5th Mar 2026 13:05
(Alliance News) - WH Smith PLC on Thursday backed full-year guidance but said it is "mindful" of how events in the Middle East could impact its business.
The Swindon, England-based travel retail operator said it is mindful of the geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and "the impact that this is having on passenger numbers across our key markets."
"We will continue to monitor the situation and focus on what we can control, including executing against our clear strategic priorities and strengthening our focus on cost and cash discipline," the firm said.
Nonetheless, WH Smith said it is on track to deliver guidance for the year.
In a trading update, WH Smith said it has delivered a "solid" performance over the 26 weeks to the end of February with total revenue up 5% on a constant currency basis versus the prior year.
Total revenue in the UK was up 2%, with like-for-like revenue also up 2%.
In Air, total revenue increased 1%, with LFL revenue up 2%. In Rail, total revenue was up 1% with LFL revenue down 2% against the backdrop of continuing consumer headwinds.
Total revenue in North America increased by 10%, with LFL revenue up 1%.
In Air, total revenue was up 15%, while in the Resorts business, total revenue declined 6%.
Rest of the World and Other saw total revenue increase 8% and 6% on a LFL basis, as a result of the annualisation of new store openings in the prior year.
"We continue to actively manage our international store portfolio and will exit sub-scale markets as contracts expire or through targeted portfolio actions. During the period, we closed 4 uneconomic stores at Düsseldorf Airport at lease end," WH Smith said.
Shares in WH Smith rose 0.7% to 610.00 pence in London on Thursday after falling 11% in the last five days.
The group will announce its interim results on April 23.
By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter
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