WH Smith (LON:SMWH) Sets New 12-Month Low Following Analyst Downgrade

Key Points

• WH Smith PLC reached a new 52-week low of GBX 743.50 ($10.00) during trading, compared to a previous close of GBX 1,110 ($14.94).
• Analysts have mixed opinions on WH Smith's stock, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of GBX 1,430.
• The company has reported a market cap of £855.72 million and a high debt-to-equity ratio of 253.13, indicating potential financial risks.

WH Smith PLC (LON:SMWH - Get Free Report)'s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday after Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on the stock from GBX 1,030 to GBX 726. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a hold rating on the stock. WH Smith traded as low as GBX 743.50 ($10.00) and last traded at GBX 776.02 ($10.44), with a volume of 7376093 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,110 ($14.93).

Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an "overweight" rating on shares of WH Smith in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group dropped their price target on shares of WH Smith from GBX 1,460 to GBX 1,350 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 9th. Finally, Peel Hunt lowered shares of WH Smith to a "hold" rating and dropped their price target for the company from GBX 1,400 to GBX 755 in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, WH Smith currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of GBX 1,178.20.

WH Smith Trading Down 1.5%

The firm has a market cap of £901.27 million, a P/E ratio of 14.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 1.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 253.13. The firm's 50-day simple moving average is GBX 1,050.73 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 1,044.22.

About WH Smith

WH Smith PLC operates as a retailer in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Travel and High Street. The Travel segment offers news, books, and convenience for travelling customers. It operates stores in airports, hospitals, railway stations, and motorway service areas.