C/B/252. WH Smith business strategy and share repurchase program implementation as a strategic choice

This paper examines WH Smith's current business strategy and performance. This paper is divided on two sections. In the first section, the financial and marketing overviews were performed. The market positioning was made with the aid of 'Boston matrix', resource audit and core competences were evaluated. The competitor analysis was made and SWOT analysis applied in order to estimate WH Smith's business situation. The 'Porter's strategic clock' was applied in order to determine the business strategy position and strategic direction. Finally, the new strategy choices were evaluated, suggested for WH Smith's brand image improvement and the firm's value increase. The second section of the report performs the shares buyback program analysis, as one of the strategic actions, from the point of perspectives, feasibility and suitability for the firm. General repurchase techniques were outlined; their pros and cons were examined. The relevant theories were discussed with an implication to WH Smith's case. Finally, conclusion was given by highlighting the key issues and giving recommendations of which repurchase technology should be chosen and how.