Interim Management Statement

RNS Number : 1960N

WH Smith PLC

08 June 2010

 



WH SMITH PLC

Interim Management Statement

8 June 2010

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 14 week period from 28 February 2010 to 5 June 2010

CURRENT TRADING

Total Group sales in the first 14 weeks of the second half of the financial year were down 3% with like-for-like sales down 4% compared to the same period last year.

WHSmith High Street like-for-like sales were down 4% in the period.

WHSmith Travel like for like sales were down 4% in the period (down 2% like-for-like excluding the impact of the volcanic ash disruption).  Whilst airport passenger numbers have, as expected, remained soft, we continue to outperform.

FINANCIAL POSITION

We confirm that our financial position is in line with market expectations and our balance sheet remains strong. We continue to generate high levels of cash from our operations.

PROSPECTS

The economic environment remains uncertain and whilst we continue to be cautious about consumer spending, we remain confident in the outcome for the full year.

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Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Mark Boyle                             Investor Relations                              020 7851 8820

Sarah Heath                           Media Relations                                020 7851 8850

Brunswick

Tom Buchanan                                                                                   020 7404 5959

 

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