Smiths News (LSE:SNWS) shares rose 3.5% on Tuesday after the company said it expects its fiscal 2026 results to be ahead of market expectations.
The UK news wholesaler said stronger-than-expected demand for collectables during the second half contributed to its performance for the financial year ended 29 August 2026.
Smiths News also reported a contribution of more than £3 million from the Men’s FIFA World Cup, which supported the performance of its news and magazines business during the period.
The company noted that international football tournaments typically affect its results in alternate years because of the timing of FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships.
Smiths News Begins National Distribution Expansion
Smiths News said trading had started positively in fiscal 2027 as it begins a programme to establish a national distribution footprint.
The expansion is intended to support new contracts announced during the second half of fiscal 2026, with the first launch scheduled for July 2027.
Smiths News plans to provide further guidance on the financial impact of the network expansion when it reports its fiscal 2026 results on 4 November 2026.
New Contracts to Support National Coverage
Chief Executive Jonathan Bunting said contract awards with News UK, Associated Newspapers, Frontline and Seymour represent significant milestones for the company.
Smiths News is expanding its distribution network with the aim of providing national coverage during 2027 to service the contracts.
The supplied information did not provide the financial value of the individual contract awards or quantify the expected costs and earnings contribution associated with the distribution expansion.
More About Smiths News
Smiths News (LSE:SNWS) is a UK newspaper and magazine wholesaler.
The company is preparing to expand its distribution footprint as it moves towards the commencement of newly awarded national contracts in fiscal 2027.
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