WH Smith delivers 'solid' H1 performance

(Sharecast News) - Travel retailer WH Smith said on Thursday that it had delivered a "solid performance" over the 26 weeks ended 28 February, with total revenue up 5% year-on-year at constant currency rates.

WH Smith said total UK revenues were up 2% in H1, with air revenues ticking up 1% and hospital revenues improving 7%, while North American revenues grew 5% and ROW revenues surged 11%, even as it closed four uneconomic stores at Düsseldorf Airport at lease end.

The FTSE 250-listed firm also stated it was on track to deliver group guidance for the full year.

"Looking ahead, we are 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," said WH Smith.

As of 1100 GMT, WH Smith shares were down 1.40% at 597.50p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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