Next weathers perfect storm
Fashion retail chain Next said the year to the end of January finished well after 2011 had presented the retail sector with 'the perfect economic storm'.
Fashion retail chain Next said the year to the end of January finished well after 2011 had presented the retail sector with 'the perfect economic storm'.
Revenue rose to £3,506m from £3,454m the year before, ahead of market expectations of sales of £3.4bn. This was despite the core Retail chain - the High Street shops - seeing revenue ease 1.4% to £2,191m from £2,222m. The online and postal business, Next Directory, more than picked up the slack, growing sales by 16.4% to £1,089m from £936m the year before. The International division also had a good year, growing the top line by 13.4% to £76.3m from £67.3m the previous year.
Underlying profit before tax from the continuing business climbed 5.0% to £570.3m from £543.4m the year before, and this too was ahead of expectations; the market had pencilled in a figure of £566.3m.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The full year dividend has been increased by 15% to 90p, in line with the growth in earnings per share, but the final dividend will be paid a month later than usual to coincide with the peak in Next's summer trading cash flows.
More to follow ...
jh
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
8 of the best properties for sale with communal gardens
The best properties for sale with access to communal gardens – from an apartment in a listed building opposite London’s Hyde Park, to a wing of a mansion with access to 180 acres of parkland in Henley-upon-Thames
-
The five insurance policies you should have
Some insurance cover will be more important than others. We look at five insurance policies you may need to have to make sure you aren’t caught out in an emergency