under IFRS 9, which results in fair value gains and losses
attributable to derivative financial instruments being recognised in net finance costs unless they are designated as hedges of a net
investment in foreign operations, in which case they are recognised in other comprehensive income.
As a result of the discontinuation of GBP LIBOR in December 2021 and US$ LIBOR discontinuation in June 2023, the Group amended all
GBP LIBOR derivatives to reference the daily risk free rate of SONIA instead of GBP LIBOR and all US$ LIBOR derivatives were amended to
reference the daily risk free rate of SOFR instead of US$ LIBOR. There are no changes pending for EUR derivatives. These changes did not
impact the Group's commercial hedging strategy and they did not have a material financial impact.
As at 30 September 2023, the notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding that were entered into to convert fixed rate borrowings
into floating rates of interest at the time of raising new finance was £8,111 million equivalent (2022: £9,578 million equivalent) with a fair
value of £714 million liability (2022: £755 million liability). The fixed interest rates vary from 1.3% to 7.9% (2022: 1.1% to 7.9%), and the floating
rates are based on EURIBOR, SONIA and SOFR.
As at 30 September 2023, the notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding that were entered into to convert the Group’s debt into the
appropriate proportion of fixed and floating rates to manage and re-profile the Group’s interest rate risk was £11,622 million equivalent (2022:
£11,548 million equivalent) with a fair value of £771 million asset (2022: £671 million asset). The fixed interest rates vary from 3.1% receivable
to 4.0% payable (2022: 0.5% payable to 4.0% payable), and the floating receivable rates reference EURIBOR and SOFR. This includes forward
starting interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of £4,055 million equivalent (2022: £3,353 million equivalent) with tenors between 1
and 10 years, starting between October 2023 and May 2032.
Cross-currency swaps
The Group enters into cross-currency swaps to convert the currency of debt into the appropriate currency with consideration to the
underlying assets of the Group as appropriate. Fair value movements are recognised in net finance costs in the relevant reporting period
unless the swaps are designated as hedges of a net investment in foreign operations, in which case the fair value movement attributable to
changes in foreign exchange is recognised in other comprehensive income.
As at 30 September 2023, the notional amount of cross-currency swaps entered into to convert sterling debt into the desired currency
was £1,600 million (2022: £1,600 million) and the fair value of these swaps was £111 million net liability (2022: £232 million net liability);
the notional amount of cross-currency swaps entered into to convert US dollar debt into the desired currency was $5,250 million
(2022: $2,250 million) and the fair value of these swaps was £6 million net liability (2022: £211 million net asset).
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
As at 30 September 2023, foreign exchange swaps with a notional amount of €624 million (2022: €309 million) were designated as hedges of
net investments in foreign operations. During the year, foreign exchange translation gains amounting to £14 million (2022: £12 million
losses) were recognised within exchange movements in other comprehensive income in respect of foreign exchange swaps that had been
designated as hedges of a net investment in foreign operations. No hedging ineffectiveness occurred during the year (2022: £nil).
The movements in other comprehensive income due to net investment hedging in the period were as follows:
In December 2021, the OECD issued model rules for a new global minimum tax framework (Pillar Two), applicable for multinational
enterprise groups with global revenue over €750 million. The legislation implementing the rules in the UK was substantively enacted on
20 June 2023 and will apply to the Group from the financial year ending 30 September 2025 onwards. The Group has applied the mandatory
exception under IAS 12 in relation to the accounting for deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from the implementation of the Pillar
Two model rules. The Group is reviewing this legislation and monitoring the status of implementation of the model rules outside of the UK
to assess the potential impact.
Included within net deferred tax liabilities are deferred tax assets recognised of £257 million (2022: £257 million) for tax credits arising
in the Group's Spanish business. These tax credits have no time expiry. Utilisation of these tax credits is restricted to 50% of the Spanish
business's taxable profits arising in any given year; those tax law restrictions extend the period over which the deferred tax assets would
otherwise be recovered. The Group considers there to be forecast future taxable profits which support the recognition of these long-term
deferred tax assets. The period over which these deferred tax assets are utilised is sensitive to forecasting assumptions about future growth
rates (which may be influenced by the future effects of climate change) and regulatory changes. Any material effects of climate change in
the long term could extend the period over which the deferred tax asset will be recovered but as the tax credits do not expire, the Group
considers there is positive evidence that sufficient future taxable profits would still be available. Based on a range of forecast scenarios
modelling sensitivities (including the future effects of climate change) these deferred tax assets are expected to be utilised over a period of
18-22 years.
Included within net deferred tax liabilities are deferred tax assets recognised for retirement benefits of £88 million (2022: £55 million)
arising in the Group’s German business. These deferred tax assets are expected to be recovered both by way of utilisation against the
reversal of deferred tax liabilities of £40 million (2022: £20 million) arising in the Group’s German business and by way of utilisation against
future taxable profits. The Group considers there to be forecast future taxable profits which support the recognition of these long term
deferred tax assets. Based on a range of forecast scenarios modelling sensitivities these deferred tax assets are expected to be recovered
over a period of 20-40 years corresponding to the life of the pension scheme.
Included within net deferred tax liabilities are deferred tax assets recognised for intangibles of £199 million (2022: £nil) arising in the Group's
Dutch business. These deferred tax assets are expected to be recovered by way of utilisation against future taxable profits. The Group
considers there to be forecast future taxable profits which support the recognition of these long term deferred tax assets. The period over
which these deferred tax assets are utilised is sensitive to forecasting assumptions about future growth rates and regulatory changes.
These deferred tax assets are expected to be recovered over a period of 16 years corresponding to the life of the intangibles.
We have reviewed the recoverability of deferred tax assets in overseas territories in light of forecast business performance. In 2023 we have
recognised deferred tax assets of £6 million that were previously unrecognised (2022: recognised deferred tax assets of £1 million that were
previously unrecognised) on the basis that it is more likely than not that these are recoverable (2022: recoverable).
A deferred tax liability of £40 million (2022: £43 million) is recognised in respect of taxation expected to arise on the future distribution of
unremitted earnings totalling £2 billion (2022: £2 billion).
The temporary differences associated with investments in the Group's subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures for which a deferred tax
liability has not been recognised in the periods presented, aggregate to £1,215 million (2022: £1,244 million) for which a deferred tax liability
of £38 million (2022: £37 million) has not been recognised. No liability has been recognised because the Group is in a position to control the
timing of the reversal of those temporary differences and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
The ITPF operates under trust law and is managed and administered by the Trustees on behalf of the members in accordance with the
terms of the Trust Deed and Rules and relevant legislation. The ITPF assets are held by the trust.
The main risk for the company in respect of the ITPF is that additional contributions are required if the assets are not expected to be
sufficient to pay for the benefits. The investment portfolio is subject to a range of risks typical of the asset classes held, such as liquidity to
manage the Liability Driven Investment (LDI) portfolio, credit exposure within investment funds and exposure to the property market.
The ITPF holds a buy-in policy with Standard Life as an asset; this covers around 61% of the pensioner defined benefit obligation. The buy-in
eliminates investment return, longevity, inflation and funding risks in respect of those benefits covered. The ITPF also has access to a loan
facility to provide short-term liquidity to support the LDI portfolio in the event of significant changes in government bond yields.
The main uncertainties affecting the level of benefits payable under the ITPF are future inflation levels, as these impact increases to
pensions, and the actual longevity of the membership.
The contributions paid to the ITPF are set by the ITPF Scheme Actuary every three years. The Scheme Actuary is an external consultant,
appointed by the Trustees. Principal factors that the Scheme Actuary will have regard to include the covenant offered by the company,
the level of risk in the ITPF, the expected return on assets, the results of the funding assessment on the Technical Provisions basis and the
expected cost of securing benefits if the ITPF were to be wound up.
The latest valuation agreed at 31 March 2022 reported a 118% funding ratio on the Technical Provisions basis. The company and Trustee
agreed to maintain the existing dynamic contribution schedule, which means ITL’s annual contributions will reduce or increase depending
on the ITPF valuation going forward. The level of ITL's annual contribution to the ITPF was nil for the year to 31 March 2023. ITL expect to
pay £8.4 million in contributions to an escrow account for the year to 31 March 2024. Further contributions were agreed to be paid by ITL in
the event of a downgrade of the Group's credit rating to non-investment grade by either Standard & Poor's or Moody's. In addition, a reduced
surety guarantee with a total value of £120 million was agreed (previously £225 million) and a parental guarantee from Imperial Brands PLC
remains in place. In certain circumstances, surplus funds in the defined benefit section of the ITPF may be used to finance defined
contribution section contributions on ITL's behalf with company contributions reduced accordingly.
The IAS 19 measurement of the defined benefit obligation is sensitive to the assumptions made about future inflation as well as the
assumptions made about life expectancy. It is also sensitive to the discount rate, which depends on market yields on sterling denominated
AA corporate bonds. The main differences between the Technical Provisions and IAS 19 assumptions are a more prudent longevity
assumption for Technical Provisions and a different approach to setting the discount rate. A consequence of the ITPF’s investment strategy,
with a proportion of the assets invested in return-seeking assets, is that the difference between the market value of the assets and the
IAS 19 defined benefit obligation may be relatively volatile.
The ITPF has a pension surplus on the IAS 19 measure and, in line with IFRIC 14, recognition of the net asset on the fund is only appropriate
where it can be recovered. The ITPF trust deed gives the company an ability to receive a refund of surplus assets assuming the full
settlement of liabilities in the event of a wind-up. Furthermore, in the ordinary course of business the Trustee has no rights to unilaterally
wind up the ITPF or otherwise augment the benefits due to the ITPF's members. Based on these circumstances, any net surplus in the ITPF
is recognised in full.
The RCPP is unfunded and the company pays benefits as they arise. The RCPP obligations arise under a works council agreement and are
subject to standard German legal requirements around such matters as the benefits to be provided to employees who leave service, and
pension increases in payment. Over the next year Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH expects to pay £24 million (2022: £23 million) in
respect of benefits.
The main uncertainties affecting the level of benefits payable under the RCPP are future inflation levels, as these impact increases to
pensions, and the actual longevity of the membership.
The IAS 19 measurement of the defined benefit obligation and the current service cost are sensitive to the assumptions made about the
above variables, as well as the discount rate, which depends on market yields on euro denominated AA corporate bonds.
The ITG Scheme is funded and benefits are paid from the ITG Scheme assets. Contributions to the plan are determined based on US
regulatory requirements. ITG Brands made no contributions this year and is not expected to make any contributions in the next year.
Annual benefits in payment are assumed not to increase from current levels. The main uncertainty affecting the level of benefits payable
under the plan is the actual longevity of the membership. Other key uncertainties impacting the plan include investment risk and potential
past service benefit changes from future union negotiations.
The IAS 19 measurement of the defined benefit obligation and the service cost are sensitive to the assumptions made about the above
variables, as well as the discount rate, which depends on market yields on US dollar denominated AA corporate bonds.
Other plans
Other plans of the Group include various pension plans, other post-employment and long-term employee benefit plans in several countries
of operation. Some of the plans are funded, with assets backing the obligations held in separate legal vehicles such as trusts, whilst others
are operated on an unfunded basis. The benefits provided, the approach to funding and the legal basis of the plans reflect their local
territories. IAS 19 requires that the discount rate for calculating the DBO and service cost is set according to the level of relevant market
yields on corporate bonds where the market is considered "deep", or government bonds where it is not.
For the year ended 30 September 2023 the Group included no new schemes in the IAS 19 position that had not been previously reported in
the IAS 19 position or elsewhere in the financial statements.
The company agreed with the Trustees in Ireland to merge both defined benefit plans into a single trust and with the trustees in New
Zealand to fully close and wind-up the defined benefit plan.
The results of the most recent available actuarial valuations for the various plans have been updated to 30 September 2023 in order to
determine the amounts to be included in the Group's consolidated financial statements. The aggregate IAS 19 position is as follows:
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2023
ITPF RCPP ITG Scheme
Male Female Male Female Male Female
Life expectancy at age 65 years:
Member currently aged 65 21.2 22.5 20.8 24.2 19.7 21.7
Member currently aged 50 21.9 23.8 22.8 25.8 20.8 22.8
2022
ITPF RCPP ITG Scheme
Male Female Male Female Male Female
Life expectancy at age 65 years:
Member currently aged 65 21.1 22.4 20.5 23.9 19.7 21.7
Member currently aged 50 21.8 23.7 22.6 25.6 20.9 22.9
Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on advice that uses published statistics and experience in each territory.
In particular for the ITPF, SAPS S3 (2022: SAPS S3) tables are used with various adjustments for different groups of members, reflecting
observed experience. The largest group of members uses the SAPS S3 All Pensioner Male Amounts Middle table with a 105% multiplier.
An allowance for improvements in longevity is made using the 2021 (2022: 2021) CMI improvement rates with a long-term trend of
1.25% per annum.
2023 2022
% increase in DBO ITPF RCPP ITG Scheme ITPF RCPP ITG Scheme
Discount rate: 0.5% decrease 5.6 8.1 4.5 6.1 9.5 4.9
Rate of inflation: 0.5% decrease (4.2) (5.7) n/a (4.9) (6.3) n/a
One year increase in longevity for a member currently
age 65, corresponding changes at other ages 3.5 4.2 4.4 3.7 4.7 4.6
The sensitivity to the inflation assumption change includes corresponding changes to the future salary increases and future pension
increases assumptions, but is assumed to be independent of any change to discount rate.
We estimate that a 0.5% decrease in the discount rate at the start of the year would have increased the consolidated income statement
pension expense by approximately £12 million (2022: £22 million).
2023 2022
Percentage Percentage
of ITPF of ITPF
scheme scheme
£ million unless otherwise indicated Fair value assets Fair value assets
Bonds – index linked government / LDI funds 351 14.1 409 14.0
Bonds – corporate and other – – 34 1.0
Property including ground leases 488 19.7 604 20.0
Secured finance and private debt funds 620 25.0 827 28.0
Insurance contract (buy-in policy) 1,044 42.1 1,058 36.0
Other – including cash and short-term loan drawings (22) (0.9) 26 1.0
2,481 100.0 2,958 100.0
The primary investment objective is to invest the ITPF’s assets in an appropriate and secure manner such that members’ benefit
entitlements can be paid as they fall due.
The majority of the assets are non-quoted. The ITPF holds £nil of self-invested assets (2022: £nil).
2023 2022
Percentage Percentage
of ITG of ITG
Scheme Scheme
£ million unless otherwise indicated Fair value assets Fair value assets
Bonds – government, corporate and other 203 60.2 129 31.9
Other – including derivatives, commodities and cash 134 39.8 276 68.1
337 100.0 405 100.0
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
24. PROVISIONS
2023
Employment
related
£ million Restructuring claims Other Total
At 1 October 2022 286 59 81 426
Additional provisions charged to the consolidated income statement – 106 40 146
Amounts used (100) (9) (18) (127)
Unused amounts reversed – (12) (8) (20)
Exchange movements (6) – (5) (11)
At 30 September 2023 180 144 90 414
Analysed as:
Restructuring provisions relate mainly to our 2021 Strategic review programme and other programmes (see note 5).
The restructuring provision is split between 2021 Strategic review programme of £88 million (2022: £155 million) and other programmes of
£92 million (2022: £131 million).
Employment related claims provisions include £31 million (2022: £37 million) relating to local employment requirements including holiday
pay and £28 million (2022: £21 million) of distribution requirements relating to employment and duty. An amount of £85 million (2022: £nil)
has been provided for employment related claims arising from a number of legacy legal disputes. Although the company continues to
appeal a number of these claims, in the current year the Group has resolved to engage with certain counterparties where a valid claim has
been established. There are uncertainties relating to the estimation and quantification of this provision and amounts may change in the
future, but any provisions are expected to be utilised within the next 2 years.
Other provisions include £38 million (2022: £46 million) relating to various local tax or duty requirements, £9 million (2022: £21 million) of
market exit provisions and £30 million for factory closure provisions (2022: £nil).
The provisions are spread throughout the Group and payment will be dependent on local statutory requirements.
Most of the other provisions will also be utilised within the next two years, though certain employee related provisions may be required to
be held for a period of up to 10 years.
During the period a share buy back scheme was initiated and 52,107,043 10p shares were repurchased for a cost of £1,000 million.
Upon completion of the purchase, these shares were cancelled and transferred to the capital redemption reserve. The stamp duty costs
were £5 million and the fees charged for the share repurchase were £1 million.
On 6 March 2014, 31,942,881 shares held in treasury were cancelled creating the capital redemption reserve, and between September 2017
and December 2017, 4,973,916 shares were cancelled increasing this reserve.
Further details of the schemes including additional criteria applying to Directors and some senior executives are set out in the Directors’
Remuneration Report.
The awards are predominantly equity settled. The balance sheet liability in respect of cash settled schemes at 30 September 2023 was £3.4
million (2022: £3.6 million).
2022
Sharesave
weighted
Share average
matching LTIP Sharesave DSAP exercise
Thousands of shares unless otherwise indicated awards awards options awards price £
Outstanding at 1 October 2021 482 7,412 2,053 60 13.89
Granted 192 2,658 274 106 14.56
Lapsed/cancelled (23) (873) (321) (5) 18.11
Exercised (165) (1,077) (72) (41) 16.14
Outstanding at 30 September 2022 486 8,120 1,934 120 13.21
Exercisable at 30 September 2022 – – 151 – 17.45
The weighted average Imperial Brands PLC share price at the date of exercise of awards and options was £18.28 (2022: £16.83). The weighted
average fair value of Sharesave options granted during the year was £3.26 (2022: £3.30).
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Sharesave Plan
2020 264 – 17.45
2021 315 10 13.09
2022 254 22 14.56
2023 855 34 14.29
Total options outstanding 1,688
The vesting period is the period between the grant of awards or options and the earliest date on which they are exercisable. The vesting
period remaining and the exercise price of options outstanding are weighted averages. Participants in the Sharesave Plan have six months
from the maturity date to exercise their options. Participants in the LTIP generally have seven years from the end of the vesting period to
exercise their options. The exercise price of the options is fixed over the life of each option.
Pricing
For the purposes of valuing options to calculate the share-based payment charge, the Black-Scholes option pricing model has been used for
the Share Matching Scheme, Sharesave Plan, Discretionary Share Awards Plan and one Long Term Incentive Plan with no market
conditions. A summary of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
2023
Share
Matching
Scheme Sharesave DSAP
Risk-free interest rate % 4.0 4.4 4.1
Volatility (based on 3 or 5 year history)% 33.1 27.7 33.2
Expected lives of options granted years 3.0 3.0 3.0
Dividend yield % 8.2 8.2 8.2
Fair value £ 16.04 3.30 14.72
Share price used to determine exercise price £ 20.53 17.88 18.84
Exercise price £ n/a 14.29 n/a
Market conditions were incorporated into the Monte Carlo method used in determining the fair value of LTIP awards at grant date.
Assumptions in 2023 and 2022 are given in the following table:
% 2023 2022
Future Imperial Brands share price volatility 23.3 29.6
Future Imperial Brands dividend yield – –
Share price volatility of the tobacco and alcohol comparator group 15.9–63.5 17.0–83.7
Correlation between Imperial Tobacco and the alcohol and tobacco comparator group 21.4 24.4
The shares in the Trusts are accounted for on a first in first out basis and comprise nil shares acquired in the open market (2022: nil) and
1.6 million (2022: 3.7 million) treasury shares gifted to the Trusts by the Group. No (2022: 4 million) shares were gifted to the Trusts in the
financial year 2023.
2023 2022
Millions of Millions of
shares Value shares Value
£ million unless otherwise indicated (number) £ (number) £
At 1 October 70.3 2,183 74.3 2,183
Gifted to Employee Share Ownership Trusts – – (4.0) –
At 30 September 70.3 2,183 70.3 2,183
Percentage of issued share capital 7.3 n/a 6.9 n/a
28. COMMITMENTS
Capital commitments
£ million 2023 2022
Contracted but not provided for:
Property, plant and equipment and software 97 95
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 229
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
In connection with its 12 June 2015 acquisition of four cigarette brands (Winston, Salem, Kool and Maverick, referred to as the “Acquired
Brands”) from Reynolds and Lorillard, ITGB has been involved in litigation and other disputes with the Previously Settled States, Philip
Morris, and Reynolds in their state courts.
Delaware
ITGB is involved in litigation with Reynolds in the Delaware court that has jurisdiction over disputes under the Asset Purchase Agreement
(APA) for the Acquired Brands. The current case in progress involves Reynolds’ claim to indemnity for Florida settlement payments. The
issue in this case is whether ITGB has satisfied its obligations to use “reasonable best efforts” to join the settlement with Florida under the
APA and whether regardless of that “reasonable best efforts” requirement whether ITGB is required to indemnify Reynolds for amounts the
Florida Court may require Reynolds to pay.
On 30 September 2022, the trial court granted summary judgment to Reynolds and denied summary judgment to ITGB. It held that the
Florida court’s determination that ITGB did not assume payments under the Florida settlement unless it agreed to do so was not binding on
the Delaware courts under principles of issue preclusion. It further held that as a matter of law the contract provisions were unambiguous
and no evidence was required, and that ITGB had assumed and was required to indemnify Reynolds for Florida settlement payments. The
Court did not determine the amount of Reynolds’ damages but left that question open for further proceedings. The parties submitted an
agreed schedule to the court to address the issue of damages.
On 23 February 2023 the initial motions on the amount of indemnity due were argued and supplemental briefing requested by the court was
completed on 9 June 2023, with the Court having 90 days to issue its decision. On 2 October 2023 the Court issued an order on damages. The
court rejected ITGB’s claim that no damages could be assessed but declined to decide the amount of damages and other issues until after a
trial. The trial is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2024.
Reynolds’ claim for indemnification in Delaware is limited at most to the amounts it has been required to pay under the Florida
determination described above, plus interest and attorney’s fees. ITGB continues to deny that indemnity is appropriate and intends to
appeal that determination. ITGB further contends that Reynolds’ damages should be substantially reduced by the amount by which
Reynolds’ settlement payments have been reduced through operation of the “profit adjustment” by reason of ITGB not becoming a party to
the Florida settlement as well as by reason of Reynolds’ and third-parties’ conduct.
Amounts at issue range to US$ 250 million through 2022, plus future payments of US$ 19 million to US$ 32 million annually going forward,
alleged accrued interest of up to US$ 23 million and attorney’s fees of up to US$ 7 million through 2022. Based on the current facts and
circumstances it is currently unclear as to what level of damages will become payable in this case. Due to the inability to determine a
reliable estimate of the amount involved, no provision has been recognised pending the outcome of the trial at which the level of damages
will be decided.
Overall summary of liability position associated with USA state settlement agreements
The Group’s legal advice is that it has a strong position on pending claims related to the Acquired Brands and the Group therefore considers
that no provision is required for these matters.
Both in the Altadis and Logista appeals, the parties have concluded their submissions to the Court and a judgment is awaited. The judgment
of the Court of First Instance is currently pending, and it is possible it might be served in 2024.
In parallel to the main proceedings against the CNMC decision, on 28 February 2023, the Supreme Court annulled the unannounced
inspection carried out by the CNMC officials on Altadis' premises in February 2017 for lack of consent by Altadis. Therefore, all the
documents and evidence seized by the CNMC during Altadis' inspection have to be returned to the company and should be struck out
from the CNMC decision. It remains to be seen what the impact of this Court decision will be on the main proceedings.
Other litigation
US Helms-Burton litigation
Imperial Brands Plc has been named as a defendant in a civil action in federal court in Miami, Florida under Title III of the Cuban Liberty and
Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996 (“Helms-Burton”) filed on 6 August 2020. Title III provides United States nationals with a cause of action
and a claim for treble damages against persons who have “trafficked” in property expropriated by the Cuban government. Treble damages are
automatically available under Helms-Burton. Although the filed claim is for unquantified damages, we understand the claim could potentially
reach approximately US$ 365 million, based on the claimants’ claim to own 90% of the property, which they value at US$ 135 million (and
then treble). The claim is based on allegations that Imperial, through Corporación Habanos S.A. (a joint venture between one of Imperial’s
now former subsidiaries and the Cuban government), has “trafficked” in a factory in Havana, Cuba that the Cuban government confiscated
from the claimants’ ancestor in the early 1960s, by using the factory to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute Habanos cigars.
At the time the claim was filed against Imperial and up until the conclusion of the Brexit “transition period” on 31 December 2020, Imperial
was subject to an EU law known as the EU Blocking Statute (Regulation (EC) No. 2271/96), which conflicts with Helms-Burton, protected
Imperial against the impact of Title III, and impacted how Imperial might respond to the threatened litigation. The EU Blocking Statute has
been transposed into domestic law with only minimal changes. Accordingly, on 10 January 2021, Imperial submitted an application to the
UK Department for International Trade for authorisation from the Secretary of State for International Trade to defend the action or, at a
minimum, to file and litigate a motion to dismiss the action.
On 8 February 2021, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade authorised Imperial to file and litigate a motion to
dismiss the action. A hearing on the motion to dismiss took place on 26 July 2022 before a magistrate judge. On 2 November 2022 the
magistrate judge recommended that the action be dismissed, without prejudice to re-filing in a proper venue.
On 31 March 2023 the district judge issued an order addressing the magistrate’s recommended ruling and adopting the recommended
ruling in part. In respect of Habanos, the motion to dismiss was granted, without objection from the claimants, on the basis that the federal
court in Florida was an “improper venue” (wrong court). Habanos was therefore dismissed from the case, without prejudice to the claimants’
right to sue it in a proper venue. As to Imperial and the other defendants, the district judge remanded the motion to dismiss back to the
same magistrate for a further review and analysis and a report and recommendation on whether the ruling regarding Habanos should
result in dismissal of all defendants. The magistrate is also permitted to address “other issues if warranted”, including Imperial’s other
arguments for dismissal.
The hearing with the magistrate on further arguments on the motion to dismiss took place on 28 September 2023. The recommended
ruling from the magistrate is now expected by the end of November 2023. The magistrate’s recommendation will not be binding on the
parties, who will be permitted to file objections to the recommendation with the district judge. No provision has been made for potential
liabilities related to this claim.
UK
In June 2020, the Group responded to a claimant law firm’s allegation of human rights issues in the Malawian tobacco supply chain, which
included allegations relating to child and forced labour. In December 2020, a claim was filed in the United Kingdom High Court against
Imperial Brands plc, Imperial Tobacco Limited and four of its subsidiaries (the Imperial Defendants) and two entities in the British American
Tobacco (BAT) group by a group of tobacco farm workers. The Imperial Defendants have acknowledged service and confirmed to the
claimants that they intend to defend the claim in full. The Imperial Defendants have not yet been required to file their defence.
A procedural hearing scheduled for November/December 2021 was adjourned. The deadline for Imperial and BAT to file a defence was
postponed pending other case management actions and will be determined at a subsequent case management hearing after the
completion of a matching exercise (which will seek to establish whether the claimants worked for farmers who grew tobacco purchased by
either Defendant group). The claim is unquantified and given the early stage of the litigation a provision would not be appropriate.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 231
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Average reported net debt during the year was £10,072 million (2022: £9,822 million).
2022
£ million GBP EUR USD Other Total
Cash and cash equivalents 257 216 971 406 1,850
Total borrowings (1,631) (3,261) (5,096) (19) (10,007)
(1,374) (3,045) (4,125) 387 (8,157)
Effect of cross-currency swaps 1,561 (3,637) 2,056 – (20)
187 (6,682) (2,069) 387 (8,177)
Lease liabilities (45) (148) (20) (35) (248)
Derivative financial instruments (67)
Net debt (8,492)
The increase in borrowings and repayment of borrowings reflect the cash flow movements relating to borrowings outstanding at the start
and at the end of each financial year; cash flows relating to short term borrowings drawn down and repaid within the year are not included
in this analysis.
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
Accordingly, alternative performance measures exclude, where applicable, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, profit/loss
on disposal of subsidiaries, Russia, Ukraine and associated markets, restructuring costs, business acquisition and disposal costs, fair value
adjustment and impairment of other financial assets, charges related to legal provisions, structural changes to defined benefit pension
schemes, fair value and exchange gains and losses on financial instruments, post-employment benefits net financing cost, and related tax
effects and tax matters. Other significant gains or losses which are not representative of the underlying business may also be treated as
adjusting items where there is appropriate justification. The alternative performance measures in this report are not defined terms under
IFRS and may not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The alternative performance measures that
are used by the Group are defined and reconciled back to the associated IFRS metrics as detailed below.
In the comparative period, the portion of the loss on exit of the Russian and associated markets adjusted out of operating profit was
£399 million comprising a loss on transfer of Russian operations of £364 million and impairment of assets and exit costs of the associated
markets of £35 million.
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 235
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION continued
It is recognised that there may be some correlation between the amortisation charges derived from the acquisition value of acquired
intangibles, and the subsequent future profit streams arising from sales of associated branded products. However, the amortisation of
intangibles is not directly related to the operating performance of the business. Conversely, the level of profitability of branded products is
directly influenced by day to day commercial actions, with variations in the level of profit derived from branded product sales acting as a
clear indicator of performance. Given this, the Group’s view is that amortisation and impairment charges do not clearly correlate to the
ongoing variations in the commercial results of the business and are therefore excluded to allow a clearer view of the underlying performance
of the organisation. The deferred tax arising on intangibles which are either being amortised or are fully amortised is excluded on the basis
that amortisation of intangibles is not directly related to the operating performance of the business. The related current cash tax benefit is
retained in the adjusted measure to reflect the ongoing tax benefit to the Group.
Total amortisation and impairment for the year is £392 million (2022: £394 million) of which £347 million (2022: £349 million) relates to
acquired intangibles and is adjusting and £45 million (2022: £45 million) relates to internally generated intangibles and is non adjusting. In
the year to 30 September 2023 adjusting items all relate to amortisation. £339 million (2022: £323 million) is attributable to Tobacco & NGP
and £8 million (2022: £26 million) is attributable to distribution.
Restructuring costs
Significant one-off costs incurred in integrating acquired businesses and in major rationalisation and optimisation initiatives together
with their related tax effects are excluded from our adjusted earnings measures. These include restructuring costs incurred as part of
fundamental multi-year transformational change projects but do not include costs related to ongoing cost reduction activity. These costs
are all Board approved, and include impairment of property, plant and equipment which are surplus to requirements due to restructuring
activity. These costs are required in order to address structural issues associated with operating within the Tobacco sector that have
required action to both modernise and right-size the organisation, ultimately delivering an operating model suitable for the future of the
business. The Group’s view is that as these costs are both significant and one-off in nature, excluding them allows a clearer presentation of
the underlying costs of the business.
No new restructuring programmes were initiated in the current financial year and no charges arose relating to historic restructuring
programmes. As a consequence, no restructuring charge adjustments were made in the calculation of any alternative performance metrics
within the current financial year.
In 2022, there was a charge relating to the restructuring of the Irish defined benefit pension scheme of £4 million.
• prior period tax items (including re-measurement of deferred tax balances on a change in tax rates); or
• a provision for uncertain tax items not arising in the normal course of business; or
• newly enacted taxes in the year; or
• tax items that are closely related to previously recognised tax matters, and are excluded from our adjusted tax charge to aid
comparability and understanding of the Group’s performance.
The recognition and utilisation of deferred tax assets relating to tax losses and tax credits not historically generated in the normal course of
business are excluded on the same basis.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION continued
The Group recognises revenue on sales to Logista, a Group company, within its reported Tobacco & NGP revenue figure. As the revenue
calculation includes sales made to Logista from other Group companies but excludes Logista's external sales, this metric differs from
revenue calculated under IFRS accounting standards. For the purposes of alternative performance measures on net revenue the Group
treats Logista as an arm’s length distributor on the basis that contractual rights are in line with other Third Party suppliers to Logista.
Variations in the amount of inventory held by Logista results in a different level of revenue compared to that which is included within
the income statement. For tobacco product sales, inventory level variations are normally not significant. For the purpose of showing
comparable year-on-year metrics the Group have included a net revenue excluding Russia measure excluding the results of the Russia
business in the comparative figures, following the disposal of that operation in April 2022.
Reconciliation from Tobacco & NGP revenue to Tobacco & NGP net revenue and net revenue excluding Russia
2023 2022
£ million Tobacco NGP Total Tobacco NGP Total
Revenue 22,114 299 22,413 23,232 224 23,456
Duty and similar items (14,364) (34) (14,398) (15,628) (16) (15,644)
Sale of peripheral products (3) – (3) (19) – (19)
Net Revenue 7,747 265 8,012 7,585 208 7,793
Russia net revenue – – – (56) – (56)
Net revenue excluding Russia 7,747 265 8,012 7,529 208 7,737
Reconciliation from tobacco & NGP operating profit to adjusted operating profit
2023 2022
£ million Tobacco NGP Total Tobacco NGP Total
Operating profit/(loss) 3,262 (156) 3,106 2,599 (127) 2,472
Russian, Ukraine and associated markets 4 – 4 399 – 399
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles 334 5 339 320 3 323
Restructuring costs – – – 197 – 197
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries 1 – 1 13 – 13
Fair value adjustment and impairment of other
financial assets 20 16 36 – 37 37
Acquisition and disposal costs – – – 5 – 5
Excise tax provision – – – (9) – (9)
Charges related to legal provisions 85 – 85 – – –
Structural changes to defined benefit pension schemes 12 – 12 4 – 4
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) 3,718 (135) 3,583 3,528 (87) 3,441
Russia operating profit – – – 5 – –
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) excluding Russia 3,718 (135) 3,583 3,523 (87) 3,436
See note 11 for details on amortisation and impairment, note 10 for details of acquisition and disposal costs, and note 5 for details of
restructuring costs.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION continued
IFRS 9 requires that all derivative financial instruments are recognised in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with changes in the
fair value being recognised in the consolidated income statement unless the instrument satisfies the hedge accounting rules under IFRS
and the Group chooses to designate the derivative financial instrument as a hedge.
The Group hedges underlying exposures in an efficient, commercial and structured manner. However, the strict hedging requirements of
IFRS 9 may lead to some commercially effective hedge positions not qualifying for hedge accounting. As a result, and as permitted under
IFRS 9, the Group has decided not to apply cash flow or fair value hedge accounting for its derivative financial instruments. However, the
Group does apply net investment hedging, designating certain borrowings and derivatives as hedges of the net investment in the Group’s
foreign operations, as permitted by IFRS 9, in order to reduce income statement volatility.
The Group excludes fair value gains and losses on derivative financial instruments and exchange gains and losses on borrowings from
adjusted net finance costs. Fair value gains and losses on the interest element of derivative financial instruments are excluded as there is
no direct natural offset between the movements on derivatives and the interest charge on debt in any one period, as the derivatives and
debt instruments may be contracted over different periods, although they will reverse over time or are matched in future periods by interest
charges. The fair value gains on derivatives are excluded as they can introduce volatility in the finance charge for any given period.
Fair value gains and losses on the currency element of derivative financial instruments and exchange gains and losses on borrowings are
excluded as the relevant foreign exchange gains and losses on the instruments in a net investment hedging relationship are accumulated
as a separate component of other comprehensive income in accordance with the Group’s policy on foreign currency.
Fair value movements arising from the revaluation of contingent consideration liabilities are adjusted out where they represent one-off
acquisition costs that are not linked to the current period underlying performance of the business. Fair value adjustments on loans
receivable measured at fair value are excluded as they arise due to counterparty credit risk changes that are not directly related to the
underlying commercial performance of the business.
The net interest on defined benefit assets or liabilities, together with the unwind of discount on redundancy, social plans and other
long-term provisions are reported within net finance costs. These items together with their related tax effects are excluded from our
adjusted earnings measures, as they primarily represent charges associated with historic employee benefit commitments, rather than
the ongoing current period costs of operating the business.
Reconciliation from reported net finance costs to adjusted net finance costs
£ million 2023 2022
Reported net finance costs 298 117
Fair value gains on derivative financial instruments 707 1,483
Fair value losses on derivative financial instruments (568) (1,213)
Exchange gains/(losses) on financing activities 10 (69)
Net fair value and exchange gains on financial instruments 149 201
Interest income on net defined benefit assets 178 107
Interest cost on net defined benefit liabilities (165) (99)
Post-employment benefits net financing income 13 8
Tax settlement interest cost (50) –
Adjusted net finance costs 410 326
Comprising:
Interest income on bank deposits (12) (9)
Interest cost on lease liabilities 10 6
Interest cost on bank and other loans 412 329
Adjusted net finance costs 410 326
• prior period tax items (including re-measurement of deferred tax balances on a change in tax rates); or
• a provision for uncertain tax items not arising in the normal course of business; or
• newly enacted taxes in the year; or
• tax items that are closely related to previously recognised tax matters, and are excluded from our adjusted tax charge to aid
comparability and understanding of the Group’s performance.
The recognition and utilisation of deferred tax assets relating to losses not historically generated in the normal course of business are
excluded on the same basis.
The adjusted tax rate is calculated as the adjusted tax charge divided by the adjusted profit before tax.
G) Adjusted earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share excluding Russia
Adjusted earnings is calculated by amending the reported basic earnings for all of the adjustments recognised in the calculation of the
adjusted operating profit, adjusted finance costs and adjusted tax charge metrics as detailed above. Adjusted earnings per share is
calculated by dividing adjusted earnings by the weighted average number of shares. For the purpose of showing comparable year-on-year
metrics we have included an adjusted earnings per share measure excluding Russia which excludes the results of the Russia business in
the comparative figures following the disposal of that operation in April 2022.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION continued
The annual average is defined as the average of the opening and closing balance sheet values.
Average adjusted net debt during the year was £9,574 million (2022: £9,198 million).
K) Adjusted net debt to earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) multiple
This is defined as adjusted net debt divided by adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted net debt is measured at balance sheet foreign exchange rates,
with a full reconciliation shown in table J above. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as adjusted operating profit plus amortisation, depreciation
and impairments. The reconciliation from adjusted operating profit to adjusted EBITDA is shown below.
2022
£ million 2023 (restated)
Adjusted operating profit (see section C above) 3,887 3,694
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments 270 244
Adjusted EBITDA 4,157 3,938
Note the comparative figure has been restated as it previously included a reconciliation from operating profit to EBITDA. This has been
changed to a reconciliation from adjusted operating profit to adjusted EBITDA.
Net cash flows generated from operating activities to free cash flow
£ million 2023 2022
Net cash flows generated from operating activities 3,129 3,186
Net capital expenditure (254) (177)
Cash interest (407) (358)
Minority interest dividends (104) (89)
Free cash flow 2,364 2,562
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 243
GLOSSARY
Financial terms
Adjusted closing net debt Adjusted closing net debt is measured at balance sheet foreign exchange rates, with a full
reconciliation shown within section J of the supplementary information.
Adjusted earnings per share This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section G of the supplementary
information.
Adjusted earnings per share This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section G of the supplementary
excluding Russia information.
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as adjusted operating profit plus amortisation, depreciation and
impairments.
Adjusted net debt This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section J of the supplementary
information.
Adjusted net debt to EBITDA This is an alternative performance measure. Adjusted net debt is defined within section J of the
multiple supplementary information. EBITDA is defined within section K of the supplementary information.
Adjusted net finance costs This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section E of the
supplementary information.
Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Non-GAAP measures provide a useful comparison of performance from one period to the next.
Adjusted operating cash This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section L of the
conversion supplementary information.
Adjusted operating profit This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section C of the
supplementary information.
Adjusted operating profit This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section C of the
excluding Russia supplementary information.
Adjusted operating profit margin Adjusted operating profit margin is calculated as adjusted operating profit divided by net revenue.
Adjusted tax charge This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section F of the
supplementary information.
Aggregate priority market share Aggregate weighted market volume share, based on our five priority markets (USA, Germany, UK, Spain
and Australia). Market volume share is calculated based on a 12-month moving annual total (MAT)
volume share position from October to September. The market volume size used in the weighting
calculation is based on a constant prior year end actual market size.
All in cost of debt Adjusted net finance costs divided by the average net debt in the year.
Cash conversion Cash conversion is calculated as cash flow from operations pre-restructuring and before interest and
tax payments less net capital expenditure relating to property, plant and equipment, software
and intellectual property rights as a percentage of adjusted operating profit.
Constant currency Removes the effect of exchange rate movements on the translation of the results of our overseas
operations. The Group translate current year results at prior year foreign exchange rates.
Dividend per share Dividend per share represents the total annual dividends, being the sum of the paid interim dividend
and the proposed final dividend for the financial year.
EBITDA Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation.
GAAP Generally accepted accounting principles.
Market share Market share data is presented as a 12-month moving average weighted across the markets in
which we operate.
Net debt to EBITDA Adjusted closing net debt divided by adjusted EBITDA.
Net revenue excluding Russia This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section A of the
supplementary information.
Reported (GAAP) Reported (GAAP) complies with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and the
relevant legislation.
Return on invested capital This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within section H of the
supplementary information.
Stick equivalent volumes Stick equivalent volumes reflect our combined cigarette, fine cut tobacco, cigar and snus volumes but
exclude any NGP volume such as heated tobacco, modern oral nicotine and vapour.
Tobacco & NGP Net revenue/ This is an alternative performance measure which is defined within sections A and B of the
Distribution gross profit supplementary information.
Total shareholder return Total shareholder return is the total investment gain to shareholders resulting from the movement in
the share price and assuming dividends are immediately reinvested in shares.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION continued
GLOSSARY continued
Other
OHSE Occupational Health Safety and Environment
OND Oral Nicotine Delivery Category
PDCA Plan Do Check Act
PG&S Purchased Goods and Services
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
Priority markets Top 5 combustible markets USA, Germany, UK, Spain and Australia
PSHG Product Stewardship and Health Group
RECs Renewable Energy Certificates
SASB Sustainable Accounting Standards Board
SBTi Science Based Target Initiatives
SCIA Supply Chain Impact Assessments
SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
SE Stick Equivalent (SE) volumes reflect our combined cigarette, fine cut tobacco, cigar and snus volumes
SECR Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
SER Supplier Engagement Rating
STP Sustainable Tobacco Programme
T&Cs Terms and Conditions
TCFD Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
Tobacco & NGP Tobacco & Next Generation Products
UK United Kingdom
UN SDGs United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
WDI Workforce Disclosure Initiative
Current assets
Debtors iv 2,597 4,744
As permitted by section 408(3) of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the Company is not presented. The profit
attributable to shareholders, dealt with in the financial statements of the Company, is £136 million (2022: £3,006 million).
The financial statements on pages 247 to 262 were approved by the Board of Directors on 13 November 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
Lukas Paravicini
Director
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IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation and statement of compliance with FRS 101
The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities are discussed in note 2 of the Group financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.
Imperial Brands PLC (the Company) is the ultimate parent company within the Imperial Brands group (the Group). The Company is a public
company limited by shares, incorporated in England and Wales and its principal activity continued to be that of holding investments. The
Company's registered number is 3236483 and its registered address is 121 Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2LL. The Company does not have
any employees. The Directors of the Group manage the Group's risks at a Group level, rather than at an individual entity level. These risks
are detailed in note 2 of the Group's financial statements (see pages 187-189).
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to Financial Reporting Standard 101
Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101), and applicable accounting standards.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, and as a going concern. Historical cost is generally based on the
fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the assets.
As permitted by section 408(3) of the Companies Act 2006, no separate profit and loss account has been presented for the Company.
As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available in the preparation of the financial
statements, as detailed below:
• Paragraph 38 of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of financial statements’ – comparative information requirements in respect of:
The principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently are set out below. The Directors do not consider there to be any
critical accounting estimates or judgements in respect of the Company, see note 2 Accounting Estimates and Judgements of the
consolidated financial statements for further detail.
Dividends
Final dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which the dividends are approved by shareholders, whereas interim dividends
are recognised in the period in which the dividends are paid. Dividends receivable are recognised as an asset when they are approved.
Financial instruments
Receivables held under a hold to collect business model are stated at amortised cost.
The calculation of impairment provisions is subject to an expected credit loss model, involving a prediction of future credit losses based on
past loss patterns. The revised approach involves the recognition of provisions relating to potential future impairments, in addition to
impairments that have already occurred. The expected credit loss approach involves modelling of historic loss rates, and consideration of
the level of future credit risk. Expected loss rates are then applied to the gross receivables balance to calculate the impairment provision.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held on call, together with other short-term highly liquid investments.
Treasury shares
When the Company purchases its own equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable
incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from equity until the shares are reissued or disposed of. When such shares are
subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related
income tax effects, increases shareholders’ funds. When such shares are cancelled they are transferred to the capital redemption reserve.
Income taxes
Judgement is involved in determining whether the Company is subject to a tax liability or not in line with tax law. Where liabilities exist,
estimation is often required to determine the potential future tax payments. The Company recognises provisions for tax based on estimates
of the taxes that are likely to become due. Where the final tax outcome is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such
differences will impact the current income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
• Amendments to IAS 12 International Tax Reform – Pillar Two model rules. (The Company has applied the mandatory exception under
IAS 12 in relation to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes.)
II. DIVIDENDS
Distributions to ordinary equity holders
£ million 2023 2022 2021
Paid interim of 43.18 pence per share (2022: 42.54 pence, 2021: 42.12 pence)
• Paid June 2021 – – 199
• Paid September 2021 – – 199
• Paid December 2021 – – 458
• Paid June 2022 – 202 –
• Paid September 2022 – 202 –
• Paid December 2022 – 464 –
• Paid June 2023 196 – –
• Paid September 2023 195 – –
Interim dividend paid 391 868 856
Proposed third interim of 51.82 pence per share (2022: 49.31 pence, 2021: 48.48 pence) – – –
• To be paid December 2023 466 – –
Interim dividend proposed 466 – –
Proposed final of 51.82 pence per share (2022: 49.32 pence, 2021: 48.48 pence) – – –
• Paid March 2022 – – 458
• Paid March 2023 – 457 –
• To be paid March 2024 465 – –
Final dividend 465 457 458
Total ordinary share dividends of 146.82 pence per share (2022: 141.17 pence, 2021: 139.08 pence) 1,322 1,325 1,314
www.imperialbrandsplc.com 249
IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
The proposed third interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2023 of 51.82 pence per share amounts to a proposed dividend of
£466 million, which will be paid in December 2023.
The proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2023 of 51.82 pence per share amounts to a proposed dividend payment of
£465 million in March 2024 based on the number of shares ranking for dividend at 30 September 2023, and is subject to shareholder
approval. If approved, the total dividend paid in respect of 2023 will be £1,322 million (2022: £1,325 million). The dividend paid during 2023 is
£1,312 million (2022: £1,320 million).
III. INVESTMENTS
Cost of shares in imperial tobacco holdings (2007) limited
£ million 2023 2022
At 1 October 7,968 7,968
At 30 September 7,968 7,968
The Directors confirm that the carrying value of the investment is supported by its underlying net assets.
IV. DEBTORS
£ million 2023 2022
Amounts owed from Group undertakings 2,597 4,744
Amounts owed from Group undertakings are unsecured, interest bearing, have no fixed date for repayment and are repayable on demand.
Amounts owed by Group undertakings are unsecured, interest bearing, have no fixed date for repayment and are repayable on demand.
During the period a share buy back scheme was initiated and 52,107,043 10p shares were repurchased for a cost of £1,000 million.
Upon completion of the purchase, these shares were cancelled and transferred to the capital redemption reserve. The stamp duty costs
were £5 million and the fees charged for the share repurchase were £1 million.
On 6 March 2014, 31,942,881 shares held in treasury were cancelled creating the capital redemption reserve, and between September 2017
and December 2017, 4,973,916 shares were cancelled increasing this reserve.
2023 2022
Millions of Millions of
shares Value shares Value
£ million unless otherwise indicated (number) £ (number) £
At 1 October 70.3 2,183 74.3 2,183
Gifted to Employee Share Ownership Trusts – – (4.0) –
At 30 September 70.3 2,183 70.3 2,183
Percentage of issued share capital 7.8 n/a 6.9 n/a
VIII. GUARANTEES
The Company provides guarantees to the following subsidiaries under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006, whereby the subsidiaries,
incorporated in the UK, are exempt from the requirements of the Act relating to the audit of individual accounts for the financial year
ending 30 September 2023:
The Company has guaranteed various committed and uncommitted borrowings facilities and liabilities of certain UK and overseas
undertakings. As at 30 September 2023, the amount guaranteed is £14,138 million (2022: £14,151 million).
Many of the committed revolving credit facilities remain undrawn as at 30 September 2023 but the maximum potential exposure under
each facility has been included due to the ongoing commitment, only drawn utilised balances have been included for facilities that are
uncommitted in nature.
The Company has also provided a parent guarantee to the Imperial Tobacco Pension Trustees Ltd (including their £300 million revolving
credit facility), the main UK pension scheme.
The Directors have assessed the fair value of the above guarantees and do not consider them to be material. They have therefore not been
recognised on the balance sheet.
RELATED UNDERTAKINGS
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 a full list of subsidiaries, partnerships, associates, and joint ventures, the
principal activity, the country of incorporation and the effective percentage of equity owned, as at 30 September 2023 are disclosed below.
With the exception of Imperial Tobacco Holdings (2007) Limited, which is wholly owned by the Company, none of the shares in the
subsidiaries is held directly by the Company.
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IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
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IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
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IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
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IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
Country of Percentage
Name incorporation Principal activity and registered address owned
SITAR Holding SAS France (La Holding investments in subsidiary companiesr 99.0
Reunion Island) Z.I n2, B.P. 256, 97457 Saint Pierre, IIe de la Reunion, France
Société Africaine d’Impression Senegal Manufacture and distribution of cigarettes in Senegal 99.8
Industrielle SA (i) route de Bel Air – Km 2200, Dakar, Senegal
Société des Cigarettes Gabon In liquidation 87.8
Gabonaises SA (i) 2381 bld Léon MBA, BP 2175, Libreville, Gabon
Société Industrielle et Agricole Congo Manufacture and distribution of cigarettes in Congo 89.7
du Tabac Tropical SA (i) Avenue de la Pointe Hollandaise, Mpila, BP 50, Brazzaville, Congo
Société Ivoirienne des Tabacs Cote D'Ivoire Manufacture and distribution of cigarettes in Côte d’Ivoire 74.9
SA (i) (iii) Cocody-Nord, Quartier Gendarmerie, TF 5937, 01 B.P. 724 Abidjan
Société Marocaine des Tabacs Morocco Manufacture and distribution of cigarettes in Morocco 99.9
SA 87 Rue Hamed El Figuigui , Casablanca, 20500, Morocco
SOCTAM SA (i) Madagascar Manufacture and distribution of cigarettes in Mali 50.5
15 Rue Geoges V, Mahajanga, Madagascar
SOTCHADIS SAS Chad Non-trading 95.0
502 Rue 1039, BP 852, N'Djamena, Chad
Transportes J. Carbo Guijuelo, Spain Transportation of food at a controlled temperature 50.0
S.L.U. Calle De la Sierra Ventosa, Parcela 38, Pologono Industrial Agroalimentario
de Guijuelo. 37000, Salamanca
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IMPERIAL BRANDS PLC FINANCIALS continued
PARTNERSHIPS
The Group also owns the following partnerships:
Name Country Principal activity, registered address and principal place of business
Fabrica de Tabacos La Flor de Honduras Holding investments in subsidiary companies
Copan S de R.L. de CV Registered address and principal place of business: Apartado Postal 209, Colonia
Mejia-García, Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras
Imperial Tobacco (Efka) GmbH & Germany Manufacture of tubs in Germany
Co. KG Registered address and principal place of business: Behrinstrasse 122 A,, Hamburg,
22763, Germany
Imperial Tobacco Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Marketing and distribution of tobacco products in Kazakhstan
LLP (i) Registered address and principal place of business: 3rd Floor, Prime Business Park,
100/2 Nursultan Nazarbayev Avenue, Medeuskiy District, Almaty, 050000,
Kazakhstan
ITG Brands Holdpartner LP United States of Marketing and sale of tobacco products in United States of America
America Registered address and principal place of business: 714 Green Valley Road,
Greensboro, NC27408, United States of America
The subsidiaries listed were held throughout the year and the consolidated Group financial statements include all the subsidiary
undertakings identified. All dormant UK entities have taken the exemption available to not have an audit of their financial statements.
Unless otherwise stated the entities are unlisted, have 1 type of ordinary share capital and a reporting period ending on 30 September
each year.
The percentage of issued share capital held by the immediate parent and the effective voting rights of the Group are the same except for
Imperial Tobacco Italia Srl where the entire share capital, and therefore 100% of the voting rights, are held by a number of Group companies.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT factors, changing economic, financial, interpreted to mean that the future
Certain statements in this report business or other market conditions. earnings per share of the Company for
constitute or may constitute forward- These and other factors could adversely current or future financial years will
looking statements. Any statement in affect the outcome and financial effects necessarily match or exceed the
this report that is not a statement of of the plans and events described in historical or published earnings per
historical fact including, without this report. As a result, you are share of the Company. This report has
limitation, those regarding the cautioned not to place any reliance on been prepared for, and only for the
Company’s future expectations, such forward-looking statements. The members of the Company, as a body,
operations, financial performance, forward-looking statements reflect and no other persons. The Company, its
financial condition and business is or knowledge and information available at Directors, employees, agents or advisers
may be a forward-looking statement. the date of this report and the Company do not accept or assume responsibility
Such forward-looking statements are undertakes no obligation to update its to any other person to whom this report
subject to risks and uncertainties that view of such risks and uncertainties or is shown or into whose hands it may
may cause actual results to differ to update the forward-looking come, and any such responsibility or
materially from those projected or statements contained herein. Nothing liability is expressly disclaimed.
implied in any forward-looking in this report should be construed as a
statement. These risks and profit forecast or profit estimate and no
uncertainties include, among other statement in this report should be
Park works to the EMAS standard and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001.
This publication has been manufactured using 100% offshore wind electricity sourced from UK wind.
100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and, on average 99% of any
waste associated with this production will be recycled and the remaining 1% used to generate energy.
This document is printed on Heaven 42 and Max Ultrawhite, both papers are made of material from well-managed,
FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. The pulp used in this product is bleached using an elemental
chlorine free (ECF) process.
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