WH Smith has seen a strong performance in the year to the end of August, with profits ahead of expectations and a rise in its final dividend to shareholders of 15%.
The company also said that it would be buying back £50 million of shares after total group profits rose 6% to £108 million.
Both the travel and high street arms of the company saw an improvement in trading profit, rising 5% and 4% respectively.
Group total sales were down 5%, with total travel sales flat and total high street sales down 7%. However, the gross margin improved 180 basis points due to better buying and a sales mix of more profitable products.
 Commenting on the results, Stephen Clarke, group chief executive said: "We continue to deliver on our strategy with a strong performance and good profit growth in both businesses. Travel increased profit to £66 million and in high street profit increased to £56 million. The group remains highly cash generative enabling us to invest in our businesses and in new opportunities, whilst returning cash to shareholders, including a further £50m share buyback announced today.
"Looking to the year ahead, we continue to plan cautiously in an uncertain environment, however we are a resilient business and are well positioned for continued growth in both the UK and internationally."