5 June 2008
WH SMITH PLC
Interim Management Statement
WH Smith PLC is today publishing its Interim Management Statement as required by the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency rules, relating to the period from 1 March 2008 to 31 May 2008.
CURRENT TRADING
Total Group sales in the first 13 weeks of the second half of the financial year were +6%, reflecting the impact of recent acquisitions.
The combined like for like sales for WH Smith High Street and WH Smith Travel for the period were -2% compared to the same period last year.
WH Smith High Street like for like sales were -3% and WH Smith Travel like for like sales were +1% in the period (excluding tobacco, like for like sales in WH Smith Travel were +3%).
The integration of our recent acquisitions is proceeding in line with plan and the financial position of the Group remains in accordance with our expectations.
PROSPECTS
The economic environment remains uncertain and, whilst we continue to be cautious about consumer spending, we are confident in the outcome for the full year.
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Enquiries:
WH Smith PLC
Mark Boyle Investor Relations 020 7851 8820
Sue Barratt Media Relations 020 7851 8850
Brunswick
Tom Buchanan 020 7404 5959