0956 GMT - WH Smith's shareholders will seek the best possible terms in an upcoming funding round in return for taking on the risk associated with an additional investment, AJ Bell's Dan Coatsworth writes in a note. "Shareholders might take the view that its long-term prospects are still good, but their patience has already been tested by the company's recent overstatement of profits and share price collapse," he says. The seller of stationery, books and magazines' decision last year to focus entirely on the travel sector came at an unfavorable time, given the conflict in the Middle East, he adds. However, the company can do little more than strengthen its finances in the hope that an injection of cash will help it overcome these challenges. Shares are down 16% at 4.15 pounds. (najat.kantouar@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 10, 2026 05:57 ET (09:57 GMT)

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