International sales help Next Q3 beat expectations

(Sharecast News) - Third quarter sales at Next beat expectations, driven by the clothing retailer's international operations, although UK growth was volatile after the hot summer weather that deterred shoppers from venturing out. In the thirteen weeks to 31 October, total full price sales were up 8.1% versus last year, £33m ahead of guidance of 5.8% for the second half.

International sales were up 32.2%, against forecasts of 20.5% on the back of profitable marketing. UK sales rose 2.0%

Full-year guidance for an 8.5% rise in annual profits to £1.25bn was held.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com