London, 19 Jan 2026, 12:35 GMT — Regular session
- Shares of Imperial Brands rose about 1.3% in London, bucking the wider market downturn.
- European stocks slid after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened fresh tariffs amid tensions linked to Greenland.
- Investors are focused on Imperial Brands’ AGM scheduled for January 28, as well as when its February dividend will be announced.
Imperial Brands (IMB.L) shares edged up about 1.3%, hitting close to 3,085 pence by 12:35 GMT. Earlier, the stock traded in a range between roughly 3,047 and 3,093 pence. The dividend yield remained firm at around 5.2%. Meanwhile, British American Tobacco, one of its main competitors, also posted gains today. 1
The rise came as London stocks dropped, spooked by Trump’s tariff threat aimed at Britain and seven other European countries unless the U.S. got approval to purchase Greenland. This move reignited trade concerns across markets. The FTSE 100 had earlier slipped about 0.6%, with most sectors showing losses. 2
European shares edged down about 1% in early trading, dragged lower amid renewed trade worries. Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital.com, flagged “Trump’s actions over the weekend” as sparking fresh geopolitical tensions. He also pointed out that the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday in the U.S. has left volumes light, likely intensifying the market’s moves. 3
Tobacco stocks tend to draw interest in markets like this, thanks to their steady cash flow and consistent dividends. While investors may step away from cyclical sectors, tobacco isn’t completely shielded—it just moves up or down the day’s leaderboard.
Imperial has been cutting its share count through a buyback programme. The company repurchases its own shares, typically cancelling them, which can lift earnings per share as long as profits hold steady. 4
The group still depends largely on cigarettes, even as it pushes harder into “next generation” products such as vaping, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. Tobacco’s pricing strength often cushions the blow, yet volume drops remain a steady headwind.
Familiar pitfalls lurk in this space. Regulatory crackdowns, tax hikes, or tighter vaping and nicotine rules can quickly undercut demand and tighten margins. Tobacco stocks tend to move sharply on shifts in government policy or looming legal threats.
Imperial has some important dates on the horizon. The annual general meeting is set for Jan. 28. The ex-dividend date comes next on Feb. 19, followed by the final dividend payment scheduled for March 31, pending shareholder approval. Half-year results will be published on May 12. (Reminder: the ex-dividend date is the first day new shareholders won’t receive the upcoming dividend.) 5
