Announcement • Apr 26
WH Smith PLC Declares No Interim Dividend for the Period Ended 28 February 2026 WH Smith PLC Board has not declared an interim dividend in respect of the six-month period to 28 February 2026. The dividend has been suspended to support the strengthening of the balance sheet and the Group will look to reinstate returns to shareholders when excess cash is available. Announcement • Apr 25
WH Smith PLC Announces Board and Committee Changes The Board of WH Smith PLC announced that Colette Burke, Non-Executive Director, will be stepping down as a director of the Company on 30 June 2026 having served for three years. The company also announced that Situl Jobanputra will become Chair of the Remuneration Committee with immediate effect. Announcement • Apr 08
WH Smith PLC Announces Board Changes, Effective April 7, 2026 WH Smith PLC announced that following shareholder approval at the Company's General Meeting on March 12, 2026, Leo Quinn assumes his role of Executive Chair of WH Smith PLC with effect from April 7, 2026. Andrew Harrison will now step down from the Board with immediate effect. Announcement • Mar 12
WH Smith PLC Announces Election Of Leo Quinn As Director, Effective April 7, 2026 WH Smith PLC held a General Meeting for shareholders at 9.00am on March 12, 2026 and elected Leo Quinn as a director with effect from April 7, 2026. All resolutions put to the General Meeting were passed by shareholders. Announcement • Mar 05
WH Smith PLC to Report First Half, 2026 Results on Apr 23, 2026 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report first half, 2026 results on Apr 23, 2026 Announcement • Jan 19
WH Smith PLC Announces Management Changes WH Smith PLC has appointed Leo Quinn as Executive Chair. Leo Quinn is recognized for his successful track record at Balfour Beatty, QinetiQ, and De La Rue, and is expected to provide the necessary leadership and strategic direction for WH Smith. The Board of the Company announced its intention to appoint Leo Quinn as Executive Chairman with effect from 7 April 2026. This appointment will be subject to shareholder approval. Leo has over 20 years' experience as CEO of UK publicly quoted companies, most recently as Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty plc, the UK's largest infrastructure company. In each case he has led significant business transformation, driving sustained cashflows and strong shareholder returns, including over £5 billion of total shareholder value. Prior to that he spent over two decades in leadership roles at global companies, including seven years in the US. Annette Court will step down as Chair and non-executive director at the end of the Company's Annual General Meeting on 2 February 2026. In addition to continuing as Senior Independent Director, Simon Emeny will act as Interim non-executive Chairman until Leo's appointment. Accordingly, the resolution to re-elect Annette as a director of the Company will be withdrawn. Announcement • Dec 20
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Feb 02, 2026 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Feb 02, 2026. Announcement • Dec 19
WH Smith PLC Announces Stepping Down of Nicky Dulieu, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee, Effective February 2, 2026 WH Smith PLC announces that it has received notice from Nicky Dulieu, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee, of her intention to step down as a director of the Company at next year's Annual General Meeting which is due to be held on February 2, 2026. Nicky is stepping down to focus on her other work and business commitments. Announcement • Jul 29
Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD) agreed to acquire Funkypigeon.Com Limited from WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) for £24 million. Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD) agreed to acquire Funkypigeon.Com Limited from WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) for £24 million on July 29, 2025. Consideration represents an enterprise value of £26 million on a cash and debt-free basis and an equity value of £24 million. Net cash proceeds, when adjusted for transaction costs, are anticipated to be £21 million and will be used to improve the Group's net debt position. The consideration of £24 million is subject to customary closing adjustments, implying an EV/EBITDA multiple of c.5 times. The acquisition will be funded from draw down of up to £35 million under the accordion facility provided by cardfactory's banking syndicate, as part of its current debt facilities.
Completion of the Transaction is subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals and expected to occur before the end of the calendar year.
Tim Danaher of Brunswick Group LLP acted as financial advisor to WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) Announcement • Jun 30
Modella Capital Limited completed the acquisition of UK High Street business of WHSmith for £40 million. Modella Capital Limited agreed to acquire UK High Street business of WHSmith for £52 million on March 28, 2025. Gross cash proceeds of £52 million, with anticipated net cash proceeds of £25m when adjusted for transaction and separation costs, to be deployed in-line with the Group's capital allocation policy. The sale does not include the Group's personalised online greeting card business, funkypigeon.com. The Group will explore strategic options for this part of the Group, including a possible sale.
The transaction is expected to close by end of June 2025.
Robert Moore, Ben Ward, Hayley Brady, Peter Dalton, Will Nevin, Casey Dalton, Heather Newton of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP and Antonia Silvestri, Perran Jervis of TLT LLP acted as legal advisors to WHSmith. Greenhill & Co. International LLP is acting as financial adviser to WHSmith. Sandra Wong, Emma Roake, Duncan McMeekin, Nick Smee, Suki Tonks, Claire Burns of Browne Jacobson LLP acted as legal advisor to Modella Capital Limited. Ian Houghton WHSmith's general in house counsel provided the advise on the transaction.
Modella Capital Limited completed the acquisition of UK High Street business of WHSmith for £40 million on June 30, 2025. As part of the revised consideration, Modella Capital Limited would pay Up-front consideration of £10 million at completion, Up to £20 million of deferred consideration whereby WHSmith and Modella equally share in the cash flow generation of the business to August 2026 ando Up to £10 million of additional proceeds based on timing and realisation of certain tax assets within the High Street business. Transaction and separation costs remain unchanged at £27 million. Announcement • Jun 13
Palliser Capital Announces it Plans to Improve Shareholder Returns at WH Smith On June 12, 2025, Palliser Capital announced it has acquired a nearly 5% stake in WH Smith PLC and announced it plans to examine the Company’s leverage targets and capital allocation policy with the aim of improving returns for shareholders. Announcement • Apr 24
WH Smith PLC to Report Fiscal Year 2025 Results on Nov 13, 2025 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report fiscal year 2025 results on Nov 13, 2025 Announcement • Apr 16
WH Smith PLC Declares an Interim Dividend for the Period Ended 28 February 2025, Payable on 31 July 2025 The board of WH Smith PLC has declared an interim dividend in respect of the period ended 28 February 2025 of 11.3 pence per share (2024: 11.0 pence per share). This reflects its strong start to the year, the cash generative nature of the business and confidence in the future growth prospects of the Group. Over time, the company aim to have a cover ratio of around 2.5 times earnings. The dividend payments are paid on an interim and final basis with a 1/3:2/3 split. The interim dividend will be paid on 31 July 2025 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 11 July 2025. Announcement • Jan 29
HMV Owner Reportedly Mulls WH Smith Swoop THE owner of HMV is considering a bid for WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH)'s high street business as the retailer focuses on travel. Billionaire Doug Putman is said to be eyeing a potential swoop for the shops, according to The Sun. Private equity groups Hilco, Alteri and Modella Capital have also been named as potential suitors. It comes as WH Smith confirmed it was considering quitting the high street after 230 years to focus on shops in train stations, airports and other travel hubs. The announcement has raised fears of possible job losses and closures. WH Smith has around 5,000 staff in its 500 high street shops across the country. Paddy Lillis, the general secretary of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said: "Staff at WH Smith are yet again plunged into a period of uncertainty and they are very worried about their futures. We urge the current owners and any buyer to fully engage with the staff to protect their jobs and help this longstanding, iconic brand to thrive in the future." Hilco and Alteri declined to comment. Mr. Putman and Modella did not respond to requests for comment. Board Change • Jan 01
High number of new directors There are 5 new directors who have joined the board in the last 3 years. COO, CFO & Director Maxwell Leslie Izzard was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2024. The company’s lack of board continuity is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Declared Dividend • Dec 30
Final dividend of UK£0.23 announced Shareholders will receive a dividend of UK£0.23. Ex-date: 16th January 2025 Payment date: 6th February 2025 Dividend yield will be 2.4%, which is lower than the industry average of 2.5%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is covered by both earnings (65% earnings payout ratio) and cash flows (30% cash payout ratio). The dividend has decreased over the past 10 years, indicating a lack of growth and stability in payments. EPS is expected to grow by 64% over the next 3 years, which should provide support to the dividend and adequate earnings cover. Announcement • Dec 10
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 29, 2025 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 29, 2025. Location: the offices of herbert smith freehills llp, exchange house, primrose street, ec2a 2eg, london United Kingdom Announcement • Dec 06
WH Smith PLC to Report First Half, 2025 Results on Apr 16, 2025 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report first half, 2025 results on Apr 16, 2025 Declared Dividend • Nov 17
Final dividend of UK£0.23 announced Shareholders will receive a dividend of UK£0.23. Ex-date: 16th January 2025 Payment date: 6th February 2025 Dividend yield will be 2.4%, which is lower than the industry average of 2.5%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is covered by both earnings (65% earnings payout ratio) and cash flows (30% cash payout ratio). The dividend has decreased over the past 10 years, indicating a lack of growth and stability in payments. EPS is expected to grow by 90% over the next 3 years, which should provide support to the dividend and adequate earnings cover. Reported Earnings • Nov 16
Full year 2024 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.52 (vs UK£0.61 in FY 2023) Full year 2024 results: EPS: UK£0.52 (down from UK£0.61 in FY 2023). Revenue: UK£1.92b (up 7.0% from FY 2023). Net income: UK£67.0m (down 15% from FY 2023). Profit margin: 3.5% (down from 4.4% in FY 2023). Revenue is forecast to grow 5.4% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.8% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 81% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 5% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Announcement • Nov 14
WH Smith PLC Proposes Final Dividend for the Year Ended 31 August 2024, Payable on 6 February 2025 WH Smith PLC has proposed a final dividend of 22.6 pence per share in respect of the financial year ended 31 August 2024, which together with the interim dividend, gives a full year dividend of 33.6 pence per share. This reflects the cash generative nature of the business and the company's confidence in the future prospects of the Group. Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on 6 February 2025 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 17 January 2025. Valuation Update With 7 Day Price Move • Oct 15
Investor sentiment improves as stock rises 17% After last week's 17% share price gain to €16.40, the stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 15x. Average forward P/E is 6x in the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Total loss to shareholders of 8.5% over the past three years. Simply Wall St's valuation model estimates the intrinsic value at €10.12 per share. Announcement • Sep 26
WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) announces an Equity Buyback for £25 million worth of its shares. WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) announces a share repurchase program. Under the program, the company has entered into an arrangement with Barclays Bank PLC to repurchase £25 million worth of its shares. The purpose of program is to reduce the Company's share capital. The repurchased shares will be cancelled. The program will be valid till April 15, 2025. Upcoming Dividend • Jul 04
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.11 per share Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 11 July 2024. Payment date: 01 August 2024. Payout ratio is a comfortable 64% and this is well supported by cash flows. Trailing yield: 2.7%. Lower than top quartile of German dividend payers (4.6%). Lower than average of industry peers (3.5%). Announcement • Jun 14
WH Smith PLC Announces Board and Audit Committee Changes WH Smith PLC announced the appointment of Helen Rose as a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair designate with effect from 1 July 2024. Upon appointment, Helen will become a member of the Audit, ESG, Nominations and Remuneration Committees. Helen will also become Chair of the Audit Committee on 1 December 2024 after Nicky Dulieu has completed the 2024 financial year-end. Nicky Dulieu will continue in her role as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Helen is a chartered accountant and former senior finance and operations leader with considerable experience in multi-site retail and financial services sectors. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Greencore plc. Declared Dividend • Apr 28
First half dividend of UK£0.11 announced Shareholders will receive a dividend of UK£0.11. Ex-date: 11th July 2024 Payment date: 1st August 2024 Dividend yield will be 2.7%, which is higher than the industry average of 2.5%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is covered by both earnings (64% earnings payout ratio) and cash flows (28% cash payout ratio). The dividend has decreased over the past 10 years, indicating a lack of growth and stability in payments. EPS is expected to grow by 106% over the next 3 years, which should provide support to the dividend and adequate earnings cover. Announcement • Apr 27
WH Smith PLC Declares an Interim Dividend in Respect of the Period Ending 29 February 2024, Payable on 1 August 2024 The directors of WH Smith PLC have declared an interim dividend in respect of the period ending 29 February 2024 of 11.0 pence per ordinary share. This will be paid on 1 August 2024 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 12 July 2024. Reported Earnings • Apr 26
First half 2024 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.13 (vs UK£0.25 in 1H 2023) First half 2024 results: EPS: UK£0.13 (down from UK£0.25 in 1H 2023). Revenue: UK£926.0m (up 7.8% from 1H 2023). Net income: UK£17.0m (down 47% from 1H 2023). Profit margin: 1.8% (down from 3.7% in 1H 2023). Revenue is forecast to grow 6.5% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.0% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 122% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 15% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Announcement • Mar 16
WH Smith PLC Announces CFO Changes WH Smith PLC announced that Robert Moorhead, after more than 20 years with the business, has advised the Board of his intention to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently SVP Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max will join the Company on 1 September 2024. Robert will step down from the Board on 30 November 2024. Max will be appointed to the Board with effect from 1 December 2024. Max is a highly experienced finance director, with deep expertise in multi-site international consumer businesses. He is currently SVP of Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max has held a variety of senior roles there over the last 6 years, helping to support the strategic transformation and development of the business, overseeing the group finance functions, tax and treasury. Prior to Burberry, Max held several senior commercial and group finance roles at IHG PLC. Robert joined the Company in 2004 as Finance Director - Retail. Robert was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2008 and Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer in 2013. Robert has played an important leadership role in transforming WH Smith into a global travel retailer. Announcement • Mar 15
WH Smith PLC Announces Executive Changes WH Smith PLC announced that Robert Moorhead, after more than 20 years with the business, has advised the Board of his intention to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently SVP Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max will join the Company on 1 September 2024. Robert will step down from the Board on 30 November 2024. Max will be appointed to the Board with effect from 1 December 2024. Max is a highly experienced finance director, with deep expertise in multi-site international consumer businesses. He is currently SVP of Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max has held a variety of senior roles there over the last 6 years, helping to support the strategic transformation and development of the business, overseeing the group finance functions, tax and treasury. Prior to Burberry, Max held several senior commercial and group finance roles at IHG PLC. Robert joined the Company in 2004 as Finance Director - Retail. Robert was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2008 and Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer in 2013. Robert has played an important leadership role in transforming WH Smith into a global travel retailer. Announcement • Feb 07
WH Smith Announces Board Changes WH Smith announced the appointment ofSitul Jobanputraas a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 March 2024. Upon appointment, Situl will become a member of the Audit, Nominations and Remuneration Committees and Chair of the ESG Committee. Situl joins the Board of WH Smith with significant financial and property expertise. He is Chief Financial Officer of Shaftesbury Capital PLC, having joined the company 10 years ago and served on its board since 2017. Situl is an experienced corporate financier, having previously worked in mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, corporate broking and real estate investment banking, latterly at Deutsche Bank. WH Smith also announces that Marion Sears will step down as a Non-Executive Director with effect from today's date. Nicky Dulieu, Non-Executive Director, will succeed Marion Sears as Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Nicky has been a member of the Remuneration Committee since joining the Board in September 2020. Reported Earnings • Dec 14
Full year 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.61 (vs UK£0.36 in FY 2022) Full year 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.61 (up from UK£0.36 in FY 2022). Revenue: UK£1.79b (up 28% from FY 2022). Net income: UK£79.0m (up 68% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 4.4% (up from 3.4% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 6.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.4% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 118% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 4% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Reported Earnings • Nov 10
Full year 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.61 (vs UK£0.36 in FY 2022) Full year 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.61 (up from UK£0.36 in FY 2022). Revenue: UK£1.79b (up 28% from FY 2022). Net income: UK£79.0m (up 68% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 4.4% (up from 3.4% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 6.6% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.5% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 118% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 4% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Buying Opportunity • Oct 28
Now 21% undervalued after recent price drop Over the last 90 days, the stock is down 24%. The fair value is estimated to be €16.68, however this is not to be taken as a buy recommendation but rather should be used as a guide only. Revenue has grown by 12% over the last 3 years. Meanwhile, the company has become profitable. Revenue is forecast to grow by 21% in 2 years. Earnings is forecast to grow by 96% in the next 2 years. Announcement • Oct 24
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 26, 2024 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 26, 2024. Announcement • Sep 13
WH Smith PLC Announces Board Changes WH Smith PLC announced that Kal Atwal, non-executive director and Chair of the ESG Committee, will be stepping down from the Board of WH Smith with effect from 12 September 2023. The Board has commenced a process to appoint a new non-executive director and will update the market in due course. Marion Sears, non-executive director, has been appointed as Chair of the ESG Committee with effect from 12 September 2023. Announcement • Jul 26
WH Smith PLC to Report Fiscal Year 2023 Results on Nov 09, 2023 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report fiscal year 2023 results on Nov 09, 2023 Upcoming Dividend • Jul 06
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.081 per share at 1.1% yield Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 13 July 2023. Payment date: 03 August 2023. Payout ratio is a comfortable 33% and this is well supported by cash flows. Trailing yield: 1.1%. Lower than top quartile of German dividend payers (4.8%). Lower than average of industry peers (2.7%). Announcement • May 18
WH Smith PLC Appoints Colette Burke as Non-Executive Director, Effective July 1, 2023 WH Smith PLC announced that Colette Burke has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1st July 2023. Colette is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of the LEGO Group, and was previously Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Bose Corporation. Colette brings significant US and retail experience from her roles at Bose Corporation and the LEGO Group. Reported Earnings • Apr 20
First half 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.25 (vs UK£0.092 in 1H 2022) First half 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.25 (up from UK£0.092 in 1H 2022). Revenue: UK£859.0m (up 41% from 1H 2022). Net income: UK£35.0m (up 192% from 1H 2022). Profit margin: 4.1% (up from 2.0% in 1H 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 7.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.7% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 56% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 13% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Board Change • Jan 23
Less than half of directors are independent Following the recent departure of a director, there are only 3 independent directors on the board. The company's board is composed of: 3 independent directors. 4 non-independent directors. Independent Chairman Annette Court was the last independent director to join the board, commencing their role in 2022. The company's minority of independent directors is a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Announcement • Jan 18
WH Smith PLC to Report First Half, 2023 Results on Apr 20, 2023 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report first half, 2023 results on Apr 20, 2023 Announcement • Jan 13
WH Smith PLC Announces Not Stand for Re-Election of Maurice Thompson, Non-Executive Director WH Smith PLC announced that Maurice Thompson, non-executive director of the company has informed the board that he does not intend to stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 18 January 2023 and, as such, will cease to be a member of the board effective from the end of the AGM. Upcoming Dividend • Dec 29
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.091 per share Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 05 January 2023. Payment date: 26 January 2023. Trailing yield: 1.2%. Lower than top quartile of German dividend payers (5.1%). Lower than average of industry peers (4.0%). Reported Earnings • Nov 16
Full year 2022 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.36 (vs UK£0.63 loss in FY 2021) Full year 2022 results: EPS: UK£0.36 (up from UK£0.63 loss in FY 2021). Revenue: UK£1.40b (up 58% from FY 2021). Net income: UK£47.0m (up UK£129.0m from FY 2021). Profit margin: 3.4% (up from net loss in FY 2021). Revenue is forecast to grow 7.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.0% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 19% per year whereas the company’s share price has fallen by 16% per year. Board Change • Nov 16
Less than half of directors are independent Following the recent departure of a director, there are only 4 independent directors on the board. The company's board is composed of: 4 independent directors. 5 non-independent directors. Independent Non-Executive Director Annette Court was the last independent director to join the board, commencing their role in 2022. The company's minority of independent directors is a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Reported Earnings • Nov 11
Full year 2022 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.36 (vs UK£0.63 loss in FY 2021) Full year 2022 results: EPS: UK£0.36 (up from UK£0.63 loss in FY 2021). Revenue: UK£1.40b (up 58% from FY 2021). Net income: UK£47.0m (up UK£129.0m from FY 2021). Profit margin: 3.4% (up from net loss in FY 2021). The move to profitability was driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 7.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.9% growth forecast for the Specialty Retail industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 19% per year whereas the company’s share price has fallen by 18% per year. Announcement • Sep 07
WH Smith PLC to Report Q4, 2022 Results on Nov 10, 2022 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report Q4, 2022 results on Nov 10, 2022 Announcement • Jun 08
WH Smith PLC Announces Board Changes WH Smith PLC announced that it has appointed Annette Court as a non-executive director and Chair Designate. Annette will join the Board on 1 September 2022 and will succeed Henry Staunton as Chair on 1 December 2022. Henry Staunton will retire from the Board on 30 November 2022, after nine years as Chairman. Annette Court is currently chair of Admiral Group plc and a non-executive director of Sage Group plc. She was previously the CEO of Europe General Insurance for Zurich Financial Services and was a member of the Group Executive Committee from 2007 to 2010. Annette was also the CEO of Direct Line Group (formerly RBS Insurance) from 2001 to 2006 and a member of the RBS Group Executive Management Committee. She has also been a member of the Board of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The Directors have determined that upon appointment Annette Court will be independent. Reported Earnings • Apr 28
First half 2022 earnings released First half 2022 results: Revenue: (down 100% from 1H 2021). Net income: (up UK£35.0m from 1H 2021). Profit margin: (up from net loss in 1H 2021). Over the next year, revenue is forecast to grow 35%, compared to a 13% growth forecast for the industry in Germany. Board Change • Apr 27
Less than half of directors are independent Following the recent departure of a director, there are only 3 independent directors on the board. The company's board is composed of: 3 independent directors. 5 non-independent directors. Independent Non-Executive Director Nicky Dulieu was the last independent director to join the board, commencing their role in 2020. The company's minority of independent directors is a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Announcement • Feb 02
WH Smith PLC Appoints Marion Sears as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee WH Smith PLC announced that Marion Sears has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 1 February 2022. Marion is currently a Non-Executive Director at Dunelm Group PLC, Fidelity European Trust PLC, Aberdeen New Dawn Investment Trust PLC and Keywords Studios PLC. Recent Insider Transactions • Nov 18
Group Chief Executive & Director recently sold €171k worth of stock On the 16th of November, Carl Cowling sold around 9k shares on-market at roughly €19.19 per share. This was the largest sale by an insider in the last 3 months. This was Carl's only on-market trade for the last 12 months. Reported Earnings • Nov 12
Full year 2021 earnings released: UK£0.63 loss per share (vs UK£1.99 loss in FY 2020) The company reported a decent full year result with reduced losses and improved control over expenses, although revenues were weaker. Full year 2021 results: Revenue: UK£886.0m (down 13% from FY 2020). Net loss: UK£82.0m (loss narrowed 66% from FY 2020). Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 86 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. Board Change • Nov 02
High number of new directors There are 5 new directors who have joined the board in the last 3 years. Non-Executive Director Kal Atwal was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2021. The company’s lack of board continuity is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model.