Smiths News PLC (LSE:SNWS) shares rose 3.8% after the company reported final results for the 52 weeks ended 30 August 2025, with adjusted operating profit coming in ahead of expectations.
The UK’s largest news wholesaler posted adjusted operating profit of £39.1 million, up on a comparable basis, driven by strong performance in collectables and £4.9 million in operational efficiencies.
Revenues fell 3.6% year-on-year to £1.06 billion, with new verticals growing 16% and 93% of revenues secured to 2029.
Cash generation rose to £36.1 million, helped by £6.9 million of one-off receipts, including £5.4 million recovered from McColl’s administrators.
Adjusted profit after tax increased to £27.0 million, supporting a proposed final ordinary dividend of 3.80p and a special dividend of 3.00p.
The company said it expects collectables strength to continue into FY2026, supported by events such as the Men's FIFA World Cup and the Pokémon anniversary, and confirmed trading has started well in the new financial year.
Chief executive officer Jonathan Bunting said: “Smiths News has delivered such a strong financial and operational performance across the year, reinforcing the ongoing confidence we have in our business.”