Interim Management Statement

RNS Number : 3243T

WH Smith PLC

04 June 2009

 



                                    4 June 2009

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 2009 to 30 May 2009.

CURRENT TRADING

Total Group sales in the first 13 weeks of the second half of the financial year were up 1% with like-for-like sales down 4% compared to the same period last year. 

WHSmith High Street like-for-like sales were down 5% in the period. 

WHSmith Travel like-for-like sales were down 2% in the period. Whilst airport passenger numbers have, as expected, remained soft, we have outperformed. 

FINANCIAL POSITION

As required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, we confirm that our financial position is in line with market expectations. Our balance sheet remains strong and 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 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

 

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