Smiths News has reported an operating profit above market expectations at £39.1m in its latest annual results, which the company said was driven by an “excellent collectables performance”.

The news wholesaler matched its operating profit from last year as it also announced revenues of £1.06bn – with 16% revenue growth from new verticals, and 93% of revenues secured to 2029.

Smiths News, releasing its figures for the year to 30 August, also said it had delivered £4.9m of operational efficiencies across the year as part of a cost out programme, while it also progressed with £2.4m of a £6m three-year investment programme.

Looking ahead, the company suggested that “resilience” in the news and magazines market, as well as ongoing operating efficiencies in its own business model, was “underpinning confidence”.

Smiths News said it was anticipating continued strength in the collectables market across FY2026, which it suggested would be driven by one-off events including the Men’s Football World Cup.

“I am delighted Smiths News has delivered such a strong financial and operational performance across the year, reinforcing the ongoing confidence we have in our business,” Smiths News CEO, Jonathan Bunting, said.

“Our strategic priorities remain steadfast as we seek to both leverage and expand our unique UK operating footprint.

“In addition, our existing capital allocation policy has provided us with the flexibility to both invest in our new business verticals alongside distributing funds to shareholders.”

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