British American Tobacco: Quarterly Report to 31 March 2008

07/05/2008 09:18

PR Newswire

LONDON, May 7 /PRNewswire/ --
    - Summary

Three Month                 2008         2007               Change
Results

Revenue                GBP 2,541m   GBP 2,232m                +14%


Profit from
operations              GBP 807m     GBP 684m                +18%


Adjusted diluted
earnings per share        28.44p       24.31p                +17%

- The reported profit from operations was 18 per cent higher at GBP807 million with a similar increase if exceptional items are excluded. All regions
contributed to this strong result. Profit from operations, excluding exceptional items, would have been 10 per cent higher at comparable rates of exchange.


- The reported Group revenue increased by 14 per cent to GBP2,541 million as a result of favourable
exchange, improved pricing and a better product mix. Revenue would have increased by 6 per cent at
comparable rates of exchange.


- Group volumes from subsidiaries were 158 billion, an increase of 1 per cent, mainly as a result of the good performances by the four Global Drive Brands, which achieved overall volume growth of 23 per cent with around one third of the rise coming from brand migrations.


- Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose by 17 per cent, principally as a result of the strong growth in profit from operations and favourable exchange movements. Basic earnings per share were higher at
29.92p (2007: 24.24p).


- The Chairman, Jan du Plessis, commented: "The year has clearly got off to a great start, with profit growth in all our regions. While the normal caveats about not reading too much into any particular quarter still apply, the Group's unrivalled spread of business between developed and developing markets should continue to serve shareholders well."

British American Tobacco p.l.c. Globe House 4 Temple Place London WC2R
2PG

Registered in England and Wales no. 3407696

Enquiries: Investor Relations: Ralph Edmondson, +44(0)20-7845-1180, Sharon Woodcock, +44(0)20-7845-1519; Press Office: David Betteridge/ Kate Matrunola/ Catherine Armstrong, +44(0)20-7845-2888.