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WH Smith expects annual profit at lower end of forecast
WH Smith expects about £75 million in annual profit as higher promotions, inflation and weaker North American trading squeeze margins.
On Sep 16, 2026, Retailer Smith announced annual pre-tax profits are expected to drop to around £75 million, missing earlier guidance of up to £90 million as inflation and the Iran war squeezed margins.
Former chief executive Carl Cowling resigned last year after a Deloitte report confirmed "shortcomings" in its audit process, while the Financial Conduct Authority continues investigating these accounting problems.
Revenue growth reached 4% in the final three months, driven by airport sales and an 8% jump in hospital site revenue, while North American like-for-like sales fell 3% amid lower passenger volumes.
To bolster its balance sheet, the firm raised £103 million in June and is now reviewing North American operations, while noting the earlier sale of high street shops to Modella Capital.
Management navigates "lower trading profit margins driven by increased promotional activity, a reduction in brand marketing and inflation headwinds," as the company aims to recover from £108 million in prior-year profits.