WH Smith shares soar after profit forecast hike

Shares in British books, newspapers, and stationery retailer WH Smith soared almost 6% after it rose its profit forecast and reported strong sales from its stores at airports and train stations over the Christmas period.

The company, which operates more than 1,300 stores, mostly in the UK, said comparable group sales were up 1% in the 21 weeks to January 21, with total sales rising 2%.

Sales at its travel division, which comprises outlets at airports, railway, and motorway service stations as well as hospitals and workplaces, rose 10%, helped in part by currency movements as the company operates over 190 shops abroad.