Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Smiths News delivers 'good' trading performance in H2

(Sharecast News) - Newspaper and magazine wholesaler Smiths News delivered a "good trading performance" in the second half. Adjusted operating profits for the 52 weeks ended 26 August were expected to be at least in line with market expectations of £38.3m, reflecting year-on-year growth, while overall revenues increased by 0.2%, driven by strong cover price rises and additional sales from the World Cup and one-off news events.

Smiths also said the securing of sustainable operational efficiencies and an improved contribution from adjacent categories had mitigated the impact of inflation.

As a result, Smiths expects to recommend a final full-year dividend of no less than 2.7p per ordinary share, taking the total dividends for the year up to the full distribution permissible under its current banking facilities.

Chief executive Jonathan Bunting said: "In what has been a challenging period for the wider economy, our strategy of securing operational efficiencies, while enhancing core operations and developing adjacent revenues, has been central to mitigating the impacts of inflation."

As of 0935 BST, Smiths shares were up 6.13% at 43.30p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Ceres Power says it's on track for a 'strong' 2024
(Sharecast News) - Ceres Power posted higher full-year sales and gross profits and said that it was on track for a "strong" 2024.
Mears FY profits up more than a third
(Sharecast News) - Housing services business Mears Group stated both revenue and profits improved in 2023 and said it expects to deliver another "strong" in FY24.
Revolution Bars proposes restructuring, eyes £12.5m equity raise
(Sharecast News) - Bar and gastro pub operator Revolution Bars has proposed a restructuring of the group, which would involve the shuttering of several sites, rent reductions, and an equity raise of up to £12.5m featuring new and existing investors.
XP Power Q1 revenues slide, remains 'confident' of market position
(Sharecast News) - Power control components manufacturer XP Power said on Wednesday that both order intake and revenue declined in the first quarter but said it remains confident of its market position.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.