Wh Smith Share Price (SMWH)

or not to short? That is the question.

Apparently not just a few branches to convert to convenience stores as Morrisons have already done. http://www.retail-week.com/sectors/entertainment/asda-in-talks-to-buy-bust-hmv/5047195.article?blocktitle=More-News-and-Insight&contentID=5271

Primark to sell music CDs in some UK stores http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19783564 GLA

failure. "The stationery retailer WH Smith is returning to the CDs and DVDs market following the collapse of HMV" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9919996/WH-Smith-brings-back-DVDs-after-HMV-failure.html

The market analyst reaffirmed its 2013 full-year results forecast of £106.9m (consensus £105.8) rising to £113.4m (consensus £111.3m) in 2014. It also reiterated its 'buy' recommendation and 750p price target. Ahead of the trading update, forecasts suggested the retailer would report decline in like-for-like sales with as much as 5.0% at its High Street stores. Nevertheless, WH Smith's shares rose more than 5.0% Tuesday after Numis upgraded the stock to 'add' with a target price of 710p.

As part of its aim to return up to £50m of cash to shareholders via a share buyback programme, the group purchased 2.48m shares at an average price of £6.38. "During the period we saw a good profit performance across the group. Margin was well managed and costs were tightly controlled throughout the business," Group Chief Executive, Kate Swann, said. "Looking ahead, we expect the trading environment to remain challenging however we are a resilient business with a consistent record of both profit growth and cash generation, and are confident in making further progress in the year." Swann announced in October 2011 that she would step down as chief executive in July 2013. Steve Clark, who joined WH Smith in 2004, will take over from Swann. Seymour Pierce Research commented on the results saying the company delivered a "reliant Christmas as management continued to focus on profitability rather than sales."