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WH Smith PLC (GB:SMWH)
LSE:SMWH

WH Smith (SMWH) AI Stock Analysis

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WH Smith

(LSE:SMWH)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
1,139.00p
▲( 10.91% Upside)
WH Smith's overall score is driven by strong financial performance and strategic corporate actions, such as share buybacks. However, the high P/E ratio suggests overvaluation, and technical indicators point to cautious trading conditions.

WH Smith (SMWH) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

WH Smith Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWH Smith PLC operates as a retailer in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Travel and High Street. The Travel segment offers news, books, and convenience for travelling customers. As of August 31, 2021, it operated 1, 166 units primarily in airports, hospitals, railway stations, motorway service areas, and workplaces. The High Street segment sells stationery products, including greetings cards, general stationery, art and craft, and gifting products; news and impulse products, such as newspapers, magazines, confectionery, and drinks; and books. It operated 544 stores. This segment also offers its stationery, books, magazines, and gifts through whsmith.co.uk; personalized greetings cards and gifts through funkypigeon.com; pens through cultpens.com; and personalized stationery products through treeofhearts.co.uk and dottyaboutpaper.co.uk websites. The company was founded in 1792 and is based in Swindon, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyWH Smith generates revenue primarily through the sale of goods in its Travel and High Street segments. The Travel segment is the larger and faster-growing part, with stores located in high-traffic locations like airports and train stations, attracting travelers in need of convenience products and travel essentials. This segment benefits from partnerships with transport operators and airport authorities. The High Street segment, while more traditional, continues to contribute to the company's revenue through the sale of books, stationery, and related products. WH Smith's revenue model is based on retail sales, with key revenue streams stemming from product sales in both sectors, complemented by strategic expansion in international travel retail markets.

WH Smith Financial Statement Overview

Summary
WH Smith demonstrates strong revenue growth and operational efficiency, with solid cash flow metrics. However, high leverage poses a potential risk, necessitating careful monitoring.
Income Statement
75
Positive
WH Smith has shown consistent revenue growth over the past few years, with a notable increase from 2023 to 2024. Gross and net profit margins have improved, reflecting growing profitability. However, net income has slightly decreased in 2024 compared to 2023, which could be a concern. EBIT and EBITDA margins indicate stable operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company has a relatively high debt-to-equity ratio, indicating significant leverage. However, the return on equity has improved, reflecting better utilization of shareholders' equity. The equity ratio is moderate, suggesting a balanced approach to financing with both debt and equity.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
WH Smith has shown positive free cash flow growth, indicative of strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, demonstrating effective conversion of earnings into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio also supports the company's cash-generating efficiency.
Breakdown
TTMSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
1.94B1.92B1.79B1.40B886.00M1.02B
Gross Profit
0.001.21B1.11B849.00M514.00M568.00M
EBIT
206.00M158.00M156.00M112.00M-34.00M-53.00M
EBITDA
270.00M334.00M316.00M243.00M42.00M-95.00M
Net Income Common Stockholders
7.00M67.00M79.00M47.00M-82.00M-239.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
39.00M56.00M56.00M132.00M130.00M108.00M
Total Assets
1.75B1.87B1.65B1.69B1.35B1.45B
Total Debt
1.13B1.05B951.00M1.04B925.00M959.00M
Net Debt
1.09B997.00M895.00M909.00M795.00M851.00M
Total Liabilities
1.41B1.42B1.31B1.42B1.21B1.22B
Stockholders Equity
306.00M416.00M277.00M255.00M133.00M222.00M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
194.00M144.00M129.00M104.00M56.00M2.00M
Operating Cash Flow
299.00M275.00M251.00M187.00M100.00M81.00M
Investing Cash Flow
-120.00M-137.00M-122.00M-83.00M-43.00M-395.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-184.00M-138.00M-203.00M-104.00M-35.00M374.00M

WH Smith Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price1027.00
Price Trends
50DMA
988.01
Positive
100DMA
1085.37
Negative
200DMA
1183.34
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
19.40
Negative
RSI
59.00
Neutral
STOCH
58.60
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:SMWH, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 1027 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 975.92, above the 50-day MA of 988.01, and below the 200-day MA of 1183.34, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 19.40 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 59.00 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 58.60 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:SMWH.

WH Smith Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
£1.18B13.459.37%5.01%2.78%11.20%
76
Outperform
£338.44M7.0214.43%5.87%7.75%-21.78%
74
Outperform
£1.39B7.092.95%-10.46%396.13%
72
Outperform
£1.29B199.222.46%3.19%4.46%-89.55%
64
Neutral
£832.43M890.75%0.40%5.32%-152.26%
GBAO
63
Neutral
£599.65M22.9620.28%-0.39%2.68%
62
Neutral
$6.88B11.262.78%3.93%2.65%-22.00%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SMWH
WH Smith
1,027.00
-42.08
-3.94%
GB:CARD
Card Factory
97.40
0.52
0.54%
GB:PETS
Pets at Home
259.00
-3.32
-1.27%
GB:AO
AO World
104.60
-5.40
-4.91%
GB:CURY
Currys plc
124.20
52.45
73.10%
GB:MOON
Moonpig Group Plc
250.00
96.28
62.63%

WH Smith Corporate Events

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Continues Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
May 22, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the repurchase of 47,528 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. The company plans to cancel these shares, contributing to a total of 3,270,415 shares repurchased under the program. This move is part of WH Smith’s strategy to manage its capital structure and enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Executes Share Buyback Strategy
Neutral
May 21, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a company involved in the retail industry, has announced the purchase of 46,796 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move is in line with the authority granted by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in January 2025. The company plans to cancel these shares, which is part of a broader strategy to manage its capital structure. Since the program’s inception, WH Smith has acquired a total of 3,222,887 ordinary shares. This transaction is significant as it affects the total voting rights within the company, potentially impacting shareholder calculations under the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
May 20, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 45,529 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, thereby potentially increasing earnings per share. The total number of shares purchased under the program has now reached over 3 million, indicating a substantial commitment to this financial strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Announces Share Buyback as Part of Capital Management Strategy
Neutral
May 19, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retail company, has announced the purchase of 48,638 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move, authorized by shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting in January 2025, is part of a broader strategy to manage its share capital. The company plans to cancel these shares, which is expected to impact the total voting rights and share calculations for stakeholders. Since the program’s inception, WH Smith has repurchased a total of 3,130,562 shares, indicating a significant commitment to this financial strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
May 16, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a company involved in retail and services, announced the purchase of 49,067 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program. This transaction, conducted on May 16, 2025, follows the authority granted by shareholders and is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company acquire a total of 3,081,924 shares since the program’s announcement. The purchased shares are intended to be canceled, which could impact the company’s share value and voting rights structure, potentially benefiting shareholders by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Executes Share Buyback to Boost Shareholder Value
Positive
May 15, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 49,455 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback programme. This move, in line with shareholder approval, aims to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, which could potentially improve earnings per share and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Expands Share Buyback Program
Neutral
May 14, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 49,407 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initiated in September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage its share capital, with the company having repurchased a total of 2,983,402 shares since the program’s inception. The cancellation of these shares is expected to impact the company’s share capital structure, potentially affecting shareholder value and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Positive
May 13, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the repurchase of 10,888 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, authorized by shareholders, is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value, reflecting confidence in its financial position and future prospects.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Neutral
May 12, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the repurchase of 18,885 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, initiated on 23 September 2024. This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value. The total number of shares purchased under the program now stands at 2,923,107, with the latest transactions conducted through the London Stock Exchange at an average price of 9.8412 GBP per share.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SMWH) stock is a Buy with a £1500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WH Smith stock, see the GB:SMWH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
May 9, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 51,000 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value. The company plans to cancel these shares, which will reduce the total number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and impacting the company’s market positioning.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Continues Share Buyback Program with Recent Purchase
Positive
May 8, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 23,676 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. The company plans to cancel these shares, contributing to a total of 2,853,222 shares purchased under the program. This move is part of WH Smith’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and enhance shareholder value, potentially impacting its market positioning and investor relations.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Neutral
May 7, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 52,200 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was authorized by shareholders earlier this year. This move is part of a larger strategy, as the company has already acquired a total of 2,829,546 shares since the program’s inception. The purchased shares will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 128,087,388, which impacts the company’s voting rights and shareholder calculations under regulatory guidelines.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
May 6, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 54,618 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was authorized by shareholders in January 2025. This transaction is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company repurchase a total of 2,777,346 shares since the program’s announcement in September 2024. The company intends to cancel these shares, which could impact its share value and market positioning by reducing the number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and signaling confidence in its financial health.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
May 2, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retailer, announced the purchase of 53,621 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This transaction, executed on May 2, 2025, aligns with the company’s strategy to manage its share capital effectively, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting confidence in its financial health. The shares will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue and potentially increasing the value of remaining shares.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Continues Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Neutral
May 1, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 54,357 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. This transaction is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s share capital and enhance shareholder value, with a total of 2,669,107 shares purchased since the program’s inception. The cancellation of these shares will reduce the total number of shares in issue, impacting the company’s market operations and potentially influencing shareholder calculations under regulatory guidelines.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
BlackRock Adjusts Holdings in WH Smith PLC
Neutral
May 1, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced a change in its major holdings as BlackRock, Inc. adjusted its voting rights, reducing its total from 8.93% to 8.68%. This adjustment reflects a slight decrease in BlackRock’s influence over WH Smith, potentially impacting stakeholder perceptions and the company’s market positioning.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Neutral
Apr 30, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a company operating in the retail sector, has announced the purchase of 55,248 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, conducted with the authority granted by shareholders, is part of a broader strategy to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation. The company has purchased a total of 2,614,750 ordinary shares since the program’s inception, and these shares are intended to be canceled, potentially impacting the company’s share value and voting rights.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
WH Smith PLC Announces Share Capital Structure Update
Neutral
Apr 30, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced that as of 30 April 2025, its capital structure consists of 128,411,305 ordinary shares with voting rights, with none held in treasury. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements under the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage their interests in the company.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Positive
Apr 29, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 53,873 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value. The shares will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue, which currently stands at 128,357,432. This buyback program reflects WH Smith’s confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Advances Share Buyback Program with New Purchase
Positive
Apr 28, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retail company, has announced the purchase of 55,248 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move is in line with the authority granted by shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting in January 2025. The company plans to cancel these shares, which is part of a broader strategy to manage its capital structure. Since the program’s inception, WH Smith has acquired a total of 2,505,629 shares, indicating a significant commitment to this financial strategy. This buyback could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding, thereby increasing earnings per share.

Business Operations and Strategy
Causeway Capital Increases Stake in WH Smith
Neutral
Apr 25, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Causeway Capital Management LLC increasing its voting rights from 11.03% to 12.05%. This acquisition of voting rights indicates a strengthened position for Causeway Capital in WH Smith, potentially influencing future company decisions and impacting stakeholders.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Apr 25, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retailer, announced the purchase of 54,236 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move is in line with the authority granted by shareholders during the company’s Annual General Meeting in January 2025. The company plans to cancel these shares, which is part of a broader strategy to manage its capital structure. Since the program’s inception, WH Smith has acquired a total of 2,450,381 shares, reflecting its commitment to enhancing shareholder value and optimizing its financial operations.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Positive
Apr 24, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 54,800 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. The company intends to cancel these shares, contributing to a total of 2,396,145 shares repurchased under the program. This action is aligned with the authority granted by shareholders and reflects the company’s strategy to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of remaining shares.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Positive
Apr 23, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retail company, announced the purchase of 56,306 of its own ordinary shares as part of a previously announced buyback program. This transaction, executed on April 23, 2025, is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company repurchase a total of 2,341,345 shares. The company plans to cancel these shares, which could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Advances Share Buyback Program with New Purchase
Positive
Apr 22, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 53,341 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which began in September 2024. This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and return value to shareholders, potentially enhancing its market position and shareholder confidence.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
Apr 17, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 52,728 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. This transaction, conducted with the authority granted by shareholders, is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value. The company intends to cancel the purchased shares, which contributes to a total of 2,231,698 shares repurchased under the program. This move reflects WH Smith’s commitment to optimizing its financial operations and potentially improving its market positioning by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
WH Smith Chair Purchases Shares, Signaling Confidence in Company
Positive
Apr 16, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced that Annette Court, the Chair of the company, has purchased 1,090 ordinary shares at a price of £9.1762 per share on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction is part of the company’s regulatory disclosure under the EU Market Abuse Regulation, reflecting the ongoing commitment of its leadership to the company’s growth and stability.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Initiates £23.3 Million Share Buyback Program
Neutral
Apr 16, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the commencement of a share buyback program in collaboration with Barclays Bank PLC. The program, running until September 2025, allows Barclays to purchase up to £23.3 million worth of WH Smith shares, which will subsequently be canceled to reduce the company’s share capital. This strategic move is expected to impact the company’s financial structure and potentially influence its market position.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
WH Smith PLC Reports Strong First Half 2025 Results and Strategic Shift to Travel Retail
Positive
Apr 16, 2025

WH Smith PLC reported a strong performance in the first half of 2025, with total travel revenue up by 6% and a 12% increase in travel trading profit. The company is well-positioned for future growth as a pure play travel retailer, having secured a major contract at a US East Coast airport and planning to open over 60 new stores this financial year. The sale of its UK High Street business marks a strategic shift towards focusing on travel retail, which now accounts for 75% of the group’s revenue. Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, WH Smith remains optimistic about growth opportunities in global travel retail, supported by increasing passenger numbers and investment in airport infrastructure.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
BlackRock Adjusts Voting Rights in WH Smith
Neutral
Apr 9, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced a change in its major holdings as BlackRock, Inc. has adjusted its voting rights in the company. The adjustment reflects a decrease in BlackRock’s total voting rights from 9% to 8.93%, indicating a minor shift in ownership structure. This change may influence WH Smith’s shareholder dynamics and could have implications for its strategic decisions, given BlackRock’s significant influence as a major stakeholder.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
BlackRock Adjusts Voting Rights in WH Smith PLC
Neutral
Apr 1, 2025

BlackRock, Inc., a major shareholder in WH Smith PLC, has adjusted its voting rights in the company, decreasing its total percentage from 9.81% to 9.00%. This change reflects a reduction in both direct and financial instrument-based voting rights, potentially impacting the influence BlackRock holds over WH Smith’s corporate decisions.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
WH Smith Updates Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Mar 31, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced that as of 31 March 2025, its capital consists of 128,737,964 ordinary shares with voting rights, with no shares held in treasury. This update is crucial for shareholders as it helps them determine their notification requirements under the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, potentially impacting their investment decisions and the company’s market transparency.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Sells UK High Street Business to Focus on Travel Retail
Positive
Mar 28, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the sale of its UK High Street business to Modella Capital, shifting its focus entirely to the travel retail sector. This strategic move allows WH Smith to concentrate on its rapidly growing Travel business, which already accounts for 75% of the Group’s revenue and 85% of its trading profit. The transaction is expected to enhance the company’s financial profile by improving revenue growth, profit margins, and shareholder value. With a strong presence in structurally advantaged growth markets, WH Smith is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing passenger numbers and airport infrastructure investments, ensuring substantial growth and value for its stakeholders.

Private Placements and Financing
WH Smith Secures £320 Million in Refinancing to Strengthen Financial Position
Positive
Mar 25, 2025

WH Smith PLC has successfully completed a £200 million issuance of US Private Placement notes and a £120 million bank term loan, marking its debut in the USPP market. This refinancing effort strengthens WH Smith’s balance sheet by diversifying its debt financing sources and extending its debt maturity profile, positioning the company advantageously ahead of the convertible bond maturing in 2026.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
WH Smith’s Major Holdings Update: Causeway Capital Increases Stake
Neutral
Mar 25, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced a change in its major holdings, with Causeway Capital Management LLC increasing its voting rights in the company to 11.03% from a previous 10.073%. This acquisition of voting rights, notified on March 24, 2025, reflects a strategic move by Causeway Capital, potentially impacting WH Smith’s governance and future strategic decisions.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Neutral
Mar 18, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 10,989 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, initiated in September 2024. This move, which involves the cancellation of the acquired shares, is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s share capital and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Announces Share Buyback
Positive
Mar 17, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a well-known retail company, has announced the purchase of 26,700 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, authorized by shareholders at the company’s recent Annual General Meeting, is part of a broader strategy that has seen the company repurchase over 2 million shares since the program’s inception. The shares acquired will be canceled, which could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the total number of shares in circulation, thereby increasing earnings per share.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Neutral
Mar 14, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a company engaged in retail and related services, announced the purchase of 29,069 of its own ordinary shares as part of an ongoing buyback program. This action is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company repurchase a total of 2,141,281 shares since the program’s inception. The repurchased shares will be canceled, which could potentially impact the company’s share value and voting rights structure, as the total number of shares in issue stands at 128,775,653.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Mar 13, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent player in the retail sector, has announced the repurchase of 27,777 of its ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move is in line with the authority granted by shareholders earlier in January 2025. The company plans to cancel these shares, which is part of a broader strategy that has seen the acquisition of over 2 million shares to date. This buyback program is a strategic effort to optimize capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Announces Share Buyback
Positive
Mar 12, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a company involved in retail and services, has announced the purchase of 27,131 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program. This move, authorized by shareholders, is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company repurchase over 2 million shares. The cancellation of these shares is intended to consolidate the company’s share capital, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting confidence in the company’s financial health.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Neutral
Mar 11, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 27,297 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, initiated in September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value, with a total of 2,057,304 shares repurchased to date. The cancellation of these shares will adjust the total voting rights, impacting shareholder calculations under the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Neutral
Mar 10, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retailer, has announced the repurchase of 27,726 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program. This move, authorized by shareholders, is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value. The company plans to cancel these shares, which could impact the total voting rights and share distribution among stakeholders.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Mar 5, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent player in the retail industry, has announced the purchase of 27,697 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, conducted under the authority granted by shareholders, aims to reduce the number of shares in circulation, potentially enhancing shareholder value. Since the inception of the buyback program, WH Smith has acquired a total of 1,946,749 shares, reflecting its commitment to optimizing its capital structure. The cancellation of these shares is expected to impact the company’s share capital and voting rights, aligning with its strategic financial management goals.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Neutral
Mar 4, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 26,132 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initiated on 23 September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s share capital, with the intention to cancel these shares, potentially impacting shareholder value and market perception.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Positive
Mar 3, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retailer, announced the purchase of 25,884 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move, authorized by shareholders, aims to cancel the shares, thereby potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and enhancing shareholder value. The company has purchased a total of 1,892,920 shares since the program’s announcement, reflecting its commitment to optimizing its capital structure and returning value to shareholders.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
WH Smith PLC Updates Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Mar 3, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced that as of 28 February 2025, its capital is comprised of 129,099,960 ordinary shares with voting rights, and none are held in treasury. This update is crucial for shareholders as it affects the calculation of their interests under the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage and report their holdings in the company.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program with New Purchase
Positive
Feb 28, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 24,400 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. This transaction is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value. The purchased shares will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue, which currently stands at 129,049,898. This move is expected to impact the company’s market positioning by potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and demonstrating confidence in its financial health.

Stock Buyback
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Feb 27, 2025

WH Smith PLC, a prominent retail company, has announced the purchase of 25,662 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. This move, approved by shareholders, aims to cancel the shares, thereby potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and demonstrating confidence in the company’s future performance. The total number of shares purchased under this program now stands at 1,842,636, indicating a significant commitment to the buyback strategy.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Feb 26, 2025

WH Smith PLC announced the purchase of 25,684 of its own ordinary shares as part of a previously announced buyback program. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value. The shares will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in circulation and potentially increasing the value of remaining shares. This action reflects WH Smith’s ongoing efforts to optimize its financial operations and strengthen its market position.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith Executes Share Buyback as Part of Capital Optimization Strategy
Positive
Feb 25, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 25,033 of its own ordinary shares as part of a buyback program initiated in September 2024. The company intends to cancel these shares, which is part of a broader strategy to manage its share capital and potentially enhance shareholder value. This transaction reflects WH Smith’s ongoing efforts to optimize its capital structure and could have implications for its market positioning and shareholder interests.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
WH Smith PLC Continues Share Buyback Program
Positive
Feb 24, 2025

WH Smith PLC has announced the purchase of 24,709 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing buyback program, which was initially announced in September 2024. The company intends to cancel these shares, contributing to a total of 1,766,257 shares purchased under the program. This move is part of WH Smith’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.