Adjusted operating profit at constant currency grew 9.9% mainly driven by strong performance in the international and Japanese domestic tobacco businesses. On a reported basis, the profit declined 5.2% due to unfavorable local currency movements against the US Dollar in the international tobacco business.
Profit from continuing operations grew 1.8% despite the unfavorable impact of exchange rates, due to robust profit growth at constant currency, lower one-off expenses and lower income taxes. These positive factors were partially offset by the losses related to the disposal of real estate assets and lower gains from the sale of real estate assets.
Profit attributable to owners of the parent, which combines profits from continuing and discontinued operations, grew 24.8% due to the gains relating to the transfer of shares JT held in its subsidiaries conducting vending machine operations.
International Tobacco Business: Adjusted operating profit increased 10.8% in US Dollars at constant currency driven by a robust price/mix together with positive GFB performance. On a reported basis, adjusted operating profit declined 23.4% due to unfavorable local currency movements against the US Dollar. In Japanese Yen, adjusted operating profit decreased 11.8%, partially offset by the appreciation of the US Dollar.
Japanese Domestic Tobacco Business: Adjusted operating profit grew 6.4% driven by improved price/mix effect as well as the effects of the measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the Japanese domestic tobacco business.
The Company’s Board is recommending a total dividend per share of ¥118, including a first half-year dividend per share of ¥54.