WH Smith turnaround takes hit as profit misses targets

WH Smith boss takes aim at years of ‘forced growth’ as profits plunge

The retailer reported a 30% drop in underlying pre-tax profits to £76 million for the year to August 31.

WH Smith turnaround takes hit as profit misses targets

WH Smith has delivered a lower-than expected profit even after cutting its targets multiple times, as “weaker” consumer confidence slowed the company’s turnaround. The London-listed travel retailer posted a £73m pre-tax profit in the year to the end August, 28 per cent lower than last year. After multiple profit warnings earlier this year the group [...]

WH Smith profits fall 30% despite revenue climbing to £1.6bn

WH Smith has reported a sharp decline in annual profits despite revenue increasing 5 per cent to £1.63bn, as the travel retailer continues to tackle operational challenges and restructure its international business. For the year ended 31 August 2026, headline profit before tax and exceptional items fell 30 per cent to £76m, compared with £108m...

WHSmith full-year revenues climb but profits fall amid “fundamental reset”

Revenue climbed by +5% year-on-year with like-for-like growth of +2%, but headline group pre-tax profit fell -29% against a backdrop of inflation, macroeconomic headwinds and a restructure of the business.