The outgoing non-executive chairman of WH Smith and his replacement have both bought shares in the retailer and distributor prior to the end of its financial year on 31 August.
Robert Walker, who is retiring as non-executive chairman and from the board of the company on 31 August, bought 12,500 shares at 404.58p each and 20,000 shares at 404p each. The total cost is just over £131,000.
That takes his stake in WH Smith to 72,243 shares. Buying just before he steps down from the board indicates Robert Walker's confidence in the business. He has been chairman for more than five years.
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Walker Byron, who will take over as chairman on 1 September, has bought 20,000 shares at 406.35p each. The total cost was £81,270. That follows the purchase of 15,000 shares at 506.5p a share the day after the interim results were published. Walker Byron had no shares when he joined the board in February. He is the finance director jewellery retailer Signet.
WH Smith revealed a 4% fall in like-for-like sales in the 14 weeks to 5 June 2010. Like-for-like sales were down by 4% in both the high street and travel divisions, with like-for-like sales at travel outlets down by 2% excluding the impact of the volcanic ash cloud.
Revenues were down at WH Smith in the half year to February 2010, but improved efficiency helped it post a rise in pre-tax profits. Revenues slipped to £716m from £731m over the same period the previous year, while pre-tax profits edged up to £62m from £61m.
Top Director Buys
Yamana Gold Inc (YAU) Director name: Mr Peter MarroneAmount purchased: 40,000 @ 634.89p Value: £253,956
Yamana Gold Inc (YAU) Director name: Mr Richard GraffAmount purchased: 15,000 @ 635.50p Value: £95,325
Capital Shopping Centres Group (CSCG) Director name: Ms Kay ChaldecottAmount purchased: 26,485 @ 326.22p Value: £86,399
WH Smith (SMWH) Director name: Mr Walker ByronAmount purchased: 20,000 @ 406.35p Value: £81,270
WH Smith (SMWH) Director name: Mr Robert Walker Amount purchased: 20,000 @ 404p Value: £80,800
WH Smith (SMWH) Director name: Mr Robert WalkerAmount purchased: 12,500 @ 404.58p Value: £50,573
Investec (INVP) Director name: Mr George AlfordAmount purchased: 6,900 @ 466.33p Value: £32,177
DSG International (DSGI) Director name: Mr Dr. Utho CreusenAmount purchased: 97,071 @ 25.40p Value: £24,656
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Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust (SST) Director name: Mr Alexandra MackesyAmount sold: 8,600 @ 481.00p Value: £41,366
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