WH Smith looking to make most of strong growth opportunities

Bosses at WH Smith say the firm is well positioned to take advantage of the peak summer trading period.

The Swindon firm said trading momentum continues across  key markets with total travel revenue in the  last 13 weeks  up nine per cent.

The group is on track to deliver the full year in line with expectations.

WH Smith’s UK division continues to perform strongly.

In the 13 weeks to June total revenue remains up 9% on last year as we annualise the strong recovery in passenger numbers in 2023.

Total revenue was up 8% in air, up 14% in hospitals and up 8% in rail in the period.

The transformation of the business to a one-stop-shop for travel essentials is delivering strong results, increasing average transaction values and returns.

Total revenue in our North American division during the 13 week period was up 5% on last year on a constant currency basis. Like for like sales were flat with similar trends as reported at the Interim results.

During the period, WH Smith won an important new contract at Detroit airport comprising 4 new stores.

In the UK High Street division, total revenue, including online, was down 4% in the 13 week period.

The store network performed well with like for like revenue flat versus the comparative period last year.

Positive expectations for the full financial year are unchanged.

Looking ahead, the group is well positioned as it enters the peak summer trading period.

Good trading momentum continues across all three travel divisions and WH Smith says it is in a strong position to capitalise on substantial growth opportunities across its markets.