Food and Beverage Retail

WH Smith PLC

WH Smith Releases 2025 Annual Report

WH Smith Under Investigation For Potential Breach Of Listing And Disclosure Rules

WH Smith plans to release its delayed annual performance report

WH Smith PLC repurchased 42,836 ordinary shares

SMWH

WH Smith sold 480 high street stores to Modella Capital for £42m, but received only £10m upfront due to a significant price cut reflecting poor trading conditions. Modella plans to restructure TG Jones, the renamed stores, potentially closing 150 locations. The firm has requested WH Smith to assist with redundancy payments for affected staff. Modella is also charging TG Jones £2.9m in royalty fees for using the new name, citing a decline in consumer awareness since losing the WH Smith brand. WH Smith retains its airport and hospital stores and anticipates profit declines due to external disruptions.

cityam

WH Smith made only £10m from sale of 500 stores

WH Smith's former stores, now under TG Jones, face bailiff action due to unpaid taxes totaling £15.8 million, including £3.4 million in business rates. The private equity owner, Modella, is under pressure to restructure financially, with landlords being asked for significant rent cuts. MPs criticize the situation, suggesting investors benefit while taxpayers suffer. Retail experts express disbelief at the company's performance, noting the retail sector's resilience. TG Jones anticipates up to 150 store closures and potential redundancies if financial conditions do not improve, with a creditor vote on the turnaround plan scheduled for late June.

The telegraph

Ex-WH Smith stores fear bailiffs over unpaid taxes

Modella Capital plans to close up to 150 former WH Smith stores as part of an aggressive restructuring, risking jobs. The private equity firm, which bought the 480 high street stores for £40m, has struggled with the rebranding to TG Jones, impacting consumer awareness. Modella's restructuring plan, advised by Teneo and Slaughter and May, aims to ensure the survival of the 234-year-old business. WH Smith, retaining its airport and hospital stores, faces profit challenges due to a slowdown in international tourism and reported a £25m pre-tax loss in the last six months.

WH Smith successor to shut 150 stores in ‘aggressive’ restructuring

WH Smith's rebranded stores, now operating as TG Jones, face potential closure due to a restructuring plan aimed at reducing costs amid declining sales. Investment firm Modella Capital is proposing significant rent cuts and long-term rent holidays to landlords to avoid bankruptcy. Eight stores will close immediately, with over 100 more facing rent holidays. The plan requires approval from three-quarters of creditors and landlords, with a court hearing scheduled for June. Modella has faced criticism for previous financial troubles with other brands and is seeking a £15m cash injection to stabilize TG Jones.

AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA

Secure Trust Bank Plc

Rebranded WH Smith stores risk closure in blow to high street

WH Smith PLC (LON:SMWH) shares hit a new 52-week low at GBX 497.20, closing at GBX 498.40. Analysts have adjusted price targets, with Royal Bank of Canada lowering theirs from GBX 675 to GBX 650, while Canaccord Genuity set a target of GBX 680. The stock has a current average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of GBX 720.50. WH Smith reported a negative earnings per share of GBX (20) and a revenue of £748 million for the last quarter. Insider Leo Quinn purchased shares at GBX 560 each.

Market Beat

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MarketWise

WH Smith (LON:SMWH) Hits New 1-Year Low  - Time to Sell?

WH Smith has confirmed its issued share capital as of April 30, 2026, totaling 126,453,145 ordinary shares with voting rights. This announcement enhances transparency for shareholders regarding voting rights and notifiable holdings under U.K. financial rules. The latest analyst rating for WH Smith (GB:SMWH) is a Hold with a price target of £600.00. Spark's AI Analyst rates SMWH as Neutral, citing weakened financial performance and profitability risks, despite a ~3% dividend yield providing some support.

Tip Ranks

WH Smith Confirms Updated Share Capital and Voting Rights

WH Smith insider Leo Quinn purchased 17,764 shares at GBX 560 each, totaling £99,478.40. The stock is currently down 0.9%, trading at GBX 560.50. WH Smith has a market cap of £698.92 million, with a negative net margin of 9.48%. Analysts have mixed ratings, with a consensus target price of GBX 720.50. Recent price targets have been lowered by several firms, with three analysts rating it as a Buy and three as a Hold.

WH Smith (LON:SMWH) Insider Acquires £99,478.40 in Stock

WH Smith's Executive Chair, Leo Quinn, purchased 17,764 shares at £5.58-£5.60 each, totaling £99,389.42, signaling confidence in the company's future. This transaction complies with EU Market Abuse Regulation. Analysts rate WH Smith stock as a Hold with a £6.15 price target, while Spark's AI Analyst gives it a Neutral score due to financial challenges and regulatory uncertainties. WH Smith is a U.K. retailer known for its travel and high-street stores, focusing on books, magazines, and convenience products, with a market cap of £704.4M.

WH Smith’s Executive Chair Leo Quinn Buys Additional Shares

Modella Capital has delayed an aggressive restructuring plan for TG Jones, which could lead to the closure of up to 100 stores previously owned by WH Smith. The firm, facing financial difficulties, was set to announce rescue proposals but postponed them. TG Jones requires High Court approval for its restructuring, which may involve significant rent cuts for landlords. WH Smith, which retained its airport and hospital stores, is also experiencing a profit hit due to a slowdown in international tourism, reporting a £25m pre-tax loss in the last six months.

WH Smith PLC(SMWH.UK)