WH Smith postpones results amid accounting error
Its results for the year ended 31 August 2025, which were previously set to be announced on 12 November 2025, are now expected to be published on 16 December 2025
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WH Smith has postponed its full-year results following an accounting error that saw its US profits be overstated by around £30m.In an update, the company said that its preliminary results for the financial year ended 31 August 2025, which were previously set to be announced on 12 November 2025, are now expected to be published on 16 December 2025.
It comes as the independent and comprehensive review currently being undertaken by Deloitte LLP is “continuing and expected to conclude by the end of November 2025”.
WH Smith added that the revised date will provide it time to respond to the Deloitte Review and allow the group’s auditors, PwC LLP, to “complete the required audit procedures”.
Earlier this year, WH Smith said it cut its profit forecast for its North American business after uncovering an accounting overstatement of around £30m.
As a result, it now expects headline trading profit from North America to be about £25m for the year ending 31 August 2025, compared with previous market expectations of around £55m.
The retailer said the error was largely linked to the accelerated recognition of supplier income in the division.
Group headline profit before tax and exceptional items was also revised down to £110m.
The board appointed Deloitte to conduct an independent review of the matter.
