JT Reports Robust 2021 Driven by Tobacco

The JT Group’s revenue increased 11.1 percent to ¥2.32 trillion ($20.15 billion) in 2021. Adjusted operating profit a constant exchange rates was up 22.9 percent to ¥598.4 billion. On a reported basis, operating profit increased 25.4 percent to ¥610.4 billion. The company reported an operating profit of ¥449 billion, up 6.4 percent over that reported in the previous year.

“The JT Group reported a robust performance in 2021, driven by strong momentum across the tobacco business,” said JTI President and CEO Masamichi Terabatake in a statement. “Our consumer-centric approach and strong brand portfolio have enabled share gains in the majority of our markets and resulted in a record sales volume in the international tobacco business.

“Despite a challenging operating environment, including the ongoing pandemic, the group accomplished several important milestones in the year. We implemented measures to generate sustainable growth, notably in our priority investment category where we launched our new HTS [heated tobacco sticks] device, Ploom X, starting in Japan. We also successfully implemented various initiatives related to the new operating model for the consolidated tobacco business, which went live this January.”

Going forward, JTI’s priority will be to expand its presence in the reduced-risk product (RRP) category, with an emphasis on HTS products. The company aims to break even in the RRP category by 2027 by achieving a heated tobacco segment share in the mid-teens across its key HTS markets.

“To reach this goal, we are accelerating necessary business investments and expect an annual average growth rate of adjusted operating profit at constant currency to be mid-single digit during the 2022 business plan period,” said Terabatake. “Furthermore, we plan to grow profit, which in turn will increase shareholder returns, in line with our shareholder return policy.”