Imperial Brands with a clear analyst view, shares lag major tobacco peers
27.06.2026 - 10:54:59 | ad-hoc-news.de
By Anna Wagner, Analysts & Consensus desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-27, 10:54.
Imperial Brands (GB0004544929) sits firmly in the FTSE 100 with its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange. The focus for investors this weekend is the analyst consensus that continues to frame expectations for the stock, based on stable earnings and a high dividend yield.
What analysts currently say
According to a recent consensus overview on MarketScreener, around a dozen analysts cover Imperial Brands, with the bulk of recommendations clustered around "Hold" and "Buy", and only a small minority on the sell side. The average 12-month price target, converted at current exchange rates, implies only a modest upside versus the latest London closing price, underscoring the cautious tone around the stock. MarketScreener consensus page
Most research houses emphasize the combination of a double-digit percentage dividend yield and ongoing share buybacks as key elements of the investment case. UBS, Barclays and Jefferies in their latest notes point to gradual deleveraging and disciplined capital returns, while also highlighting regulatory and volume headwinds in the core combustible business as reasons to stay selective. Reuters tobacco sector commentary
Position versus British American and Philip Morris
In relative terms, Imperial Brands trades at a discount in earnings multiples and enterprise-value-to-EBIT ratios to larger tobacco peers such as British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International. Comparative data from an FT sector screen shows Imperial on a forward price-to-earnings ratio in the high single digits, while global peers often command low double-digit multiples despite facing similar structural pressures. Financial Times sector overview
Dividend policy remains a major differentiator. Whereas some rivals have opted for flatter payout growth to fund heated investment into next-generation products, Imperial Brands maintains a relatively high cash return to shareholders while selectively funding reduced-risk offerings. This leaves the stock with an above-average cash yield but a more measured pace in new categories.
All news and analysis on the Imperial Brands shares
Stay on top of dividend policy, consensus changes and strategic updates for Imperial Brands with our continuously updated topic page.
The brands behind the dividend
Imperial Brands generates most of its revenue from traditional tobacco products under global and regional brands such as Winston, Davidoff, Gauloises and JPS, complemented by rolling papers and fine-cut tobacco. In newer categories, the group is pushing heated-tobacco and vapor brands including blu and Pulze in selected European and international markets.
Where the stock trades now
The Imperial Brands shares (GB0004544929) last traded on the London Stock Exchange at around the mid-20s in British pounds, with the latest price snapshot for this article taken on 2026-06-27, 10:30 London time.
Key data on the Imperial Brands shares
- Company: Imperial Brands PLC
- ISIN: GB0004544929
- WKN: 903000
- Ticker: IMB
- Trading venue: London Stock Exchange
- Price (as of 2026-06-27, 10:30): 25.00 GBP
- Market cap: 23.0 billion GBP (as of 2026-06-27)
- Sector / industry: Consumer Staples / Tobacco
- Index membership: FTSE 100
- Next earnings date: 2026-11-19
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell. Historical performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
