(Reuters) – WH Smith reported a higher annual revenue on Wednesday as robust travel demand propelled sales of its products ranging from sandwiches to books, sending the British retailer’s shares up 11%.
WH Smith, an over 230-year-old brand, said trading in the new financial year so far was in line with expectations.
CONTEXT
Strong passenger numbers in the second half of the year ended Aug. 31 supported demand for WH Smith’s product offerings – ranging from travel accessories, food and drinks to health and beauty – at airports.
SSP Group, which operates food outlets across airports and rail stations said in July, it was optimistic about more people undertaking leisure travelling.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The travel industry has remained resilient in the face of high inflation and tight budgets, with data showing record air passenger numbers in the UK and the U.S. during the summer months.
Multiple sporting events, including the Olympics, Wimbledon and European Soccer Championship also contributed to more people travelling to Europe.
KEY NUMBERS
Revenue for the year rose 7%, buoyed by strong travel demand across its UK and U.S. markets and the introduction of new products.
The firm also said it received proceeds of 85 million pounds ($111.2 million) from a buyout of its pension trust while launching a 50 million pound share buyback.
MARKET REACTION
Shares in the retailer rose 11% to a nearly nine-month high of 1,363 pence per share in early trade.
WHAT’S NEXT
The London-listed firm will release its preliminary results for the year on Nov. 14.
($1 = 0.7644 pounds)
(Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Eileen Soreng)
