FAQs

Where is my dividend cheque?

If you believe the cheque has gone missing, please contact Computershare Investor Services PLC (WHSmith share registrars) by clicking here.

When does WHSmith go ex-dividend?

The ex-dividend dates are shown in the financial calendar.

How can I change the method of payment of my dividend?

If you need to update your mandate instructions on your shareholding, the most secure and environmentally friendly approach is to do this online at: http://www.investorcentre.co.uk, where you can perform a range of self service options across your portfolio.

Alternatively, you can download a mandate form from the Registrars website: https://www-uk.computershare.com/Investor/FormsCatalogue.asp

This should be sent to:

The Registrar
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
BRISTOL
BS99 6ZZ
United Kingdom

Is now a good time to buy WHSmith shares?

Under the Financial Services Act, we are not authorised to provide advice to investors on share dealing. For advice on dealing, please contact your stockbroker or independent financial adviser.

How do I buy and sell shares?

This can be done through a stockbroker, bank or building society.

Computershare, our registrars, also offer share dealing services for shareholders (in certain jurisdictions). For more information call 0370 703 0084 or go to: http://www.computershare.com/dealing/uk.

Please note that dealing fees will apply and will vary between providers.

I have questions about the tax on my shares and / or dividends. Who should I speak to?

Your financial adviser (stockbroker or accountant).

Can I get the annual report sent to me directly rather than through my broker?

Yes. Please contact us at: [email protected] or download the current reports from our website.

Change of registrar

On Monday 28th September 2009 the Company changed its registrar from Equiniti to Computershare Investor Services PLC.

If you have any queries concerning your shareholding, or any of your details change, please contact Computershare via the Investor Centre website at: http://www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus or using the details below:

Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 6ZZ
United Kingdom

Shareholder telephone: +44 (0)371 495 0100

A textphone facility for shareholders with hearing difficulties is available by telephoning 0370 702 0005.

Investor Centre

Investor Centre is a free, secure share management website provided by our registrar. This service allows you to view your share portfolio and see the latest market price of your shares, check your dividend payment and tax information, change your address, update payment instructions and receive your shareholder communications online. To take advantage of this service, please login at: http://www.investorcentre.co.uk.

To register, you will be required to enter WH Smith PLC or the Company Code WHS and your Shareholder Reference Number. Please note, you will be allocated with a Shareholder Reference Number by Computershare, this is an eleven digit number beginning with a C or G and will be detailed on all correspondence issued by Computershare including your Form of Proxy, Dividend Tax Voucher or Share Certificate.

If you do not have any correspondence detailing your Computershare Shareholder Reference Number please write to them at the above address or telephone the Shareholder Helpline number to request this. You will need to state that you are a WH Smith shareholder and quote your full name and address.

Warning to Shareholders - Boiler Room Scams

In recent years, many companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely persuasive, and a 2006 survey by the Financial Services Authority (which has now become two separate authorities, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority) reported that the average amount lost by investors is around £20,000.

It is not just the novice investor that has been duped in this way; many of the victims had been successfully investing for several years. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:

Make sure you get the name of the person and organisation contacting you.
Check whether the firm is properly authorised by the FCA before getting involved by visiting: http://www.fca.org.uk/register.
If you are concerned as to their authenticity, report the matter to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768.
If you are approached about a share scam you should tell the FCA using the share fraud reporting form at: http://www.fca.org.uk/scams where, you can find out about the latest investment scams.  You can also call the Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.
If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme if things go wrong.

Details of any share dealing facilities that the company endorses will be included in company mailings.

Frequently Asked Questions