Tobacco manufacturer, JT International Bhd is confident of delivering a satisfactory performance this year, despite the challenges thrown in by a rising illicit cigarette trade.

Managing Director Shigeyuki Nakano said the increasing size of illicit trade will continue to provide negative pressure on the volume of legal cigarettes.

JTI Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh in the company's 2010 annual report said that despite the challenges, JTI was committed to strengthen its position in the retail trade and will continue to invest in resources behind its global flagship brands - Winston, Mild Seven, Camel and Salem.

JTI remains confident that with comprehensive and dynamic business strategies, the company is well-positioned to meet its 2011 overall objectives and deliver another credible performance, Mohd Nadzmi said in the report released here today.

JTI recorded a higher pre-tax profit of RM178.9 million in the 2010 financial year, a 24.6 per cent rise over the previous year's RM143.6 million.

Turnover increased to RM1.205 billion from RM1.158 billion.
The company maintained a gross dividend payout of 30 sen per share less 25 per cent tax, representing a gross dividend yield of five per cent. - Bernama