WHSmith trading in line with expectations

WH Smith PLC expects the outcome for the year to 31 August 2005 to be in line with its expectations

WH Smith said that trading conditions in the high street remained challenging during the second half of the year. However, the profitability of the High Street Retail business continued to improve through both gross margin gains and tight cost control. The Travel Retail division has continued to perform well and the News Distribution business has also made steady progress. “The three to five year plan to deliver value to shareholders that was set out last summer remains on track” said the company.

RELATED ARTICLES