WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) reported a slight slowing in sales growth for its core ongoing business, as it prepares to part ways with its High Street arm.
The Travel division, where shops are based mostly in airports and train stations, grew revenue by 6% in the six months to the end of February, down from the 7% growth seen in its first-quarter update.
Travel UK revenues rose 7%, North America was up 5% and the rest of the world up 15%.
Total group revenue was up 3% to £951 million, resulting in a group profit before tax and non-underlying items of £45 million, down from £46 million a year earlier.
Travel trading profits rose 12%, however, to £56 million.
"The second half of the financial year has started well, and we remain on track to deliver full-year results in line with market expectations," said CEO Carl Cowling.
"We are mindful of the increased level of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, however, given the resilient nature of our business, we are well-positioned to benefit from the growth opportunities in global travel retail."
He also pointed to strong new business in the US, with a major contract won at the US East Coast airport.
An interim dividend of 11.3p per share was declared, on top of a previously announced £50 million share buyback.